September 11, 2024 Planning Board Special Meeting Transcript - WEHI

-14 that won't stop vehicles, will it allow pedestrians and15 bicycles to get past?16 THE WITNESS: There would nothing that17 prohibits pedestrians and bicycles. There are two18 sidewalks on each side of Kuzik, so in effect you will19 have a fairly long stretch of pedestrian and bicycle20 play area.21 MR. KLEIN: And then the signal at Oval and22 Eagle Rock, is that tied into a CO or any sort of a23 certain number of units being occupied it must be24 operational? Is there any kind of phasing schedule of25

09/27/2024 06:14:01 AM Page 85 to 88 of 180 22 of 71 sheets 85 it.1 THE WITNESS: I don't know that the2 stipulation actually specified any phasing. You know,3 my task had been to move it forward and get it4 constructed as soon as practical. So it's linked to the5 approval of the project itself, but I don't know that it6 would be tied into any specific CO.7 MR. KLEIN: Did you analyze the intersection8 without the signal to see if it could operate without a9 traffic signal for 496 units operationally?10 THE WITNESS: No, I did not. Certainly11 before the 496 units the signal should be working.12 MR. KLEIN: Okay.13 Do you have a little more specifics with14 some traffic calming that you're going to propose or are15 you still working through that?16 THE WITNESS: I think that's a coordination17 effort. I haven't been imminently involved with that.18 It arose during the settlement talks, but my general19 understanding is there is a desire to create a gatehouse20 preferably someplace along Oval Road before the entry to21 the Essex -- the Highlands Homeowners Association. And22 my understanding is that the general intent or desire is23 to introduce a median along Warner Road to create a24 boulevard which would be a good traffic calming feature.25 86 MR. KLEIN: Warner Road as it comes off Oval1 Road?2 THE WITNESS: Yeah, as it comes off Oval3 Road, is my understanding.4 MR. KLEIN: Because there isn't one now, but5 that's where the gatehouse would be?6 THE WITNESS: Someplace along Oval Road.7 MR. PLOCKER: No, I'm just going to correct8 Mr. Pehnke. Obviously the Settlement Agreement speaks9 to the improvements for the association. Obviously10 those improvements would be made after construction of11 the project, after all the vehicles are going up and12 down Warner Road and the discussion with the association13 are that their gatehouse would be located on Warner.14 THE WITNESS: Okay.15 MR. KLEIN: Now, Oval Road is the only way16 in and out for, I don't know, 496 plus, whatever's17 existing. That's going to be a Boulevard?18 THE WITNESS: No, Oval Road will remain its19 current cartway.20 MR. KLEIN: So now, in our RSI is there21 anything about the limitations of the number of trips or22 the number of parking spaces or whatever it is that23 governs whether Oval Road needs to be a Boulevard from24 Eagle Rock to the first intersection for safety issues25 87 at that

number of trips or22 the number of parking spaces or whatever it is that23 governs whether Oval Road needs to be a Boulevard from24 Eagle Rock to the first intersection for safety issues25 87 at that intersection?1 THE WITNESS: No. So under RSIS off-site2 improvements or off-site roadways are not governed by3 RSIS. The RSIS standards explicitly start at the4 property line and carry into the site. Any development,5 any roadways that exist prior to the RSIS extending up6 to the site are not part of and/or addressed by RSIS.7 MR. KLEIN: So in your opinion if there was8 some kind of a crash at the intersection anywhere along9 Oval before you get to Rappleye Court, if there was any10 kind of crash that blocked Oval Road how would the11 people of this development and the new phase, how would12 they get out?13 THE WITNESS: Well you, actually, you know,14 that type of event, obviously that can happen. It's15 more can emergency vehicles get in. In this particular16 case, this development actually offers a solution by17 creating a connection to Howell. Certainly emergency18 vehicles will now have another way into both the new19 community as well as our adjacent neighbors in the20 Highlands.21 MR. KLEIN: So do you know if the Howell22 access would be opened to the residents of this phase as23 well as existing residents if there was a blockage of24 Oval?25 88 THE WITNESS: It would be for emergency1 vehicles. It is not an improved connection. It's a2 stabilized emergency gate.3 MR. KLEIN: How would the residents get out4 if it's a longer emergency?5 THE WITNESS: They would be impeded until it6 was cleared.7 MR. KLEIN: What stage of the signal design8 are you at right now?9 THE WITNESS: So we have prepared a -- we10 have completed surveys. We have done a preliminary11 layout of widening. We have done a preliminary signal12 layout. The signal will have full protection and13 accommodation of course on current standards. So we got14 the, basically a footprint laid out and preliminary15 grading.16 MR. KLEIN: And all the widening on Eagle17 Rock is going to be right-of-way of Essex County?18 THE WITNESS: There will be some cooperation19 required from Crestmont Country Club.20 MR. KLEIN: I think that's it for me.21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.22 Council President Rutherford.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT RUTHERFORD: Thank you,24 Mr. Chair.25

23 of 71 sheets Page 89 to 92 of 180 09/27/2024 06:14:01 AM 89 Have you sir, considered the specific type1 of emergency equipment, emergency equipment that would2 have to access this project when it comes to their3 building to navigate to Eagle Rock all the way into the4 building?5 THE WITNESS: Mr. Anderson did cover that in6 his testimony. The RSIS standards also do consider that7 and the RSIS standards are established to accommodate8 the types of vehicles that need to access a residential9 community of this type. So, and I believe Mr. Anderson10 actually showed some turning templates on the site in11 his testimony.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT RUTHERFORD: He did.13 I'm more interested in route from Eagle14 Rock, which is that main roadway, all the way into the15 site. Was that considered?16 THE WITNESS: It's an existing condition.17 As I said, the roads are overly wide. They're 40 feet18 wide cartways, so there's certainly no impediment to19 accommodate the type of equipment that are currently20 serving our neighbors in the Highlands.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT RUTHERFORD: Got it.22 Mr. Chair, I will reserve my right to23 consider some of my other questions before I ask them.24 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Certainly.25 90 Go right ahead, Mayor McCartney.1 MAYOR McCARTNEY: Thank you, Chairman.2 Good evening, Mr. Pehnke.3 So first I wanted to say thank you for4 willing to comply with our complete streets design5 policy. Thank you for that.6 I wanted to ask about the level of service7 and the trip generation within the complex. Mr. Klein8 asked about Oval Road, what about what is the level of9 service within?10 THE WITNESS: So I did incorporate an11 appendix in our traffic study of a prior study that was12 done in 2018. We actually used that also to reference13 and validate our traffic samples that we did. That was14 a rather extensive study done as this property was being15 considered, actually hire levels of development, and it16 incorporated traffic counts all along Oval Road quite17 frankly and Warner Drive at the various intersections,18 including Bongart, Kuzik, I think it's Rappleye, excuse19 me if I don't get the names exactly right, and then an20 analysis that was done back in 2018 with higher levels21 of traffic than we're projecting now all showed all22 those internal intersections will operate under the23 current configurations, under the current controls at24 those levels

18 with higher levels21 of traffic than we're projecting now all showed all22 those internal intersections will operate under the23 current configurations, under the current controls at24 those levels of service, even with complete development25 91 of this project.1 MAYOR McCARTNEY: Thank you.2 You did not testify to this but I did read3 in the agreement where there was talk of bus stops on4 the east side of Eagle Rock, are you aware of that?5 THE WITNESS: Yes, I am aware of that. We6 are incorporating that into the design. Probably the7 most important aspect of that is the pedestrian crossing8 that we have the traffic signal that I just spoke to9 that's even accommodated. That will include handicapped10 ramps, a sidewalk connection, we'll figure out where to11 put a bus pad. With regard to actually a shelter,12 usually that's provided by New Jersey Transit under an13 agreement with the sponsor, which in this case would14 have to be the township. The only caveat I have is by15 examination. I do not believe that NJ Transit has a16 route that runs this section of Eagle Rock. My17 understanding is their route is actually basically a18 loop that basically turns at Eagle Rock and Pleasant19 Valley Way. So they would have, that would be a whole20 different aspect as to whether they change their service21 at that location.22 MAYOR McCARTNEY: We do have a shuttle23 service in town too.24 THE WITNESS: So then that would be25 92 available for that. So, but yes, it would be1 incorporated for that design.2 MAYOR McCARTNEY: Thank you very much.3 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Vice Chair Guarino.4 VICE CHAIRMAN GUARINO: Thank you, Mr.5 Chairman.6 So thank you very much for incorporating7 complete streets, we appreciate the respect, the time8 and effort to do then analysis based upon the complete9 streets program. So thank you.10 My one question is, have you gone to the11 county department of engineering and roadways with your12 results and findings to discuss it with them for their13 feedback and input?14 THE WITNESS: We have not done formal15 submissions to them. They are aware of the project.16 They have met with us with regard to the concept of the17 signalization and what it means along Eagle Rock Avenue.18 To date they are receptive and they will provide19 guidance as to us using their standards as we move20 forward. I expect that they will be fully respectful of21 this design to

ng Eagle Rock Avenue.18 To date they are receptive and they will provide19 guidance as to us using their standards as we move20 forward. I expect that they will be fully respectful of21 this design to improve this section of Eagle Rock Road.22 Eagle Rock Avenue.23 VICE CHAIRMAN GUARINO: And you said you did24 a traffic study in 2018 and you did one currently. Have25

09/27/2024 06:14:01 AM Page 93 to 96 of 180 24 of 71 sheets 93 you seen any significant changes?1 THE WITNESS: No, actually, and it's not2 inconsistent with what we're seeing throughout the3 state. Current volumes are actually either similar to4 or lower than pre-COVID data. And the data that was5 previously done was taken throughout 2018. What was6 pretty amazing to me is the traffic patterns and level7 of traffic quite frankly are almost the same. It was8 actually slightly lower overall. But for all intents9 and purposes I would call it flat through the years at10 this point in time and that's not inconsistent with what11 we've been seeing as we now are really coming out of12 COVID. We are settling in.13 VICE CHAIRMAN GUARINO: Did you get a chance14 to walk through the development currently, you know,15 resident areas, did you take a walk around to see and16 get an impression of what additional traffic from your17 observation, what it will do?18 THE WITNESS: Along Oval Road and Warner19 Road. I've driven the community several times.20 Certainly the developments going to add traffic. Can't21 make the cars go away, I wish I could. But both Oval22 Road and Warner Drive are designed basically as roads,23 they're actually C collector road standards. If we were24 to build them today they would be built probably at two25 94 thirds of the width that they are today. So there's no1 limitations in terms of capacity and the ability to2 handle the traffic. That's not to say, I'm not3 suggesting there won't be additional traffic. Certainly4 adding 496 units on top of an existing 370 that's there5 today are going to raise the traffic level.6 VICE CHAIRMAN GUARINO: Okay. Thank you7 very much.8 That's all I have, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.9 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.10 So you had testified that the Howell Road11 access to it will be a stabilized roadway. So that is12 compaction of the ground with no asphalt on it?13 THE WITNESS: Yeah, I had to defer to Mr.14 Anderson's August plans, the design parameters and15 details for that. I didn't specifically review the16 details. But it's not a paved road section, it's just17 stabilized, I don't know whether we're using -- oh, it18 as asphalt pavement. I apologize. Mr. Anderson's19 corrected me, we are asphalt paving it.20 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: So it would be stabilized21 and asphalt. What's the difference between that and

- oh, it18 as asphalt pavement. I apologize. Mr. Anderson's19 corrected me, we are asphalt paving it.20 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: So it would be stabilized21 and asphalt. What's the difference between that and a22 conventional roadway?23 THE WITNESS: Just the width in this case.24 So to go back to Mr. Klein's question. Theoretically if25 95 we had to, we open it to traffic.1 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: But accessible to2 emergency vehicles?3 THE WITNESS: It's design and intent is4 emergency vehicles.5 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Okay. Perfect.6 Mr. Wilkes.7 MR. WILKES: Yes.8 Did you consult the police department?9 Who else was consulted to put this traffic10 study together? Who else was consulted as far as11 locally, the police or anybody else.12 THE WITNESS: No.13 MR. WILKES: Done by you guys?14 THE WITNESS: Traffic studies are basically15 following typical industry standards. We haven't16 consulted the police. In this case we haven't looked at17 access data because we're going to change the18 intersection. It's no longer going to be an19 unsignalized intersection, so any prior accident history20 there really doesn't matter because the intersection now21 will be safer and the types of accidents that you would22 see in an unsignalized intersection won't occur anymore.23 MR. WILKES: Will it be brought to any24 future recommendations or anything like that?25 96 THE WITNESS: Certainly the design plans, the1 obligation is to coordinate with the township and the2 county. So the plans will be made available to your, to3 your professional staff for input. But primarily the4 jurisdiction will follow the county standards.5 MR. WILKES: What is something that we have6 as a condition, so we raise a condition to make sure7 that the police or fire department are okay before we8 vote on it or before we okay it ourselves, how is it9 done? That's a question of protocol.10 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Mr. Wilkes, talk into the11 microphone.12 MR. WILKES: My question was, as far as13 protocol, will our police department and fire department14 be involved in the final plans to make recommendations.15 But I am told that it is a county road so --16 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Eagle Rock Avenue.17 MR. KLEIN: Signalized.18 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: County has to approve19 that.20 MR. WILKES: County. Okay.21 No more questions.22 MAYOR McCARTNEY: Can I say something.23 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Mayor McCartney.24 MAYOR McCARTNEY: I do understand that

GOFF: County has to approve19 that.20 MR. WILKES: County. Okay.21 No more questions.22 MAYOR McCARTNEY: Can I say something.23 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Mayor McCartney.24 MAYOR McCARTNEY: I do understand that the25

25 of 71 sheets Page 97 to 100 of 180 09/27/2024 06:14:01 AM 97 county and township engineer and professionals have been1 contacted already to review it prior to any of this.2 MR. WILKES: Got it. Thank you.3 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Mr. Cardoza.4 MR. CARDOZA: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.5 Mr. Pehnke, thank you for your testimony.6 Joe, can you pull up the engineering plans. I know7 these questions -- I believe Mr. Pehnke would have been8 consulted to certain matters pertaining to the roadways.9 Right?10 MR. PLOCKER: Yeah, that's all right. If11 it's something within Mr. Anderson's purview he will12 address it.13 MR. CARDOZA: Appreciate it.14 MR. PLOCKER: Thank you.15 You want the overall site plan?16 MR. CARDOZA: Yeah. I believe it's marked17 engineering plans too on the --18 MS. MCGOVERN: Says P-4. There's 99 pages19 to this.20 MR. CARDOZA: Sorry to throw a wrench in21 there.22 I don't know if Mr. Pehnke -- I don't know23 if Mr. Pehnke has a clicker. Thank you.24 Can you show me the bottom of Building D.25 98 Okay. Perfect.1 At the, so Building D at the bottom we got2 one of the entrances and exits for the parking garage.3 There are, what is that six parking -- yeah, six parking4 spaces on that curb? Can you come zoom that in further.5 Yeah, right there. Okay. So six parking spaces at the6 bottom entrance and exit to the parking garage in7 Building D. Those spaces, has there been any8 consideration to, I don't know, are those meant solely9 for maintenance for the facilities themselves. I just10 imagine that being an accident waiting to happen. Where11 they are, the curvature, the drive path, that people12 might be exiting by the time they leave the building.13 THE WITNESS: Well, I mean, the continuation14 into the building is a very low speed situation. You15 are going through a garage door into the interior. So I16 don't think this is a high speed area. In terms of the17 functioning of those, they are part of the overall18 parking supply supporting the residents.19 In terms of their utilization, I suspect20 they will probably be the least utilized spaces through21 the facility, as people are going to tend to look for22 cover in the building from weather and visitors more23 than likely will go directly to the parking lot up top.24 And people, keep in mind when you design parking, we do25 99 not design for every parking space to be filled. As Mr.1 Anderson indicated,