October 30, 2024 Planning Board Special Meeting Transcript - WEHI

15 of 80 sheets Page 57 to 60 of 203 11/06/2024 03:21:43 PM 57 and we have indicated in this report that our1 measurements showed at least 80 to 100 yards of clear2 viewing. Now, what that means is there is nothing3 blocking my view but large trees for every 80 to 1004 yards, which means if you were standing 100 yards away5 from me I could probably see you. In a healthy forest6 that should not occur. I should not be able to see you7 100 yards away. Again, as I have noted in my8 observation, we saw ten deer in that one survey. The9 forest consists, as we said, of mostly large trees in10 the observation walk through that we did in 2024 because11 we weren't being specific to plots that were12 specifically identified. We did notice a couple one and13 two inch seedlings and saplings I should say. They're14 not seedlings at that point. So we did notice some15 saplings. We also, because, again, the question was16 raised, we did a little more identification of some of17 the tree species, I will not go through the Latin names18 that are in the report, but you can look them up.19 Numerous species of oak, that makes sense, this is an20 oak mixed hardwood forest which is common to this part21 of New Jersey. We noticed multiple maples, hickories.22 We also noted pleasantly and surprisingly some flowering23 dogwoods as an understory tree. They are fairly large,24 which means they survive the deer. Unfortunately also I25 58 would point out to you, sadly that flowering dogwood is1 subject to a disease called anthracnose, which is a2 fungus and unfortunately we're losing a lot of3 flowering, native flowering dogwoods as well. They have4 a shot of surviving, it's not something -- it's native.5 It's a native disease, we think they'll survive.6 We did also notice American beech, which I7 did mention to you as being a tree that I do not expect8 to see there within a decade or two at most, because of9 beech leaf disease.10 Black cherry, good understory tree and11 sassafras, also an understory tree. We did notice a few12 of those. Those are good signs. It's a fairly diverse13 forest, as I said, what we would call an oak mixed14 hardwood forest that's native to New Jersey and this15 part of New Jersey.16 Also in the walk-through, as I said, we did17 notice beech leaf disease. We did see some very large18 trees, we took some very few measurements just to19 reiterate, and we have

5 part of New Jersey.16 Also in the walk-through, as I said, we did17 notice beech leaf disease. We did see some very large18 trees, we took some very few measurements just to19 reiterate, and we have some really good size trees, 2420 to 36 inches in diameter. That's a big tree. That's a21 really good sized tree.22 We also put in there that we give you our23 conclusions. We talk about, again, excessive deer24 browse, I'll just reiterate quickly that deer fencing25 59 would help.1 The other findings that we made, there were2 questions raised on two other issues here. One was3 there was some concern over the observation of the4 ventilation grates I believe they're called, is that the5 correct term for the parking garages. There was some6 concern over those ventilation grates and the7 observation of them. So I did a little bit of research8 and submitted it with this. Some suggestions, there are9 some native, it's going to be tricky, indigenous to the10 east coast, vines, some of which are evergreen, I mean,11 they' don't lose their leaves. Some of which have great12 flowering capacity for humming birds. The most common13 ones live further south, but are moving north. So you14 could say, are they native to New Jersey, it gets into a15 fight, they're going to be. But they're native to the16 United States and they could be planted and going to, I17 believe it was the Chairman who raised it, but they18 could go in and hide the grates and allow for19 butterflies.20 Also there was a question raised on21 pollinator gardens, so I'm suggesting that we get the22 applicant to look at the species, and I put a species23 list in this report that they could look at and pick24 them. Not saying pick this one, but they could put25 60 together certain species to maximize pollinators,1 butterflies, bees, etc., for the area where they might2 want to put those gardens. But that's all part of this3 in trying to be, in answering the October 16 report, to4 the questions raised by this board.5 MR. ALPER: I appreciate it.6 I think that might be all I have. Yes,7 thank you.8 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: For housekeeping, ladies9 and gentleman on zoom and in the audience, this report10 was provided to the township and is on the township11 website as a link. You can download it or open it12 yourself and at this time I'd like to ask the applicant13 or Mr. Plocker, would you agree to Page 3, having

to the township and is on the township11 website as a link. You can download it or open it12 yourself and at this time I'd like to ask the applicant13 or Mr. Plocker, would you agree to Page 3, having a14 chance to look at that October 16, 2024 report, the15 three recommendations by Mr. DeFeo on those pages?16 Applicant seems to be signifying saying yes.17 MR. PLOCKER: Oh no, I did receive and18 review them, but I think your question is, as a19 condition of approval would the applicant agree to those20 recommendations?21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Yes, that's what I'm22 asking.23 MR. PLOCKER: That's correct, we do.24 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Okay. Good. Thank you so25