December 10, 2025, Planning Board Special Meeting - WEHI Transcript

27 of 55 sheets Page 105 to 108 of 144 01/14/2026 10:36:25 AM 105 project, you mentioned that it would not affect the soil1 health or the ability of the soil to be more stable?2 THE WITNESS: No, the slope that we've been3 talking about is the one that's going to remain forested4 and that's what I meant to stay.5 THE PUBLIC: Well, okay. So let's rephrase6 the question then about the 6,000 trees that would be7 cut down for the property. How will that affect the8 soil health in that regard in terms of its ability to9 absorb water, prevent flooding, flash flooding,10 especially in the setting of climate change?11 THE WITNESS: That's beyond my expertise.12 You know, and we didn't, we were tasked with looking at13 the slope on the east side of Building D and I didn't, I14 didn't look to that area. I can't speak to it.15 THE PUBLIC: I understand, but it's going to16 affect the soil and in some way, in regards to the17 flooding and things brought up this meeting and if it's18 not your expertise who, who would look into this in19 terms of this impact?20 THE WITNESS: That would have been21 included -- I am guessing it would have been included in22 the previous review with the DEP. But I am not sure.23 THE PUBLIC: Well, that, you know, on my way24 here I told my four year old and he told me to bring a25 106 book about the Amazon and he understands the concept of1 cutting down trees and how it affects the health of this2 climate and environment, which we are, so I feel if a3 four year old is able to understand, I am sure, even4 though you may not be an expert in this, you're cutting5 down 6,000 trees that roots into the soil, we understand6 that that's going to affect the soil health and the7 ability of the soil to prevent flash flooding and keep8 our community safe. Does the board understand that9 generally or is that something we're just not willing to10 comment on given that's not your expertise?11 THE WITNESS: Well, are you asking the12 board?13 THE PUBLIC: I'm asking anybody willing to14 answer in terms of this project.15 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Ma'am, so you understand,16 this is for questions of the expert, statements will17 come at a later time. Right. There is a process, we18 have to keep on track. So the public can ask the expert19 questions and later on provide comments.20 THE PUBLIC: I do feel it is within the21 realm of the expert given he's been talking quality

, we18 have to keep on track. So the public can ask the expert19 questions and later on provide comments.20 THE PUBLIC: I do feel it is within the21 realm of the expert given he's been talking quality of22 the soil.23 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: But he's not talking about24 trees.25 107 THE PUBLIC: I do feel trees do affect1 quality of the soil.2 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Then you can ask the3 question and if he can answer the question he will.4 THE WITNESS: I'm so sorry, I can't answer.5 That's a whole other thing.6 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.7 Come right up.8 THE PUBLIC: Hi. Sam McKenzie.9 You made it pretty clear that you don't10 believe an extreme event is likely, if you're incorrect11 and a mudslide or a rock slide or something were to12 happen, what might that look like? What's the, like13 level of impact. How many homes would be damaged in14 that area?15 THE WITNESS: I, I think -- well, based on16 the angles of the slopes that are out there the, I think17 it would be localized.18 THE PUBLIC: What does localized mean? Can19 you define that at all.20 THE WITNESS: Couple hundred feet, something21 like that.22 THE PUBLIC: So no ones property would be23 damaged, including this new development?24 THE WITNESS: I'm sorry, the new25 108 development?1 THE PUBLIC: So like if something were to2 happen are there going to be damage to homes, including3 the apartment that would go into this new development?4 THE WITNESS: I think we're talking about a5 slope that's not being built on and the slopes on the6 new development are much flatter.7 THE PUBLIC: Okay.8 THE WITNESS: But I did not look at it or9 evaluate it.10 THE PUBLIC: Okay. Thank you.11 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.12 THE PUBLIC: Good evening. Danielle13 DePalma, 200-foot notice area.14 I want to ask you something without all the15 technicalities involved. None of the percentages, none16 of the technicalities. If you, if you lived below the17 mountain slope, as Rachel said, she has three retaining18 walls, would you feel safe living here without any sort19 of catchment for construction or debris and after20 hearing the families complaints for 25 years, even if a21 100-year storm happened, would you feel safe without22 constantly looking over your shoulder? I have friends23 who live here and I am worried about them during and24 after construction and it bothers me that they are25