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

35 of 55 sheets Page 137 to 140 of 144 01/14/2026 10:36:25 AM 137 THE WITNESS: I apologize. I looked at the1 slope on the east side of Building D and the stability2 calculations that were performed by the engineers. The3 conditions you are describing, sinkholes and that sort4 of thing, are, I have no idea what the basis -- I mean,5 I believe that it occur's but I have no idea what's6 causing it.7 THE PUBLIC: After Hurricane Sandy many8 trees fell down, you could see over a period of time how9 the land keeps on moving, even where I live at the10 bottom, I have a simple ridge that goes down on the side11 of my house is sloped, that whole slope is deeper and12 deeper in the past few years. When I go uphill and I13 look around and I see those marshy type things growing,14 the sinkholes and trees deteriorating and you can see15 this kind of evolution that's going on in that whole16 forest, especially along the slopes in and around that17 site. So I am saying with all these calculations, which18 are hypothetical, if you go and actually observe what's19 going on over in those areas over a period of time, I20 live there 30 years and people are saying these things21 are happening in basements, what happens in this area22 when you hear this, how are those kinds of observations23 on the surface to what you're, when you're building down24 in bedrock?25 138 THE WITNESS: I really, I can't -- I did not1 spend a lot of time there but I did not see anything and2 I am not contradicting you at all but the limited area3 that I looked at, which is wooded slope to the east of4 the building, I didn't see anything that looked like5 what you're describing. I'm sorry.6 THE PUBLIC: All right. Thank you.7 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.8 Do any other members have any questions for9 Mr. Kleinberg on his testimony? Seeing none. Thank you10 very much.11 MR. AFRAN: I have one follow-up question in12 case Mr. Kleinberg doesn't come back. I want to ask one13 more.14 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Mr. Afran.15 You mentioned, Mr. Kleinberg, that using the16 Q. higher safety factor would be a financial burden on the17 applicant. Now, I don't see any reference in your18 report to any financial calculations or burden?19 That was not in my venue. What I testified to is20 A. that 1.5 in my experience is an adequate safety factor21 for a slope of this type.22 Is there any financial calculations that you're23 Q. aware

19 That was not in my venue. What I testified to is20 A. that 1.5 in my experience is an adequate safety factor21 for a slope of this type.22 Is there any financial calculations that you're23 Q. aware of as to what the additional burden would be from24 the higher safety factor?25 139 She was asking me a general question, what sort1 A. of a choice I'm faced with in designing something. And2 do I -- and am I justified in designing for a higher3 safety factor than is required.4 My questions very simple. You said there'd be a5 Q. financial burden to the developer. Are you aware of6 what the --7 I was not talking about this developer. I was8 A. not.9 Are you aware -- let me be clear then.10 Q. That was definitely not my basis for the11 A. recommending the 1.5. 1.5 is because that is a standard12 that is applied to this condition. I was -- I had no13 concern about any impact on the development. She asked14 me what I would do as an engineer. Why I would make15 this choice over that and I was not talking about, it's16 a hypothetical, and I was not talking about this17 project. So if you're implying that, that is incorrect.18 I am responding to what you said.19 Q. No, you're twisting it.20 A. Excuse me, Mr. Kleinberg.21 Q. You're twisting what I said.22 A. It is my responsibility to follow up what you23 Q. say. And if what you say leads to a question, it is my24 duty to ask it. It is your duty to answer it. My25 140 question is very simple. Are you aware of any increased1 financial burden that has been calculated on this2 project on this developer --3 None.4 A. Let me finish, sir. If a higher safety factor5 Q. were used, "yes" or "no"? Are you aware of any such6 increased burden calculation.7 No.8 A. Thank you.9 Q. CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Okay. Thank you.10 The next regular Planning Board meeting will be11 held Wednesday, January 7 at 7:30 PM. This applicant12 will be continued to January 7 at 7:30 PM via zoom. The13 notice will be preserved, at that time we will announce14 when the next Planning Board meeting will continue, if15 Mr. Afran has anymore questions, otherwise at that time16 we will have public comment.17 MR. AFRAN: My client has one question for18 the board. I want to clarify, because they may not be19 used to the practice. On the 7th of January we don't20 have to be here?21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Correct.22 MR. AFRAN: You have to -- the board will23 announce the new

to clarify, because they may not be19 used to the practice. On the 7th of January we don't20 have to be here?21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Correct.22 MR. AFRAN: You have to -- the board will23 announce the new date for the new year and we'll all24 consult about that date.25