January 14, 2026, Planning Board Special Meeting - WEHI Transcript

02/03/2026 04:49:05 PM Page 85 to 88 of 122 22 of 53 sheets 85 needed to ensure resident safety. So I believe that1 we're advocating our duty as our town in full admittance2 when you say things like, to be in compliance,3 acknowledging that we're currently not in compliance4 with the environmental stormwater regulations and5 admitting that we have missing data that could be6 relevant and pertinent to this application. That's why7 I asked that at the last council meeting, because I8 asked at th previous council meeting where that update9 was and our town employees spoke on the record at that10 meeting saying that we do not have that data and it11 would take six months at a minimum until we are able to12 have that data. So at a bear minimum I'm asking that13 this board not move forward at least for another six14 months, until we have that proposed potential data,15 because our town is now on the record and I want to put16 this out there, of admitting that we do not have the17 data as it relates to stormwater mapping and on the18 record as to us saying that we are not in compliance,19 that's not my words, that is a town representative who20 asked to speak on behalf of the council at the last21 council meeting. That should raise grave concerns as to22 how we could have faith that our governing body are not23 only in competing interests because we're standing there24 and one body saying that we don't have the data and then25 86 the next body we're supposed to be relying on the data1 in our town saying it doesn't matter if we have the data2 or not. So I am just asking that we come to some type3 of agreement as to multiple arms of our town supposedly4 working on behalf of the interest of West Orange to at5 least say we need something concrete, comprehensive and6 consistent before we can make decisions that put our7 residents safety at harm. We can't willingly and8 honestly say in one meeting that we are missing data as9 it relates to something as severe as stormwater runoff10 and our pipe capacity and other issues and then in the11 next meeting say we brought in somebody else and they12 kind of said it might be okay. We don't really know.13 We'll figure it out. All I'm asking and I, because I've14 been here multiple times in good faith, let's operate in15 the same good faith that I'm asking this question, and16 get the same good faith argument back. If we don't

I'm asking and I, because I've14 been here multiple times in good faith, let's operate in15 the same good faith that I'm asking this question, and16 get the same good faith argument back. If we don't have17 data that is relevant to a project let's at least admit18 that that should be grounds for a pause. If we don't19 have sufficient data pause until we get it. That's all20 I'm asking. Thank you very much.21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.22 Please state you name and give your address.23 THE PUBLIC: Sally Malanga, M-A-L-A-N-G-A.24 All A's like my report card.25 87 MS. McGOVERN: Do you swear or affirm to1 tell the truth the whole truth nothing but the truth.2 THE PUBLIC: I do.3 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you. Go right4 ahead.5 THE PUBLIC: I am a board member of our6 Green West Orange representing over 2,000 families in7 West Orange. We are here to support the residents of8 the West Essex Highlands, Howell Drive, Essex Fells and9 Verona who are opposed to this project for their own10 health and well-being.11 The last time the Planning Board entertained12 an application to develop West Essex Highlands property13 they voted, no. They voted no because of the14 endangerment of the present community due to15 unmanageable, inevitable additional relentless traffic16 and limited egress. It's a trap. The fire department17 sunk the project the first time, where are they now.18 Nothing has changed except more units are planned with19 even more pressure on the land and community. This20 project is a hazard to life. We cannot afford to lose21 this canopy. 20 years ago we didn't have the symptoms22 of climate change that we have today. This property23 should be voted down for all those unknowns and for all24 those risks. The voters would be wise to remember that25 88 the current administration is in favor of this project.1 It does not take into account the objections from the2 community regarding all this flooding, tree loss,3 traffic and prior safety. Their inactions show they4 just really don't care. This year we get to choose a5 new Mayor, that person must represent the residents and6 not the outside money interest who profit and run7 leaving us with persistent flooding and compromised8 safety. Let's make sure that the next group of elected9 official does not sacrifice the residents and the trees10 for personal politics. Please vote no.11 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.12 Please

romised8 safety. Let's make sure that the next group of elected9 official does not sacrifice the residents and the trees10 for personal politics. Please vote no.11 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.12 Please come up and state your name and13 address for the record, please.14 THE PUBLIC: Good evening. Danielle15 DePalma. I am within the 200-foot notice are, 67 Lapis16 Circle, West Orange.17 MS. McGOVERN: Oh, I'm sorry. Do you swear18 or affirm to tell the truth the whole and nothing but19 the truth.20 THE PUBLIC: I swear.21 Firstly, I would like to address the gross22 misrepresentation and inappropriate comments made by23 people who were and are in the same standing. We as a24 community do not care whether it's 496 luxury apartments25