January 28, 2026, Planning Board Special Meeting - WEHI Transcript

02/26/2026 05:17:42 PM Page 45 to 48 of 155 12 of 66 sheets 45 Um, hi, I'm here to question the return on1 investment in the towns confidence and the internal2 infrastructure to support this 496 unit housing3 development. I'm going to add to the fire conversation.4 It's no secret that we have hot summers5 here, high UV's, dry humidity. The forest environments,6 they keep the land cool, damp and shaded due to the old7 and large trees. The forest floors become less flambo8 and there's an ecological shift toward more shade9 tolerant to the femoral species in the area.10 I feel for the safety and the repercussions11 of what could happen when w eliminate part of that12 protection, ultimately increasing our communities13 vulnerability. The area itself is already dense and14 removing these ecological buffers only allows15 flammability to reach surrounding populations faster16 than ever before creating conditions for large17 unattainable fires and situations that can be prevented.18 We have also seen flooding increase in New19 Jersey. According to the New Jersey Scientific Report20 of 2020 it discusses that the size of stormwater21 management systems will need to be modified to minimize22 the risk to communities from increased flooding and23 reduce the risk of ecological impacts. Stormwater24 recharge will be a challenge in communities as flooding25 46 will likely increase over time requiring additional1 investment and infrastructure and other solutions.2 Discharge to surface water systems that combine3 stormwater and sewage into one collection system will be4 collected more frequently due to the increase in5 flooding. Increasing the load of minerals and6 pollutants entering the waterways. And so I question if7 the West Orange community and the neighboring towns are8 prepared for an increase in flooding, the business9 impacts, the spread of toxins and erosions that this10 will inhabit.11 I myself am 26, I'm starting to think about12 where I'm going to settle, build my future, and build my13 family. Traffic today was horrendous, it took me an14 hour to get here from Morristown, and there were two15 accidents while getting here. A 496 housing unit at an16 average two cars per household is going to add an17 additional thousand vehicles per day on the roads. And18 so I question if the communities are willing to endure19 more traffic and willing to risk vehicular safety

s per household is going to add an17 additional thousand vehicles per day on the roads. And18 so I question if the communities are willing to endure19 more traffic and willing to risk vehicular safety at20 that expense.21 I know people who have moved out of West22 Orange because they fear that the school sizes are to23 big. The graduating class of 2025 was almost 530 kids.24 And so things like that, when I'm starting to think25 47 about where I want to settle, the deter me and the1 information about this housing unit honestly just2 steepens that wound even more.3 However, things like this Second Watch4 Mountain Range add desirability to the towns, they add5 enticement, the nature, the views, the peace, the6 diverse wild life are all enticing and peaceful for7 people who want to create families and create8 communities.9 Without the competitive advantage of these10 mountain ranges, West Orange is really at a disadvantage11 to other towns and neighborhoods. There is nothing that12 makes West Orange very different ND desirable compared13 to the other towns. Every town has the same businesses,14 the same restaurants, the same traffic, the same15 expenses, but there's only one Second Watchung Mountain16 Range and it's in this area.17 I also took a look at the West Orange18 website page and the front picture of the page is a19 picture of the New York skyline view. And while that's20 from the Eagle Rock Preservation, it's just interesting21 and ironic that the same lifestyle the town is22 advertising is the same one everyone here is willing to23 take time out of their day to make public comment on.24 New Jersey is rich in history, and it's rich25 48 in resources and environments. So I really urge you to1 think about the long-term effect this will have on New2 Jersey and the people who live here. So, thank you.3 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.4 Please come right up and state your name for5 the record.6 THE PUBLIC: Hello, Mayor McCartney and7 Chairman Bagoff and township members. My name is Mike8 McGlynn and my address is 55 Lapis Circle, West Orange.9 MS. McGOVERN: Do you swear or affirm to10 tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the11 truth.12 THE PUBLIC: I do.13 MS. McGOVERN: Thank you.14 THE PUBLIC: I moved to the Highlands in15 2020, or later in 2020, having been retired from the16 United States Air Force and some other jobs after that.17 I served as a

o.13 MS. McGOVERN: Thank you.14 THE PUBLIC: I moved to the Highlands in15 2020, or later in 2020, having been retired from the16 United States Air Force and some other jobs after that.17 I served as a weather officer and my first active duty18 for eight years was in active duty Air Force and later19 in the Air Force Reserve and the New Jersey Air Guard,20 Air National Guard, as a weather officer and later as a21 weather flight commander in support of Puerto Ricans22 Infantry Brigade. I also worked in the IT field during23 that time. And afterwards --24 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Okay. Sir, can you speak25