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

17 of 66 sheets Page 65 to 68 of 155 02/26/2026 05:17:42 PM 65 sensitive site with fragile wetlands, slopes and more1 that make this site a dangerous zone to tamper with and2 a valuable one to protect. Forests like these aren't3 useless nor are they wasted economic potentials. They4 provide valuable ecosystem service that support local5 communities and I'll say a few of those now.6 Forests help mitigate the urban heat island7 effect by cooling urban areas with the shade they8 provide and water they release via transpiration, which9 also helps manage local rainfall.10 The construction of this complex will11 displace local populations of native animals, insects12 and plants. And due to the severe fragmentation of13 forests in New Jersey, these local populations will14 eventually die out with nowhere to go once the forest is15 disturbed.16 Furthermore, clearing the proposed amount of17 forest will cost several tons of stored carbon to be18 released into the atmosphere as forests act as natural19 carbon sinks, places that can hold several metric tons20 of carbon dioxide.21 Not only is this proposal an environmental22 hazard, it is also fundamentally flawed. The site is23 isolated, with very limited acces to schools, public24 areas and public transportation. Only one access road25 66 is outlined in the site plans which will create1 challenges for first responders in the case of an2 emergency and severely worsen traffic congestion.3 Additionally, runoff from this site will4 carry chemicals, sediments and other waste into the5 Canoe Brook, which thousands of New Jersey residents6 rely on for clean water, including those in Essex County7 municipalities of South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn,8 Livingston and West Orange.9 And most notably due to the construction of10 this complex flooding will become even more catastrophic11 due to the inadequate on-site stormwater management12 plan. Runoff rainwater will overwhelm drainage systems13 during the periods of heavy rainfall, which are becoming14 more frequent and sever. And those damages will be even15 more expensive and that bill will be flipped onto nearby16 homeowners. This is not only a matter of environmental17 sensitivity but one of public safety. This complex will18 be dangerous to live on and around.19 Garden Homes has consistently failed to20 present the board with the necessary materials to verify21 safe

ensitivity but one of public safety. This complex will18 be dangerous to live on and around.19 Garden Homes has consistently failed to20 present the board with the necessary materials to verify21 safe construction, including but not limited to an22 environmental impact statement, a meaningful plan which23 outline how water and sewage would be connected to the24 development. Is that not the bare minimum for any25 67 construction plan, especially for a site that has been1 untouched, for a site that is already so fragile.2 The inspections that have been done leave3 much to be desired in terms of safety. Concerns of rock4 slides are particularly grave.5 Removing tree that hold soil and rocks in6 place, and instead replacing them with an apartment7 building is a completely unnecessary risk.8 I would also like to remind the board of the9 proposals to develop the land in 2006, 2007 and 201510 which were all denied due to the environmental and11 public safety implications. Nothing has changed since12 then.13 It is extremely clear developer Zygmut from14 Garden Homes is taking advantage of the affordable15 housing crisis in New Jersey to turn a profit, seeing16 this as nothing more than an opportunity to make use of17 the land they've had in their possession since 1986.18 They've returned time and time again before the board19 but each time public safety and environmental20 conservation has been prioritized. This is what needs21 to happen now.22 I strongly urge this board to take action to23 permanently protect the Second Watchung Ridge.24 For the short 17 years I've been on this25 68 planet with every passing year, every passing month, I1 see less and less of the world I loved growing up.2 Animals and nature were my first passions. Everyday I3 face the looming threat of a world that will be nothing4 like the one I was raised in. I miss the droning5 insects in the summer. I miss the promise of snow every6 Christmas. This isn't the world I want to live in, this7 isn't the world I want to bring life into. I want a8 world, a state, a community that prioritizes the systems9 that gives us life.10 And to the board, you all have your11 responsibilities to the people in this room and the12 residents outside who strongly oppose this apartment13 complex. They raised very serious and very valid14 concerns over the safety risks of living near this15 complex and of the

in this room and the12 residents outside who strongly oppose this apartment13 complex. They raised very serious and very valid14 concerns over the safety risks of living near this15 complex and of the irreversible environmental damage it16 will cause. There are many more opportunities to17 provide real, safe and affordable housing in New Jersey18 without harming pristine old growth forests. We cannot19 let this need for more housing come at the cost of what20 precious little forest we have here. Building on a21 sites like the Second Watching Ridge will only harm us22 more in the long run. Now more than ever we need to23 realize that by preserving nature we are ensuring our24 own long term survival and prosperity. Thank you.25