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

02/26/2026 05:17:42 PM Page 101 to 104 of 155 26 of 66 sheets 101 paramount, not only for aesthetics but for our own good.1 There is none of us without this planet. By all means,2 yes, to affordable housing but, no, to it being on the3 Watchung Mountain and no, to it being on the Second4 Ridge. Thanks.5 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.6 THE PUBLIC: Good evening. My name is7 Maegan Kehlmann.8 MS. McGOVERN: And your address?9 THE PUBLIC: 10 Sylvan Road, Verona.10 MS. McGOVERN: Do you swear or affirm to11 tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the12 truth.13 THE PUBLIC: I do.14 MS. McGOVERN: Thank you.15 THE PUBLIC: Thank you for this opportunity16 to speak.17 As I said, my name is Maegan Kuhlmann and I18 am a resident of Verona but I'm also the organizer of19 the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club is one of the oldest20 and largest environmental non profits in the nation.21 The West Essex Highlands project has faced public22 opposition from the local community for decades due to23 the environmental, health, safety and community24 connectivity concerns it possess. The Sierra Club and25 102 its 200 residents opposed this project back when it1 first came before this board in 2006 and still does2 today. Nearly 20 years ago this board rightfully denied3 a similar development application on this site. That4 application was proposed to develop 136 housing units5 was quite correctly identified as a risk to public6 safety and environmental quality due in part to the7 environmental conditions of the site, the very same8 conditions which exist today. It is plain to see that9 this site is fundamentally unsuitable for development.10 It is home to critical wetlands, steep slopes and simply11 the last remaining core forest in Essex County. The12 development on this site will exacerbate exiting13 flooding issues, endanger drinking water quality for the14 township and it's neighbors. Wetlands are vital to15 stormwater management, water recharge and the nutrient16 cycle echo system. This development proposal would add17 over 12 acres of impervious cover, including buildings,18 streets and parking lots which would fundamentally alter19 the surface and ground water that feed and maintain this20 forest and wetlands.21 Further, ecology of core forest supports a22 wide variety of species and exports and represents a23 habitat requirement for species that are more vulnerable24 to

maintain this20 forest and wetlands.21 Further, ecology of core forest supports a22 wide variety of species and exports and represents a23 habitat requirement for species that are more vulnerable24 to disturbance. Analysts show habit conditions of this25 103 site would be capable of supporting endangered species.1 The development of this site will reduce it's health and2 productivity to a shell of what it once was. These3 catastrophic environments cannot be limited to just this4 development site. The plans for this application may5 begin and end at the property line, the environmental6 impacts aren't confined to the property line. The7 change in surface and groundwater flow patterns that8 result from the development on this site would have9 extensive and enduring consequences. The inability for10 wetlands to store and control water flow would almost11 certainly exacerbate existing soil runoff management and12 flood risks in West Orange and the neighboring13 municipalities. Bulldozing over a critical habitat and14 historical forest not only threatens the wildlife and15 community residents of the present, but also endangers16 the future generation. It is imperative that the17 Township of West Orange have safer, affordable housing18 alternatives that utilize smart growth practices to19 protect the environment and the people living there.20 Not only does sustainability of affordable housing make21 sense but the safety and connectivity it is essential22 that we do. Ignoring one or the other causes23 irreparable environmental harm and further fragmenting.24 Our municipal leaders, this Planning Board, have25 104 a duty to these residents and those surrounding areas to1 ensure that the proposed development are safe and2 sustainable. This project is not either. However,3 denying this project and ensuring that the forest is4 protected means investing in the future. Natural flood5 protection, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and6 resiliency to the impacts of climate change.7 I strongly urge you members of the West8 Orange Planning Board to reject this proposal for the9 sake of the local residents, the environment and10 wildlife. The Township needs to find the appropriate11 location to fulfil affordable housing needs instead of12 fulfilling a builders dream housing project. Thank you.13 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.14 THE PUBLIC: Mr. Chairman, with my remaining15 time I

11 location to fulfil affordable housing needs instead of12 fulfilling a builders dream housing project. Thank you.13 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.14 THE PUBLIC: Mr. Chairman, with my remaining15 time I would like to see if we can have Chief Mann, who16 spoke before, I have the exact --17 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Sorry, no. We have other18 members of the public who would like to speak. Thank19 you very much for your time.20 THE PUBLIC: Thank for the opportunity.21 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.22 State you name for the record.23 THE PUBLIC: Arnold Barton, 71 Woodland24 Avenue, West Orange.25