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

33 of 66 sheets Page 129 to 132 of 155 02/26/2026 05:17:42 PM 129 Pleasant Valley Way, very close to the ridge that we've1 been discussing. Every season I am very thankful to2 walk up to the top of that ridge and to look over to see3 Pleasant Valley Way and the beautiful views that are4 there.5 I want to thank everyone here whose6 expressed their views about this project and this7 meeting shows the strength concerned citizens and how it8 is important to protect the ridge of overdevelopment by9 the Garden Homes developer.10 I want to recall the efforts in 1990's and11 2000's when Susan Borg was West Orange town planner.12 She was well respected for her knowledge of the issues13 and her interactions with residents in upholding the14 values of good community planning and environmental15 protection. Susan resigned and passed away in 2019 and16 no town planner has been available for six years in the17 town. We are at a brink of major change in housing in18 urban development and the interaction of this meeting19 reflects the values with which were upheld during that20 period of time in 1990's and 2000's. Take this21 opportunity to move forward and utilize the potential22 expressly this evening and throughout the year and23 reject this proposal.24 Look at the -- if you look across at the25 130 urbanization along Route 280 where there's the first1 mountain slope, you will see great towers and buildings2 that show the sprawling urbanization of West Orange. If3 you take -- the individuals have been speaking about how4 affects them individually, it's a very big concern.5 If you recognize how trees and green up on6 the ridges will prevent wind shearing and when there are7 big storms and if you go up and you look at the top you8 will see the remainder of the trees that have fallen9 down during Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene blew10 through the area and the microburst that went through11 Verona Park, which happens in many areas when there's12 changes, big changes taking place of trees.13 Recognizing the strength of the residents14 wanting to maintain this community with features that15 are tolerant and diverse for the people living here and16 include good road systems, housing, good sewage it17 creates a stronger community and not an evasive one. A18 place where fauna and flora will flourish, it's a gift19 for all of us and we can enjoy the heritage when the20 South

housing, good sewage it17 creates a stronger community and not an evasive one. A18 place where fauna and flora will flourish, it's a gift19 for all of us and we can enjoy the heritage when the20 South Mountain Preservation that was created after the21 paper milling destroyed the forest and it required22 reforestation in the 1890's. Note how this area was23 valued by the Olmstead brothers were hired to design the24 parks here, in Verona Park and many other places.25 131 Listen to our concerns and tap into the kind of energy1 that we are here to help you in planning. Make this the2 beginning to make town planning a priority that3 integrates our concerns as well as New Jersey towns to4 allow affordable housing. Do not support this proposal.5 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you very much.6 State you name for the record.7 THE PUBLIC: Good evening. Keith Loughlin,8 L-O-U-G-H-L-I-N-law, from the law firm Inglesino, Taylor9 on behalf of Essex Fells Country Club.10 MS. McGOVERN: Just so the board11 understands, we do not swear in a lawyer. You're12 representing the Country Clubs position, correct?13 THE PUBLIC: Correct.14 MS. McGOVERN: Okay.15 THE PUBLIC: And I will tell the truth as16 well.17 Thank you for the opportunity to speak18 tonight regarding this application. We've received the19 assurances from the applicant on the record that this20 project will not now or in the future require road21 widening that will impact our property, and we thank the22 applicant for those assurances, given the importance of23 maintaining our historic Essex Fells Country Club24 property which was originally constructed in 1900.25 132 We've attended all the hearings on this1 application and heard a great deal of expert testimony2 from the applicants professionals, the boards3 professionals and We Care's professionals regarding the4 stormwater management.5 The Essex Fells County Club property6 unfortunately floods during heavy rain events as was7 demonstrated through a video presentation by a member of8 the public at a prior hearing. Based on the known9 flooding patterns in the neighborhood we have legitimate10 concerns about the impact of this application on our11 property. While the applicants engineer says this12 project will not have a negative impact on the13 community, other professionals, including those14 presented by We Care, disagree. We have filed an appeal15 of the NJDEPs decision

engineer says this12 project will not have a negative impact on the13 community, other professionals, including those14 presented by We Care, disagree. We have filed an appeal15 of the NJDEPs decision to apply the older, less16 stringent stormwater management standards to this17 project and that appeal remains pending before the18 Appellate Division.19 We ask you to consider the impact that this20 project will have on the stormwater management of the21 community, including Essex Fells Country Club and thank22 you for your time and attention.23 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you, sir.24 Come right up, sir. State your name for the25