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

02/26/2026 05:17:42 PM Page 13 to 16 of 155 4 of 66 sheets 13 My next slide is like site sections showing1 what the site looks like from upper Howell Drive, which2 the architect did not show, and also lower Howell Drive.3 I have a slide which I, you know, I thought4 we'd be able to see but it shows the traffic volumes5 coming out of the site, going through the site, going6 onto Laurel Avenue, Eagle Rock Avenue etc, down Pleasant7 Valley Way.8 And then my last slide is a picture of the9 Canoe Brook, the areas that would be affected, possibly10 be affected by this development and, again, all these11 are built on backgrounds of other people's work. These12 pictures of environmental issues were from a geo lab at13 Rowan University and it covers stream buffers, river14 areas, FEMA, flood risks, etc. So, you know, I think15 that's it. Those were my comments.16 And I guess my overall comment would be,17 that, you know, my public comment is that there are a18 lot of, you know, open areas. People asked for more19 stormwater, you know, stormwater, groundwater heights,20 etc., And, you know, my request would be that the21 Planning Board ask for you know, some more additional22 information before you guys make a decision. And that's23 everything.24 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you very much.25 14 THE PUBLIC: Okay. 30 seconds. Good.1 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Come right up. Thank you.2 THE PUBLIC: Hello. Good evening. My name3 is Luisa Casar. I live at 59 Davey Drive.4 MS. McGOVERN: Do you swear or affirm to5 tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the6 truth.7 THE PUBLIC: I do.8 MS. McGOVERN: Thank you.9 THE PUBLIC: I wish to take this opportunity10 to express to you the perceptions and concerns of many11 of your constituents regarding the proposed development.12 While I don't pretend to speak for everyone there exists13 a general consensus that I wanted to share with you.14 You may agree or disagree with the following statements,15 but I think it's important for you to understand how16 many of the residents of West Essex Highlands are17 thinking and feeling. Before you reach a decision I18 would appreciate it if you could consider the following;19 Number one, many residents of the West Essex20 Highlands understand that they were never afforded the21 opportunity to go vote against the proposed development.22 Number two, the agreement that was signed in23 2020 is perceived to be

West Essex20 Highlands understand that they were never afforded the21 opportunity to go vote against the proposed development.22 Number two, the agreement that was signed in23 2020 is perceived to be a backroom deal that lacks24 professional ethics and it is viewed by many as an25 15 affront to the West Essex Highlands community.1 Number three, unit owners understand that2 many of the board members who voted for the proposed3 development no longer live in the West Essex Highlands,4 yet they unilaterally determine the fate of 300 home5 owners.6 Number four, many West Essex Highlands7 homeowners have expressed that the proposed development8 will adversely impact property values and their quality9 of life.10 Number 5, the rapid destruction of land and11 over development is devastating and it is destroying our12 township.13 Number six, the proposed development would14 never have been under consideration if the developer15 were not wealthy and influential.16 Number seven, land ownership does not17 entitle a developer to build upon land if the land is18 unsuitable.19 Number eight, the concept "done deal" when20 used to discourage discussions is perceived as giving21 oneself discretionary open-ended power to do as one sees22 fit.23 Number nine, the West Essex Highland24 resident understand that should the project proceed they25 16 will have to endure the catastrophic effects of1 flooding, soil contamination, rock slides,2 deforestation, traffic congestion and since there is3 only one ingress and egress fire and other emergency4 threats. We have already seen what happened when there5 was a fire at the Essex Fells Country Club.6 And finally number ten, many residents of7 the West Essex Highlands reject the notion that the8 developers application should be approved prior to9 submitting detailed water and sewer infrastructure10 plans. The fact that this is under consideration really11 boggles the mind.12 Before making your decision, I would urge13 the Planning Board to prioritize, support and ensure the14 safety and welfare of your constituents. The15 devastating effects that this development will have on16 the residents of West Essex Highlands and neighboring17 towns have been duly noted and recorded and as such, if18 a disaster should occur the Township of West Orange will19 in all likelihood be held accountable. Listen to the20 voices of the people, please do not

ave been duly noted and recorded and as such, if18 a disaster should occur the Township of West Orange will19 in all likelihood be held accountable. Listen to the20 voices of the people, please do not allow the21 development to proceed. Do the right thing and please,22 please, please save our forest. Thank you very much.23 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you.24 Come right up. State your name for the25