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

02/26/2026 05:17:42 PM Page 21 to 24 of 155 6 of 66 sheets 21 MS. McGOVERN: Thank you.1 THE PUBLIC: West Orange.2 As I said, my name is Pavan Sharma and I3 live on Bakley Terrace in The Grand. I have lived in4 Grand since last century, 1999. I have raised my two5 children there through West Orange school system and6 today my grandchildren live nearby and spend many days7 and nights with me, especially since I live alone.8 Because I care for my grandchildren I have9 not been able to attend these meetings in person, but I10 have followed the proceedings closely through zoom and11 YouTube recordings.12 I certainly appreciate the time and effort13 the Planning Board professionals and residents have put14 into sharing testimony and asking questions.15 That said, I still have several significant16 concerns that I believe must be addressed before any17 consideration of approval.18 I'm here today because these issues directly19 affect my home, my family and my community.20 First is sewage infrastructure. Over21 multiple meetings I have heard references suggesting22 that this new development may share the existing sewer23 system currently serving parts of the Grand, including24 are area Bakley Terrace. To date there has been no25 22 clear or definite explanation, but for me rather this is1 the case. Without clarity I don't understand how the2 Planning Board can responsibly consider approval.3 Before any decision is made, a comprehensive sewage4 capacity and impact study must be completed and shared5 publically so residents can understand the ramifications6 for our existing infrastructure and quality of life.7 Second is traffic access, it's a major one.8 As you have heard repeatedly The Grand has one primary9 exit which runs through Kinzel Road to Oval Road and10 Eagle Rock Avenue. Over the past 25 years the traffic11 has increased dramatically, not just from development12 but every reality such as Amazon, UPS, FedEx, Instacart,13 FreshDirect and other delivery systems.14 Additionally many households now have15 multiple vehicles and often accommodate overflow parking16 from events at the Pleasantdale Chateau. During recent17 movie filming in Essex County access in and out of The18 Grand became extremely difficult. As someone who19 regularly picks up and drops off my grandchildren I20 experience this delay firsthand. Adding 496 new units21 without meaningful

in and out of The18 Grand became extremely difficult. As someone who19 regularly picks up and drops off my grandchildren I20 experience this delay firsthand. Adding 496 new units21 without meaningful improvement to access and traffic22 flow will only worsen an already strained situation and23 propose safety and quality life concerns.24 And final, I want to say construction and25 23 blasting impacts, if this project advances to1 construction, I'm extremely concerned about blasting and2 ground disturbances. During the original building out3 of The Grand our side of the Bakley Terrace was impacted4 by the landslide. How can residents be assured that5 this will not happen again if the rock and terrain6 adjacent to the neighborhood are disturbed.7 At a minimum I strongly request a8 pre-construction and pre-blasting baseline survey of all9 surrounding properties. Ongoing monitoring during10 construction and a clearly establish, well funded11 mechanism to compensate homeowners for any damage caused12 by blasting or land movement.13 In closing, thank you for listening to my14 comments and for your service to our town. I hope the15 Planning Board will take the time to fully understand16 these concerns and make decisions that are truly in the17 best interest of West Orange, its existing neighborhood18 and future generations. Thank you.19 CHAIRMAN BAGOFF: Thank you. Thank you very20 much.21 Please come up and state your name for the22 record.23 THE PUBLIC: Hi. My name is Lisa Hayes,24 H-A-Y-E-S, I live at 4 Hudson Drive in the West Essex25 24 Highlands.1 MS. McGOVERN: Do you swear or affirm to2 tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the3 truth.4 THE PUBLIC: I do.5 MS. McGOVERN: Thank you.6 THE PUBLIC: Members of the Planning Board,7 thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I'm a8 resident of the condo complex directly adjacent to the9 parcel being proposed for the development. I am here to10 strongly oppose this project, not only because of the11 environmental damage it would cause but because of the12 very real safety and quality of life risks it creates13 for current residents and the surrounding community.14 This land is not an empty lot, it is a mature forest15 that supports significant wildlife and contains over16 6,000 trees that will be destroyed. Once this echo17 system is destroyed it cannot simply be replaced. Trees18 to provide stormwater

ure forest15 that supports significant wildlife and contains over16 6,000 trees that will be destroyed. Once this echo17 system is destroyed it cannot simply be replaced. Trees18 to provide stormwater absorption, reduce flooding, lower19 temperatures and act as natural sound and air quality20 buffers. Clearing this forest will permanently alter21 drainage patterns, increase runoff and eliminate a22 critical habitat corridor for countless species. These23 environmental impacts will be felt long after24 construction ends.25