PB 24 01 West Essex Highlands Inc Draft Resolution

5. The proposed multifamily development is permitted as a principal use in the IH-1 District, and the proposed amenities are permitted as accessory uses in the zone. 6. The subject property encompasses a total of 120 acres, and is located in the northwestern area of the Township and is bordered by West Essex Highlands Condominium and The Grande at Pleasantdale Chateau single family development to the south, Mayfair Drive and Rosemont single-family developments to the east, Howell Drive to the north, and the Township of Essex Fells to the West. 7. The site is unimproved and heavily vegetated with mature trees. 8. Wayne DeFeo, LEED AP, BD&C, of DeFeo Associates was retained by the Board to provide testimony as to the health of the forest. Mr. DeFeo testified that the forest is unhealthy due to massive deer foraging and the onset of beech disease to the beech trees, and diseased and dying Ash trees. There are few young trees in the current forest, few seedlings and an overwhelming presence of invasive plants. It was Mr. DeFeo’s opinion that the use of deer fencing would allow the remaining non-developed acres of forest to regenerate. 9. Primary access to the site will be from Kuzik Drive and Warner Road from the south, via Oval Road and Eagle Rock Avenue. The Applicant committed to installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Oval Road and Eagle Rock Avenue to manage the anticipated increase in traffic. 10. The layout of the site called for four (4) 4-story residential buildings, which would be located at the approximate center of the site. Each of the buildings would have a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, some of which will include a den.