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23 - Mr. Schkolnick noted upcoming testimony regarding: ○ EV parking improvements. ○ Compliance with state statutes and local ordinances. ○ Mr. Pehnke confirmed those improvements, indicating John Cote would discuss them in greater detail. - Mr. Schkolnick asked about the driveway slope variance. ○ Mr. Pehnke explained the important design issue is achieving a safe approach to Eagle Rock Avenue. ■ The new driveway meets Essex County standards near the roadway. ■ Vehicles will be able to stop safely, even in poor weather. ■ Traffic signal control further improves safe entry onto Eagle Rock Avenue. - Explanation of signal phasing: ○ The proposed traffic signal will operate using four phases. ○ Sequence described: ■ Protected left-turn phase for vehicles entering Oval Road while opposing traffic is stopped. ■ Permissive through movement on Eagle Rock Avenue in both directions. ■ Protected left-turn phases for Oval Road/Crestmont traffic. ■ Side-street movements coordinated with Laurel Avenue. ○ Signal coordination ensures that when Oval Road/Crestmont traffic receives green time, Laurel Avenue's coordinated timing allows smooth traffic progression through the corridor. - Parking improvements discussed: ○ Mr. Schkolnick noted that adding 32–36 parking spaces reduces the site's existing parking deficiency. ○ Mr. Pehnke agreed and explained: ■ The parking expansion was an independent need for Crestmont. ■ The driveway relocation affected the lower parking area. ■ The project combines roadway improvements, driveway relocation, and parking improvements into one coordinated application. - Mr. Schkolnick asked whether the new crosswalks and ADA ramps support his opinion that the project provides a public benefit. ○ Mr. Pehnke responded that: ■ Providing a safe crossing location on Eagle Rock Avenue is an important public benefit. ■ Although sidewalks are currently incomplete along portions of Eagle Rock Avenue, this project begins extending the pedestrian network. ■ The improvements benefit pedestrians, bicyclists, residents using Oval Road, and visitors to the Country Club. - Mr. Schkolnick asked whether the proposal represents a reasonable accommodation in light of the potential eminent domain impacts. ○ Mr. Pehnke testified that: ■ These are exactly the improvements traffic engineers would recommend for this location. ■ Oval Road serves numerous residences,

of the potential eminent domain impacts. ○ Mr. Pehnke testified that: ■ These are exactly the improvements traffic engineers would recommend for this location. ■ Oval Road serves numerous residences, Pleasantdale Chateau, the Paddle Club, and other public traffic. ■ The project primarily addresses public roadway safety.

24 ■ Even relocating the Crestmont driveway is consistent with a public roadway improvement because the existing driveway intersects Eagle Rock Avenue at an unsafe angle. ■ If funding were available, a government agency would likely undertake these improvements independently. - Mr. Schkolnick summarized his opening statement, describing the proposal as a practical, well-engineered solution to a complex eminent domain situation. ○ Mr. Pehnke agreed and added: ■ The planning predates his involvement. ■ Previous engineers reached the same conclusions. ■ His independent professional opinion matched theirs. ■ He believes these improvements were incorporated into the settlement agreement because they represent the appropriate engineering solution. - Mr. Schkolnick asked whether, ideally, the public would fund these improvements. ○ Mr. Pehnke responded that: ■ Similar improvements often remain unfunded because they are relatively low priority. ■ The settlement agreement provided an opportunity for private funding to complete a project that benefits: - Township residents - Oval Road residents - Crestmont Country Club - People passing through Eagle Rock Avenue - Mr. Schkolnick corrected Mr. Pehnke's earlier reference to the applicant, clarifying that the proper entity is West Essex Highlands Inc., not LLC. Chairman Bagoff carried the application to the July 1, 2026 Planning Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, with no further public notice required. ADOPTED: ___________________________________ Jamilet Baquerizo Vite Planning Board Secretary