6 3 26 WO PB Draft Minutes

15 ■ 32 new parking spaces ■ A new traffic signal ■ A new exit aligned with Oval Road to create a safer four-way intersection ■ Widening of Eagle Rock Avenue ■ Drainage improvements ■ Stormwater management enhancements ■ Extensive landscaping, tree removal, and replacement plantings - He explained that the club's operations have evolved into a more year-round facility. - Increased activity has created additional parking demand - Significant topographic constraints require retaining walls and steep-slope disturbance variances - Mr. Schkolnick argued that the public safety benefits of the improvements outweigh the relatively modest zoning deviations. - He described the relevance of the 2020 settlement agreement between West Essex Highlands and the Township: ○ The agreement requires installation of the Eagle Rock/Oval Road traffic signal. ○ It also obligates the Township to use eminent domain if necessary to acquire property from Crestmont for construction. - Schkolnick emphasized Crestmont was faced with the possibility of losing property through eminent domain. - The club therefore worked collaboratively with West Essex Highlands, the Township, and Essex County to develop a solution. ○ The proposal: ■ Solves a public safety problem ■ Provides Crestmont with needed parking ■ Eliminates the club's existing steep and potentially hazardous exit road - He argued that even if the West Essex Highlands residential development never proceeds, Crestmont still: ○ Needs additional parking ○ Faces the obligations created by the settlement agreement ○ Must address the potential eminent-domain acquisition ○ Benefits from the traffic safety improvements ○ Schkolnick characterized the proposal as a practical solution to a complex legal and engineering situation - The civil engineer, John Cote, entered on the record; he was sworn under oath. He testified to the following: - Mr. Schkolnick introduced an aerial exhibit labeled A-1. - Mr. Cote stated that the Crestmont Country Club property totals approximately 146.93 acres. - The proposed work is concentrated primarily in the northeast corner of the property, at the intersection of Laurel Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue. - The total area of disturbance is approximately 4 acres. - He described the existing access configuration: ○ Vehicles currently enter from Laurel Avenue. ○ Drivers proceed past the clubhouse and parking areas. ○

area of disturbance is approximately 4 acres. - He described the existing access configuration: ○ Vehicles currently enter from Laurel Avenue. ○ Drivers proceed past the clubhouse and parking areas. ○ Vehicles exit via a separate one-way driveway that leaves at an angle onto Eagle Rock Avenue at the northeast corner. - He summarized the proposed improvements: ○ Widening of Eagle Rock Avenue ○ Expansion of the upper parking lot with a new parking field