6 3 26 WO PB Draft Minutes

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.