July 25, 2003
The Ringwood Planning Board
has refused a request by Skylands CLEAN to postpone a special hearing
on
the application of West Brook Hills II, a controversial 39-home
subdivision
application in Stonetown. CLEAN had asked that the meeting date be
changed,
as their attorney, Michael Kates, and environmental expert, John
Thonet,
are unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. Mr. Kates received word
from
Planning Board Attorney, H. Shepherd Peck, that the hearing would be
held
as planned on Monday, July 28th.
A number of issues are hanging in the balance, such as water quality, conformity of lots to local ordinances, and whether or not the homes, wells, septics, and driveways can actually be accommodated on all of the proposed lots, said Robin OHearn, CLEAN director.
There is a also a basic disagreement between the applicant and CLEANs experts on how to compute average slope. Ringwood ordinances require that slope average not exceed 20%. CLEAN has provided calculations showing that 9 of the lots do not meet that requirement. At the last meeting, the applicant was asked to provide back-up for his calculations, as average slope totals submitted by the applicant assert that all lots are in compliance.
An agreement struck between the developer and North Jersey District Water Supply Commission is also an open issue. Borough Engineer Ed Haack contended at the last hearing that the agreement ended the need for further discussion on water quality, as he considered the matter closed. But CLEAN disagrees. The public has a right to hear a discussion about the specifics of the plan, especially since water quality in the West Brook and the Reservoir is at stake, said OHearn.
Our fear is that, with CLEAN not represented, the Board will seize this opportunity to vote to approve the application. Said Joanne Atlas, CLEAN Vice President. CLEAN urges the public to attend the July 28th Planning Board meeting at Ringwood Borough Hall.