Borough Engineer confirms CLEAN's slope data
July 28, 2003

Borough Engineer Ed Haack presented new slope calculations at the July 28th hearing, confirming CLEAN's claim that 9 lots were not meeting the ordinance requiring that the lot have an average slope of 20% or less. His calculations, which were based on an ordinance from Atherton, California that he found on the web, was identical to one used by CLEAN. CLEAN had submitted complete slope calculations and backup at the July 14th meeting. Haack dismissed CLEAN's data,stating that only engineers could accurately calculate slope. Volunteer Tom Sergi had done a separate computer generated calculation, providing further evidence that at least 9 lots were in excess of 20%

Haack admitted under questioning from the Planning Board that his new method of calculation was more accurate than his 'old fashioned way' he had relied upon for years. The developer's attorney objected, reminding Haack that he had previously testified that the all of the developer's slope calculations, which had shown no lots over 20% were accurate.

But even though Haack's evidence should have been conclusive, he continued to assert that the lots met the requirements. After averaging the new calculations with Sergi's, the applicant's, and his own 'old fashioned way', he provided a table showing that only 4 lots exceeded the slope requirement.  These four lots, he went on to say, should be given waivers.

The engineer also endured tough questioning from the public regarding the agreement between the developer and North Jersey District Water Supply Commission. Ross Kushner of the Pequannock River Coalition asked why the plan documents had not been available to the public prior to the hearing.  Mr. Haack stated that they had been in his desk, and not in the Planning Office files. Kushner and others from the public demanded access to the files to allow for review of the stormwater management plans. The developer has been under fire for silted runoff from his West Brook I development, which is fouling the West Brook.