The most pressing topic of the meeting was the proposed warehouse development and its potential impact on the local community, particularly the Hearthstone neighborhood. Residents raised concerns about increased traffic, safety hazards, and the overall quality of life. Pam Grigas, a resident of Hearthstone, detailed her apprehensions regarding the project’s scale and proximity to residential areas. She emphasized the potential for increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and safety risks associated with the warehouse’s 24/7 operations. Grigas highlighted her personal experiences with traffic issues, recounting a near-collision with a tractor-trailer as an example of the dangers posed by increased heavy vehicle traffic on local roads.

Further complicating the matter, James Vanderhorst, representing the Hearthstone Homeowners Association, reiterated the community’s opposition to the warehouse. He outlined concerns, including the anticipated rise in tractor-trailer traffic that could exacerbate existing road safety issues. Vanderhorst provided evidence of the potential hazards, citing incidents involving stalled trucks obstructing traffic, highlighting the inadequacy of current infrastructure to handle additional heavy traffic.

As the discussion unfolded, the board heard from a staff scientist from the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, who raised questions about the proposed site’s stormwater management design. Concerns were voiced about the potential redirection of drainage areas and the implications for downstream flooding, particularly in Manville. The expert highlighted the risk that increased runoff volume could pose to wetlands and the surrounding environment.

A critical examination of the stormwater management strategies revealed concerns about regulatory compliance and the potential for increased flooding risks. The board’s discussions included debates over soil classification and testing methodologies, which play a role in determining the site’s ability to manage stormwater effectively.

Public comments underscored the community’s unease about the project’s environmental impact. Residents expressed worries about the removal of existing trees, which serve as a natural buffer against noise pollution and play a vital role in air quality. The proposed warehouse development would involve cutting down 28 trees, with the applicant offering to plant additional ones as compensation. However, residents stressed the ecological importance of preserving the current trees to maintain the area’s environmental balance.

Traffic safety remained a focal point, with residents questioning the rationale behind approving the warehouse given the potential for increased accidents and congestion. Incidents involving disabled vehicles highlighted the challenges posed by narrow roads and the potential for further complications if the warehouse is constructed. The discussion touched on the need for clear business plans from the applicant, with residents expressing skepticism about the project’s alignment with community interests.