The proposed boat ramp at Wendell Place became a contentious issue during the meeting. Residents voiced fears about increased traffic and the potential danger it posed to children in the area. One resident, who has lived on Wendell Place for ten years, highlighted the narrowness of the street and the frequent presence of children playing, noting, “Wendell Place is a very narrow street, and cars line both sides all the time.” They expressed concern that the boat ramp would exacerbate existing traffic issues and compromise safety, particularly for their non-verbal special needs child who sometimes bolts into the street.

Another resident, Pat Delaney, questioned the necessity of the boat ramp, pointing out that an existing bridge could facilitate access to the lake. Delaney warned that the ramp would bring a surge of traffic during weekends, increasing risks for children. Delaney invited the commissioners to visit the neighborhood, especially on weekends, to witness firsthand the safety challenges and assess the condition of the roads, which reportedly have not been resurfaced in over three decades.

Echoing these sentiments, Agata emphasized the peaceful nature of the neighborhood, stating, “Wendell Place is a quiet residential street cherished for its peace and tranquility.” She urged decision-makers to consider alternative locations for the boat ramp that could better accommodate the anticipated traffic without disrupting the lives of local families.

Susan Bruno, a long-term resident, presented a plea against the project, recounting her childhood experiences in Wendell Place and expressing distress at the thought of transforming the area into a busy thoroughfare. Bruno stated, “I could cry… I want to see this neighborhood stay the way it is,” underscoring the emotional weight of the issue for long-term residents.

Another resident, Janet Gates, criticized the unchanged plans for the 50-foot buffer and parking lots. She lamented the loss of wildlife and trees, characterizing the new developments as detrimental to the neighborhood’s aesthetic and environmental quality.

Concerns about the environmental impact were also raised. Claire Le Bruno highlighted the importance of trees in managing water levels and mitigating flooding issues, expressing uncertainty regarding the implications of tree removal for local groundwater levels. She requested clarification on the proposed air system and its pilot locations within the county.

Tony, another resident from Wendell Place, suggested a more natural approach to the boat ramp area, akin to Island Beach State Park, proposing the use of wood chips instead of asphalt. He emphasized that the area could accommodate parking without formal structures, advocating for a simplistic system where visitors could carry their kayaks and canoes to the water. Tony highlighted concerns about noise and safety associated with larger boats and trailers and noted the risks posed by narrow and winding access roads that could become congested with increased traffic.

Additionally, Nancy Toas pointed out that federal COVID relief funds were being allocated to the park project, which many residents opposed. She expressed gratitude for the removal of proposed amusement facilities but maintained that further consideration was necessary regarding the retention basin and tree removal. Toas questioned the logic behind creating a retention basin when the existing reservoir could potentially handle increased water flow after dredging.

In response to the public comments, the commissioners emphasized their efforts to balance progress with preservation in the Clark Reservoir project. Revisions included reducing tree removal, enhancing water quality, and introducing low-impact recreational options to ensure the reservoir meets the needs of both residents and visitors. The importance of maintaining the reservoir as a sustainable resource was reiterated, with plans including flood storage enhancements to manage stormwater effectively.

The meeting also covered additional topics of public interest. A representative from Cornerstone Behavioral Health Hospital raised concerns about the treatment of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting inadequate support for staff and patients. There were also discussions about traffic safety and infrastructure improvements, with residents emphasizing the need for pedestrian-controlled lights at critical intersections and better walkways near the reservoir.

The upcoming Union County Means Business Expo and community events such as the Union County 2024 Fall Festival were announced. Commissioners also promoted youth programs, voter information for the upcoming special general election, and mental health initiatives.

As the meeting concluded, the board transitioned into an executive session to discuss attorney-client privileged communications regarding specific legal matters. Upon returning, it was reported that there was nothing to disclose at that time, and the meeting was adjourned following a unanimous vote.