Hilltop Conservancy
July 28, 2004
Meeting Minutes
Proposed water tower discussion
A representative from K.Hovnanian Co. spoke to the conservancy about a water tower that is going to be built to service new development on the Hilltop. Many questions were raised and answered.
Q. Why was this particular location chosen for the water tower?
A. This location was chosen because of sound engineering reasons. Hydraulics and accessibility being most important.
Q.Where exactly is this location?
A. The tower will be located behind the townhouse development area in Verona. It will stand close to the ridge on the highest ground elevation.
Q. Why can’t the new tower be built where the old towers stand?
A. The old location is more isolated and would not be easy to get to. They would have to get approval and qualify for a diversion from the DEP to build in the reservation. They would need access roads and protection around the tank. The old water mains can’t be used. A new system has to be built for the new development.
Q. How big is the proposed tower size?
A. The tower is 107 feet high. It will have a bowl at the top, a skinny center and will flare out at the bottom. The top of the tank has to be at 107 feet. The tank has to be at this height for adequate water pressure that is needed for dwellings in higher elevations. The smaller water tanks are used to service homes in lower elevations in Verona. Also smaller water tanks require booster pumps, which are not 100% reliable and need to be continually maintained. Elevation tanks don’t need full maintenance. Also it was said that the municipal engineers were not comfortable with electrical systems to function 100% in case of fire.
Q. What about access roads to get to the new tower?
A. There will be approximately 600 feet of road going through Verona property to get to the tower. The access road will be approx. 20ft wide with a gravel surface.
Q. Is it possible for K.Hovnanian to remove the existing asphalt?
A. It is a possibility and something we can talk about.
Q. Is there anything that can be done to make the water tower blend into the habitat?
A. The tower is going to be painted gray to make it a little less obvious but nothing can be done to conceal it. Landscaping around the bottom can be done to at least blend it in at ground level.
Q. Can the new water tower access be utilized to get to the reservation?
A. Not sure. It might be possible to have parking at the ball field area of Verona and that would have you entering at a higher elevation.
Q. What about the Fairview Ave access?
A. There is still going to be an access off of Fairview Ave. It might have to be moved a little but there will be one.
Q. What about access from the North Caldwell cul-de-sacs that will be built?
A. Only on street parking will be made available. No room for a parking lot. K.Hovnanian said they wanted to grade the land in between homes instead of having retaining walls but Green Acres wanted the land undisturbed. Retaining walls are going to be built.
Q. Who is responsible for taking down the old towers?
A. Essex County
Q. Was the water tower on the original plans?
A. No, the original plans were very broad based. When it was time to submit a bid there was no time for engineering tests.
Q. Who are the decision makers?
A. The towns, ECIA and K.Hovnanian. The town of Essex Fells will own and operate the water tower.
Discussion of priority objectives
Several members volunteered to spearhead certain objectives.
Mission statement: Anne Stires created one for the conservancy. An attachment will follow with the mission statement and if anyone would like to make revisions please bring your ideas to the next meeting.
Signage: Brian Glennon will give a presentation at the next meeting on what signs we may need.
Trail maintenance: Kurt, Geordie Charlie, Steve and Carl formed a committee to start maintaining certain trails.
Public Relations: The conservancy is going to participate in Verona’s Annual Fair in the Square in December. John McClellan is still our contact with the local papers.
Outreach: Dave Hall and Norm Acocella will start this program to offer functions at the Hilltop to local community’s.
Historical committee: Beverly Crifasi and Gerald Caprio volunteered to be the point of contact regarding the history of the Hilltop.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.
Minutes prepared by Secretary:
Brian Glennon
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