Developer David Genova of Greenwood Development and attorney Alan Trembulak continued their effort to persuade the Planning Board to approve a proposed swimming school on Valley Road in Montclair, presenting two witnesses and hearing testimony from Montclair Deputy Fire Chief Michael Lizza during Monday night’s meeting.
The hearing, which was first held in February, was continued for a third time. Trembulak presented testimony from Devin Stone, a co-owner of SwimQuest swim schools, and Matthew Seckler, who conducted a parking study for the proposed facility. Lizza also testified about conversations he had with Genova and the potential impact the swim school could have on operations at Montclair Fire Department Station No. 2.
Station No. 2 is located directly next to 580 Valley Road, where the swim school would be built if approved. About 25 nearby residents and business owners attended the meeting to voice opposition to the project, arguing it would worsen traffic and create safety concerns in an already congested area. Audience members were openly skeptical throughout the hearing, at times making remarks and scoffing during witness testimony.
Deputy Fire Chief Testimony
Lizza answered questions from board members and residents regarding the potential impact of the swim school on fire department operations. He also discussed conversations with Genova about parking accommodations for firefighters…