Richter & Segan present three‑phase vision for Lewis Park and hillside amphitheater

For the official record, Rachel Meyer (speaker 7) told the board her firm, Richter & Segan, has prepared a three‑phase concept master plan for a roughly 12.8‑acre borough‑owned group of parcels near Hillside and Salem schools. "I am a landscape architect and project manager with Richter and Segan," she said, and described phase 1 as selective woodland management to stabilize slopes and open views while maintaining mature trees; phase 2 will focus on master‑plan connections and circulation; and phase 3 will hone an amphitheater or carved tiered seating that takes advantage of the topography.

Meyer emphasized native plantings, erosion control and informed geotechnical work to avoid destabilizing the hillside. Board members and residents asked about how an amphitheater would be programmed if nearby school buildings are repurposed; Meyer said the master plan will include flexible program locations so future municipal uses are not undermined by early design decisions. Mayor Hess invited the firm to return with further drawings at a later meeting.