October 30, 2019

3 Mr. McCartney noted open space trust fund has generated $5 million since 2001, $2.5 million of which was generated by the Township Open Space Trust Fund. He displayed the 2019 Open Space color-­‐coded Map 1 in the plan. There has been 1,341 acres of open space protected-­‐ preserved land in West Orange, representing 17.5% of the Township area. Designated open space and recreation land has included; Crystal Lake addition 296 Prospect (4.61 acres); Mayapple Hill Reservation Extension (52 acres); Mount Pleasant Avenue Preserve (4.71 acres); The Rock 577 at Mt. Pleasant Ave (6.36 acres); 7 Belgrade Terrace. (0.23 acres); Wiley Terrace (1.61 acres); Tennis court rehab Degnan Park, Colgate Park; Development of Ridgeway Park; Lafayette Park. Mr. McCartney reviewed the Greenways and Blueways Preservation Priorities, including linking of the municipality’s natural, recreational, and cultural resources. It is an update to the Township’s 2010 Plan and reaffirms the Township’s commitment to protecting the landscape, which shapes the community-­‐-­‐blueway corridors, greenways, forested landscapes, and trails were discussed. A few key recommendations for the Open Space and Recreation Plan include the following: • Adopt the OSRP Plan update as part of the 2019 Master Plan Update • Submit the OSRP Plan update to the Green acres program at the NJDEP • Consider the acquisition of the Ridge Road properties • Establish a Recreation Center Committee for a new indoor recreation and community center • Organize “corner to corner” Chairman Weston commented on whether the OSRP addresses further expansion of the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, since there has be concern about whether the zoo is developing too much of the reservation open space. He noted that he had issued a letter to the Essex County Attorney Mr. Fleder and the County Executive reminding them of their promise to submit the Zoo Master Plan as soon as it is completed. The response indicated that the zoo master plan should be complete by the end of 2019. Mike Brick, WO Environmental Commission chairman raised concern about preservation of the tree canopy and noted the environmental commission’s interest in working with the open space commission and planning board to strengthen guidelines for tree removal. Mr. Grygiel continued presentation of Master Plan topics and proposed recommendations. Discussed geographic areas

he open space commission and planning board to strengthen guidelines for tree removal. Mr. Grygiel continued presentation of Master Plan topics and proposed recommendations. Discussed geographic areas including: Main Street/Valley, Pleasantdale, St. Cloud, Eagle Rock/Prospect, Essex Green business districts. He noted the Rock Spring Golf Course property recently acquired by the Township would need to be considered, with maintaining of significant open space component plus other uses. Mr. Grygiel outlined possible changes for commercial zones to address retail market changes including increase higher demand for medical offices, physical therapy, fitness centers and health clubs. Consider limited medical in P-­‐C zone, accessory drive-­‐thru for banks, pharmacies, and fast food, which increasingly come up as variances in applications.