August 25, 2025, Planning Board Special Meeting Transcript - WEHI

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 103 protect air quality and wild life habitat and don't forget each of the ancestral lands of the Lenape and there's very little land left in the region and in that community. It's very concerning about this forest. And one thing I want to mention here that people don't talk about a lot, but by preserving the forest rather than developing it you have an opportunity to eliminate and at least significantly reduce the demand for municipal services in the future. I think that's a really important point to think about. What the cost would be to the town to service this proposed development and reduction or elimination of those costs that you have by preserving this use. The one time capital investment in land gives back dividends permanently over decades because of the benefits that it provides and the elimination of taxes in the future. This is exactly the type of forest envisioned by the report that I wrote. It creates a lasting legacy for the residents of West Orange and the region. The founding is available, the funding for preservation would provide multiple health and environmental benefits and save the town thousands of dollars in municipal services. So that's pretty much it and I thank you for the opportunity.