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 25 115 beauty and rural character that defines our region. Their loss would diminish open space and community identity that West Orange and its neighbors value highly. 4. Cumulative Regional Impact. We share the concerns voiced by Verona, Caldwell, Essex Fells, and Essex County. The West Essex Highlands development may set precedent for further sprawl in the region, undermining coordinated planning and environmental stewardship. Request of the Planning Board. Based on these considerations, the West Orange Environmental Commission respectfully urge the Planning Board to; 1. Deny the application for the proposed development, and 2. Require a full environmental impact statement that comprehensively addresses the issues outlined above, including hydrological modeling, ecosystem assessments, and evaluation of alternative, lower impact design options for this or any future proposed development of the site. We also request that the Planning Board hold a joint public hearing with representatives from the environmental commissions of Verona, Caldwell, Essex