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 25 118 land use practices outlined in West Orange's Master Plan, which emphasizes conservation, smart growth, and low impact development; and WHEREAS, neighboring municipalities such as Verona, Essex Fells, and Caldwell, as well as the Essex County Environmental Commission have all issued resolutions opposing this project due to the reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences and harm to neighboring communities, and WHEREAS, public safety concerns related to steep slopes and traffic congestion remain unresolved despite the 2006 rejection of similar proposals by the West Orange Planning Board, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the west Orange Environmental Commission strongly opposes and condemns the proposed West Essex Highlands development, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission urges the West Orange Planning Board to deny approval for this application due to its severe environmental safety, and community impacts. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Commission supports placing this land under permanent conservation easement to preserve its ecological value for future generations. Adopted this 13th day of August 2025.