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 80 THE WITNESS: Yes. As I said, with the support of South Orange, the South Orange Environmental Commission has written this statement, "Dear Mayor McCartney, members of West Orange Town Council and Planning Board; "The South Orange Environmental Commission has reviewed and discussed the development proposed by Garden Homes on the 120 acre property at Block 179, Lot 32, known as the West Essex Highlands. Together, we have reached the conclusion that the proposed development would be harmful to the surrounding communities. As such, we formally urge the Township of West Orange to deny this application and preserve the 120 acre forest at the Second Watching Mountain and Ridge. Our reasoning includes the following facts: The 120 acres property at Block1 79, Lot 32, known as the West Essex Highlands, is a core forest, a critical environmental facet of Essex County, New Jersey providing essential habitat and water resources; and Waters from this forested land feed the Canoe Brook tributary and replenish critical aquifers that contribute to the NJ American Water, providing drinking water for 2.9 million New Jersey residents, in more than 190 communities; and Replacing old growth trees that filter groundwater with impervious surfaces causes extensive