O23 South Orange Environmental Commission Letter

management as well as providing for the absorption of carbon dioxide, the production of oxygen and relief from heat island effect and essential ecological habitat; and ● The proposed removal of untold numbers of trees will exacerbate flooding, degrade the core forest and displace hundreds of native species; and ● The applicant is not adhering to the most current stormwater rules and as such are not planning onsite stormwater management that would act to better protect all surrounding properties. Given all this, the South Orange Environmental Commission echoes its formal call to the Township of West Orange to reject the proposed 496-unit development on said lands and to preserve the 120 acres of forested land in perpetuity. We will send a copy of this letter to the Township of West Orange Mayor McCartney, the West Orange Council, and the West Orange Planning Board. Sincerely, The South Orange Environmental Commissioners: Kathleen Grant, Chair Andy Stone, Secretary David Kraiker, Planning Board Representative Julianna Garreffa Lorraine Graves Larry Hirsch Cindy Thompson Olivia Lewis-Chang, Village Council Liaison ________________________________________ Kathleen Grant, Chair South Orange Environmental Commission ________________________________________ Olivia Lewis-Chang, South Orange Village Councilperson