West Orange planning board rejected West Essex Highlands project

West Orange planning board rejected the West Essex Highlands project after almost two years of opposition from residents, environmental advocates, and elected officials. The proposal comes from Garden Homes, a Short Hills–based company owned by billionaire real estate developer Zygmunt Wilf and his family, which had a similar development plan more than 20 years ago that was rejected by West Orange’s planning board because of flood risk, steep slopes, and limited access for emergency vehicles. The proposal resurfaced after the township settled with Wilfs’ company in 2020 in order to avoid a lawsuit that could lead to larger development. In July 2024, the West Orange Environmental Commission asked the planning board to postpone reviewing the application because it could damage state-protected wetlands, worsen erosion, and disturb the Canoe Brook.

From Montclair Local.