West Orange Township Continues Environmental Initiatives

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of Cynthia Cumming, a commissioner on the West Orange Environmental Commission. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

As environmental issues continue to grow in importance nationally and around the world, West Orange Township has expanded its efforts to effect improvements and research sustainable approaches to climate and energy concerns.

The West Orange Environmental Commission has been an important part of the process, hosting several discussions on environmental concerns, inviting the community to join in sustainable projects, and supporting township efforts.

West Orange has been a Tree City, USA for over 23 years and holds a Bronze Certification from Sustainable Jersey with efforts currently underway to receive Silver Certification. In 2017, Council President Susan McCartney was recognized by New Jersey Clean Communities with a Conference Partnership Award, an Environmental Quality Award and a Volunteer Award. Joe McCartney, Chairperson of the Open Space Commission, received an Open Space Award along with former Forester John Linson. West Orange High School Technology and Engineering Supervisor Ryan Del Guercio received the Education award for innovative projects like “Liter of Light” and other solar power projects, all supported by the township. WOHS “Fight for Green” students were recognized for their participation in the township’s tree planting at “The Rock,” a preserved open space area across from the Recycling Center. The partnership between the Township and school district continues to benefit both.

Here are some of the initiatives recently taken by the Township and Environmental Commission.

• Township and West Orange School District joint efforts – The Township submitted a grant to Sustainable Jersey/PSEG for bio-retention systems at Liberty, Roosevelt, Washington, Kelly, and Redwood schools; grant funds approved to begin work on Degnan Park and the Floating Island Water Quality Project with the West Orange Green Team and West Orange High School. The annual Earth Hour presentation is also held in conjunction with West Orange Schools and environmental supporters, along with Arbor Day.
• Open Space – The Township purchased a 94.5 acre subdivision of Crestmont Country Club for preservation; at “The Rock” (open space) on Route 10, clean-ups, tree planting, a pollinator garden, and the Township’s first apiary have been set up.
• Solar and Carbon Emissions – The Township and WOEC hosted a presentation on solar carports for municipal and WOHS parking lots; presented information on EV charging stations and adopted an EV installation ordinance, and the WOEC held several discussions with landscapers from the NJ Association of Landscapers regarding the pros and cons of gas and electric leaf-blowers.
• Topography – Mayor Robert Parisi sent a letter to the State on slope stabilization and a resolution was passed to conduct a geo-technical study of the Northfield area; the council passed an updated Stormwater Management Ordinance; amendments are in-process to the steep slope ordinance; there are updated amendments to the Tree Ordinance, and the WOEC will be launching the Heritage Tree campaign in the Spring.
• Recycling - The Second Chance Toys project at the Recycling Center has been very effective, providing residents the opportunity to donate or take gently used toys that are otherwise sent to landfills. Collected toys are sent out for distribution to various organizations. West Orange has long-supported the banning of single-use plastic bags with NJ Clean Communities and Health Department. With Gov. Murphy’s approval, this will be implemented state-wide in May.
• Traffic and Safety – The formation of the West Orange Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board, in conjunction with the WOPD, Nikhil Badlani Foundation, EZ Ride, Safe Routes to Schools, and the Teen Safety Driving Coalition, have provided instruction and support for several safety initiatives. The Nikhil Badlani Foundation provided WOHS with two driving simulators; free bike helmets and bike safety clinics have been held, and a traffic light was installed at Alisa Drive by WOHS, to name a few.
• Miscellaneous – West Orange recently introduced the NJSDC Green Business Registry.

The current members of the Environmental Commission are:

• Mike Brick- Chair
• Charles Aborisade, Jr.
• Cyndi Rintzler
• Cynthia Cumming
• Christina Faust
• Andrew Trenk
• Susan McCartney- Township Council Representative
• Ron Farr- Forester/Arborist
• Michael Fonzino- Recycling Coordinator

The community can attend Town Council meetings or WOEC meetings to voice concerns, offer input, and help to provide solutions. It is the goal of the commission to support environmental outcomes throughout West Orange, offer volunteer opportunities, and invite residents into the process.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.