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OGWO helps provide 107 FREE trees to WO residents!
Environment & Resident Advocacy Organization
Township Targets neighborhood trees for removal
If you see markings like these on WO trees...
Our Township Forester eludes to the township not having enough money to trim, prune, and save our town's giant residents. Instead, the township is resorting to completely removing these trees. Some may pose a danger because of dead limbs, while others may be lifting sidewalks, growing amongst power lines, or disturbing street curbs. There are many ways to resolve these issues that do not include total destruction of our canopies and historic trees. If the tree is not viable, then by all means it should be removed.
Neighborhoods in West Orange are Losing Trees
Touring West Orange streets, marking on dozens of trees can be seen. These two trees are on the Township's destruction list. (Which will be made available here on this site ASAP.) The tree on the left is indeed not viable, and should be removed. The tree on the right is healthy, thriving, and adds value to the properties on the street. [Location is across from West Orange High School, on Greenwood Avenue.]
Visiting the Trees Helps Understand the Loss
An OGWO member and town resident visits neighborhood trees marked for removal. OGWO knocked on doors, informing residents of the trees marked for removal on their street. Residents should contact the township forester to express their concern, and urge the township to save these trees. Contact John Linson, Forester@WestOrange.org, or call 973-325-4015. We have the budget to cut these trees, we must have the budget to prune and save them!
Meet some of our town trees slated for destruction
Perfectly healthy Crabapple Tree on Maple St.
THE LATEST WEST ORANGE PROJECTS
Woodland Ave Tree Removal
OGWO responded to Woodland Ave on Friday, May 10th to document and question why 11 healthy trees were being cut. The responding police officer reports that there were no tree removal permits issued, which has been verified by WO Town Forester, John Linson. This is a significant ordinance violation. OGWO will request a copy of the citation, and if necessary notify state tree certification agencies.
150 FREE Trees Handed Out
OGWO and an enviro-passionate Roosevelt Middle student handed out and planted 150 trees for free to West Orange seniors, and then to interested residents. Please visit our Green tab for photos from the event!
Essex Green Shopping Ctr
On Thursday, April 11th West Orange residents lost in their efforts to require Clarion Partners, LLC to provide a sustainable, green, safe and smart-developed Essex Green Shopping Center.
WO Library Blighted?
Here we go again! The township of West Orange had a study completed as a part of the twp's initial steps to designate the WO Public Library as an Area in Need of Redevelopment. (AINR) Similar to the Downtown Main Street Project, and the Essex Green Shopping Project, this designation could mean BIG $$$ for potential developers, as well as a significant loss of tax revenue to help keep West Orange affordable. On March 6th, 2019, the Planning Board agreed that the library is blighted. The following week, the Town Council majority agreed.
What is NOT blighted in West Orange?
Rock Spring Country Club
West Orange residents are the new owners of Rock Spring Country Club, located at 90 Rock Spring Rd. 138-acres for $12 million. Help fellow residents keep their eye on how well the Mayor follows through with his "gentleman's agreement" that the property will not be developed more than the 15-acres he has stated. This means attending Planning Board meetings, Open Space meetings, Environmental Commission meetings, Town Council meetings, and Zoning Board meetings. (It also means rounding up neighbors to assure everyone is keeping a close eye on those "guarantees"!)
West Orange H.S. Safety
Whether it's air quality or traffic safety, OGWO continues to advocate for increased safety for our school staff, residents, and students.
Make your tax-exempt donation to support High School Safety HERE. Please indicate "WOHS Drive for Safety." 100% of your donation will go to fund Principal Moore's walk-talkie, safety vest, and traffic horse needs. Remaining funds will used by Mr. Moore at his discretion regarding safety enhancements.
Volunteer
Earn good karma!
OGWO seeks graphic designers, illustrators, writers, PTA Reps, & social media posters. Have a skill we didn’t mention above? Get in touch by emailing us! We would love to hear from you!
Partners in Advocacy
So many organizations in WO that OGWO supports & partners with. Join us! Join them! Be part of the solution!
Videos
OGWO is proud to highlight videos that help educate others about what is happening in West Orange.
Pop some corn, find a friend, and visit our videos page!
What's With WO Taxes?
What's up with WO Taxes & the Mayor's proposed 2018 Budget? How will it effect you?
Badabing: Family Ties
Curious about the WO power structure? How do the dots connect in West Orange?
WO TREES
Know that West Orange has a Tree Ordinance? No? You're not alone. Let's work together.
GOVERNMENT WASTE
How much did the "Welcome to Pleasantdale" sign cost taxpayers? Over $18,000. No bids. Map coming soon!
Donate Now
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We are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community, including our local wildlife and trees! Your contribution today helps to make a difference. Our 501(c)3 status is pending, but should be all set in time for your 2019 taxes! Thank you!