What's happening across from the Zoo?

Curious about the construction along Northfield Ave, where the Turtle Back Hotel used to stand? Construction has begun on a new luxury condo building, with additional private Primrose daycare facility.

The former hotel and Chinese restaurant location sold, and construction began in early 2021.

On May 2 or 2018, Mayor Robert D. Parisi invited the public to meet the new owner of the property. St. Cloud residents and others attended what was billed as a Q&A session, and a time to voice what they would like to see be built. Yoga studio, family restaurant, small shoppes, etc. (The project was already decided upon, and residents felt duped.)

One month after Mayor Parisi gave the developer the floor to introduce his development project, the developer made a hefty campaign contribution to the Mayor's reelection campaign.

The developer's application for variances was easily approved by West Orange's Zoning Board. This changed the zoning for that block forever. (5 stories, where 2.5 were permitted; 75.7% lot coverage where 60% was permitted; 6-foot privacy fence where none was permitted; 1-foot setback where 5-foot was permitted, and 62-feet tall where 35-feet was allowed.) 

Recent documents are raising eyebrows in West Orange with regards to the property itself. Stay tuned as OGWO works to find out what is happening behind town hall's doors, and how this may impact residents' taxes.