WILDLIFE PRESERVE OR CONVENIENT TAX EXEMPTION

  On May 20th the Council failed to forward the proposed ordinance to rezone certain block lots associated with the Troy Meadows Wildlife Preserve. A threatened lawsuit and ambiguous language in the proposed ordinance were, hopefully the most likely reasons. The good news is that on June 2 2014 the Ordinance 2014-09 will be reconsidered.

  In 1967 Troy Meadows was designated a National Natural Landmark, under the Federal Code of Regulations 36 CFR part 62, Department of the Interior; National Park Service; ownership maintained by State and Private Sources. The private landowners under the NNL status have received tax benefits from the Wildlife Preserve conservation easements they have allowed in helping to preserve and protect this unique “physiographic landscape” of the ancient Lake Passaic. Troy Meadows is a remaining tapestry of time and terrain, here is the transition zone between “piedment lowland and uplands”, where the forces of creation are the architect. By now this landscape has been impacted by man; roads, pipelines, electric transmission towers, development, litter and debris from uncaring humans and stormwater run-off. However; much natural beauty and wildlife is still present.

  Parsippany in its past municipal history has not been a true friend to Troy Meadows, as the State of New Jersey has not in its capacity to do so. When finally in 1967 troy Meadows was designated a National Natural Landmark and added to the National Parks inventory of such lands, this “special status” was virtually ignored by forces of large scale development. Wildlife Preserve held the line and fought many battles, many of which could never be won, but fought none the less. It took until 1986 for New Jersey to finally protect wetlands and their transition zones.  Whereas as far back as the 1930’s Troy Meadows was already recognized by the U.S. Wildlife Service and proposed as a permanent wildlife refuge.

  So here we are in 2014. Wildlife Preserve seems to be playing with two-sides of the coin, wanting to preserve and develop when it suits them and still remain under the NNL designation. This cannot be. The Parsippany Planning Board also plays an inappropriate role in this by allowing “private owners” under the NNL status to rezone for development while under the NNL status. If a landowner under this status of NNL wishes to drop out of the program, they should say so and notify the proper parties in the National Park Service, State and Municipal authorities.

  Under the NNL status a State or Township may use this as encouragement and enhancement to better land use by local zoning and ordinances.  Although they are not required under the Federal regulation it is not forbidden. Under the present circumstance of Wildlife Preserve subdividing its holdings while under the NNL designation, action by local government would be proper and for the best interest of the conditions of inclusion in the National Natural Landmark System.

  Parsippany by allowing subdivisions within the NNL lands may be in violation of the conditions under which Wildlife Preserve receives its tax exemption status and the conditions of its “covenant” to preserve and enhance the landscape. Parsippany is in the right by rezoning, and must stop playing the game of subdivisions while the property remains under the NNL designation. This amounts to illegal “pigeonholing” where Troy Meadows is cheated by developers within its own ranks in cooperation with local officials who see Troy Meadows as real estate instead of a natural resource.

  The attorney for Wildlife Preserve at the May 20th meeting stated; “let’s not upset the apple cart” meaning Wildlife Preserve has been doing a good job, so far. This Ordinance 2014-09 does not wish to upset the apple cart, but keep the apple tree. This Ordinance to end the subdivisions, which should not be taking place is the right thing and in keeping with the intentions of the Federal Codes and Regulations.  Minor changes excluding recreational developments, and possibly buying property in Troy Meadows with our Open Space Monies should also be looked into to permanently preserve this National Landmark.

  Two things stand clear: 1. We need our Open Space funds and taxes free again 2. The need for a Regional Management Plan to protect our remaining landscapes, protect water, have redevelopment and the Best Management Practices in land-use to protect the future.