Community Pushes Back Against NFL Owner’s Family Over Massive Housing Plan in West Orange Forest

One of Essex County’s few unspoiled forests is at risk again as local people and environmentalists return to court. The issue involves billionaire entrepreneur Zygmunt Wilf, co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, and his family’s plan to build approximately 500 apartments on 120 acres of woodland in the Watchung Mountains.

The plan would permanently destroy wetlands, raise flooding risks, and violate over two decades-old legal agreements, according to opponents. The Wilf family’s West Essex Highlands Inc. and the Township of West Orange were sued in Superior Court on September 19. Some critics say the project’s large-scale building is damaging to the environment and a betrayal of preceding communities’ development limits.

The Wilfs bought the fight’s land in 1986 and erected condos on it. Many development projects have been rejected for decades. Township officials vetoed a plan for over 130 single-family houses in 2006 due to environmental and safety concerns. New initiatives in 2007 and 2015 likewise failed. A 2020 court settlement related to New Jersey’s affordable housing commitments allowed a larger project if 100 units were reserved as affordable housing.

The current site plans include for developing four huge housing complexes and clearing 30 acres of woodland. Walkways would be maintained on the rest of the land. Proponents say the project helps West Orange achieve its state-mandated affordable housing goal, while opponents say it justifies development in an undesirable locale.

Residents-founded charity WeCare NJ has led the project’s opposition. The group believes inexpensive housing should not harm an environmentally sensitive forest that provides a buffer and habitat. They allege that a 2004 agreement limited forest development to 136 dwellings on large lots to safeguard the environment and community safety.

Since 2024, the planning board has held roughly two dozen hearings on the topic. October hearings ensure the battle continues. Advocates said they will safeguard Essex County’s last natural treasure while the developer follows the settlement.

This rekindled conflict highlights a larger dilemma in New Jersey—balancing the need for affordable housing with the duty to conserve woods, wetlands, and natural areas people depend on.