Imagine a quiet community, where families have lived for generations, facing immense changes due to overdevelopment. In the last seven years, Orange, NJ has gone through massive overdevelopment, increasing congestion, noise, and parking issues across the city. Now, the area at 622 S. Center Street, at the intersection with S. Harrison Street, is not just a point on a map for the residents of Orange, South Orange, and East Orange. It's our neighborhood where friendship are created, children play, and generations have built their lives. This sense of home is now threatened by a proposed demolition and development project.

The proposal aims to replace this location with a 5-story apartment building, comprising 43 units and an equal number of parking spaces. While new housing developments promise growth, the impacts on our community cannot be overlooked. Increased traffic congestion, especially near the Exxon station and at access points to I-280 and the Garden State Parkway, poses a potential hazard. This could escalate commute times and affect emergency vehicle routes. Additionally, noise levels are expected to rise significantly, disrupting the peace residents currently enjoy.

Moreover, the parking overflow is inevitable. With 43 units and only 43 parking spaces planned, there is no room for visitors or additional vehicles, forcing overflow into neighboring streets and adding strain to an already congested area. The construction phase itself will cause further disruption, with noise, dust, and continual movement of heavy vehicles, impacting the quality of day-to-day life and potentially affecting property values.

Beyond just the physical impacts, the project could alter the very fabric of our community. The charm and character of our neighborhoods risk being overshadowed by high-density development. Our local culture and small-town feel may be lost forever.

We must ask ourselves if these are changes we can afford. Our community deserves a voice in developments that affect us directly, and it's crucial that we engage with local officials to explore more sustainable, community-focused alternatives.

Join us in protecting the essence of our neighborhoods by signing this petition. Together, we can urge developers and city planners to reconsider or modify their plans to ensure they align with the needs and concerns of affected communities. Let's stand united to preserve not just our homes, but our way of life. Please sign this petition and make your voice heard.

If you are against this project, please let your elected official now, and sign this petition opposing this new development in our neighborhood. SAY NO TO NEW DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY!