Environmental Commission Members

ABOUT THE MILLBURN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

Established in 1969, The Millburn Environmental Commission has a distinguished history as one of New Jersey's first municipal environmental commissions. The Commission attracts Township volunteers with a zeal for environmental stewardship and the professional credentials to advance clean water, clean air, recycling and the environment. The Millburn Environmental Commission oversees the identification, preservation and protection of the Township’s environmental resources.

The Commission is comprised of seven members who serve three-year terms, two alternates who serve two-year terms, and a Township Committee liaison, all appointed by the Township Committee. One member of the Commission serves as liaison to the Planning Board, another member represents the Township on the Passaic River Coalition, and another represents the Township on the Rahway River Association.

The 2011 Millburn Environmental Commission members are:
Vaclav Benes, Chair
Andrew Chalnick
Sandra Haimoff, Township Committee Liaison
Kristen Hall
David Harrison
Carlotta Lane
John Perkow
Arlene Yang
Alternate #2 - Vacant

Vaclav E. (Vic) Benes has been a Millburn resident since 1985 and holds a Ph.D. in mathematical logic. He is retired after 36 years in the math dept. at Bell Labs, along with various academic appointments. He is President of the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society, and Vice-Chair of the South Mountain Conservancy. When he is not hiking or climbing, he volunteers at Greenwood Gardens. He is an avid horticulturist.

Andrew Chalnick is a managing director at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. specializing in the taxation of financial products, mergers and acquisitions. He has been dedicated to environmental causes his entire adult life and is an active member and contributor to a variety of environmental organizations. Andrew holds an M.S.E in Electrical Engineering and a B.S.E. in Computer Science Engineering, both from the University of Pennsylvania, Moore School of Engineering; a B.S. in Economics and from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Mary Esquivel is an attorney with extensive experience in corporate law and intellectual property matters, particularly in the structuring and execution of domestic and international transactions in the pharmaceutical industry. Mary began her legal career in private practice in New York City and prior to that worked in the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. Mary attended Columbia University where she earned a M.P.H. and M.S.S.W. and holds a J.D. from Fordham University. In addition to Mary's interest in protecting Millburn's natural resources and promoting sustainable practices, she is also a member of the Healthcare Advisory Board at Overlook Hospital and is involved in pro bono activities to benefit unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children under the auspices of Kids In Need of Defense.

Sandra Haimoff is the Township Committee Liaison to the Millburn Environmental Commission.

David Harrison has been a township resident since 1997. A banker by trade, David lived for a total of 8 years in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney prior to moving to the township. While overseas, he developed an interest in environmentalism and conservation, driven by the contrast of how different nations - governments, culture, and citizens - respect the environment and deal with its issues. David is particularly interested in air quality and global warming, and he enjoys speaking to groups of students about these topics. David has a BS in Economics and Spanish from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY. He resides in the Deerfield section with his wife and three sons.

Kristen Hall serves on the Board of Trustees for the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, and Kristen works as a consultant advising a New York based Environmental Conservation Foundation, Linden Trust, on their grant making strategies. Her specific area of focus is in the use of market based approaches to improve water quality which includes, municipal storm water, agricultural run off and point source water pollution. Her background in equity research on Wall Street and her MBA from Columbia position her uniquely to understand how market based approaches can be used to reduce costs and in many cases increase efficacy.

Carlotta Lane has lived in the township since 1997. A member of the MEC since 2007, she is also a member of the Cable Franchise Committee. Carlotta was formerly a financial analyst for over 20 years, focusing on the electric utility industry. Carlotta joined the MEC in 2007 to improve the communication and exchange of ideas between the MEC, township schools, and related organizations. In 2008, the MEC established the MEC-PTO Liaisons committee to further community outreach efforts.

Jay Perkow was raised in the Township and has been a homeowner since 1991. He is an Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, specializing in securities processing and operational risk. His interest in the environment stems from his undergraduate studies at Haverford College and graduate work in International Affairs and Business at Columbia University. Most recently, he served on the board of 2020 Vision, a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of the impact of global warming on United States military policy. His particular interest in Millburn is on renewable energy as well as looking for financial benefits to the town from improved energy efficiency. He resides in the South Mountainsection with his wife and two children.

Arlene Yang joined the Millburn Environmental Commission in 2008, and serves as the Commission's liaison to the Planning Board. She has had experience as a litigator enforcing environmental laws. In addition to her work as an attorney, she serves as President of the Board of Trustees of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company.

ACTIVITIES

1. Millburn Township Natural Resource Inventory - The Commission periodically updates the Natural Resource Inventory, which catalogs open space, geological features, water, air, soil, vegetative and animal life in Millburn.
2. Advisor to the Township Committee and the Planning Board on planning and zoning matters.
3. Public Education - By creating and distributing informational materials; organizing hands-on activities; and other projects, the Commission enhances our quality of life and creates awareness of the ecosystem in which we live.
4. Regional Coordination - The Commission interacts with neighboriing community environmental commissions and environmetnally oriented non-profit organizations to address local, regional, and state environmental concerns.

CONTACT US

Do you have a concern about an environmental issue in Millburn? Feel Free to contact us, or come to one of our montly meetings.

Vic Benes, Chair, Millburn Environmental Commission - email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Join our e-mail listserv for "Friends of the Millburn Environmental Commission" at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it