Does West Milford need a cycle racing park?
Developers are proposing converting the former Jungle Habitat safari theme park in West Milford into a major off-road motorcycle and bicycle racing park. But local officials and environmentalists oppose the project. X-treme Habitat would have 30 miles of trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, mountain bikes, and bicycle motocross. The state owns the land-769 acres. If built, it would comprise the largest collection of off-road trails in New Jersey. The state Department of Environmental Protection will make the final decision about the park. A decision could come as soon as January 2002, according to a spokeswoman for the state. Regulators have been open to the proposal so far, saying it fits within the state’s goal of providing for all recreation interests. But there may be other reasons for their acceptance. The project has political backing from outgoing state Sen. Louis F. Kosco, R-Paramus, whose family owns a motorcycle and Honda ATV dealership in Kinnelon. Corporations incl
