Board of Adjustment Approves Butterfly Center Variances

The Board of Adjustment approved variances Thursday sought by a planned for the former Givaudan building on Windsor Road.

Known as World of Wings, the Windsor Road facility will include a butterfly conservatory and exhibits on small-winged insects, project representatives have said. As part of the approval, World of Wings agreed to close the facility by 9 p.m. in most cases, and reserve a nearby wooded-area for use as a parking lot only if officials see a parking issue.

Teaneck officials and World of Wings first differed on the amount of required parking spaces, with the township zoning official saying 519 spaces would be needed, according to Harry Tuvel, an engineer working on the project. Tuvel called that number “majorly overstated,” and said the site would only need about 236 spaces in total.

A parking variance was needed for 56 additional spaces to the current 180 spaces at the Givaudan property, Tuvel said. Ultimately, World of Wings agreed to reserve an adjacent wooded-area it owns for another lot only if town officials find parking issues.

Questions were also raised about lighting for a glass butterfly atrium planned near the center of the building. Tuvel said only a small glow would be seen and the facility would generally close around 9 p.m. World of Wings was not planning to host all-night events, he said.

“I think it will be more geared toward children’s parties,” Tuvel said. "The major features of the facility will include a butterfly conservatory atrium, educational exhibits, play areas for children, a food service faculty, a gift shop, an auditorium with a stage, and also finally administrative offices."

Board of Adjustment members approved the proposal 6-0, and largely voiced excitement over the project.  There were no public comments on the project at the sparsely attended meeting.

“I really think that they’ve [World of Wings] looked for a use that will complement the Township of Teaneck and the surrounding areas,” said Board of Adjustment member Warren Hodges.

The exact opening date for the butterfly center is not yet determined, according to a statement from World of Wings. Windsor Road would be the first location for World of Wings and the company said it planned to have a wide range of butterfly species.   

“The exhibits will focus mostly on butterflies and moths of the world, but there will be several different live exhibits,” the statement said.  “We want to educate and expose the public to nature, and the beauty of these creatures, in a fun, educational way.”