Central to the Committee’s agenda was the discussion of the green infrastructure grant, which involves a strategic allocation of funds toward specific improvement areas. This grant aims to address several environmental and infrastructural challenges by focusing on stormwater management and the planting of native trees.

The Committee also prioritized the connection of trails to existing roads, public transit stops, and pathways, with the proposal of a new pathway from Franken Boulevard to JFK to Deont Lane. The “last mile” connectivity is seen as crucial for facilitating easy access between major stops and key locations within the township. A kickoff meeting with the consulting company has been scheduled to ensure that community input is integrated into the project planning process.

Moreover, the Committee underscored the importance of digital innovation by highlighting the transition to digital submissions for site plan reviews.

The discussion extended to the maintenance and enhancement of the trails, where the Committee considered the use of the shade tree fund for the planting of trees conducive to stormwater management. They also discussed solutions for water accumulation near playgrounds and muddy conditions near a baseball diamond, including regrading and stone replacement.

The Committee addressed ongoing projects, such as the completion of GPS Trails mapping and the conversion of trail markers to paint blazes. They debated the prioritization of various projects and discussed the possibility of partnering with organizations like New Jersey Audubon for birding and butterfly walks at Negri Neot trail, as well as coordinating with the Autobon for hikes.

A work plan titled “2024 and Beyond” was also reviewed, which the Committee agreed to maintain as a guiding document for future activities. They considered pausing halfway through the year to assess their progress. The possibility of installing permanent informational frames along the trails was discussed, as was the development of Kopa Park and trail intersections, for which the committee is awaiting permits.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon the importance of community engagement, with plans for various trail-related events and activities being formulated. These include a trail running series, an Earth Day hike, an Eco hike on May 25th, and a storybook hike on May 4th at Inman trail. The Committee discussed the logistics of these events, including the creation of flyers and the need to secure approval from the Board of Education to disseminate information through schools.

The Committee also deliberated on the memorial plaque for Melba, considering the language and location for the plaque, and the condition of the bird blind where it might be placed. Furthermore, the Committee expressed gratitude towards the Boy Scouts for their cleanup efforts at Middle Bush Park and the John Clyde memorial trail and recognized a high school student’s interest in initiating potential projects.

In terms of infrastructure, the Committee conversed about the Pathways and trails plan, currently under review by the open space advisory committee, and the impending micro Mobility study, with a selected consultant and the purchase order process underway.

Trail conditions were also a point of discussion, with members reporting on issues such as deteriorating roads, graffiti, the need for garbage cans at specific trail areas, and the maintenance of trail markers and informational signs.