The council unanimously passed ordinance number 3122 d24, amending the Springfield Avenue Redevelopment plan, which included a change in parking requirements. A public commentator endorsed the amendment but proposed the consideration of maximum parking requirements as well.

One of the more contentious agenda items was ordinance number 3123 d24, which sought to amend zoning and development regulations related to historic preservation. This ordinance was discussed, as the planning board had been unable to reach a consensus on its implications. Council members underscored the need for the historic preservation commission’s involvement, due to departments’ lack of expertise in this area. They emphasized that the ordinance was a preventive measure against the negative trends seen in other communities, where historic properties were being altered or demolished without adequate oversight. The purpose of the ordinance is to institute a review process for demolition permits, which the historic preservation commission would oversee. A member of the Maplewood historic preservation commission supported the ordinance, highlighting recent losses of historic structures and the necessity of a review process to prevent further loss of historic assets.

The council also discussed the implications of the proposed demolition review ordinance on property owners and buyers. Concerns were raised about how long a determination by the historic preservation commission would last and whether it would run with the property. The council clarified their position.

Other ordinances adopted included the implementation of 2-hour parking on Raymond Terrace and revisions to the Township Code concerning the youth advisory committee’s composition and members’ term lengths. Additionally, the council addressed delayed tax bill issuance, urging that information be communicated to residents promptly.

The council announced an upcoming Maplewood shared housing program, which aims to match home providers with home seekers through a nonprofit organization. Details of the program, including the screening process and resident participation, were scheduled for discussion at a future meeting.

A major development discussion focused on the proposed amendments to bulk requirements in residential zones to control development and reduce bulk. These amendments involve increasing side yard setbacks and establishing new setback requirements for attached garages and second-story construction on such garages. The council debated measurements for the garage setbacks and ultimately agreed they should be measured from the main facade of the building.

Further addressing community concerns, the council deliberated on a significant investment in new police radios to enhance public safety by improving interoperability with other agencies. Residents raised issues regarding 24-hour businesses, increased traffic and noise, and the presence of homelessness in public spaces. The council responded by acknowledging ongoing discussions with the police department and the school district to address these concerns.

The meeting also touched upon community events and updates, including the Lavender Graduation, improvements to the community pool, the July 4th celebration plans, and upcoming summer programming such as movies in the park. The council moved to fill an unexpired term on the zoning board and mentioned an upcoming community information session for a cannabis operation. Additionally, upcoming Juneteenth events were discussed, as well as the importance of local businesses hiring interns.