The evening’s discussions were notably marked by Maria Splendorio, a resident, who raised alarms about an incident involving a student from Bonnie Bray School, a facility for troubled youth. The student had left the premises without permission, which led to a near-fatal situation. Splendorio highlighted the community’s growing unease about Bonnie Bray’s security measures, emphasizing that the incident was a “ticking time bomb” waiting to happen. She urged the township to take swift action by implementing an alert system similar to those used in Silver and Amber alerts for missing individuals.

Security concerns at Bonnie Bray were echoed later in the meeting when a council member addressed the need for ongoing dialogue with the police department and the school. The council underscored this as a priority, reassuring residents of their collective focus on finding effective solutions to ensure safety at Bonnie Bray.

Zoning issues also took center stage as residents debated changes proposed in ordinance 2567, which pertains to the permitted uses in the E2 and E4 office zones. One resident argued against the elimination of light manufacturing, pointing out that the local zoning board had already addressed concerns over the size of a proposed facility. Conversely, another resident, Harry Gearhard, supported the zoning board’s decision to reject a light manufacturing plant in the Allen Road area, citing infrastructure and traffic issues that could negatively impact neighborhoods.

The committee acknowledged the need for rapid action, given the extensive feedback opposing light manufacturing in the E2 zoning district. The council moved to introduce the ordinance for a first reading and scheduled a public hearing for December 10. This swift progression was noted as a collaborative effort among council members and the township attorney, aimed at preserving the community’s character while accommodating responsible development.

In addition to zoning and security, the meeting touched on various community engagement initiatives. A council member highlighted their participation in the League of Municipalities conference, where discussions on affordable housing and artificial intelligence in government took place. The meeting also saw expressions of gratitude for community members who contributed to discussions, especially those involved in the zoning debates.

The Golf Advisory Committee presented a resolution maintaining the current fee schedule for 2025, which was well-received by residents. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Advisory Committee’s annual Farmers meeting involved local farmers and representatives from neighboring municipalities, with updates from officials, including those from Congressman Thomas Kean Jr.’s office. Traffic concerns at Peachtree Road and Homestead Village were also discussed, with ongoing efforts to analyze traffic patterns and develop solutions.

The meeting concluded with various acknowledgments, including the retirement of a long-serving Municipal Alliance member, Mary Jane Postal, recognized for her dedication and grant-funding efforts. Additionally, the Liberty Corner Fire Company announced a fundraiser event, “Santa on the Truck.” A successful community food drive was noted, marking the largest donation to the local food pantry, further highlighting the community’s giving spirit.