The primary focal point of the meeting was the apprehension surrounding the Toll Brothers’ Rybrook project, which involves blasting activities that residents fear could compromise local well water. One resident, Doug Eden, articulated these concerns, describing the vibrations from the blasting as being akin to an earthquake, strong enough to shake items in his home. Eden’s remarks emphasized the potential for blasting to fracture the protective shell of the aquifer, which supplies drinking water to the community. He urged the township to retest wells, pointing out the possible presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), colloquially known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to serious health risks.

Tim Veraco, another resident, criticized the township’s historical oversight regarding environmental stewardship and well testing. He highlighted a troubling report indicating that 41.2% of tested wells contained PFAS above state tolerance levels. Veraco expressed frustration over what he described as a “lack of communication” from township officials, asserting that his concerns had been met with “crickets.” He called for a more accountable approach, advocating for a “code of conduct and standards of integrity” among township officials to ensure transparent dialogue with residents.

The meeting saw further input from Thomas Burke, a licensed site remediation professional, who reiterated the need for more comprehensive testing for PFAS, especially at local golf courses. He equated the ongoing blasting to fracking, raising alarms about the potential impact on the integrity of local wells. Residents like Susan from Hunt Club Road and Eric Eden echoed these fears, sharing personal experiences of water contamination and advocating for increased transparency and proactive communication from the township about blasting activities.

Township officials defended their actions, with an administrator dismissing concerns about the safety of the blasting as unfounded, stating that the procedures were regulated by the state of New Jersey. Despite assurances, the residents remained unconvinced, pressing for more rigorous testing and monitoring of their water supply.

Amidst these discussions, the council also addressed school funding issues, a topic of significant concern for the community. Superintendent Vulpia and members of the Board of Education joined nearly 20 residents at a fact-finding commission meeting to discuss the state’s school aid formula. They argued that the S2 school aid formula, enacted in 2018, had shortchanged Hillsborough’s students by approximately $7 million over the past seven years. This disparity was highlighted as particularly concerning given that other districts within Somerset County have seen increases in state aid. The council urged the Department of Education to consider a “common sense transparent fair and equitable school funding Reform Act,” noting that Hillsborough’s financial support remains insufficient despite stable student enrollment and rising educational costs.

In a lighter segment of the meeting, the council recognized the achievements of two local Girl Scouts. Nicole Shear received the Girl Scouts Medal of Honor for saving a young boy from drowning while on vacation in Costa Rica. The council commended her bravery, and applause filled the room following her recognition. Additionally, Gabi Magna was honored for earning her Girl Scout Gold Award. Her project raised awareness about community responsibilities toward autistic individuals, involving collaboration with autistic adolescents and neurotypical peers.

The meeting also included discussions on economic and community development initiatives. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Pratt Personal Training, a new facility offering personalized exercise plans. The council announced upcoming meetings with the New Jersey Economic and Business Development Authority to assist local businesses in accessing grant funding. The Hillsborough Business Alliance is promoting “Children’s Week,” encouraging participation from businesses focused on children’s services.

In terms of recreational and community services, families can look forward to diverse spring programming. The rec department plans to offer sports, fitness, STEM-related classes, and art activities, aimed at fostering memorable experiences for children. Social Services recognized local contributions to the Community Assistance Network from organizations such as the Mavericks fast pitch softball team and Cub Scout Pack 89.

The meeting concluded on a note of environmental consciousness, with an emphasis on sustainability practices and the importance of proper sump pump discharges to prevent winter flooding and icing issues.