The discussion on affordable housing was a central theme, with council members and residents expressing various concerns about the implications of the state-imposed housing obligations. A resolution related to the state’s Department of Community Affairs (DCA) housing numbers was a point of debate. Some residents questioned the finality of the assigned numbers—31 units for present need and 80 units for prospective need—and sought clarification on the borough’s process for accepting these figures. The council acknowledged the lack of vacant land, which limits the potential for adjustments to these numbers, and emphasized the importance of maintaining compliance to avoid legal challenges. There was a consensus on the need for transparency and continued dialogue regarding housing methodologies and the impact on small towns like Garwood.

The council addressed infrastructure challenges linked to increased housing demands. Concerns were raised about the strain on local emergency services, such as the police and fire departments, as the population grows. Residents urged the council to consider the implications of new housing developments on the town’s infrastructure and to seek state funding to manage these challenges. The council recognized the importance of strategic planning and proactive measures to ensure the community’s needs are met while navigating the complexities of affordable housing regulations.

Another topic of interest at the meeting was the ongoing discussion of parking ordinances. Three proposed ordinances aimed to adjust parking regulations on North Avenue and JFK Plaza, including the introduction of paid parking zones and the establishment of a 15-minute parking allowance in specific areas. The council supported these initiatives, emphasizing the role of the Chief of Police in overseeing the implementation of the new parking rules. The council also discussed the importance of public engagement and planned to allow further public commentary on the ordinances in future meetings.

The council received updates on several municipal projects, including the Municipal Aid 2023 and 2024 projects. The Borough Engineer reported on inspections and design work for these projects. The council also heard about ongoing efforts to obtain reimbursement for older grants and the challenges associated with the funding process. Residents were thanked for their patience regarding construction work on local streets, which is set to resume in the spring.

Community development initiatives were also discussed, with the council emphasizing the importance of resident engagement in planning processes. The Citizens Advisory Panel’s recent meeting focused on improvements to the Center Street Corridor, including the potential addition of bike lanes and temporary bump-outs. The council encouraged continued input from the advisory panel as budget discussions progressed, recognizing the importance of community involvement in shaping the town’s master plan.

The council highlighted the collaborative efforts with Congresswoman MacGyver’s office and the Army Corps of Engineers to address flood solutions for the Raway River Basin. A timeline extending through August 2027 for final approvals was noted.

Union County’s application for a grant to update Unami Park was mentioned, with plans for ADA-accessible playground equipment and pathways if the grant is awarded. The council emphasized the significance of these improvements for the community and encouraged active participation in related initiatives.

Residents highlighted the need for strategic planning and collaboration to address the challenges posed by new housing developments.