The most notable issue of the meeting revolved around this proposed stormwater easement, which residents argue would grant a private developer access to public parkland. Janice Ludden, a resident of Heather Lane, expressed her objections, questioning the timing and transparency of the ordinance’s introduction. Ludden argued that the township committee’s decision seemed predetermined, given that the Joint Land Use Board had approved a plan reliant on the easement over a year ago. She highlighted potential negative impacts, such as increased traffic and environmental degradation, urging the council to reconsider the implications of allowing private development on public lands.

Echoing Ludden’s concerns, Eva Klein of Newport Drive emphasized the potential increase in traffic and the negative impact on the community, pointing out that the previous traffic study did not account for the recent surge in visitors from the Big Rusty development. Klein argued against creating a road through residential areas, advocating for the preservation of the park’s natural beauty.

John Kaine from Cove Court raised further issues regarding the authorization process for the developer to mark out the area for the pipeline. He suggested that residents should not bear the burden of justifying why the project should not proceed; instead, the council should prove its necessity. Kaine also raised concerns about the funding sources for Creek Turn Park and whether utilizing the park for private gain could violate open space protection statutes. His argument highlighted the conflict between community interests and private development.

Paula Yulan from the Hainesport Township Environmental Commission voiced her objections, citing both environmental and financial concerns. She warned that the proposed ordinance would disturb significant wetlands on township-owned land, classified as an exceptional resource by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Yulan underscored the potential disruption to habitats for endangered species, such as the New Jersey bog turtle, and warned of adverse effects on the Rancokus Creek. She urged the council to reconsider the easement due to its implications.

Other residents, such as Deborah Playa and Samantha Loveman, added their voices to the chorus of concern, focusing on the financial and moral implications of the easement. Playa referenced maintenance responsibilities and the financial viability of the homeowner association responsible for upkeep, questioning their ability to manage potential legal liabilities. Loveman criticized the easement for risking the community’s environmental integrity for private gain, warning that taxpayers would bear the financial consequences if the stormwater drain failed.

The procedural aspects surrounding the easement also came under scrutiny. Bob Mode highlighted a perceived lack of transparency in the approval timeline by the Joint Land Use Board and suggested that political influence might compromise decisions. He referenced past contributions to the mayor’s campaign by the developer, urging scrutiny of the council’s actions. Jennifer Kaine questioned why the developer could not utilize their own land for stormwater management, arguing the public land use posed risks and liabilities to residents.

Despite the overwhelming opposition, the motion to table Ordinance 2025-16, due to the lack of visibility into the easement agreement, did not receive a second, allowing the ordinance to move forward to a public hearing. Council members acknowledged the need for further information and transparency, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental concerns before the public hearing.

In addition to the stormwater easement debate, the meeting covered other notable topics, including the introduction of several ordinances. Ordinance 2025-10, allocating $600,000 for a fire truck acquisition, was adopted without public opposition, and Ordinance 2025-11, amending the fire prevention code, also passed smoothly. Other ordinances related to property acquisition, peddling and soliciting regulations, parking, and zoning were introduced, with public hearings scheduled for December 9.

A particularly contentious issue discussed was a proposal by Senator Troy Singleton, identified as S4736, which would preempt local zoning powers to allow high-density residential housing. This legislation raised concerns among council members about potential overdevelopment and the bypassing of local zoning regulations. The implications of the bill were described as alarming, as it could enable developers to build without adhering to existing municipal zoning ordinances, potentially disrupting local planning efforts and environmental protections.

The council also discussed administrative matters, such as shared service agreements, fire service agreements, and annual meeting schedules. The meeting concluded with a call for community members to assist with outreach efforts to the homeless population and the introduction of a new program, Hainesport Helps, aimed at fostering volunteerism among local teens.