During the public comment period, residents voiced their opposition to storing DPW equipment in residential neighborhoods. Safety concerns were at the forefront, with residents worried about the risks posed by large DPW vehicles on narrow streets, particularly during inclement weather. One resident highlighted the dangers for pedestrians, especially children, urging the council to reconsider for the sake of community safety. Another resident, Anthony Fante, representing the Washington Lake Association, raised environmental concerns about potential diesel fuel and oil leaks from DPW vehicles, questioning the town’s liability and protocols for addressing such issues.

Residents also criticized the council for a perceived lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Concerns were raised about the environmental implications, particularly regarding the proximity of the proposed storage site to sensitive areas such as wetlands and vernal ponds. Some residents questioned whether the council had conducted proper environmental assessments or obtained necessary permits for the plan. The potential for pollution affecting local ecosystems and water supplies was a recurring theme, with residents urging the council to explore alternative solutions.

The council had initially engaged in discussions to address the inadequacies of the current town hall in accommodating DPW operations. Various options were explored, including purchasing or leasing privately owned properties and considering township-owned sites. However, all alternatives were deemed unsuitable due to environmental restrictions or high costs. Ultimately, the Bethany Community Center was identified as the only viable temporary location, leading to confidential negotiations for a lease agreement.

Despite the council’s assurances that the leased area would not involve hazardous materials or on-site maintenance, residents remained unconvinced. The council faced criticism for holding closed sessions on the matter, leading to accusations of lacking transparency. The proposed lease had yet to be finalized, with the council needing to authorize it through an ordinance after previous procedural missteps.

The council’s attempts to mitigate community concerns included sending certified letters to property owners near the Bethany site and discussing the project with affected homeowners. However, these efforts did little to assuage the fears of residents, who felt the council had overlooked the broader implications of their decision. The administration emphasized that all DPW vehicles would be operated by licensed drivers and safety measures would be implemented, but calls for alternative site evaluations persisted.

In addition to the contentious DPW storage issue, the council addressed other matters, including a $237,528 grant from the New Jersey DOT for resurfacing Ridgewood Boulevard North and a $80,740 grant for park improvements at Memorial Field and Clarkfield. The township’s financial discussions also covered the successful reconciliation of escrow accounts, leading to an $85,854.56 transfer to the revenue account, and the completion of the 2024 auditing process with no recommendations for improvement.

The council’s review of ongoing projects included updates on the 2025 road program, with scheduled catch basin repairs and resurfacing efforts. Discussions about upcoming community events and public service announcements were also featured, highlighting the town’s engagement in local activities. Despite these developments, the DPW storage plan dominated the meeting.