The most pressing topic of the meeting was the council’s discussion on affordable housing litigation. The council detailed their participation in a multi-town lawsuit challenging aspects of the fourth-round affordable housing legislation. Council members emphasized their commitment to supporting fair housing initiatives while expressing concerns over the legislation’s implementation. Attorney Michael Collins was retained to represent the group, and a draft complaint from the law firm was distributed to council members for review. The council highlighted the urgency of providing feedback on the draft by the upcoming Friday deadline, stressing the importance of the litigation for the community’s housing policies.

Another issue was the proposed tree ordinance, which drew discussion from both the council and residents. Discussions centered on the ordinance’s implications for local flooding, with one resident sharing personal experiences of severe backyard flooding due to recent rainstorms. The resident argued that the removal of trees could worsen flooding problems, citing examples from nearby Harrington Park. They pointed out that “cement doesn’t absorb water,” emphasizing the need to balance environmental considerations with development. The council acknowledged the concerns and discussed the importance of clear communication and enforcement of the tree ordinance to prevent unauthorized tree removal. The practicality of distributing information, such as through direct mail campaigns, was also debated.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing concerns about the property on Old Tappan Road. A resident, Sher Hono, voiced worries about the potential for the property to become an unfinished construction site, especially after Capital Senior Housing withdrew their development bid. The attorney for the council noted that updates had recently been shared with the Mayor and Council, but specific details could not be disclosed. The next court date for the property was set for September 17th. Hono also highlighted a gap in public knowledge regarding the tree ordinance, referencing an incident in West Orange where numerous trees were cut down by a developer. The council confirmed ongoing conversations about the ordinance and the need for better communication to ensure residents are aware of local regulations.

The public comment section brought up several other community concerns. One resident raised the issue of noise from landscaping equipment, proposing restrictions on commercial landscaping hours and the number of active equipment pieces. The council discussed the feasibility of enforcing such regulations, acknowledging the challenges.

Another topic of discussion was the management of deer populations in the area. Residents expressed concerns about health risks, such as Lyme disease, and property damage caused by deer. The council mentioned ongoing discussions with neighboring mayors and considered surveying public opinion on potential management strategies.

Safety concerns related to the use of electric bikes and scooters in residential neighborhoods were also brought forward. Residents noted the dangers posed by young individuals riding these vehicles without helmets and at high speeds. The council was urged to collaborate with the police chief to develop stricter regulations and improve enforcement.

The council also touched on the noise generated by landscaping equipment, with residents expressing frustration over early morning disturbances. The existing ordinance prohibits commercial landscaping activities before 8 AM on weekdays, with additional restrictions on weekends. Suggestions were made to limit commercial landscaping hours to standard business hours and reduce the number of active equipment pieces.

In new business, the council discussed tree removal permits, with a council member noting that a resident was awaiting a letter from an arborist regarding certain trees proposed for removal. The council debated the need for an arborist’s expertise in enforcing the tree removal ordinance and considered hiring a local arborist for consultations.

Updates were provided on various local projects, including the road program for a property on and the drainage project on Frad Street. The council also discussed the maintenance issues at the golf course and library, proposing simultaneous roofing to potentially reduce costs.

The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming community events, including Town Day and a guest speaker for youth sports development. Health updates were shared, noting stable Lyme disease cases and pending press releases about mosquito-borne illnesses.