Berkeley Heights Zoning Board Prioritizes Sustainability and Local Environment in Latest Meeting
-
Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
-
Meeting Date:
01/22/2024
-
Recording Published:
02/15/2024
-
Duration:
41 Minutes
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Union County
-
Towns:
Berkeley Heights
- Meeting Overview:
In the recent meeting of the Berkeley Heights Zoning Board, members focused on sustainability efforts, including a discussion on a grant application related to Sustainable Jersey, and ongoing environmental initiatives such as the community garden, the tree ordinance, and flood prevention measures. The board also addressed the importance of communication with the public through the township newsletter and resolved to improve the posting of meeting agendas.
The grant, designed to support environmental projects, prompted a examination of the application process, including the evaluation of matching funds and the likelihood of success. The board showed a unanimous resolve to seek a township resolution to back the grant application.
During the meeting, there was extensive dialogue on the topic of the community garden. The conversation revolved around the ordering of vegetable seeds and the quantity required. The importance of the community garden was underscored by the debate over whether to order one or two packs of seeds, with concerns raised about the size and amount of the seeds being ordered.
In parallel to the community garden discourse, the board addressed a presentation by the Green Brook Flood Commission. The commission’s concerns about local flooding issues were a focal point, with citizens contributing input and questions. The board also heard opposition from a resident named Richard regarding a project involving the township and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The meeting further covered discussions on the LS property, a topic of environmental and conservation interest. The board considered potential zoning changes and their environmental impact, particularly concerning the woodland area within the property. The discussion included the suggestion to include information about impervious versus pervious surfaces in a memo to the mayor.
The mention of the tree ordinance and the planned conference meeting for the following month further emphasized this commitment.
They requested contributions from individuals involved with Wagner Farms and planned to include information on native plants, pollinators, and invasive species in upcoming editions.
A practical concern addressed at the meeting was the absence of a posted agenda online, which prompted a resident’s frustration. The board acknowledged the oversight and expressed intentions to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Donations of seed packs were another focal point of the discussion, with the board expressing uncertainty about the contents and quantity of the seeds. The potential involvement of students in gardening activities related to the donated seeds was discussed, showing the board’s interest in fostering community involvement and educational opportunities.
Towards the end of the meeting, the board deliberated on a resolution related to BC USA and the trail proposal, as well as the importance of maintaining communication with Union County.
Angie Devanney
Zoning Board Officials:
Ray Sullivan, Michael Coviello, Robert Delia, Joseph Ringwood, John Sylvester, Robert Pereda, Danielle West, Brian Deegan, Diomedes Tsitouras, Amanda Wolfe (Board Attorney), Connie Valenti (Board Secretary)
-
Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
01/22/2024
-
Recording Published:
02/15/2024
-
Duration:
41 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Union County
-
Towns:
Berkeley Heights
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/19/2024
- 12/19/2024
- 167 Minutes
- 12/19/2024
- 12/19/2024
- 136 Minutes
- 12/19/2024
- 12/20/2024
- 70 Minutes