20:12The most pressing topic of the meeting was the public’s reaction to the approval of a large apartment complex consisting of 574 family units. Residents, including Lily Yip from Basking Ridge, criticized the decision, arguing that it imposed a financial burden on taxpayers and schools. They contended that the development contradicted the planning board’s assessment and the township’s master plan. Yip urged the committee to reconsider their decision, highlighting the potential benefits of including special needs housing in the plans, which could alleviate some financial strain and better serve the community. Her comments underscored a clear divide between the committee’s development decisions and the concerns of the community, sparking ongoing debates about local governance and the balance between growth and maintaining the township’s character.

22:46Another issue brought up by residents was the accessibility of the police department. A resident expressed frustration over the department’s doors being locked outside of regular business hours, sharing an incident where access was denied on a Saturday afternoon. The resident argued that the police headquarters should be accessible at all times, given that the township operates 24 hours a day. They suggested that hiring more officers could allow for someone to be stationed at the police department to assist the public, stressing the importance of immediate access in emergencies. This concern highlighted the community’s demand for improved public safety measures and the need for the township to address these operational challenges.

45:11The meeting also featured discussions on the township’s 2025 municipal budget, which was prepared for public hearing and adoption. The proposed budget totaled $48,534,690, with a taxation amount of $23,570,490. Notably, the tax rate decreased by 6.19% to 0.253 per $100 of assessed value. The capital budget was a focal point, totaling over $7.5 million. During the public hearing, a resident questioned the consistent allocation of $15,000 for crossing guard services that went unused, prompting discussions on budget optimization.

39:50In addition, the committee adopted the golf utility budget, which remained steady at $569,313. The integration of public safety initiatives, such as body cameras and a second drone, was also highlighted.

02:25Community engagement was further demonstrated through several resolutions and acknowledgments. The committee recognized the Ridge High School fencing team’s victory at the New Jersey State Championship and the Ridge Hockey Middle School Junior Devils’ championship win. These resolutions celebrated the athletes’ dedication and teamwork while acknowledging the support of their families. The committee also passed a resolution for April as Autism Acceptance Month, honoring individuals on the autism spectrum and promoting understanding and inclusion. A new adaptive golf clinic for adults with intellectual disabilities was announced, developed in partnership with the New Jersey Golf Foundation.

29:01The meeting also covered various upcoming community events, including the Memorial Day parade in Liberty Corner and Charter Day celebrations. Discussions on the township’s economic development strategies were held amidst concerns about the declining commercial tax base, which had dropped from 23% to approximately 10%, increasing the burden on residential taxpayers. The committee emphasized the importance of attracting businesses and engaging the community in identifying preferred business types for the township.