Franklin Township Secures $300K Recycling Grant, Debates Tree Ordinance

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Franklin (Somerset County) Environmental Commission, the township celebrated being awarded a significant state grant for municipal recycling, which will inject over $300,000 into the local recycling program. This boost to the township’s environmental initiatives was among a range of topics, including the potential amendment to the tree ordinance, the promotion of electric vehicles, and discussions on clean energy and infrastructure projects.

Cranbury Eyes Community Wildlife Habitat Certification

Overview: The Cranbury Environmental Commission recently convened to discuss various environmental initiatives and projects, with a focus on the potential certification of Cranbury as a Community Wildlife Habitat. The idea, presented by a member of the Girl Scouts, involves transforming the school courtyards into outdoor classrooms and creating a pollinator garden in the Cranbury Brook Preserve. The commission showed enthusiasm for the project, considering it alongside other initiatives such as the creation of a certified Monarch Way Station and the maintenance of the preserve’s ecological value through community outreach and scout project registries.

Halifax Conservation Commission Faces Budget Strains, Debates Cuts

Overview: The Halifax Conservation Commission recently convened to address the town’s pressing budgetary concerns, grappling with the necessity of significant cuts and the challenges of managing unexpected increases in educational expenses. The school department’s financial strain due to an enrollment decrease and rising costs, including special education and contractual raises, was a focal point. The discussion included potential staffing adjustments at Halifax Elementary School, with a mention of its current staff of 56 teachers and 28 non-teaching personnel, and the heightened urgency to finalize the budget to prevent a state takeover.

Miami Lakes Committee Considers Legal Action Against Blasting Damages

Overview: The Miami Lakes Blasting Advisory Committee recently convened to discuss a series of issues related to blasting activities within the town, with the potential for legal action against blasting damages taking center stage. The committee, tasked with addressing community concerns and the impact of blasting operations, debated the town’s capacity to pursue litigation and the financial implications of such a move. Amidst several topics, the possibility of taking legal steps based on the damages caused by blasting was a focal point of the discussion.

Southwick Conservation Commission Tackles Environmental Compliance Issues

Overview: The Southwick Conservation Commission meeting held on March 18th addressed a range of pressing environmental compliance issues, including stormwater problems on Mort Vining Road and concerns regarding a subdivision’s certificate of compliance. The commission also grappled with the late introduction of a substantial report for a 5:30 Griffin Road application, raising questions about the adequacy of review time and legal compliance with open meeting laws.