Residents of the Cranberry Run community brought to the council’s attention the persistent and severe water issues plaguing their neighborhood. One resident described the water levels reaching up to their knees, hindering access to properties and impacting daily life, including their ability to work. The council heard reports of the management company, Legacy, being aware of the internal drainage problems contributing to the situation. Council members and residents discussed the urgency of the matter, with the council vowing to prioritize discussions with Legacy to stress the severity of the impending rain and the associated risks. Lisa, a council member, affirmed that she had been in contact with Legacy regarding the internal issues and that the council’s engineer was informed of the road conditions, although the pending application from Legacy was deemed incomplete and unrelated to the current road issue.

During the council meeting, the issue of rent control within the Cranberry Run community was also a focal point of discussion. John, a resident, urged the council to take a firm stance against Legacy regarding rent increases in the community. To address these concerns, the council considered a draft resolution in support of Assembly Bill 3361, which aimed to limit rent increases to a 2.5% cap. The council members voted unanimously to proceed with the drafting of the resolution, signaling their collective support for the bill.

The meeting’s public comment segment included Daniel Hutcheson, who sought the council’s backing for Assembly Bill 3361. He emphasized the importance of the council’s resolution to lend credibility when engaging with other legislators on the matter. Dorothy Monera also spoke up, raising concerns about a neighbor’s violation of regulations by residing in a camper on an adjacent wetland property, which caused distress in the neighborhood. Lisa Tilton, the newly appointed code enforcement officer, updated the council on actions taken to address the issue, including the issuance of summonses, collaboration with multiple agencies, and tackling the violations head-on. She also discussed the need to address false statements made by the individual in question and the registration status of his vehicles.

Mayor Ruggieri, in his report, highlighted the success of the recent Martin Luther King Jr. celebration held at the King Center, thanking the public works department for their efforts in managing recent weather events. He also drew attention to an upcoming environmental commission workshop designed to build owl nesting boxes and encouraged local residents to participate. Furthermore, the mayor recognized the Newtonville seniors and the public works department for their diligence during the recent snow and wind storms. The council approved several ordinances, resolutions, and lease agreements, including a notable agreement with the African American Heritage Museum.

The Township Administrator, alongside Deputy Mayor Ellen Testa and Committeemen Aaron Krenzer, Kurt Renart, and John Williams, all extended their gratitude to the public works department, fire companies, and EMS for their collaborative response to recent weather challenges. The administrator also announced a series of community events, such as a free rabies clinic in March, a community yard sale, and Earth Month activities.