South Hunterdon School Board Sells Westwell School for $1.2 Million to Address Debt

Overview: The South Hunterdon School Board meeting centered on a financial update: the sale of Westwell School for $1.2 million. The proceeds, expected to be around $1.1 million after closing costs, will be directed toward reducing referendum debt, offering potential tax relief to the district’s taxpayers. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to manage district finances responsibly. The board is committed to exploring various methods to apply these funds effectively, adhering to IRS regulations that stipulate limitations on direct debt payments from sale proceeds.

Lambertville Faces Community Concerns over Redevelopment and Environmental Impact

Overview: The recent Lambertville City Council meeting addressed the redevelopment of the Lambertville High School site, with significant public concern over environmental and traffic issues. Residents voiced skepticism about the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program and highlighted the need for comprehensive environmental and traffic studies, urging the council to include these assessments in the redevelopment plan. Additional discussions covered local ordinances, tree preservation, and community events.

Raritan Planning Board Grapples with Sewer Capacity Issues and Affordable Housing Needs

Overview: During the recent Raritan Planning Board meeting, discussions focused on the township’s stumbling blocks regarding sewer capacity, which is impacting the progression of affordable housing projects. A pertinent issue arose when it was noted that a developer had begun construction without meeting the necessary capacity requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy. This situation highlighted discrepancies in communication from the Raritan Township Municipal Utility Authority (RTMUA), leading to a call for more explicit confirmation of capacity in RTMUA letters, which are currently deemed ambiguous and inadequate.

Bethlehem Town Council Tackles Critical Public Safety and Infrastructure Needs

Overview: The recent Bethlehem Town Council meeting concentrated on public safety and infrastructure improvements, specifically addressing fire and police department capital needs and significant public works initiatives. Discussion centered on the reallocation of fire department resources, such as the proposed repurposing of Engine 5 to optimize functionality and cost-efficiency, and the need for replacing critical equipment like the command vehicle Utility 2. The fire chief highlighted the necessity of replacing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air packs and cylinders, which will soon reach the end of their lifespan.

Raritan Zoning Board Grants Extension for Tree Planting and Occupancy Certificate

Overview: During the recent Raritan Zoning Board meeting on October 16, 2025, decisions revolved around extending deadlines for Pioneer Developers, Inc. , addressing site compliance issues, and discussing the expansion of a storage facility. A primary focus was on a significant motion to extend Pioneer Developers’ timeline for obtaining a final certificate of occupancy by a year, influenced by ongoing compliance matters, particularly in tree restoration efforts. The board also examined requests from Executive Snow Control LLC and Hunter Storage, Inc., deliberating on site plan modifications and compliance with existing zoning resolutions.