Somerville Zoning Board Discusses Easter Seals Group Home Expansion Proposal

Overview: The Somerville Zoning Board recently reviewed a application by Easter Seals to expand a group home to include two additional bedrooms and a handicap accessibility ramp. The application sparked a discussion on the facility’s operations, resident needs, and neighborhood impact.

Hillsborough Council Allocates $185,000 for Building Thermostats

Overview: In a recent Hillsborough Borough Council meeting, the council approved an ordinance, appropriating $185,000 for the purchase of thermostats for the Municipal Building. This move is part of a larger discussion on budget and capital improvements that the council addressed, reflecting on the importance of investing in the township’s infrastructure and essential services. The ordinance, numbered 202-24-13, is slated for public hearing on August 13th, 2024.

Montgomery School Board Addresses Student Proficiency and Community Engagement

Overview: In a recent Montgomery School Board meeting, members discussed issues affecting both the student body and the community at large. The board also engaged in discussions on student preparation for post-secondary success and standardized testing, with debates on the necessity of skills lab courses and after-school clinics. Community engagement was another focal point, with residents expressing concerns over the high school tennis courts’ closure and a petition to start high school times later to align with adolescent sleep health research.

Bridgewater Board Debates Subdivision and Variance Impacts

Overview: The Bridgewater Planning Board recently deliberated on an application for a major subdivision on Mountaintop Road, which includes a request for bulk variance relief, specifically concerning lot widths. The discussions were marked by significant scrutiny of the subdivision’s compliance with environmental and zoning standards and the potential impact on the neighborhood’s character.

Watchung Hills School Board Addresses Graduation Readiness and Construction Updates

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Watchung Hills School Board concentrated on a range of topics, including the school’s infrastructure improvements, the New Jersey graduation proficiency assessment results, and the success of student-led initiatives. The board highlighted the impressive donation of $536.38 to the Somerset County Food Bank by the class of 2024, using leftover lunch account funds. Furthermore, the ongoing construction projects, such as the completion of the nurses’ suite, substantial changes in the gym and steam lab, and the installation of a new fiber optic cable, were outlined with an emphasis on their progress and the strategies in place to minimize disruption to learning activities.