Several residents from the Four Seasons development took to the public comment segment to emphasize the seriousness of the road conditions. Martin Herring, the board president of the development, initiated the discussion, stating, “Our roads are in terrible shape; we got potholes, we got cracks all over the place.” Herring pointed out that the development, established in 2004, had not seen any maintenance since its inception. He stressed the safety risks, especially for the elderly residents, many of whom are over 70 years old, and described how walking dogs on these streets could lead to potential injuries due to the potholes. Herring requested that the community’s roads be added to the township’s repair list, highlighting the financial burden on the residents by saying, “We spend a lot of money around here.” He also mentioned having photographic evidence of the road conditions, which he was willing to share with the township engineer to expedite the repair process.

Following Herring, Amy Freeman, another resident of Four Seasons, reinforced the urgency of the matter by sharing her own experience of falling into one of the road’s potholes while walking her dogs. Freeman also brought up the issue of a neighbor improperly disposing of automotive fluids on their driveway, leading to contamination concerns. She sought guidance on how to address this within the community. Freeman acknowledged the challenges of regulating vehicle maintenance in residential areas but stressed the need for some action to prevent further environmental hazards.

Kathy Lair, another resident, added to the discussion, recounting previous outreach to the township regarding road conditions as far back as 2017. She expressed gratitude for the board’s efforts but reiterated that the situation had since worsened, emphasizing the necessity of timely repairs. Lair, also a dog walker, echoed concerns about the unsafe conditions for pedestrians and implored the township to take action sooner than the proposed timeline of 2026, which was mentioned as the projected year for repairs based on the township’s capital plan.

In response to these public comments, the committee members acknowledged the residents’ concerns and expressed appreciation for their vigilance. They confirmed that the current capital plan included the Four Seasons community for repairs in 2026, indicating that while immediate repairs might not be feasible, the issue would be revisited annually. The discussion also touched on the possibility of filling small potholes in the interim, with a mention of the limitations of temporary fixes like cold patching. The committee recognized the need for more substantial repairs, stating that if the potholes were too large, a complete milling and paving would be necessary.

The conversation then shifted to the environmental concerns raised by Freeman regarding improper vehicle maintenance within the community. A committee member suggested that the Homeowners Association (HOA) should consult their attorney to draft bylaws that would regulate such activities, emphasizing the importance of local governance in these matters. The committee also recommended reaching out to environmental associations for guidance on establishing effective regulations.

In addition to the road conditions, the meeting covered other topics. There was a discussion about the installation of a Gateway sign on Plainsboro Road aimed at traffic calming. It was clarified that the sign was designed to correspond with a 25 mph speed zone, emphasizing its function in traffic management rather than indicating municipal boundaries.

The committee also discussed the approval of a hot dog stand operated by a private landowner, described as a rolling cart reminiscent of those in New York. This stand is intended to provide convenience for local warehouse workers seeking quick meals. The approval process involved two meetings and extensive dialogue, ultimately resulting in a passed resolution.

Additionally, the committee celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for an inclusive playground at Village Park, attended by several prominent officials. The event was described as a joyous occasion marking the successful transition from the idea phase to implementation.

The committee acknowledged the successful Cranbury Day event, commending the organization and educational efforts of various commissions, including the Historical Preservation Commission. Upcoming events were noted, including a Tavern Tidbits trivia event and a historic housing tour, with plans for a holiday event in December.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of vacancies on the Environmental Commission and the Zoning Board, inviting applications for those positions. The committee moved to approve several resolutions, including the awarding of contracts for 2024 road improvements.