Central to the discussions was the safety concern at a local intersection involving multiple entities, where a near-miss incident was recently reported. The commission showed interest in seeking a grant from Ridewise to mitigate the risk.

The feasibility of installing EV chargers was also explored, highlighting a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure and clean energy. Members also discussed the digitization of the environmental resource inventory.

Community outreach and participation were also on the agenda, with plans to support World Water Day on March 22, 2025, through activities like a clean-up on Mile Run. The importance of outreach was further emphasized by a budget proposal for educational materials and programs. The commission debated participating in the Environmental Congress at Rowan University and reviewed materials from environmental groups, which were tabled for a more discussion due to some members’ absence.

The commission also reviewed a plan for paving a section of Western Canal Road and pondered the construction of a roundabout to improve traffic flow. This was part of a broader discussion on infrastructure and community development, which included the consideration of bids for aggregated energy and grants aimed at enhancing pedestrian movement.

A highlight of the meeting was a presentation by a high school student, Arman, who proposed an initiative to promote sustainable practices among small entities like schools and businesses. Commission members engaged with the proposal, suggesting criteria and offering guidance, reflecting their support for local, youth-led initiatives. The discussion expanded to the possibility of including a youth member on the commission.

Concerns about a new subdivision proposal from Jam and Jam Construction LLC were raised, with confusion noted regarding the accuracy and consistency of the application. The commission expressed readiness to review the site plan for the construction of a new single-family dwelling and retention of an existing two-family dwelling when it became available online.

In addition to the sustainability efforts, the commission considered implementing a model ordinance to reduce the use of plastic cutlery by fast food establishments. Further, the potential for engaging young individuals in environmental initiatives was discussed, with website traffic analytics showing the importance of digital outreach.