The primary topic of the meeting was the potential redevelopment of the Sunnyme Landfill, initially designated as a redevelopment area in 2007. The site, identified as block 182, lot 6, has remained vacant and underutilized for over 50 years. This lack of activity contrasts sharply with the surrounding areas, which have seen significant industrial development. The planning director, David Kois, presented a preliminary investigation report confirming that the area met the necessary criteria for redevelopment under local law. The report highlighted the site’s stagnant land use, with an improvement ratio of 0.00%, and its historical use as farmland that has since lost its agricultural status.

Kois explained that the residential agricultural zoning of the site was incompatible with the industrial activity nearby, deterring potential investment. He emphasized that including the site in the redevelopment area would facilitate coordinated remediation and planning efforts, potentially eliminating blighting influences and promoting sustainable growth in line with township goals.

The meeting also addressed the historical operation of the landfill, which ceased in 1985, with closure activities completed by 2001. Although no contamination has been recorded for block 6, further testing is required to ensure its suitability for development. The board discussed the implications of the recommendation, clarifying that the action was to acknowledge the area’s suitability for redevelopment, rather than approve a specific development project.

A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments and questions from residents. Maria Janusk, a property owner in Hillsborough, raised questions about the property’s sale, revealing that Sunnyme Ventures LLC had purchased the landfill parcel. While the sale price was not immediately available, it was suggested that the information could be requested from the township administration. Janusk expressed concerns about the ongoing pollution and lack of township action over the years. Officials explained that the cleanup of a landfill is costly, and the township had conducted preliminary studies and installed monitoring mechanisms to assess methane gas levels before selling the property. However, they noted that the township no longer had direct oversight over the property and could not provide specific updates on current methane emissions.

Another resident, identified as Kubak, inquired about the timeline for redevelopment and potential traffic impacts from future developments. The board clarified that while the property had been designated for redevelopment, no current plans or proposals for specific buildings exist. Any development would require further public hearings and notices. The redevelopment plan must be adopted as an ordinance, involving additional community engagement.

Throughout the public hearing, the board addressed the nature of the redevelopment, explaining that merging properties would facilitate development and ensure landfill closure, benefiting the township through increased tax revenue. The board emphasized that the developer would assume responsibility for further closing the property in accordance with all New Jersey requirements, highlighting the township’s expectation for the developer to manage the cleanup process.

Following the public comments, the board moved to close the public hearing and entertained a motion regarding the recommendation of Lot Six as a nomination area for redevelopment. This action amended a prior redevelopment area, and the motion passed unanimously after a roll call vote.

The meeting also touched on a previous application related to Eminem Realty, involving property owned by the township. Although the application had been approved, the sale had not yet occurred. Board members acknowledged ongoing litigation surrounding the matter and refrained from providing further details due to its sensitive nature.