Westfield Town Council Plans for No Tax Increase in 2024 Budget

Overview: In a recent Westfield Town Council meeting, an overview of the 2024 Municipal and Capital budgets was presented, emphasizing the town’s strong financial position with a historic surplus and the notable achievement of setting a 0% tax rate increase for the upcoming year. The meeting covered a range of topics, including the award of a contract for a downtown strategic plan, the formation of a steering committee for Tamaques Park redesign, the recognition of high school sports teams’ achievements, and discussions on infrastructure and public safety investments.

Miami Beach Planning Board Tackles Noise Ordinance and Development Issues

Overview: The Miami Beach Planning Board addressed concerns regarding noise ordinance enforcement and the Goodtime Hotel, as well as discussed several development proposals including the expansion of the Fisher Island parking garage, introduction of a flagship Whole Foods store, and the impact of potential residential and office space incentives during their recent meeting.

Trenton School Board Tackles Mental Health and Safety Initiatives

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Trenton School Board prioritized student mental health and safety, addressing the expansion of mental health services, the need for traffic safety improvements around schools, and concerns about pay discrepancies among security staff. The board also discussed the introduction of the Crown Act resolution, the implementation of new educational programs and partnerships, and the importance of community engagement and policy updates.

South River Borough Council Addresses Community Concerns

Overview: In the latest South River Borough Council meeting, the council engaged in discussions on a variety of community concerns, including updates to local recreation fees, accessibility improvements, and amendments to special events permits. The council demonstrated responsiveness to public inquiries regarding road maintenance, water system transparency, and traffic safety. Additionally, discussions on the Human Relations Commission and the promotion of diversity became a focal point of the meeting.

Chatham Select Board Targets Housing and Zoning Reforms

Overview: In a recent Chatham Select Board meeting, discussions centered around proposed zoning reforms and housing developments in the West Chatham Neighborhood Center. The primary focus was on the draft language for a bylaw aimed at encouraging attainable housing and regulating short-term rentals. The board debated the percentage of affordable units in new developments, building height limitations, and parking regulations. Further, the receipt of a DLTA grant to update the buildout analysis for the area was acknowledged. The board also touched on the need for improved transparency rules for commercial building facades and considerations for sidewalk requirements in new subdivisions.