Franklin Township Zoning Board Rejects Cannabis Facility Proposal Near Daycare

Overview: During a recent Franklin Township Zoning Board meeting, the board unanimously denied a proposal to establish a cannabis cultivation facility at a former school building located near a daycare and residential areas. The proposed use variance for the facility, which aimed to repurpose the long-vacant site into a state-licensed cannabis cultivation and processing center, faced strong opposition from both board members and local residents due to concerns about its proximity to sensitive community landmarks and potential impacts on neighborhood quality of life.

Passaic City Council Celebrates Historic Police Promotion and Secures Over $600,000 in Grants

Overview: The recent Passaic City Council meeting saw the community celebrate the historic promotion of Captain Gary Cruz as the first woman to achieve this rank in the city’s police department. The city also announced receiving over $600,000 in grants for violence reduction and infrastructure investments, attributed to the late Congressman Bill Pascrell’s advocacy, promising significant enhancements in community safety and development.

New Ulm City Council Approves New Winery, Rezoning, and Development Plans in Productive Meeting

Overview: The New Ulm City Council convened on October 1, 2024, to address a host of issues including the approval of a new winery downtown, rezoning of a property for residential development, and a proposed zoning amendment affecting split corner lots. The meeting saw unanimous decisions on several key matters, reflecting broad consensus on the future of New Ulm’s urban and residential landscape.

Bloomingdale Borough Secures $750,000 Grant for New Playground

Overview: At the recent Bloomingdale Borough Council meeting, a substantial grant from Green Acres was announced. The $750,000 grant, combined with approximately $500,000 from open space grants, will fund the development of a modern playground at Bo Pond. The anticipated project, slated for early spring, will feature a rubberized floor to ensure safety and accessibility for all children. This initiative comes as the existing playground reaches over 30 years in age. The beloved gazebo dedicated to a child on SRA Lane will remain a centerpiece of the park, and acknowledgments were made to those instrumental in securing the grants.

Boston City Council Explores $150 Million Fund to Revitalize Stalled Housing Projects

Overview: The Boston City Council, during its recent meeting, discussed the creation of a $150 million Boston Development Fund within the Planning Department. This initiative, spearheaded by Councilor Brian Worrell, aims to address the stagnation of development projects in the city, particularly focusing on nearly 30,000 approved but unbuilt housing units. The proposal seeks to stimulate construction activity by utilizing a portion of the city’s $512 million free cash balance to create a revolving fund, designed to boost homeownership opportunities and alleviate the burden on residential property taxes.