River Edge Land Use Board Grants Two-Year Extension for Office Development Amid Tenant Shortage

Overview: The River Edge Land Use Board granted a two-year extension for Darkstar Development’s office building project on Johnson Avenue during its remote meeting on June 11, 2025. The extension, prompted by the current challenges in securing tenants in Bergen County’s competitive office market, extends the site plan approval to 2027. The meeting, held without the presence of Mayor Thomas Papaleo, focused heavily on the request, which received unanimous support from the board.

Lawrence City Council Examines Police Funding, Waste Management, and Public Safety Initiatives

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Lawrence City Council deliberated on issues including a significant funding proposal for police department improvements, the establishment of a hazardous waste facility, and the allocation of community development block grants. Key discussions centered around a $492,770.34 funding transfer for police capital improvements, a potential new site for waste management near Water Street, and the distribution of federal grants for local projects.

Memphis Shelby-County School Board Approves Budget Amid Concerns Over Literacy and Teacher Recruitment

Overview: The Memphis Shelby-County School Board meeting focused on approving the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, addressing literacy initiatives, and tackling teacher recruitment challenges. The approved budget, totaling $1.9 billion, aims to support educational programs, safety measures, and technology upgrades. However, discussions revealed ongoing concerns about literacy program funding and teacher recruitment, particularly in relation to the partnership with Teach for America and Literacy Mid-South.

Rochelle Park Town Council Advances Flood Safety with New Rain Gauge Installation

Overview: In a concerted effort to better manage flood risks, the Rochelle Park Town Council meeting on June 11, 2025, focused on the approval of a new rain gauge installation on a railroad trestle over the Saddle River. This initiative aims to provide real-time water level monitoring, addressing previous inconsistencies in flooding alerts due to unreliable National Weather Service data.

Faribault City Council Approves Airport Funding Amid Zoning and Development Decisions

Overview: The Faribault City Council meeting focused on several issues, including the approval of funding for the municipal airport airfield pavement rehabilitation project, amendments to zoning ordinances, and the approval of new development agreements. The airport project funding was particularly noteworthy, with a portion covered by federal and state grants, minimizing the city’s financial contribution.