New Ulm City Council Approves Variance Requests for Royal Oaks Recycling Facility

Overview: During a recent meeting, the New Ulm City Council unanimously approved variance requests for the Royal Oaks Recycling facility, reducing the required minimum parcel area from four acres to 3.69 acres and decreasing the setback from 500 feet to 325 feet from residential areas. The facility, located on North Front Street, is intended to operate as a transfer station for recyclable materials, focusing primarily on commercial recyclables rather than residential collections.

South Orange-Maplewood Board Faces Backlash Over Potential Coach Dismissals and Book Removal

Overview: The South Orange-Maplewood School Board meeting on February 26, 2026, was dominated by passionate community responses to two issues: the potential dismissal of beloved track coaches Alex Simon and Johnson, and the controversial removal of “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” from the Columbia High School curriculum. Both matters drew significant public comment, highlighting concerns over transparency, communication, and educational equity within the district.

Maple Shade Council Discusses Woodland Sports Complex Upgrades and Water Rights Concerns

Overview: The Maple Shade Township Council meeting on February 26, 2026, primarily focused on plans to upgrade the Woodland Sports Complex under the 2026 Green Acres project. The council also addressed concerns about potential municipal water rights sales, commending the Department of Public Works for their efforts during recent snowstorms, and discussed issues with a new building on Main Street.

Madeira Beach Commission Focuses on City Manager Candidates, Considers Resident-Only Parking

Overview: The Madeira Beach City Board of Commissioners meeting on February 26, 2026, concentrated on selecting the next city manager, with discussions on candidates’ qualifications and the interview process. The board also addressed concerns about parking at Tom and Kitty Stewart Park, proposing a resident-only parking system to resolve ongoing issues.

Piscataway Township Council Denies Garage Conversion, Approves New Home Proposals Amid Community Concerns

Overview: At the recent Piscataway Township Council meeting, a proposal to convert a garage into a storage space was denied, while other applications, including the construction of new homes and renovations, were approved. These decisions were made amidst discussions on zoning compliance and community concerns regarding construction impacts and property usage.