Brookline Select Board Advances Public Health and Safety Initiatives

Overview: In a recent Brookline Select Board meeting, strides were made towards enhancing public health and safety initiatives, including the establishment of a revolving fund for vaccines, addressing rodent control efforts, and discussing the potential removal of the police department from the provisions of Civil Service laws. The meeting also highlighted the Health and Human Services Department’s budget and projects, the Building Department’s advancement in electrification and capital improvements, and the community’s engagement in public services.

Readington Board Recognizes Student Excellence, Debates Curriculum

Overview: In a recent Readington Township Board of Education meeting, student achievement and curriculum effectiveness took center stage. Pierce Lowden, a standout student from Readington Middle School, was recognized by the New Jersey Association of Gifted Children for his exceptional academic and leadership skills. The board and educators praised Pierce’s contributions to the school community, while the Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) report revealed the district’s high performance in various operational areas, despite concerns raised about assessment scores in English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. Additionally, the meeting addressed a concerned parent, Coco Shaw’s dissatisfaction with the district’s reading curriculum, specifically questioning the effectiveness of the current literacy instruction methods for struggling readers and students with dyslexia.

Maplewood Considers Pioneering Storm Water Utility

Overview: The Maplewood Town Council recently convened to deliberate on a range of pressing municipal matters, with the potential establishment of a storm water utility dominating the agenda. The council’s discussions centered on improving the township’s storm sewer system’s capacity and efficiency in response to climate change. The proposal, presented by Arcadis representatives, highlighted Maplewood’s opportunity to become a model for other New Jersey municipalities. The council also debated the impact of proposed fees based on impervious surfaces, the equitable distribution of charges, and the implementation of a credit policy for property owners. Moreover, the plan for a storm water utility was not the only significant topic; the meeting addressed the recognition of Robert McCoy for his contributions to Maplewood’s sustainability, the establishment of Youth Week, the debate over a code of conduct ordinance, and a proposed ordinance to protect potential historic buildings from demolition.

Greater Egg Harbor School Board Addresses Key Educational Developments

Overview: In a recent assembly, the Greater Egg Harbor School Board addressed a variety of significant educational matters, including the advancement of student achievements, discussions on district opportunities, and a notable parent concern regarding student placement. The board recognized a student for their participation in the American Legion oratorical competition and discussed the success of a culinary competition involving students and professional chefs. Furthermore, a parent’s appeal for their daughter’s high school placement prompted a constructive dialogue with the superintendent and the director of special services.

Cape May Commission Addresses Historic Integrity and Modernization

Overview: The Cape May Historic Preservation Commission tackled a range of issues surrounding the preservation and development of properties within the historic district. Among the diverse topics, the commission’s deliberations over the proposed expansion of the La Mer hotel and the use of substitute materials on a contributing structure stood out as particularly noteworthy.