Bloomington Planning Commission Approves School Relocation Amid Corridor Study Discussions

Overview: The Bloomington Planning Commission meeting on July 10th saw the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the relocation of Blue Sky School, a public charter school, and an in-depth exploration of the Bloomington Ferry Road Corridor Study, which addresses traffic, sustainability, and community feedback.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Faces Trash Collection Chaos Amid Republic Services Strike

Overview: The recent Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board meeting addressed community issues, most notably the ongoing trash collection disruptions caused by the Republic Services union strike. The strike, which began at midnight on June 30, has led to inconsistent trash pickups throughout the town, affecting streets like Touchation, Harbor, and Bridge. While some areas saw sporadic collection, others, including parts of Pine Street, experienced complete neglect of recycling services. The Select Board discussed the challenges posed by utilizing a backup crew unfamiliar with local routes, which compounded the existing issues. Residents were urged to report missed pickups for the Department of Public Works (DPW) to arrange additional collections.

Egg Harbor City Council Debates Accessibility Driveway Amid Neighborhood Concerns

Overview: During its recent meeting, the Egg Harbor City Council engaged in discussions on a variety of issues, with a focus on a proposal for a driveway on Buffalo Avenue to assist a resident with a handicapped child. The meeting also addressed traffic management, city infrastructure improvements, and employee health benefits.

Belmar Council Plans Environmental Overhaul with New Initiatives and Community Collaboration

Overview: The Belmar Borough Council meeting spotlighted several environmental initiatives, focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and plans for improving local water quality and energy use. Discussions encompassed a variety of projects, including a grant-funded green team outreach, lake and tree management, innovative transportation solutions, and efforts to enhance coastal resilience.

Oakdale Planning Commission Greenlights Residential Development Amid Concerns Over Infrastructure and Zoning

Overview: The Oakdale Planning Commission held a meeting on July 10, 2025, where they approved recommendations for a plan amendment and a planned unit development (PUD) amendment for a significant residential project. The development, located on a 12.5-acre parcel at 305 and High Point Drive North, proposes to transform the site from a business campus to high-density residential, accommodating up to 220 multifamily units. Despite unanimous approval, the meeting was marked by discussions on infrastructure capacity, zoning changes, and the broader implications for the community.