During the meeting, Mayor Damiano outlined the township’s affordable housing obligations, describing them as “simply unattainable” given the town’s limited space and resources. The mandate requires developers to build approximately 1,900 units to meet the required 15% affordable housing set-aside, a prospect that the mayor and council members found daunting. The issue of density was also highlighted, with comparisons drawn to the existing Redevelopment Project, which comprises 287 units.

The discussion then turned to the possibility of joining a class action lawsuit aimed at challenging these housing mandates. Mayor Damiano and other council members, including Councilman Michael Murphy, argued in favor of participation, pointing to the risks of being excluded from any favorable outcomes if the lawsuit succeeds in reducing unit requirements for involved municipalities. Councilman Murphy stressed the importance of not missing out on potential benefits and echoed concerns about the impact of high-density developments on the community.

Councilwoman Jayna Patel also supported the mayor’s assessment, emphasizing the need for municipalities to collaborate in challenging the legislation. She noted the limitations faced by Little Falls, given its size of only 2.8 square miles, making the mandated housing units particularly challenging to accommodate. The council expressed a shared sentiment that Little Falls had previously made efforts towards affordable housing, viewing the new requirement as an unjust penalty for past successes.

Council members highlighted the potential benefits of working with other municipalities, such as Woodland Park, already engaged in the lawsuit. This collaborative approach was deemed critical for achieving meaningful change.

Beyond the housing issue, the council addressed other matters during the meeting. Mayor Damiano presented two proclamations for Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and Epilepsy Awareness Month, acknowledging the prevalence and impact of these conditions and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support research.

In addition, the council discussed several resolutions, including a resolution to cancel 2025 preliminary taxes due to property exemptions and a change order for improvements at Mozart Avenue and Cherry Street. The council also introduced Ordinance 1505 concerning the storage of privately-owned salt for de-icing purposes, adhering to new state requirements.

The meeting also featured tributes to former Mayor Rick Rodelli, who recently passed away. Council members expressed their condolences and reflected on Rodelli’s extensive contributions to the community. Mayor Damiano paid tribute to Rodelli’s long-standing service in various township capacities, including as a member of the township committee and police commissioner.

Council members provided updates on local initiatives, including the launch of new HomeTown H banners honoring local veterans and details of a senior holiday luncheon. Councilwoman Christine Hablitz highlighted library initiatives, such as a unique exhibit featuring a private Hollywood collection and an upcoming author reading event. She also announced the return of the “Light Up Little Falls” house decorating contest, encouraging community participation.

Further updates included a lung cancer assessment scheduled for the following day and a seminar on the importance of breast cancer screening planned for December 11th at the civic center. The council emphasized the availability of details and registration information on the township calendar, alongside weekly Vector-borne surveillance reports and respiratory illness updates.

The meeting concluded with discussions on traffic safety initiatives, including a proposal to lower speed limits on several county roads and road maintenance plans. The council recognized swift actions taken by Commissioner Sandy Lazaro to address safety concerns at a local bus stop, which were met with appreciation from parents.