Long Hill Township Grapples with Noise and Parking Issues Amid New Police Officer Swearing-In
- Meeting Overview:
The Long Hill Township Committee meeting on August 13, 2025, was marked by discussions about noise and parking issues stemming from rental properties and local events, alongside the swearing-in of a new police officer. The committee also considered changes to local ordinances, including those related to historic preservation and land use.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the community’s concerns about noise disturbances attributed to events at local businesses and rental properties. Residents expressed frustration over the volume of music and general noise from events, particularly those that involve pools for public use, which persistently disrupt neighborhood tranquility. The disturbances were largely attributed to transient visitors unfamiliar with the community’s expectations. The existing noise ordinance was scrutinized for being potentially vague, complicating enforcement efforts. Suggestions to modify the ordinance to include clearer language regarding noise levels that can be heard by nearby residents were discussed, although the implementation challenges were acknowledged.
Parking issues, particularly on Dy Avenue, were another concern. Residents highlighted the challenges posed by the influx of vehicles from rental properties and events, causing obstructions and making emergency access difficult. One resident described the situation where cars blocked driveways and suggested the implementation of a no-parking ordinance to alleviate these issues. The council deliberated on the logistics and potential community support for such a measure, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to address both noise and parking problems effectively.
In tandem with these community issues, the committee marked the swearing-in of Officer Daniel Longo, the newest addition to the Long Hill Township Police Department. Officer Longo, who transferred from the Orange Police Department and has a background in emergency response and military service, was welcomed during a brief ceremony. This was followed by the unanimous adoption of Resolution 25-195 to facilitate his swearing-in.
The committee then reviewed Ordinance 573-25, aimed at changing vendors for lead-based hazard inspections in rental properties to comply with state regulations. The shift from dust wipe to visual inspections was approved without objections. A proposed amendment to the township land use ordinance, Ordinance 571-25, which suggested replacing references to the historic preservation commission with an advisory committee, was met with debate. The planning board had previously noted potential confusion arising from the terminology change, leading the committee to unanimously vote against the ordinance.
Further discussions highlighted the successful National Night Out event, with acknowledgments extended to local emergency services and sponsors for their contributions. The event, which featured activities organized by the Long Hill Library and other community groups, was praised for its turnout and positive community impact.
Additionally, the meeting outlined upcoming community events, including fall sports registrations, concerts, and a family day with a Jaws theme. The committee also addressed the introduction of a new recycling initiative focused on sneakers, prompting a discussion about the benefits and logistics of the program.
Traffic visibility and sidewalk maintenance were also on the agenda, with concerns raised about sight triangle violations at intersections. The committee emphasized the role of residents in reporting these issues to ensure they are addressed promptly. Discussions about sidewalk maintenance responsibilities clarified that homeowners would not be liable for maintenance unless they caused specific problems, with a focus on commercial property owners.
Guy Piserchia
City Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
08/13/2025
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Recording Published:
08/14/2025
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Duration:
77 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Morris County
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Towns:
Long Hill
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