One of the major focuses of the meeting was the passage of ordinance 2024-3418, which amends and restates ordinance number 2023-24 regarding properties on Nut Swamp Road and Dwight Road. An attorney representing Franklin at Middletown LLC, the owner of the said properties, addressed the Council to express that the move to acquire these properties was premature. The attorney argued that their client’s property could be developed with multifamily housing to assist in satisfying Middletown’s affordable housing obligations, suggesting that the township’s appraisal of $1.8 million for property acquisition would fall far short of the necessary funds, citing their own $15.5 million appraisal.

Despite these remarks, the Council carried the motion to pass the ordinance on second and final reading without responding to the attorney’s statements, adhering to counsel’s advice. Additionally, the Council introduced a bond ordinance (2024-3420) to appropriate $1.8 million for property acquisitions, which passed on first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for June 24th.

The meeting also touched on safety concerns presented by a resident regarding repeated crashes along a county road, County Route 520. The resident’s plea highlighted the urgency of addressing traffic safety and requested the reinstatement of a taskforce to tackle the issue. Although no immediate action was taken, the Council expressed a willingness to discuss the matter with county officials.

Other ordinances addressed during the session included parking restrictions along Schultz Drive, the acceptance of a deed of easement over a portion of Atlantic Avenue, and the establishment of state-mandated amusement game licensing standards. In addition to property-related ordinances, the Council moved forward with another bond ordinance (2024-3421), appropriating $2,525,000 for the acquisition of emergency services radios and related equipment, which also passed on first reading.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a consent agenda and a brief period for public comments, during which another resident raised concerns about traffic issues on County Route 520. The resident called for a collaborative effort between government bodies, business owners, and residents to address safety and growth along the corridor, a suggestion which the Council agreed to consider.