Middletown Town Council Approves Land Acquisition Ordinance Amid Public Concerns Over Stormwater and Traffic Safety
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
12/02/2024
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Recording Published:
12/03/2024
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Duration:
45 Minutes
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Towns:
Middletown
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County:
Monmouth County
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State:
New Jersey
- Meeting Overview:
The Middletown Town Council meeting on December 2, 2024, was marked by the approval of an ordinance involving the appropriation of $2,100,000 for property acquisition, alongside discussions about stormwater management, tobacco regulations, and traffic safety concerns. Key topics of public interest included the newly proposed ordinances and the community’s persistent concerns over safety and environmental management.
The meeting’s most newsworthy event was the council’s approval of ordinance 2024-25 3434, which allocated $2,100,000 for the acquisition of property by the township, financed in part by $1,995,000 in bonds or notes. This ordinance was passed without public comment, reflecting either a lack of controversy or a well-understood necessity for the land acquisition.
Another ordinance discussed was 2024 3442, which authorized stormwater maintenance covenants over properties on Atlantic Avenue. A resident, Don Watson, raised concerns about the current GIS system’s limitations, which hinder property searches by block and lot numbers, an issue the township had promised to address once a contract expired in January 2025. This ordinance was also approved.
The council also tackled ordinance 2024 3443, which sought to clarify regulations surrounding smoke and vape shops. A public participant named Melanie highlighted ambiguities in the definitions of cigar bars and lounges, questioning the interplay between local ordinances and state laws under the Smoke-Free Air Act. This ordinance aimed to prevent transferring existing smoking licenses to new locations, such as proposed smoker’s lounges. The council assured that local regulations would align with state definitions to avoid conflicts. The ordinance was subsequently approved.
Traffic safety was another significant topic, particularly concerning the availability and cost of accident reports. Ordinance 2024 3445 proposed a $5 fee for Carfax accident reports, which Melanie critiqued as potentially burdensome for residents analyzing traffic incidents. She argued that bulk data requests might offer more comprehensive access to crucial accident information, especially in areas like Lincroft, where recent accidents have raised safety concerns. The council acknowledged these concerns and committed to discussing more efficient data dissemination methods with the traffic bureau.
In terms of community engagement, the meeting recognized several local achievements. The council declared November 29, 2024, as Native American Heritage Day, honoring CLA Garland of the Sandhill Indian Historical Association for her efforts to commemorate the Leni Lenape tribes. A historical marker will be installed at the Middletown train station, recognizing its historical significance as a powwow ground.
The council also celebrated the Middletown Girl Scouts for earning their Silver Awards through a butterfly garden project, enhancing local biodiversity, and the MC Spirit Red 2013 girls’ soccer team for winning the New Jersey President’s Cup Championship. These acknowledgments highlighted the positive impact of youth contributions on the community.
Other notable discussions included a proposed ordinance, 20243 446, to amend stormwater regulations by incorporating tree removal and replacement mandates, as required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This ordinance passed its first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for December 16, 2024.
Community concerns extended to the state of a pedestrian bridge at Sunnyside on Middletown-Lincoln Road, with resident Melanie raising issues about flooding and accessibility affecting schoolchildren and cross-country runners. The county’s assertion that the flooding issue was beyond their jurisdiction pointed to potential miscommunication regarding responsibility, prompting further investigation.
The meeting concluded with a moment of silence for Bob Bucko, a valued community member who had passed away.
Tony Perry
City Council Officials:
Rick W. Hibell (Deputy Mayor), Ryan M. Clarke (Committeeman), Kimberly Kratz (Committeewoman), Kevin M. Settembrino (Committeeman)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
12/02/2024
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Recording Published:
12/03/2024
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Duration:
45 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Middletown
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