One of a notable topics of the meeting was the ongoing parking issues faced by residents, especially those living in Brookchester. The Council listened to complaints from residents like Charlotte Egan, who articulated the daily struggle to find parking due to limited space and restrictive street parking rules. Egan highlighted the difficulties she and others encountered, particularly when returning home late at night, only to find available parking spots scarce.

The Council acknowledged these challenges and noted that Brookchester management had plans to create approximately 77 additional parking spaces. Nonetheless, Egan and other residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current parking management, citing misuse of garages for storage rather than parking and the inconvenience caused by multiple vehicles per tenant. Egan suggested that Brookchester implement a system for assigning parking spaces or issuing parking tags to better manage the situation. The Council emphasized that while they could facilitate street parking adjustments, the management of private parking facilities fell under the jurisdiction of Brookchester management.

Alongside parking discussions, the Council introduced a proposal to suspend the current overnight parking ordinance. The existing rule prohibits parking between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on certain streets, which has been a source of confusion for many residents. The proposed change aims to simplify regulations, reduce misunderstandings, and free up police resources that are currently dedicated to monitoring parking compliance. The Council acknowledged that while some residents might oppose this change due to concerns about litter and neighborhood aesthetics, the overall sentiment favored easing restrictions to accommodate the community’s needs.

The Council also engaged in a discussion about a regional grant opportunity aimed at flood mitigation. The NJ Regional Resiliency Grant would allow New Milford to collaborate with neighboring municipalities like Hackensack and Teaneck, sharing resources and expertise to address flooding and stormwater management issues. The grant, offering between $200,000 to $300,000 per region, presents a competitive but promising opportunity for infrastructure improvements. With the application deadline extended to October 29, the Council expressed strong support for participating in this initiative, emphasizing the potential benefits for the community.

In terms of ongoing projects, the Council reviewed progress on various local improvements. Notably, they highlighted the awarding of a $549,000 SAFER grant to the New Milford Fire Department, intended to enhance recruitment, training, and equipment purchasing efforts over the next five years. This grant aims to bolster the department’s capabilities and morale, especially given the increasing demands on volunteer firefighters.

The meeting also included updates on community events and projects. The preparation for Halloween events was noted, including a new decorating contest with significant cash prizes. Additionally, there was discussion surrounding infrastructure projects, such as the Main Street Improvements Project and the ongoing work on an electric vehicle charging station at Nightsfield.

In a separate yet related discussion, the Council addressed New Jersey’s affordable housing mandates. They debated joining a coalition of 30 towns to challenge the state’s formula for distributing affordable housing obligations, which they argued unfairly burdens municipalities like New Milford. The Council noted that New Milford’s existing housing stock, which includes 2,120 apartment units, did not count towards their obligations, making compliance nearly impossible. They emphasized that their stance was not against affordable housing but rather aimed at advocating for a more equitable system.