A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Oak Tree Plaza development on Route 34. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the state of a berm meant to buffer their properties from the development. Despite the developer’s request for a performance guarantee reduction, residents of the adjacent Sheila Court described the berm as overgrown and neglected, detracting from their property values. The developer’s attorney acknowledged the complaints and agreed to conditions, including posting a maintenance bond and addressing outstanding maintenance issues. However, residents like Court and Wang expressed their frustration, citing dead bushes and unmaintained areas. They urged the council to enforce maintenance standards and ensure the developer fulfills their responsibilities.

Council members echoed these concerns, describing the situation as a “disaster” for residents. They highlighted the developer’s repeated failure to adhere to a maintenance checklist and debated the legal obligations surrounding the bond release. One council member emphasized the need for the developer to complete maintenance tasks before the bond release, despite legal constraints. The council sought assurances that the new property owner would maintain the area effectively, stressing the importance of maintaining community standards.

Public safety was another issue, with residents voicing concerns over rising crime, particularly in the Metroponic States area. Residents like Sad Ali and Sager Kumar described incidents of break-ins and suspicious activities, urging for increased police presence. They expressed a desire for reassurance and emphasized the importance of feeling safe in their own neighborhoods. The council acknowledged these concerns, noting the police department’s awareness and engagement in addressing the issues. Residents called for stronger laws to effectively manage juvenile crime and emphasized the need for state-level changes to support local enforcement efforts.

In addition to these topics, the council announced Old Bridge Township’s receipt of $799,221 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Ocean Boulevard roadway reconstruction. The project, set to begin in 2027, will involve extensive work to improve the roadway, including ADA-compliant curb ramps and replacing guardrails. The council praised the engineering department for securing the funding.

The meeting also touched on community events and achievements. The first annual “Holiday in the Park” event, co-sponsored by the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce, was announced, featuring holiday activities and entertainment. The council celebrated the Old Bridge High School girls’ volleyball team’s state championship win and acknowledged the Marching Knights’ national championship success. New superintendent Dr. Sasso was recognized, with council members expressing excitement about future collaborations with the school board.