Old Bridge Township Council Faces Concerns Over Redevelopment and Noise Complaints
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Old Bridge Township Council meeting, the council grappled with community issues, including a proposed redevelopment plan for the Crossroads area and ongoing noise complaints from residents. These topics took center stage as council members engaged with residents and each other to address pressing local concerns.
The council’s discussion on the Crossroads Redevelopment Plan was one of the meeting’s focal points. The plan, which covers approximately 275 acres, aims to limit residential development and encourage non-residential use, such as warehousing and light industrial activities. A council member explained that the amendment was a response to the lack of development over the past two decades. However, the plan sparked concerns among residents, particularly regarding its environmental impact on wetlands and wildlife habitat. One resident pointed out that only 89 acres of the land are developable, with the remainder classified as environmentally sensitive areas.
The dialogue revealed a community divided over the future of the Crossroads area. Some residents urged the township to consider preserving the land as open space, noting that the township owns the property and there had been little interest in developing it over the last 20 years. The council acknowledged the suggestion to explore keeping the area undeveloped but did not formally address it during the meeting.
Noise complaints also dominated the public comment section, with residents expressing frustration over disturbances from local venues like the Grand Marquee. One resident detailed ongoing issues with loud music and car exhausts, noting a lack of enforcement of the noise ordinance by the police. Another resident shared similar concerns, recounting an instance where an officer heard the noise but did not issue a citation. These complaints underscored a need for clearer communication and consistent enforcement of existing regulations.
Acknowledging these concerns, the council president assured residents that the police chief was aware of the situation and was working on a plan to address the complaints. The president emphasized that the issue was being taken seriously and mentioned efforts to obtain equipment necessary for enforcing the noise ordinance.
In addition to these issues, the meeting celebrated community achievements. The Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) was recognized for receiving the 2025 National PTA Jan Harp Doy Diversity and Inclusion Award. Community members and council members alike expressed admiration for SEPTA’s efforts.
The council also honored promotions within the police department, introducing newly promoted Lieutenant Richard Mustachio and Sergeant Brian Keller, alongside welcoming new officer Thomas Hamill. The acknowledgments were received with enthusiasm, as council members expressed pride in the department’s growth and commitment to community safety.
Furthermore, the council addressed procedural matters, such as the approval of minutes from previous sessions. Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy and completeness of these minutes, with one council member noting omissions of specific comments. This prompted a discussion on the importance of maintaining accurate records of council meetings, with differing opinions on whether minutes should capture every word spoken or focus primarily on votes.
Other agenda items included the approval of payroll expenses impacted by recent snowstorms and the introduction of an ordinance concerning police department extra duty assignments. The council also discussed an energy aggregation program, with residents seeking a timeline for its implementation given the financial strain from high energy costs.
Debbie Walker
City Council Officials:
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
03/11/2025
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Recording Published:
03/11/2025
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Duration:
165 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Old Bridge
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