The meeting, initially set to confirm the release of a performance guarantee for Oak Tree Plaza, was postponed after concerns were raised about unresolved property maintenance issues. Councilman Rosselli initiated the discussion, referencing a prior agreement by the former property owner to address specific cleanup tasks. Township Engineer Nicole Shapiro, who joined the meeting later, provided a detailed account of discussions held with stakeholders, including property managers and representatives of both the former and new owners. Shapiro noted the challenges posed by recent snowfall, which prevented immediate verification of the cleanup efforts. She recommended postponing the hearing until spring, allowing time for proper verification of the completed work.

Shapiro elaborated on the state of the property, particularly a berm that had been neglected due to a lack of landscaping crews during the transition of ownership. The delay in maintenance led to the spread of invasive plants, necessitating extensive soil preparation and replanting. The council stressed the need for effective communication and documentation to ensure that responsibilities were clearly delineated between the former and current owners. A consensus emerged among council members that further verification was necessary, resulting in the decision to delay the hearing until January 13, 2026, without requiring additional notice.

In a related discussion, the council emphasized the importance of maintaining property standards, with a focus on securing adequate collateral to enforce compliance if necessary. The township expressed a commitment to keeping homeowners informed and involved in the proceedings.

The meeting also featured the retirement of Robert Graassi, an auxiliary police officer who had served for 37 years. Graassi was commended for his dedication and contributions to community safety. He expressed gratitude to the council and the community, reflecting on the responsibilities of auxiliary officers and his pride in wearing the Old Bridge Police uniform.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to acknowledging outgoing council members, including Councilwoman Jill Dara, who received overwhelming appreciation from the public for her service. Residents praised Dara for her active listening skills, honesty, and empathy, with several expressing hope for her future return to the council. Despite her narrow loss in the recent election, Dara’s efforts were celebrated as she concluded her final meeting, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in local governance.

The public comment section also highlighted concerns from residents, including issues faced by the Old Bridge Point development. Residents expressed frustration over the unfinished state of the property and challenges with the homeowners’ association governance. The council acknowledged these concerns and offered to facilitate further communication with relevant departments to address the issues raised.

The council’s discussions also touched on financial challenges, with particular attention to the rising costs of health insurance and taxation. The importance of community collaboration and informed residents was underscored.