During the meeting, Alberta Rios, a resident from Washington Road, articulated the collective stance of many residents against the proposed development. Rios emphasized the importance of Kennedy Park as a central community hub for various recreational activities and wellness, describing it as “the heart of our town.” She urged the council to consider alternatives that would preserve the park’s open space, stating that “under no circumstances should the zoning be changed to allow apartments.” Rios also called for transparency in any borough efforts to acquire the property.

This sentiment was echoed by other residents, including Jim Robinson, who questioned the mayor’s previous actions regarding open space preservation and affordable housing obligations. Robinson expressed skepticism about the mayor’s intentions, citing past objections to acquiring open space and alleging a preference for development over preservation. He pointed out that while the mayor claimed to support the idea of preserving the land, past actions seemed to contradict this stance. The mayor responded by reading a letter from the landowner, Peter Macco, dated January 29, 2025, stating that Macco had no intention of selling the land. This communication further fueled the debate, as residents continued to express concerns over the potential loss of valuable community space.

The council also addressed a range of other topics. A strong emphasis was placed on community events and cultural engagement. The council recognized the contributions of the Cultural Arts Commission and other groups that organized successful events, such as the Festival of Lights and a Halloween celebration. A council member noted the importance of these gatherings, highlighting the need to adapt to Sayreville’s changing demographics, which include a mix of Latin, Asian Indian, European, and African-American residents.

In addition to cultural events, the meeting also covered fiscal matters and public safety. A council member sought clarification on a financial issue involving Jersey Central, confirming a strategy of withholding payments until necessary repairs were completed.

Public safety was another key topic, with reports on successful collaborations among public safety departments during recent community events. The council commended the police and fire departments for maintaining safety during large gatherings, such as the homecoming football game and the Festival of Lights. The meeting also included a solemn moment as the council recognized the 70th anniversary of Trooper John Anderson’s death in the line of duty. A proclamation was issued to honor Anderson’s service, with November 1st, 2025, declared as Trooper John Anderson Day.

The meeting also delved into municipal operations and local concerns. A resident inquired about refunds related to the junior bombers, which were confirmed to be on the agenda, with assurances that funding was available and refunds would be distributed soon. The Mayor took a moment to acknowledge a borough employee recovering from an injury and shared a personal anecdote about a local family’s achievements in mountain climbing, highlighting the positive outcomes of youth development within the community.

The council also discussed the inclusion of the 40-acre land parcel in the borough’s fair share housing plan, explaining this as a necessary step to comply with state affordable housing requirements and avoid potential legal challenges. The Mayor emphasized that any future development would be limited to age-restricted housing with an affordable component and reiterated the borough’s preference for cooperation over coercion in land matters.