The council meeting opened with a moment of silence for retired Fire Lieutenant Frederick Renland, who served the township for 26 years. Following this, one of the primary topics of discussion was the redevelopment of 140 State Street, a site vacant for over a decade. Jason Suel, the attorney for the property owner, presented a proposal for a mixed-use building consisting of 66 units, including 10 affordable housing units in compliance with local regulations. The proposal also featured retail space on the ground floor. Chris Pereira, the project architect, detailed the building’s design, which includes a parking ratio of approximately 1.3 spaces per unit and amenities such as a rooftop deck and a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units.

Council members expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. Councilman Mark J. Schwartz acknowledged the project’s lengthy history and emphasized the need for transparency and thorough information sharing among council members. Suel assured the council that the proposal aligns with existing regulations and does not request any payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreements, a common point of contention in redevelopment discussions.

The meeting also included a discussion on another project on State Street, which involves creating a self-storage facility with a retail component on the ground floor. This proposal aims to address both community needs and market demand while avoiding an industrial appearance. Council members highlighted the importance of community engagement and the need for a comprehensive redevelopment plan to guide such projects.

Shifting focus to ongoing flooding issues, the council heard from numerous residents deeply affected by flooding, particularly in the Bell Avenue neighborhood. Residents shared personal experiences of property damage and expressed frustration over the slow progress in addressing the issue. One resident described dealing with mold in their basement and the community’s collaborative efforts to mitigate the damage. Another resident criticized the town’s delayed grant applications and emphasized the urgency of finding a solution.

Council members acknowledged the severity of the flooding problem and expressed empathy towards affected residents. They discussed the establishment of an infrastructure task force and the importance of securing grant funding to address the issue without burdening taxpayers. The council is exploring immediate preventive measures, such as increasing the frequency of drain cleanings and setting up barriers during storms. Regular updates will be provided to keep the community informed about ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding.

In addition to redevelopment and flooding concerns, the council addressed several zoning matters. The zoning subcommittee and the new zoning officer discussed a resident’s driveway variance request, emphasizing the need for safety considerations. The council also received a Master Plan update, which included a public session to gather input on the developing plan. Efforts in historic preservation were highlighted, with several markers planned and some already installed.

Township Manager Hash announced the launch of a new user-friendly Township website, aimed at enhancing accessibility for the growing community. She also mentioned the upcoming Tek Day weekend, featuring family-friendly activities such as a movie night and fireworks.

The council reviewed the 2024 Municipal Budget, which includes a proposed 4.99% increase. Public comments highlighted concerns over budget allocations, particularly a $25,000 reduction in support for a local program. The Chief Financial Officer assured residents that the budget discussions have been extensive and that the state-mandated user-friendly budget format will be available prior to adoption.