The most notable issue of the meeting was the adoption of the 2024 Master Plan reexamination and land use amendment. During the public comments, attorney Rob Simon, representing Watchung Developers LLC, raised serious procedural concerns. Simon claimed the ordinance contained multiple violations of the Municipal Land Use Law, including inadequate notice to affected properties and improper handling by the governing body rather than the planning board. He emphasized the lack of clarity regarding the ordinance’s purpose and implications for the NC Zone, particularly its failure to provide for residential uses.

Supporting Simon’s objections, licensed planner John Teina criticized the proposed ordinance for its rushed process and potential negative impacts. Teina argued that the township’s previous master plan, adopted in March 2021, had effectively addressed modern development challenges. He warned that the new proposal to eliminate residential uses from the neighborhood core would render many properties non-conforming, complicating future sales and use. Teina further elaborated that the ordinance would lead to a significant loss of residential character, replacing it with higher-impact uses like medical offices and restaurants, which could increase resident complaints.

Despite these concerns, the committee proceeded to adopt the ordinance unanimously.

In a more celebratory part of the meeting, students who participated in the township’s 250th birthday essay contest were recognized. The mayor expressed gratitude for the students’ thoughtful responses to the prompt on how Union should celebrate this milestone. Winners from grades four, eight, and ten were called to the stage to receive cash awards and journals. The first-place winners included Ezekiel Rodriguez in fourth grade, Jamie Rogan in eighth grade, and Juliana Muscavage in tenth grade, with additional commendations for other participants. Parents were invited to take pictures, and the Deputy Mayor thanked educators for their contributions, emphasizing the strength of the school system and acknowledging Committee Woman Patricia G. Frasier’s role as an educator.

The council also introduced and unanimously approved several ordinances and resolutions. These included amendments to parking restrictions on Hilton Avenue, utility and temporary construction site easements, and parking by permit in residential areas. An ordinance addressing property grading and another on stormwater management were referred to the planning board. The 2024 Road Program was introduced with a capital ordinance for road improvements, funded by a grant from the Elizabeth Town Gas Company. Additionally, a new chapter in the municipal code regarding filming was introduced.

Resolutions included the adoption of the 2023 annual audit and authorization of a corrective action plan. The council approved the purchase and installation of a shade structure for Jerome Petty Park and a contract with RTR Financial Services for municipal court debt collection. Amendments to existing contracts, including an increase for HVAC services and additional funds for fuel purchases, were also approved.

The meeting addressed community concerns about a noticeable increase in traffic accidents, particularly involving vehicles colliding with utility poles and residential properties. The Deputy Mayor emphasized responsible driving, urging residents to slow down and avoid cell phone use while driving. He also highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness as hurricane season approached, recommending residents charge their cell phones and have supplies ready for possible evacuations or power outages.

The Deputy Mayor acknowledged the Union Police Department’s recent re-accreditation for the third time, noting that only 8% of police departments in New Jersey achieve this milestone. He congratulated the department for their dedication and announced several upcoming community events, including the fourth annual Freedom Bike Ride, a 9/11 memorial ceremony, the Soul House Festival, the Hispanic and Latino Heritage Festival, and the annual car, bike, and truck show. Residents were encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications for updates on emergencies and community news.

Public comments included Erica Bradshaw, a local business owner, who expressed her support for the township committee and shared positive experiences as a queer black non-binary woman in Union. David Armenio provided historical documents from the Historical Society related to the township’s 250th celebration. LVLL Santos and her husband raised concerns about persistent drainage issues in their neighborhood, urging the township to allocate resources for improvement. The mayor acknowledged the regional nature of the problem and promised continued advocacy for affected residents.