Sustainable Verona’s presentation, aimed at achieving silver certification from Sustainable Jersey, highlighted the issue of heat islands within the town. Heat islands, which refer to urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas due to human activities, were identified at several key locations in Verona. These include the high school’s turf fields, Pilgrim shopping plaza, Centennial Field, municipal center, Richfield’s asphalt parking lot, and the Acura dealership. The presenters, Carrie Bass and Jamie Bournat, shared a social vulnerability map and a tree canopy cover map, which serve as integral parts of their mitigation plan. They proposed strategies such as increasing tree planting, installing protective canopies, and utilizing cooling products for turf to address the identified hotspots.

The discussion that ensued among the board members underscored the importance of addressing the health risks posed by heat islands, particularly their impact on athletes and band members using artificial turf fields under extreme heat. The temperature of the turf during hot weather prompted concerns, with board members contemplating measures like limiting usage during peak heat times, opting for lighter colored turf, and the installation of reflective tarps and canopies. The broader implications for the town’s infrastructure were also considered, including the effect of dark roofs and asphalt on temperatures at shopping plazas.

A key point of debate centered around the responsibility for tackling these heat mitigation strategies. While some argued for local government leadership, others called for a collective approach involving private property owners and the school district. It was suggested that the board reach out to the superintendent to explore partnerships with the school district, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort.

The meeting also touched on sustainable practices beyond heat mitigation, such as the potential benefits of white roofs and other energy-saving measures at Pogan Plaza. The board encouraged reaching out to business owners and managers to advocate for these changes. This led to a broader conversation about the redesign of the zoning code for the Pilgrim Plaza area, with the introduction of Target in West Orange highlighting concerns over parking lot impacts.

Further, the discussion highlighted the potential for state or federal incentives for property owners to adopt sustainable practices. The Sustainability Commission expressed an interest in seeking grants for specific projects, though the availability of such incentives for private properties remained uncertain. The topic of stormwater management was also broached, with suggestions of creating a stormwater utility system and exploring ways to incentivize changes on private properties.