The most notable development of the meeting was the proposal for a 100% affordable housing project aimed at veterans, presented by Noah Fryber, a senior developer with Penrose. The project is to be located off Broadway Avenue, adjacent to an existing project on Greens Avenue. It will consist of 60 units with rents set between 30% and 60% of the area median income. The initiative is partially funded through Aspire tax credits from the state, which usually require a community benefits agreement (CBA). However, exceptions have been made for 100% affordable housing projects due to their inherent community benefits. The project will also offer various services for residents, facilitated by the nonprofit Soldier On. These services will include health and wellness programs, educational resources, access to food banks, and connections to additional veteran services at municipal and state levels.

The council expressed unanimous support for the resolution related to the waiver of the CBA. One council member remarked on the significance of supporting veterans, stating, “These are our veterans… they served our country.” Another member clarified misconceptions about affordable housing, emphasizing that it involves reduced rent rather than free housing. Fryber noted that construction is expected to begin within 45 to 60 days, with completion anticipated in approximately 14 months. Applications for housing will start in early 2027, with outreach to be conducted through local veteran organizations.

In addition to housing, energy issues were a point of discussion. A resident, John Kasquez, raised concerns about rising energy costs in New Jersey, citing the closure of six power plants since 2017, which led to a loss of 2,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Kasquez argued that the shift from being an energy exporter to an importer has driven up costs, negatively affecting residents. He criticized the state’s focus on solar energy incentives, which he argued benefit only a small portion of the population, and questioned how the township plans to address energy needs when solar installations alone are insufficient.

The council engaged with Kasquez, addressing his concerns about the township’s energy policy and the viability of solar solutions. The council president encouraged direct questions to facilitate more productive dialogue. The exchange highlighted the broader challenges of energy management and the township’s efforts to balance renewable energy initiatives with reliable power sources.

Taxation and the management of public funds were also prominent topics. A resident questioned Mayor John E. McCormac’s claims regarding property tax increases, noting zero tax increases in 2021 and 2022. The discussion centered on the allocation of funds to the school district and fire district, with the resident accusing the council of withholding significant funds. The council clarified that they operate based on tax rates provided by their accountants and do not have direct control over fire commissioners’ meetings. Mayor McCormac further explained that the council does not withhold funds from the school or fire departments. Both submit budgets specifying their financial needs, which are then met by the council through pilot programs that ease the tax burden on residents. He emphasized that pilot programs have allowed for educational improvements without relying on taxpayer dollars, benefiting the community through new schools and resources funded by business contributions rather than residents.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure concerns, particularly related to a construction project spanning Woodbridge and Perth Amboy. The project has drawn scrutiny due to a road collapse, with ongoing investigations into potential causes. The council has been proactive in updating residents through meetings and a “code red” notification system to keep the community informed about the project’s status.

In the midst of these discussions, the council acknowledged local achievements, including high school sports victories and community events like the breast cancer awareness month flag-raising ceremony and upcoming initiatives such as a fishing derby and Halloween contests.