The council meeting was marked by vigorous public commentary regarding the sale of Sequest Woodbridge, soon to be rebranded as the Woodbridge Aquarium. An impassioned member of the public highlighted the council and mayor’s perceived inaction in the face of numerous complaints about animal welfare, including the reported deaths of 100 animals and over 3,500 complaints from visitors and former employees. The speaker criticized the potential continuation of these issues under the new name.

In response, the council clarified that the new owners would be required to apply for necessary permits, and an ordinance change would restrict licensing to residential use only, prohibiting the continuation of existing licenses for commercial purposes. Nonetheless, the public’s skepticism was echoed by other residents, including one who pointed out that Jeff Cox, a partial owner of Sequest, had associations with the previous owners. Concerns were further fueled by allegations of social media censorship, where comments and inquiries about operational changes were reportedly deleted or blocked by the new business.

Another community member from Michigan expressed horror at the situation, urging the council to ensure better treatment for the animals. The conversation shifted when another resident questioned why the township would allow the new business to use the Woodbridge name, given its troubled past, and why the council would associate itself with a failing entity. The council clarified that while they were not purchasing the aquarium, they had no control over the use of the name, as many local businesses bear similar monikers.

The meeting also addressed contentious local tax exemption ordinances. Ken Gardner, a resident, questioned the council about proposed long-term tax exemptions for apartment builders, arguing that the public strongly opposed additional apartment construction and that offering tax breaks to developers was unjustified. Gardner insisted that tax benefits should be directed towards homeowners instead of developers, raising specific concerns about ordinances related to properties on Main Street and the former Lord and Taylor site, both suggesting extended tax abatements.

Despite Gardner’s frustrations, the council confirmed that the proposed abatements would span 30 years, arguing that the financial implications of the new projects would ultimately benefit the township. Gardner’s call for a tax cut for residents, in light of revenue from new developments, underscored a broader community sentiment that the benefits should be shared with taxpayers.

In contrast to these discussions, the meeting also featured several community-focused initiatives. The annual “Tooling Around the Township” program, scheduled for April 26, was highlighted as a volunteer opportunity for residents to assist with home improvement projects. High school students were particularly encouraged to participate in this community service event.

Pictures with the Easter Bunny at Parker Press and an Earth Day celebration at the AAA Youth Center were announced, along with the Fourth of July celebration scheduled for July 2, with a rain date of July 3. The council emphasized their commitment to engaging the community through these events.

Additionally, a student representative from Woodbridge Academy addressed the council, advocating for the endorsement of the New Jersey Green Amendment. The proposed amendment aims to establish the right to a clean and healthy environment in the state constitution. The student emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental issues, including microplastics and climate change, urging the council to support the amendment as a fundamental right for future generations.