Long Hill School Board Advances Educational Initiatives

Overview: The recent Long Hill School Board meeting was a comprehensive session that covered various topics important to the progress of the district’s schools. The most discussions revolved around the implementation of academic improvement programs, addressing student performance through the I-Ready program, increasing community engagement, and enhancing cyber security measures.

Long Hill Zoning Board Approves Columbarium Project

Overview: The Long Hill Zoning Board meeting concluded with the approval of an application for the construction of a columbarium on Long Hill Road. The project, which seeks to provide a consecrated and permanent place for ashes as mandated by the Catholic Church, involves the creation of 270 niches in the initial phase and a total of 846 niches. Despite concerns from residents regarding environmental impact, visibility, and future expansion, the board voted in favor of the inherently beneficial use of the site.

Watchung Hills Budget Plans Reflect Rising Costs and Strategic Goals

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Watchung Hills School Board focused on the upcoming 2024-2025 budget, addressing rising costs in key areas and proposing strategic investments to enhance school programs. The budget presentation underscored the significance of aligning financial planning with the district’s strategic plan, despite challenges such as increased healthcare, technology, transportation, and special education expenses. Notably, the meeting revealed the district’s receipt of nearly $3 million in state aid and outlined a proposed tax levy increase of 2.8%.

Long Hill Township Debates Police Department Size and Spending

Overview: The Long Hill Town Council meeting addressed several issues, with the most pressing being the debate over the size and funding of the Long Hill Township Police Department. The discussion was sparked by a public comment from a resident concerning the department’s staffing levels in relation to the population size, as well as the controversial proposition of hiring a new Public Safety Director. The meeting also included discussions on the township’s administrative code, recognition of local students and athletes, and updates from various departments.

Long Hill Planning Board Faces Complex Subdivision, Extension Requests

Overview: The Long Hill Planning Board’s recent meeting tackled a series of challenging topics, including contentious extension requests for Prism Millington and other properties, a minor subdivision application complicated by historical constraints, and a debate over the conditions of a resolution regarding a storage shed straddling a property line. Concerns over potential litigation, the impact on local drainage, and responsibilities for easement maintenance were issues addressed by the board.