Lambertville Council Weighs Stormwater Utility Fee Amid Development Concerns

Overview: The Lambertville City Council is considering the implementation of a stormwater utility fee to address the city’s drainage infrastructure and frequent flooding issues, a matter that has sparked community engagement and debate. The proposed fee structure based on impervious cover aims to distribute the financial burden more equitably among residential and commercial properties. The City Council also discussed a contentious redevelopment plan for the Lambertville High School site, with residents voicing strong opposition due to environmental concerns, the potential strain on public services, and skepticism about the involved developer’s trustworthiness and financial stability.

Lambertville Council Faces Pushback on High School Redevelopment Plan

Overview: At the heart of the recent Lambertville City Council meeting was the debate surrounding the proposed redevelopment of the Lambertville High School area—a plan entailing up to 160 market-rate homes and 40 affordable rentals. The project, valued at over $9 million, has raised concerns among residents regarding its environmental impact, the adequacy of infrastructure to support the new developments, and the potential for increased flooding.

South Hunterdon School Board Tackles Gifted Program Review

Overview: In a recent meeting, the South Hunterdon School Board delved into a review of the district’s gifted and talented program, addressing the need for a districtwide vision and policy to support these students. The board discussed the recent law in New Jersey mandating support for gifted and talented students and emphasized the importance of social and emotional support for this group. Efforts to involve families and the community in supporting the gifted and talented program, and the use of multiple measures for identifying gifted students, were key points of the meeting. Additionally, the topic of a change order for delayed construction claims added an urgent financial dimension to the discussions.

Lambertville Debates Stormwater Utility Amid Community Concerns

Overview: In the latest Lambertville City Council meeting, one notable issue was the discussion over the potential implementation of a stormwater utility. The discussions around this topic revealed a deep divide among council members and residents alike. The city had secured a $63,000 grant from New Jersey Conservation Voters for a stormwater utility feasibility study, which had already made progress, including the development of a summary of the current stormwater management program and the scheduling of future presentations. Despite the grant and the study’s advancements, public comments and council discussions reflected skepticism about the project’s necessity, its financial implications, and the process’s transparency.

Lambertville Adopts Budget, Addresses Stormwater and Cannabis Revenue Concerns

Overview: In a recent Lambertville City Council meeting, members voted to adopt the 2024 budget, which includes a tax rate estimated to be lower than the previous year, and passed an ordinance that allows the municipality to increase spending by an additional 1% if needed, with the ability to bank any unused amount. The meeting also addressed the allocation of resources for stormwater management, the inclusion of cannabis tax revenue in the budget, and the authorization of a memorandum with the Lambertville Fire District.