John’s Notes on the 03/18/2025 Town Council Meeting: Affordable Housing, Fire Prevention, Storm Water on the Agenda…

Berkeley Heights Town CouncilBerkeley Heights Town GovernmentTown Council Agenda and Meeting Summary

Here’s a brief synopsis of each resolution on the agenda and questions resident can ask…

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-144 Affordable Housing

After negotiations with Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC), the township agreed to a prospective need obligation of 240 affordable housing units while maintaining a present need obligation of zero. 

Questions Residents can Ask:

How will the township meet the obligation to provide 240 affordable housing units? Will this be through new construction, rehabilitation, or zoning changes?

Where will the affordable housing be built? Are specific locations or developments being considered?

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-09 Stormwater:


The ordinance affects homeowners, developers, and businesses by requiring stricter controls on drainage and impervious surfaces. Residents may want to ask how the rules apply to small property improvements like patios or driveways, whether multiple projects over time are counted cumulatively, and if financial assistance or waivers are available for required upgrades. Also important is understanding the process for obtaining stormwater plan approvals and how the township will handle enforcement, especially in cases where a neighbor’s non-compliance causes flooding.  Here are questions residents can ask during Tuesday’s Meeting about this Ordinance.

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-10 Salt Storage

This ordinance follows New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) guidelines to prevent stormwater contamination. It applies to businesses, residences, and other private properties, ensuring that stored salt is properly contained to protect the environment and public health. Residents and property owners should understand how the ordinance affects salt storage practices, compliance requirements, and potential penalties for violations. Here are questions Residents can Ask during Tuesday’s  Meeting about this Ordinance.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-11 Sewage Fees

The ordinance establishes how sewer fees are calculated, ensuring that costs cover operation, maintenance, and necessary improvements to the township’s sewer system. Residential properties paying real estate taxes will generally not have a separate sewer charge, while non-taxed properties, high-usage commercial properties, and tax-exempt entities will be charged based on usage. The ordinance also outlines penalties for late payments and allows senior citizens and disabled residents to receive a small discount.  Here are questions Residents can Ask during Tuesday’s  Meeting about this Ordinance.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-12 Bureau of Fire Prevention

We have already covered this in-depth.

Prior to this article we submitted the petition containing 312 signatures to the township.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-148 Sherman Avenue Revitalization Project

Phase I of the project will include improvements to walkways and bicycle paths along Sherman Avenue and enhancements to Peppertown Park. The resolution authorizes the township clerk to solicit bids for this part of the project.

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-149 JCP&L Tower

The township originally leased part of this property to Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) in 1987, with amendments in 1996 and 1998. Under the lease terms, JCP&L must obtain township approval for any expansion of use, including additional subleases or collocations of new antennae on the tower.

Context:

Diamond Communications requested permission for AT&T to add equipment to the tower.

The township approved this request. As part of this expansion, AT&T will pay an additional monthly rent of $2,000, of which the township will receive $1,000.

 

Full Agenda Packet

 

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John Migueis

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