One resident’s comment uncovers a deeper—and still unexplained—layer to the bond plan

After the second attempt to hold an emergency bond ordinance meeting on Zoom was derailed by another disruption, one Berkeley Heights resident (Joe Iadanza) sent in a comment that cuts further to the heart of the issue.

“For the second time the zoom meeting was hacked. It is apparent that the meeting has to be held in town hall. It is a damm shame that this is happening. No matter, I have many questions that I would like answered. Not being adversarial how was this rain event different from a blizzard or the Superstorm Sandy? If I read the resolution correctly why is sewer plant capital improvement jumping from $75,700 to $ 1,438235, DPW equipment from $19,400 to $367,600, public safety equipment from $ 173,900 to $ 1,570,300 , Doc scanners from $1,500 to $ 28,500, etc

I would also like to better understand the language included “”levy ad valorem” in addition is Berkeley Heights responsible for Plainfield Avenue repairs as it travels to the Connell Facilities. When I moved here over thirty years ago it was a two lane road with shoulders for breakdowns/snow removal. Connell was instrumental in having that road reconfigured. Where would their culpability be as it increased runoff, etc. Thank you for allowing a forum to air my concerns?

Not attempting to be sarcastic or contemptuous, if it is an emergency lets meet in person as soon as practical to resolve any issues that demands prompt action.”

These are very good questions.

Those dollar spikes aren’t in the $3.5 million bond ordinance that the Township is putting forward for a vote but they do show up in the capital budget amendment attached to Resolution 2025-239. This amendment quietly updates the Township’s full capital plan, and it includes major increases in planned spending across several categories:

• Sewer plant improvements: from $75K to $1.4 million
• DPW equipment: from $19K to $367K
• Public safety equipment: from $173K to $1.57 million
• Document scanning: from $1,500 to $28,500

No explanation is provided in the public packet. No project list. No supporting documents. Just bigger numbers, listed under “debt authorized.”

While these items are not part of the $3.565 million bond ordinance currently on the table, their sudden appearance in the capital plan raises the question: is this the start of a larger round of borrowing? And why hasn’t the Township clarified what these increases mean for residents?

Joe also flagged the phrase “levy ad valorem” in the ordinance. It’s standard bond language, but it means something real: if FEMA or other outside funds don’t come through, the Township will repay the debt with property taxes, based on the assessed value of homes and businesses. In plain terms, this borrowing — if approved — becomes part of the tax burden for all property owners.

And his point about Plainfield Avenue is fair too. If runoff from commercial development contributed to road damage, why is the Township taking the full hit?

None of these questions have been answered. And with the final vote scheduled for August 19, residents have a limited window to demand clarity.

Joe’s questions deserve answers before this ordinance moves forward.

NJ21st reported on a similar pattern in May, when a $3 million bond ordinance was introduced with little detail and fast-tracked. That ordinance also contained vague language and was quietly backed by a much larger capital plan. You can read that article here. Fast-Tracked Debt: What’s Buried in Berkeley Heights Township’s $3M Bond

Editor’s note: The steep capital budget increases cited above (e.g. sewer plant, DPW, public safety) were introduced via Resolution 2025-239 and included in a prior agenda. However, they are not part of the August 7, 2025 meeting materials and it’s unclear whether they’ve been postponed or removed.  However, the questions remain relevant – why were they there in the first place?

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