Progress or Problems? The Divide Over Berkeley Heights’ 2025 Milestones

Laura’s Notes on the 2026 Municipal Reorg Meeting

The reorganization of the Township Council went off as expected. Sentiments of hope and excitement about the future of Berkeley Heights were shared while the Council rapidly approved a multitude of resolutions with no discussion.

Unanimous votes kept Mr. Foster as Council President and Susan Poage as Vice President.

Poage introduced an ordinance that is being amended regarding the maximum allowable height for homes and buildings.

Following statements from all Council members, the Mayor delivered her 2026 address to the Township highlighting what she identified as the greatest accomplishments of 2025.

Phase I of the Sherman Avenue and Peppertown Park revitalization and upgrades to bring the wastewater treatment facility up to date.

The Mayor noted that the Sherman Avenue and Peppertown Park project is intended to make access to downtown and transit more pedestrian friendly and to drive more consumers into local businesses. Unfortunately, reports from local businesses and residents have expressed anything but excitement so far. The narrowing of the roadway and the lack of adequate parking have frustrated clients, shoppers and small business owners.

Also a surprise to many residents, the wastewater facility upgrades were highlighted as a 2025 accomplishment given that the Township spent nearly a year concealing multiple sewage plant violations ranging from worker safety issues to stormwater violations,including four notices from the DEP. While upgrades are being made there is still substantial work needed to correct the problems at the plant to ensure future viability.

The Mayor also discussed upcoming projects including Snyder and Mountain Avenue sidewalks that are going out to bid, a renewed focus on housing for residents 55 and older at the Nokia property and the Lower Columbia Park project, which was described as the heart of recreation.

As we move into 2026, Berkeley Heights faces a major election year. The Mayor’s second term is ending and she has already filed to run again. We are also looking at a nearly one party council which may remind readers of the legacy project born from an all Republican Council under former Mayor Woodruff – the Town Hall Complex.

Many expect that the legacy project and the platform for Mayor Devanney’s reelection will be the the controversial Columbia Sports Complex along with the fear of another multi million dollar cycle of unresolved problems.

Also Read: One Meeting, Two Approaches: What the New Providence and Berkeley Heights Municipal Reorganizations Show Us