Lower Columbia Project Raises New Questions About Funding, Permits and Public Notice

The number of issues and controversies facing Lower Columbia Project is only matched by the number of names it’s been marketed under. First a turf field, then a natural field, then a sports complex and now a project.

Like a bad hangover, the Lower Columbia project continues to be a painstaking labyrinth of claims that still lack accreditation, proper documentation and a solid foundation, with more questions arising at every turn with it’s genesis in what can now appear as a deceptive ballot measure and a legally questionable resolution.

The meeting on 04/07/26 was another sad (or hilarious – depending on how you see it) chapter in this saga that came out of no where and included a resolution to accept bids for projects at Lower Columbia. The Planning Board agenda for 4/8/26 then featured a “courtesy review” of that same resolution.

The October 2025 Recreation Commission minutes reflect that the soil at Lower Columbia is hydric. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, hydric soils are waterlogged, anaerobic soils formed under conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop specialized characteristics, such as gray or bluish colors or dark organic layers. They are key indicators of wetlands, supporting specialized plants and essential ecosystem services like water filtration.

The NJDEP usually requires permits, through a Freshwater Wetlands General Permit 1 for maintenance or specialized permits for new disturbance, under the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act. Projects disturbing one acre or more require a Construction General Permit.

Missing from the public documents is any capital ordinance, bond ordinance or budget appropriation identifying the capital authorization for the projects at Lower Columbia, pursuant to NJSA 40A:2 and NJSA 40A:4.

The next possible hurdle lies with the lease document signed between the BOE and the Township, formally adopted on 3/25/25 at a special meeting. According to NJSA 40:12, for the Township to assume control of what was formerly a Recreation Commission project, a formal adoption by resolution or ordinance should have occurred to finalize that transfer of control.

As I reported from the Town Council meeting, several unanswered questions were raised by residents regarding funding, budgeting, project planning and the DEP.

The Planning Board meeting was held in person only, with no livestream available. At the time of publication, no video had been posted.

It was reported that Ms. Varnerin and a representative from Harbour Consultants provided an overview of the projects.

Although Ms. Varnerin and the Township have been on the record stating that the use of the land will remain “the same,” that is, unfortunately, not accurate.

If drainage and lighting are installed at Lower Columbia, the likelihood of scheduling more games that run later into the evening increases significantly. How will this affect the surrounding neighborhoods? How will noise ordinances be enforced? Will the Township be able to afford any increased need for police presence?

Residents living within a stone’s throw of Columbia Field have reported that they were not notified of any potential projects at Lower Columbia that may disrupt their daily lives. They have also raised concerns about where the drainage runoff will go and how the displacement of that water could affect their properties. Has any feasibility study been conducted on how the drainage will affect the surrounding homes?

Several concerns have also been raised about the perceived conflict of interest in hiring Ms. Varnerin, once a political rival on the verge of losing her position within the Rec Commission now a close friend and ally of Mayor Devanney. In addition to holding a seat on the RMC and being actively involved in local elections, Ms. Varnerin now holds three paid positions within the county and local government. According to records obtained through OPRA, she grossed $17,600 in 2025 through her county-paid Board of Elections position and $26,147.27 in 2025 through her Mountainside tax collector work. Now it appears she will be paid $25 an hour as Berkeley Heights Recreation Project Manager.