The July 21, 2026 Council meeting was filled with some hard truths and rising tension as residents showed up prepared and in search of a more transparent government that acts in the best interest of the community. Several Council members had to be reminded to calm down during the meeting, and several Council members and the Township Administrator appeared uncomfortable throughout much of it.
Ladies and gentlemen, we officially have an absent mayor. Devanney has consistently missed Council meetings and has been MIA for most of the summer unless, of course, there’s a photo op happening in Berkeley Heights. The show must go on, but the person running the show remains a mystery.
The Council started the meeting with an emergency executive session to discuss a BHPD personnel matter.
Following the closed-door session, the Council opened the meeting to public comment on agenda items.
Council candidate Tom Macjiewski took to the microphone to question the notable absence of the mayor. Foster asked him to sit down and raise the question again during the public hearing on any topic. Macjiewski questioned the rush to introduce the data center ban, and Poage responded that it came from “rumblings” on a Facebook forum. Foster jumped in, citing JCP&L and PSE&G’s silence on the proposed plans for the Nokia property, but when asked if the Township had reached out to inquire about those plans, he responded that it had not made an effort to seek information.
Several residents made their case for the proposed ban on data centers, while many others asked the Council to pump the brakes on the ordinance, arguing that both the ordinance and Poage’s prior presentation were biased and didn’t address any potential benefits from data centers, including infrastructure improvements and millions of dollars in tax revenue. Some residents also commented that the “facts” in Poage’s presentation were neither accurate nor vetted.
Residents also commented on the contract with OZ for the development near Westminster Church, questioning why it’s only now being approved when two entire houses have already been constructed. The response was vague, with officials calling it a “unique situation.”
The Nokia property discussion continued, with some residents arguing that a data center or similar facility would be better for the community than additional housing developments, which would place another burden on the schools and already fractured infrastructure.
All resolutions and ordinances passed unanimously.
During the second public hearing on any topic, residents showed up in support of Carolyn George, the Recreation Commission and the Recreation Department.
The former Recreation Commission chair spoke out again, asking why the three applications for commissioners are STILL sitting on the mayor’s desk. He also mentioned a playground camp visit by state and county health officials, who reportedly arrived with a detailed, multipoint list of citations following an anonymous tip. Commissioner Ed Kingsley quickly moved to the microphone after Council members suggested these were likely run-of-the-mill inspections. Kingsley reiterated that both departments had a detailed list of citations and noted that the information appeared to come from someone with inside knowledge about the inner workings of playground camp. Both commenters suggested this felt like an inside job but said they didn’t believe “anyone in the room” was involved. The Recreation Project Manager was also absent from this meeting.
A resident spoke in support of Carolyn George, the Recreation Department and the Recreation Commission and noted her disgust over everything that has transpired since last fall, including an investigation into Carolyn George and the spectacle surrounding the dismantling of the Commission. A once-again frustrated Township Administrator took to the microphone following the resident’s comments to “set the record straight,” stating that the Township did not hire a lawyer to investigate Carolyn. While the Township may not have hired a separate attorney for that purpose, records obtained by NJ21st show that the Township Attorney sent an email to Carolyn George on November 12, 2025, copying the Township Administrator and Recreation Commission chair. The email had the subject line “BH Recreation Commission Petty Cash Fund” and was flagged as “High” importance. Sources have confirmed that an internal investigation or audit occurred following this email, and we’re working on a follow-up article.
Recreation Commission members Dhan and Kingsley were at the microphone several times to correct details they said were being misrepresented.
A resident, backed up by Dhan, point-blank asked Foster if he’d be providing the Lower Columbia update he’d promised at the Commission meeting two weeks earlier. Foster responded that he would provide an update. It’s worth noting that Recreation Commission members, who under the lease agreement are responsible for approving all projects at Lower Columbia, were themselves requesting an update at a public meeting.
Council candidate Tom Macjiewski questioned the whereabouts of the mayor, who was reportedly at a softball tournament again. He also questioned the reported “rumblings” behind the data center ordinance.
Other residents questioned whether the Terrace II property is a PILOT and, if so, whether the Township would consider allocating some of the tax benefits to the schools. Margaret Illis appeared angry and refused to answer because the residents, who were speaking on their own behalf, also happened to serve on the Board of Education. They have every right to question the Township on any issue unrelated to their roles on the Board of Education.
Another resident once again cited what he described as an abundance of irrelevant spending within the Library budget and pointed to several programs and items that he said aren’t aligned with the use of a library. He also requested that unused funding be reallocated back to the Township.
Former Councilwoman Jeanne Kingsley spoke out against the ordinance to increase positions within the Police Department, which was reported to be part of a five-year plan. She commented that with any increase in jobs or staff, there should be evidence and data illustrating the need beyond it simply being a want or desire. Kingsley also asked about improvements to the Township building and when all repairs would be completed. No response was provided.
Another resident asked about the completion of Peppertown Park. Township Administrator Viana said the Township had been waiting for bricks but became frustrated with the delay, notice the theme, and selected a different brick so work could begin soon. Several residents noted and sent pictures of flooded portions of the park following the most recent storm. Other residents have said the incomplete stonework has resulted in several cracks and loose bricks due to neglect at the park, which has been completely out of commission since last fall.
During Council reports, Viana gave an “update” on Lower Columbia that, honestly, wasn’t an update at all. She directed people to the Township website for information and said the Township would be reaching out to the Commission to schedule a meeting to discuss the project. That’s a stark contrast from what commissioners and Foster said at the Commission meeting, where the Lower Columbia project was described as “on hold.” The Township Attorney commented earlier in the meeting that there was some confusion with the DEP regarding land use, but we’re seeking more information about that statement.
This meeting was a rolling boil, with the hits coming from every direction, and the Township missed the mark when it came to responding to and answering most questions, comments and concerns. We even had a cameo from former Mayor Bob Woodruff, who spoke out against the BHPD ordinance.
There’s no question that people are awake, paying attention and unhappy with the way business is being managed and handled.
There’s a public Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m., where the results from the playground camp inspections will be revealed. For those of you who hold summer recreation camp near and dear to your hearts, pay attention because it appears there are people in the wings preying on the good intentions of our hardworking and dedicated staff and volunteers.
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Data Centers, Vehicles, Lawsuits and a Sauna – The Summit Council 07/28 Agenda
The Rest of the 07/21 Berkeley Heights Agenda: $1.9M in Unitemized Bills, Unclear Contracts and More Words in the Air
