Is Curbside Recycling a Scam?
The Skeptics May Have a Point.. As the Western World seeks to explore recycling of ever more complex materials (lithium-ion batteries, anyone?), it may be worthwhile asking how we’re doing on just the simple materials. Where did the scam idea come from? Many skeptics repeat this, which implies that they have also given up and thrown recyclables in the trash:...
The Hills in Warren: A Warning and Call to Action
What does this project tell us about local government, the power of advocacy and the future of Berkeley Heights? This 26-acre previously untouched forest was cleared to make way for 192 units (48 affordable), part of Warren’s court-ordered affordable housing settlement. This is the same property granted use of the Berkeley Heights Sewer Plant over a year ago. Affordable Housing...
Why Are We Flooding?
Increased Flooding and What We Can Do. I’ve addressed it all in my own short time in this region: standing water after a “sort of” wet monsoon, flash flooding from tropical storms, and basement flooding. We have to ask, why are we flooding? There are a few reasons, but perception is the first thing to consider. We are hyper-aware of...
Aging in Place (ADU’s), Mother/Daughter, Lofts Are Currently Illegal in Berkeley Heights
And That Doesn’t Make Sense Some would say NJ is in a housing crisis. Some would say it’s a self-inflicted wound of high taxes and high cost of living that are irreversible while affordable housing was the construction industry’s wet dream of an answer. Additional Dwelling Units were another answer. ADUs are a zoning allowance for a second, usually separate...
They Could Take Our Last Tool For Transparency
Legislation being proposed at the state level casts a darkness on government business -John Leo, Jr. In four bills just last week presented to the NJ Legislature, A5613-5616, the mechanisms by which the public can gain public records are destined to be severely changed- some good, some bad. OPRA (Open Public Records Act) being the only tool we have to...
Round Four: Affordable Housing (AH)
There’s one bill going through the NJ senate worth watching regarding affordable housing: a bill that stalls Round Four until 2028. The best way to summarize how we got to where we are is nicely written by Colleen O’Dea here at NJSpotLightNews. But for a brief context, the Coalition of Affordable Housing (COAH) was established in 1985 to direct municipalities to...
RVR Rail to Trail Project: Video on Mission, Trail & Ale Walk
Get Up, Get Out, Get Involved…….then Drink Some Beer. Join Us On April 22nd for our Trail and Ale Event 7.3 miles of walk/bike path connecting neighborhoods and businesses from Summit to Rosell Park. The primary project we are promoting is a modern pedestrian/bike bridge over 22 to reconnect the RVR segment. UnionCountyConnects does public events to show county commissioners...
Save The Trees…Seriously.
Are local politics causing Berkeley Heights to go under Water? -John Leo Jr. Our town faces losing over 200 trees with a single five acre development project and your elected officials allow it to happen. In October of last year, I penned an article about the significance of a decaying township tree canopy. Many residents are beginning to make the...
Identifying Identity Politics
Our District’s Myopic Approach To The Issue of Identity May Be Creating More Harm Than Good John Leo Jr Trying to branch out, ground myself, or feel a little relief again, I found an interview with a UMASS professor (below) attempting to unravel what is happening at the public schools. The summary of the interview is this: fringe right parents...
Challenger Champion Sai
John Leo Jr. Endorses Sai Akiri I love disagreements. Nothing could be more fruitful than that middle ground where two people don’t completely agree or vehemently disagree. Disagreement can yield results. It’s the playing field of productive discussion. The people I support for leadership roles usually fall in this category. Because I know I can challenge their ideas and they...
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