Beyond the Payout: Lessons New Jersey Residents Can Learn from the Berkeley Heights’ Sewer Referendum
Pay Attention, NJ. Berkeley Heights political leadership stands to gain a great deal from the sale of our sewage plant: An influx of cash. The ability to pass off years of neglect—and the responsibility for raising rates—onto residents through a private entity. The ability to shift accountability for plant operations to another oversight body. Despite relieving themselves of the responsibility...
No Video Exists of Pivotal Berkeley Heights Council Meeting
The township confirmed today that there is no video recording of the most recent Town Council meeting, citing “technical difficulties.” The meeting—held at 6:00 p.m., earlier than usual—had one of the most important and packed agendas of the year thus far. It included a vote to send the possible sale of the sewage plant to referendum, adoption of the budget,...
Sewer Plant, Budget, and $3.8M in Spending on the Table Tuesday in Berkeley Heights
On Tuesday, May 6, the Berkeley Heights Township Council will vote on whether to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) to explore the possible sale of the town’s wastewater treatment plant. The resolution is part of a packed agenda that also includes final adoption of the 2025 municipal budget, introduction of a $3.8 million bond ordinance, and salary range updates for...
What’s at Stake in the Potential Sale of the Berkeley Heights Sewer Plant
Many towns across not only New Jersey, but the nation, have been selling their waste treatment plants to private companies. Berkeley Heights mayor, Angie Devanney, along with Town Council members put out an article detailing their intent to vote on moving forward to solicit bids for the sale of the town’s waste treatment plant and highlighting some of the reasoning...
Private Tour, Public Questions: Does Recreation Department Invite Lead Council & BOE to Violate OPMA?
The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) 10:4-7 clearly states: Legislative Findings and Declaration: “The Legislature finds and declares that the right of the public to be present at all meetings of public bodies, and to witness in full detail all phases of the deliberation, policy formulation, and decision-making processes of public bodies, is vital to the enhancement and...
Former Council Member Paul Donnelly Accuses Berkeley Heights of Code Violations & Permit Misconduct
Former Councilman Paul Donnelly confronts the Berkeley Heights Council over unresolved drainage issues linked to a neighboring property, alleging code violations, a fraudulent permit, and failure to enforce local ordinances. Tensions rise as he accuses officials of misconduct and questions why the matter is being dismissed as a civil dispute. Read More on Berkeley Heights Town Council Subscribe to NJ21st...
Quick Notes on the Berkeley Heights Municipal Budget-04/08/2025 Berkeley Heights Town Council Meeting
Overview Total Spending: $30.5 million (↓ $1.9M from 2024) Raised by Taxes: $17.0 million (↑ $715K from 2024) Surplus Used: $4.9 million (↑ $460K) Revenue: Property Taxes: 55% of the budget. Surplus (“Rainy Day Fund”): Usage up 10% this year. PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes): Up 258% to $2.15 million. These are payments from developers instead of traditional taxes...
Turf or Grass? Environmental Concerns for Lower Columbia Field
The Berkeley Heights Township’s lease of the lower Columbia field has been approved, but there is much to be done before residents will see a playing field at this location. One of those things needs to be a review of environmental conditions in that area and how placing a turf field in this location will impact the ecosystem. According to...
Council Passes Lease in Special Meeting as Residents Raise Transparency Concerns
The Berkeley Heights Town Council held a Special Meeting over Zoom this past Tuesday at 3:30 PM. The only item on the agenda was the lease agreement with the Board of Education for Lower Columbia property. Councilmember Margaret Illis was absent, and both Council President John Foster and Vice President Susan Poage—who are employees of the school district—recused themselves due...
BOE Representative Joly’s Comments on CMS Lease Agreement During the 03/25/2025 Town Council Meeting
The majority of residents who attended and spoke at the 03/25/2025 Town Council Meeting expressed concerns about the project, the information published by corporate media and/or the process surrounding the agreement. Most residents were not aware that the meeting was zoom-only. As predicted the measure passed with Foster and Poage abstaining due to their employment with BHPSNJ – though both...
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