Resident Presentation During the 06/22/2023 Zoning Board on Westminster
We are better served when we use evidence to hold expert opinion accountable… In this clip, a resident provides the Zoning Board with important information about the environmental impact of the Westminster project. Listen carefully to how the expert responds to the resident’s presentation and how the resident counters with on-the-ground knowledge of the area. One thing I would advise...
07/01/2023 Newsletter
What’s Important to know about Berkeley Heights This Week…. Online Version PDF Version See All Newsletters
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...
Questions to the Town Council Candidates – Question 1
First in a Series of Questions to the 2023 Berkeley Heights, NJ Town Council Candidates Please provide residents with your qualifications for the town council (education, experience) and how you feel this background will benefit our community on the council. Please provide (at least) two very specific policy positions you plan to introduce or support during your tenure on the...
Sai’s notes on 06/27/2023 Town Council Agenda
Why does a public entity need public relations and communication services, and do these services fall under professional services? -Sai Akiri Resolution No 4: Resolution awarding a Professional services contract to Direct Development to provide Public Relations and Communications Services in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per month. On March 21, 2023, the council awarded a contract not to exceed $120,000 to...
Steve Mondragon’s Position on Transparency And OPRA
Steve Mondragon candidate for Berkeley Heights Town Council adds his voice to the local discussion on proposed legislation seeking to change OPRA and Transparency -Steve Mondragon Trust is a fundamental principle in a representative democracy. Without trust, the system doesn’t function properly. That trust is earned, not given. It takes time to nurture and cultivate, and needs constant tending to...
Varley, Penna and ….Danielsen?
The Folks Wanting to Destroy OPRA Appear to Have One Thing In Common: Hiding Important Information from the Public Currently, legislation is being proposed at the state level -championed under the guise of saving money-that would render OPRA meaningless. OPRA is a law that allows residents to obtain documents from government entities and provides remedies for non-compliance. Under OPRA, government agencies...
BHCW 06/19/2023 Newsletter
What’s important to know about Berkeley Heights this Week… Online Version PDF Version Prior Newsletters
Berkeley Heights Township Council: Urgent Reflections on the Proposed Redevelopment Study
Town Council Candidate Edmund Tom Maciejewski on 311 Springfield Avenue Resolution – Edmund Tom Maciejewski Our township of Berkeley Heights faces both an opportunity and challenge with the old nursing home situated between TD Bank and Thaitanium restaurant on 311 Springfield Avenue. This property, recently sold for around $900,000, is primed for development. However, the proposed redevelopment study demands careful...
06/13/2023 Town Council Agenda- Sai’s Notes
Will the Town Council Add More Fees and Bureaucracy to further push Middle and Working Class Families out of Berkeley Heights? Today on the town council agenda for final adoption is the following ordinance: An Ordinance of the Township of Berkeley Heights, County of Union, State of New Jersey, Amending and Supplementing Title 8 of The Code of the Township...
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