Who Gets a Day or Award in Berkeley Heights? Apparently, “It’s Organic.”
–Laura Kapuscinski Every so often, the Township of Berkeley Heights names a “Day” after someone — usually a resident, sometimes a local figure — as a gesture of community appreciation. It’s a nice idea. But recently, a question came up: How exactly does someone get one? So we asked. I sent an email to Mayor Angie Devanney and Council members...
No-Bid Contracts, DEP Fines, and the Sewage Bid: What the Council Didn’t Explain
Laura’s Notes on the 07/15/2025 Berkeley Heights Town Council Meeting Following the storm that rocked our world, the Berkeley Heights Town Council met virtually on Tuesday, July 15. The meeting featured the usual theatrical monologues, with Councilwoman Poage and Town Administrator Liza Viana noting they were on vacation and a cruise, respectively. Viana remarked that she always seems to be...
Sewer Sale Stalls in Berkeley Heights – Lone Bid Rejected?
Berkeley Heights appears likely to turn down the only bid it received to buy its wastewater treatment plant—and yes, it was from New Jersey American Water, just as many expected. According to a resolution up for approval at the next Township Council meeting, the bid didn’t meet the commitment to the level of capital improvements the town had asked for....
Accountability Gap? Berkeley Heights Named in Attorney General’s 2024 Discipline Report
Back in February, NJ21st published a Community Voices contribution that raised significant concerns about the Township’s oversight of the Berkeley Heights Police Department. At the time, the Township was also pressuring the school district to divert funds intended for students to cover police benefit time—under a contract with no spending caps. We further noted that two sitting council members are...
From Public Utility to Private Monopoly? Berkeley Heights Community Members Seek Answers
Since May, NJ21st has provided comprehensive, in-depth coverage of the question residents will likely be asked to answer this November: Should Berkeley Heights sell its sewage plant? The last two articles offered a deep dive into the Request for Bids and the series of addenda issued in June and July. Since their publication, we’ve received emails from Berkeley Heights community...
Statement from BOE Representative Sai Akiri on the June 26 resolution to submit plans to the State for Approval
The Board was asked to approve one step in the process toward a referendum during the June 26 meeting—specifically, to approve submission of the applications to the state for review. Let me be clear why I could not support this. In the past, I have said it may be better to discuss issues as a full Board versus our current...
A Fair Price or a Hidden Tax? Residents Question Berkeley Heights Construction Fees
We’ve gotten several emails from residents about last week’s analysis of construction fees collected by the Township — all of them raising important points that add to the conversation. One resident wrote: “The fees are supposed to be reasonable and enough to cover costs. If they are generating a lot of excess money in the form of fees, then the...
Berkeley Heights Sewer Sale – Everything We Know So Far
The Township of Berkeley Heights is moving forward with a plan to sell its entire public sewer system to a private company—a deal that would shift ownership, operations, and long-term risk away from the municipality. But with final bids due July 1 and a fifth (and final) addendum still pending, several key terms remain unresolved. One especially glaring omission: the...
Budget Withheld, Questions Unanswered
A prior version of this article incorrectly indicated that the year to year increase on security spending was 62%, this is incorrect- that actual percentage is 42% from the 2023-2024 actual amount. (04/24/2025) How budget opacity, inflated security costs, and stalled academic progress are failing our students. In both 2023 and 2024, I was able to secure the line item...
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...
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