During the August 4 Borough Council meeting, Mayor James Davy and Council members provided updates on the Master Plan, the newly upgraded Borough website, and other key initiatives.
New Master Plan is on target for completion with benchmark dates set for this summer and fall
Council President Nadine Stern announced these important events:
- Economic Development Element presentation to the public, August 13
- Public Survey closure, August 15
- Land Use Element presentation to the public and potential updates to the Housing Element, dates to be announced soon
- Community information and exchange session, September 30
- Anticipated adoption of the Master Plan, this November
Residents help to reimagine Pennington’s Master Plan
Over 200 participants have shared suggestions and comments in response to the Pennington Borough Master Plan Survey. The survey, sent to all residents in late July, can be accessed online and is still available for input until mid-August. Participants can share their preferences about the shape Pennington can take in the coming years. The survey maps cover the town center, surrounding neighborhoods, and the Route 31 corridor.
Although the plan will be completed in 2025, it will be in effect for 10 years, Stern said. It will be hosted on the Borough website as a living document, so modifications can be made if needed.
The Planning Board will present the Economic Development Element of the Plan at its August 13 meeting. At press time, the final element – the Land Use Plan – is being developed.
Stern encouraged the public to attend a master plan and poster session on September 30 when residents can offer additional input and meet with the Planning Board and the Master Plan Committee at Borough Hall.
Website Upgrade
Stern and Borough Administrator GP Caminiti encouraged residents to visit Pennington’s upgraded website. “The idea is to make as many routine tasks as possible available to residents, property/business owners, contractors, and the like 24/7,” said Caminiti.
The website allows visitors to make event reservations, complete forms for dog licenses and zoning applications, obtain construction information (permit history, inspection scheduling, etc.), submit questions, tips, and observations about potholes or potential code violations, and pay water bills, taxes, and fees.
Caminiti said these features can speed up processing while taking pressure off staff during Borough Hall’s open hours. He reminded visitors that the website upgrade is still in progress and that not all functions are fully operational yet. “We therefore ask for patience from all as we continue the improvements,” he said.
New Police Officer Welcomed
Trevor J. Carlton was introduced as a new officer joining the Pennington Police Department. Among an initial group of 27 candidates, Carlton was the most successful in responding to a series of interview questions related to policing, life experience, knowledge of Pennington Borough, and other topics. He was also regarded as a good fit for the Department. Davy and Council members joined Sergeant First Class, OIC Daryl Burroughs in welcoming Carlton.
Monitoring Traffic
Anticipating the installation of a new traffic light on Route 31, the Borough is capturing data on vehicles that travel through several neighborhood streets, including Burd, Ingleside, Sked, and Vannoy. Councilwoman Kit Chandler explained that the data collection aims to assess the potential impact of the planned Route 31 traffic light on nearby streets. She added that the Borough is collecting data on other roads but is currently prioritizing streets that could be most affected by the traffic light.
Community Celebration Announced
Councilman Charles Marciante invited the community to attend a celebration event on September 5. Taking place at Howe Commons, the event will feature music, food trucks, a beer tent, and games. More details will be announced on the Borough website.
Forest Management Plan
Councilman and Environmental Commission liaison Dan Rubenstein said the Shade Tree Committee is making progress on updating the [Community] Forest Management Plan. The committee’s web page states that its mission is to ensure the viability and sustainability of Pennington’s forests and shade trees for the economic, aesthetic, and environmental benefits they give to residents.
Updates from the Borough Administrator
Caminiti thanked the Pennington Fire Company and first responders for successfully containing a fire on North Main Street on August 4. No residents were injured, although the fire company’s Facebook page reported that one member was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Caminiti reported on several ongoing initiatives. The Borough’s revised health insurance plan includes cost savings and the option for dental and vision coverage for employees and retirees. The administration and Public Works are making progress with lead line replacements and remediation treatment of toxic chemicals in drinking water. Elizabeth Gas has completed over 50% of its line replacements. Updated information on related road closures is available on the Borough website.
In other business, Council passed ordinances and resolutions addressing several items, including a bond for purchasing a new garbage truck, increasing hours of operation for cannabis retailer Jersey Meds, making road and park improvements, and continuing its deer management program.
Referring to the agenda, Councilman Charles Marciante made a statement assuring the public that Council considers all resolutions and ordinances with diligence. “It seems like we’re going through these things and not sharing the detail of what there is to it,” he said. “But last Monday night, we spent four and a half hours online going over all these ordinances before we vote today. That’s why it seems like we’re streamlining.” Various council members concurred with his comments.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, at 7 pm. Check the Zoom meeting page for details.
