At the November 3 Pennington Borough Council meeting, Mayor James Davy and members discussed ways residents and organizations can make their voices heard and learn about local projects that impact their lives. The Council encouraged people to speak up at Borough meetings, use the Borough website to receive customized messages and displaying announcements on the mobile message board.
Before Council could provide details on these topics, the Zoom meeting was interrupted by a display of inappropriate content posted by hackers. The Borough clerk immediately blocked the hackers by closing the meeting and reopening a new session. The meeting resumed, without further incident.
“The source of the distraction is currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities,” said Borough Administrator GP Caminiti in a later conversation with MercerMe. He added that the Borough is reviewing its cyber security system for protection upgrades.
Affordable Housing: Meeting mandates and protecting communities. Talks continue.
Mayor Davy announced that there would be a November 25 special Council meeting on the Affordable Housing plan that will be a closed session. Davy stressed that the Borough’s December Council meeting on housing is open to the public.
During Committee Reports, Council President Nadine Stern said a group of residents titled “Protect our Corner of Pennington Community Group” participated in the October Planning Board meeting. The group had also spoken at the October Council meeting where they expressed concerns about a proposal to convert the Hopewell Valley Senior Center property at Two Reading Street into a 31-unit residential property. Their issues included the lack of public transit, insufficient infrastructure and road space for emergency vehicles, among other matters.
New Website offerings
Stern encouraged residents to take advantage of communication features on the Borough’s updated website. By clicking on the “View All Alerts” button or the “read on” text at the top of the Home Page, viewers can sign up to receive Borough announcements, agenda postings, meeting dates and emergency alerts via email or text.
Viewers can specify which messages they want to receive based on the groups they select; for example, Borough Council, Board of Health, Planning & Zoning, Open Space, etc.
Mobile Message Board
Concluding a discussion on Pennington’s mobile message board, Council decided that the Borough Administrator will review and approve announcement requests, and the Public Works department will handle the process of setting up and transporting the board. Groups wishing to use the board are asked to submit their request five business days in advance.
Progress continues for lead and galvanized service line replacements
Council passed a resolution authorizing engineering firm Van Note-Harvey Associates to prepare documents for parties to bid on the replacement of Pennington’s service lines. The company was also approved to prepare operations and maintenance manuals that will be used to comply with MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) State regulations.
Police Department: Promotion announced
Council passed a resolution to promote Daryl Burroughs, Jr. to the position of Lieutenant, Pennington Borough Police Department, subject to approval of his employment agreement. Burroughs has been serving as Sergeant First Class since November 2022, and Officer in Charge of the Department since February 2025. Burroughs was congratulated by Davy and several Council members and will be formally sworn in at the December Council meeting.
Pot Belly Pigs can be good pets
Councilman and Board of Heath Committee liaison John Valenza reported on a resident’s complaint about a neighbor housing pot belly pigs.
After checking with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife department, he confirmed that residents are allowed to house these pigs as long as they are well taken care of, healthy and not causing continuous odor. Valenza said that Animal Control visited the owner and determined that the pigs were well provided for and posed no problems to neighbors. Valenza concluded his report saying, “To each his own, right?” adding that Council represents everybody.
Eileen M. Heinzel Memorial Arboretum continues to evolve
Councilwoman Kit Chandler said that a number of dead ash trees and large invasive plants have been cut down and removed although there is still more work to be done. There may be a volunteer work session to remove smaller plants in November. If interested, send an email to Chandler’s Pennington Borough address. Chandler said she expects plantings to begin in the coming months.
Environmental Commission partners with ANJEC
The Pennington Environmental Commission recently met with ANJEC (Associaton of New Jersey Environmental Commissions) where Pennington members learned about various ANJEC’s initiatives. Councilman Dan Rubenstein mentioned two programs they discussed, the Green Acres program, designed to create systems of interconnected open spaces, and the Blue Acres program, which provides funding to acquire properties in flood-prone areas and restore the land to natural conditions, such as wetland or open space.
The Shade Tree Committee is making final updates on the Community Forestry Plan, which will be completed by the December Council meeting
Christmas and New Year events coming soon
Marciante announced plans in progress for Christmas decoration contests with prizes. The committee is planning one contest for adults and one for kids.
A New Year’s Eve party is planned for December 31, 1-3 pm, at the Senior Center. More information on these events will be available soon.
Don’t let your fur babies get rabies: Free clinics announced
Councilman and Board of Health liaison John Valenza recommended that pet owners take advantage of free rabies clinics: November 22, Hopewell Township Department of Public Works; December 6, Pennington Borough Department of Public Works. All clinics take place from 9 am to noon. For details, see the Hopewell Township Animal Control web page
More funds for potential landfill property redevelopment
Council passed an introductory ordinance for a supplemental appropriation of $60,000 for preliminary work related to potential redevelopment of the borough owned landfill. The main source of the appropriation will come from a State grant, and the Borough will pay for the balance by issuing a bond or note for $2,508.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for December 1, 7 pm. See the Zoom meeting page for details.
