The Pennington Environmental Commission is working to serve as both a resource for residents and a bridge between the community and local government, according to Chair Kieran John, who outlined the commission’s priorities and ongoing projects during a presentation to Borough Council on June 1.
Speaking on behalf of the volunteer commission, John described the group as a diverse collection of residents focused on education, stewardship, planning and collaboration.
“We view ourselves as both a resource and a conduit, helping to bring information and opportunities to the community while also bringing community perspectives back into Borough discussions,” John said.
Among the commission’s current priorities are development of a Community Energy Plan, continued improvements to the Eileen M. Heinzel Memorial Arboretum and efforts to increase public engagement around environmental issues.
Community Energy Plan takes shape
One of the commission’s largest ongoing projects is the development of a Community Energy Plan, a state-supported initiative intended to help guide future energy-related decisions in Pennington.
John emphasized that the plan does not commit the borough to specific projects or spending. Instead, it is designed to provide information that can help elected officials evaluate future opportunities and challenges.
To help shape the plan, Environmental Commission members reviewed efforts in other municipalities, worked with Sustainable Jersey and sought community input through surveys and public discussions. More than 130 residents participated in a recent survey examining household energy use, future interests, barriers and educational needs.
The commission expects to complete a draft later this year and present it to Borough Council and the public for discussion.
“The Community Energy Plan reflects the commission’s broader goal of helping Pennington think proactively about its future while ensuring that community perspectives remain part of the conversation,” John said.
Arboretum becoming community resource
John also highlighted continued growth of the Eileen M. Heinzel Memorial Arboretum, which the commission views as a model for environmental stewardship, education and community involvement.
Over the past several years, volunteers have helped construct and repair bridges, install educational bulletin boards, expand native plantings and create QR-code educational resources throughout the site. Youth volunteers, including Eagle Scouts, Girl Scouts and local students, have played a significant role in many of those projects.
“The Arboretum has become a place where residents can not only enjoy nature but also learn about local ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship,” John said.
The commission recently received an Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions grant, the latest in a series of grants supporting continued improvements at the site. Commission members are also exploring additional educational opportunities with Toll Gate Grammar School and other community partners.
“We believe that fostering environmental awareness and stewardship in the next generation is one of the most important investments we can make,” John said.
Building awareness through conversation
Beyond its long-term projects, the Environmental Commission has expanded efforts to engage residents through public outreach and education.
The commission has updated its borough website, launched a Facebook page and created a series of “Community Conversations” focused on environmental topics including recycling, landscaping, stormwater management and home energy use. Recordings of the discussions are available through the borough website.
“We intentionally refer to them as conversations rather than presentations or lectures,” John said. “Each conversation includes both subject matter experts and local voices.”
John said collaboration remains a recurring theme throughout the commission’s work. Over the past year, members have partnered with organizations including Sustainable Jersey, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, the Watershed Institute and the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. The commission has also worked with other borough boards and committees on environmental initiatives and habitat restoration projects.
Looking ahead, John said the commission remains focused on creating practical opportunities for environmental education, engagement and stewardship throughout the borough.
“The commission is grateful for the support of the Borough Council and Administration, community partners, volunteers, and residents who continue to contribute their time, ideas, and energy toward making Pennington an environmentally responsible and engaged community,” he said.
In Other Business
CSX bridge safety concerns continue
Mayor James Davy said the borough remains concerned about deteriorating conditions at the CSX railroad bridge over Broemel Place.
Davy told council he has contacted CSX, the Federal Railroad Administration and the New Jersey Department of Transportation regarding the structure and is considering reaching out to Gov. Mikie Sherrill for assistance. The mayor said he recently renewed calls for inspection and remediation efforts and continues to seek action from the railroad company.
Pennington joins behavioral health response partnership
Council approved a memorandum of understanding between the Pennington Police Department and Capital Health under the state’s ARRIVE Together program.
The agreement will allow police officers to refer individuals encountered during behavioral health-related calls to Capital Health specialists for follow-up support and crisis intervention services.
Borough Attorney Walter Bliss said the program is funded by the State of New Jersey rather than local taxpayers. Officer-in-Charge Daryl Burroughs said the follow-up component provides an important resource for residents who may benefit from additional support after police encounters.
Borough creates deputy clerk position
Council approved the creation of a deputy clerk position and appointed Robin Tillou to serve in the role.
In addition to her responsibilities as land use administrator, Tillou will serve as deputy registrar and will be authorized to receive birth and death certificates, issue burial permits and process marriage and civil union license applications.
Master Plan receives final approval
Council President Nadine Stern announced that Pennington’s updated Master Plan received final approval and was adopted by the Planning Board following a public meeting on May 13.
The updated plan includes all 12 required elements and represents the culmination of a multi-year community planning effort.
Mayor recognizes National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Mayor Davy read a proclamation recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 5.
The proclamation honored victims and survivors of gun violence and called for continued efforts to address what Davy described as a public health crisis affecting communities across the country.
Senior Services offers resources for older adults
Stern encouraged residents to explore the Senior Services section of the borough website, noting that many families may be unaware of the programs available to older adults in Hopewell Valley.
Coordinated by Randi Malkiewicz, the program offers services focused on health and wellness, transportation, technology assistance, social activities, education and community meals. Senior Services also partners with organizations including the Hopewell Township Police Department, Hopewell Valley YMCA Mobile Food Pantry, local libraries and Mercer County agencies.
Pennington Library launches summer programs
Councilman John Valenza encouraged residents to take advantage of the Pennington Public Library’s summer offerings, including reading programs, children’s activities and author talks.
The library’s adult summer reading program, themed “Unearth a Story,” invites participants to submit reviews of books and library programs for chances to win prizes throughout the summer, culminating in a Kindle giveaway.
Families can also participate in a Story Stroll at Sked Street Park featuring Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, along with related activities at the library’s Maker Station.
The library’s June programming includes author talks, educational presentations and virtual events covering topics ranging from history and art to cooking and literature.
A selected list of author talks and events offered in June includes:
Apocalyptic Mayhem, Lava-Spitting Llamas, and One Very Sassy Cat: Surviving the Universe’s Most Twisted RPG with NYT Best selling author and literary dungeon master Matt Dinniman: June 11, 7 pm.
Wonderfully Weird: Celebrating the Joys of Feeling Different with Zaila Avant-garde: June 16, 7:00 pm.
Art Talk: Egon Schiele: Nature, Allegory, and the Human Condition with Janet Mandel: June 18, 7 pm. (Registration for this event only)
Nurturing Future Generations: Stores from the Heart of Grandfatherhood, with Ted Page: June 18, 2 pm.
Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals, with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy: June 23, 2 pm.
Details and registration information can be found on the Library Online Events & Webinars page at the Pennington Public Library website.
MercerMe designated official newspaper
Council approved a resolution designating MercerMe as one of Pennington Borough’s official newspapers for publication of public notices in 2026.
