The Pennington Borough Council met earlier this month to discuss a range of issues, including resident concerns over the borough’s updated Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, a vote to support the state’s proposed climate resilience rules, and ongoing efforts to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at key intersections. The meeting also featured a special commendation for a local police officer who helped save a life during a critical emergency response.
Pennington Housing Element and Fair Share Plan
Although the Planning Board submitted Pennington’s updated Housing Element and Fair Share Plan by the state’s June 30 deadline, questions and concerns remain among residents and members of the Borough Council.
Councilman Charles Marciante expressed frustration that the Council did not have a stronger role in shaping the final plan. Mayor Jim Davy responded that drafting the Housing Element is the responsibility of the Planning Board but emphasized that no part of the plan can move forward without ordinances being introduced, discussed, and approved by Council.
During public comment, resident Victoria Myers raised concerns about a proposed development of approximately 30 housing units at the Senior Center on Reading Avenue. “Development of that magnitude is troubling,” she said, citing traffic issues and environmental impacts. Myers urged Council members to visit the site and walk the property to better understand her concerns.
In addition to the Senior Center site, the housing plan identifies several other properties for potential development: two parcels at West Franklin and Route 31; the former Wells Fargo property at Delaware Avenue and Route 31; the former Levin Limousine site on West Delaware Avenue; and a downtown property at 12 North Main Street.
The Master Plan Committee is expected to distribute an affordable housing survey later this summer to gather community input and the planning board has continued to meet and move parts of a new master plan forward.
Real Considerations of REAL Rules
In an effort to better protect Pennington Borough and its residents from worsening climate impacts, the Borough Council voted to support a statewide proposal developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Known as “Protecting Against Climate Threats” or NJPACT: Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL), the proposed rules would update state land use regulations to address flooding, rising sea levels, and water quality threats intensified by climate change.
According to NJDEP, the rules are designed to reduce stormwater runoff, prevent flood-related building damage, and safeguard drinking water. Recommendations include elevating new residential construction, implementing stormwater controls in urban and developing areas, and revising floodplain standards in coastal regions.
However, the REAL rules have sparked pushback from some developers, business groups, and coastal municipalities, who argue the regulations could stifle new construction or limit the ability to rebuild in flood-prone areas. Critics have also raised concerns about increased costs to homeowners, builders, and local governments. At the Council meeting, Councilman Charles Marciante echoed those concerns.
Mike Pisauro, policy director at The Watershed Institute, responded by emphasizing the long-term financial benefits of climate adaptation. “For every dollar we invest, we are saving ourselves $13 in fixing problems if there are floods,” he said. “There will be less stormwater running off from a site, so there would be less flooding—and we won’t have to pay to fix problems.”
While the rules were previously expected to be adopted this summer or fall, the NJDEP this week announced changes and a delayed timeline. The updates—set to be published in the July 21 edition of the New Jersey Register—include a reduction in the required elevation for buildings in coastal flood zones from five to four feet above FEMA’s base flood level, and a new provision allowing developers to submit projects under current, less-stringent standards through mid-2026. Environmental advocates, including Pisauro, criticized the delays as a dangerous concession to development interests at a time when climate-driven disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe.
Traffic and Safety
Rte 31 & Ingleside Avenue
Following up on traffic issues discussed at previous meetings, Davy said the Mercer County engineer is exploring options for making Route 31, Ingleside Avenue and Burd Street safer for pedestrians and vehicles.
The County is considering closing off Ingleside Avenue, but some residents and Council members raised objections at the meeting, stating that this action would create a problem for emergency vehicles needing access. Richard Holderness, owner of an auto repair shop on Route 31, said this would hurt his business.
Responding to their concerns, Davy said the Borough would hold public meetings on these issues before any action is taken.
Route 31 & Delaware Avenue
Cheryl Kastrenakes, Executive Director of the Greater Mercer Transportation Association, reported on changes for making the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Route 31 safer. On the week beginning July 14, drivers will be prohibited from making right-hand turns on the red light, thus slowing vehicle speed. On the following week, there will be an all-traffic stop button that can be activated by pedestrians needing to cross the intersection.
Councilwoman Kit Chandler added that even with these improvements, crossing guards will still be at work during hours when school kids use the intersection.
Council President Nadine Stern inquired about the possibility of a pedestrian bridge over Route 31, but Davy said, based on conversations with the State, it is not a likely possibility.
Police Officer Mark Caruso honored for his crucial role in saving a life
Davy read a proclamation recognizing Officer Caruso for demonstrating “exceptional courage, quick thinking, and compassion in responding to a critical emergency.”
Several months ago, Caruso had responded to a dispatch call for a female who had attempted suicide and sustained deep lacerations on her wrist. Caruso immediately arrived at the scene and applied a wrapped bandage to the victim’s wrist and maintained constant pressure on the wound to control severe bleeding. Caruso monitored her condition as she drifted in and out of consciousness, providing both medical assistance and emotional support until the first aid squad arrived minutes later.
Reading from the proclamation, Davy said, “Officer Caruso’s quick thinking and compassionate response on September 19, 2024, undoubtedly helped save a life and exemplifies the courage and dedication we are proud to see in our police force.”
Curuso, who was present at the Council meeting, spoke only a few words, thanking the Mayor and expressing that he had done what was needed.
In other business, Chandler said the Eileen M. Heinzel Memorial Arboretum dedication was successful. She acknowledged the volunteers who did a great job cleaning up the area before and after the event, and are now ready for planting.
Council passed a resolution to retain the company CGP&H to handle administrative services related to affordable homes in Heritage at Pennington, Pennington Point and various independent units. CGP&H will handle work related to purchases and sales and other matters affecting titles.
Borough administrator GP Caminiti announced that Pennington’s new insurance plan offers employees dental and vision options.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 4 at 7 pm. See the Zoom meeting pagefor details.
