Third in a Series of Questions to the 2023 Berkeley Heights, NJ Town Council Candidates
Flooding has been a topic in town for some time and is often tied to the issue of over development which all the candidates have spoken to more recently. This question has a few parts:
(1) Do you agree that flooding in Berkeley Heights is a policy priority?
(2) Aside from stopping or slowing new multi unit developments, what policy proposal(s) NOT CURRENTLY implemented would you suggest in mitigating this issue?
(3) Aside from flooding, are there other environmental issues Berkeley Heights Residents need to be concerned about LOCALLY and what steps, if any, do you feel local government should take in addressing.
Responses Listed in the Order they Were Received:
Flooding is definitely a priority issue in Berkeley Heights, in certain areas of town more than others. It’s an issue that becomes amplified during periods of heavy rains or actual flooding. Unfortunately, those aren’t the times to be discussing solutions or potential remedies. The time is now to plan for future potential flood issues.
The strongest remedy for flooding issues is preservation of forested green areas and tree canopies. These provide the best source of drainage for these storm waters, and the over development erodes the township of viable ground drainage that the trees would naturally soak up. The tree canopies also help to slow down the rate at which the water reaches the ground, allowing for the soil to “catch up” as far as absorbing the water during heavy storms. The removal of these trees due to the over development problem in Berkeley Heights seriously eats away at the ground’s natural ability to soak up much of the water. We need to hold developers accountable not only for the square footage of soil they remove from the equation due to concrete slabs, driveways and roadways, but also for the trees removed to clear out a property for development. These developers should at a minimum be responsible for replacing the trees they remove to help offset the loss of these valuable tools against flooding.
The streams throughout town that feed the river along the Riverbend Road/Chaucer Drive areas of town need to be maintained routinely for downed tree limbs and debris that result in naturally occuring “beaver dams”. The river is already a slow moving body of water, and this debris that accumulates only slows the flow of water even further. In my research, I’ve found that the State of NJ owns the navigable waters of the river, so the State should maintain their property to avoid future flooding issues. We need to hold the State accountable for their part of the maintenance of the river, which should not cost the township residents any money. In partnering with the State to ensure maintenance of the waterways are routinely conducted, this should allow for better drainage as well as movement of water in the river. It could also prove beneficial to apply for grants or partnerships with the State or Federal Government to have the river dredged in certain areas by the Army Corps of Engineers or other entities to facilitate further movement of water.
Edmund Tom Maciejewski for Berkeley Heights Township Council: A Blend of Expertise and Dedication
Since making Berkeley Heights my home in 2005, I have deeply invested in understanding and responding to its nuances. While the current debate question revolves around addressing flooding – a significant concern indeed – it’s equally imperative that our leaders possess a holistic understanding of the challenges our town faces and the expertise to address them. This is where my qualifications stand out.
The Flooding Concern: An Engineer’s Perspective Undoubtedly, the flooding issue demands attention. My background as a chemical engineer provides me a unique lens to approach this:
-Collaborative Initiatives: Enhancing the flow of the Passaic River through clearing initiatives and collaboration with neighboring towns is essential. It’s not just about clearing obstructions; it’s about an integrated approach to regional water management.
-Rethinking Infrastructure: Our current stormwater systems, designed in earlier times, can be optimized. With comprehensive assessment and strategic upgrades, we can effectively mitigate flooding risks.
While these solutions are crucial, they represent just one aspect of the multifaceted role of a council member.
Holistic Approach Based on Strong Academic and Professional Grounding
Berkeley Heights needs more than issue-specific solutions; it requires visionary leadership backed by experience. My background in finance and team management empowers me to address broader challenges, from over-development to infrastructure planning, ensuring every decision is in the community’s best interest.
Engagement with Key Concerns Beyond Flooding
For over seven years, I have been vocal about numerous community concerns, standing against over-development, supporting our police, and striving for transparent governance. It’s this comprehensive understanding and involvement that Berkeley Heights truly needs.
The Bigger Picture: Leadership Qualities Matter
While the debate question zeroes in on flooding, the underlying message is clear: Berkeley Heights demands leadership with the qualifications and commitment to address both current and future challenges. With Steve Mondragon alongside, I bring forward a vision rooted in expertise, experience, and a genuine concern for our town’s wellbeing.
In Conclusion Berkeley Heights is at a pivotal juncture. As we tackle specific challenges like flooding and the broader concerns of our community, the necessity is evident: we need leadership that’s both qualified and deeply engaged. My academic, professional, and community involvement distinctly places me as the ideal choice to guide our township towards a brighter future. Your trust, support, and vote will be paramount in this endeavor.
Sincerely, Edmund Tom Maciejewski.
Berkeley Heights is bordered by the Passaic River and the Green Brook. Therefore, flooding and stormwater runoff are significant concerns for our municipal infrastructure. Many residents throughout the town are impacted by flooding, because of their location close to a river or stream, aging stormwater infrastructure, and recent developments. We can help mitigate these problems with a multidimensional approach.
First, we need to protect our open spaces, undeveloped land, and tree canopy. These areas absorb water and recharge the groundwater system. I will work to add township-owned undeveloped land and open spaces to the Open Space Inventory. This provides additional protections from development. Additionally, the Town Council should pass an updated Tree Ordinance that will help protect our tree canopy and ensure that trees removed will be replaced.
Second, we need to find ways to reduce paved areas close to waterways. I will work with the planner and Environmental Commission to find ways to encourage property owners to use more environmentally friendly materials and building methods. This can be done through zoning, land-use ordinances, and incentives.
Third, we must continue the work on our aging stormwater infrastructure. The Westside Drainage project is a critical first step in making our residential neighborhoods more resilient to flooding. As a member of Council, I will continue to support improving or replacing this system in every way possible.
And lastly, both the Passaic River and Green Brook are regional concerns, and we need to be part of a regional solution. I support Mayor Devanney’s efforts to work with neighboring towns and counties to improve the flow and reduce flooding along the Passaic. Additionally, I will continue working through the Council and Environmental Commission to join the Green Brook Flood Control Commission and the watershed associations related to our waterways.
I love living in Berkeley Heights because of the shaded streets, parks, trains, and the Passaic River. I will work for all residents to protect and improve our beautiful town. Repairing roads, storm drains, and the aging infrastructure is of critical importance. So is protecting our trees and waterways. I am committed to doing both.
Flooding and stormwater runoff has been a topic of discussion for those residents who are directly impacted. Do I agree that it should be policy priority? I would say yes – but only if we look at the situation realistically. Homeowners who live near rivers and streams need to understand that we could only do so much when trying to mitigate the situation. Clearing debris from our waterways and creating ways for the water to flow freely might help certain areas but that’s just a small part of what needs to be done. Planting trees that soak up excess water will help but will take time as they mature. I’m convinced we will continue to experience severe flooding in the future. That said, we should make it a priority and do everything we can to mitigate the situation.
I would propose Green Infrastructure. Mercer County found an opportunity to mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff by designing “green infrastructure” into parking lot repaving. The plan would include introducing rain gardens that will absorb rainwater and filter out pollutants, and provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Other than flooding, storm water runoff can negatively impact water quality and our local ecosystem. By introducing rain gardens and planting native shrubs, grasses and perennials – we not only mitigate the impact but also provide an area that is both beautiful and effective in form and function.
