Questions To The Town Council Candidates – Question 3

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.

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.