Notes on the 03/04/2025 Town Council Meeting Agenda

It remains unclear why Lower Columbia is still on the agenda, as the Township has yet to provide a new agreement for review to the District as of the last Board of Education (BOE) meeting. Additionally, it is uncertain whether the Township or the Recreation Commission have taken the necessary steps to advance the project by including revenue sharing.<
Additionally, given recent attempts by the Mayor, Town Administrator, and Recreation Commissioner to leverage tax-funded services and facility access to students in the negotiations, the District may want additional protections connected to priority use of the proposed field.
Following these items, an ordinance related to Park Avenue and a Wellness Committee appears before several substantial ordinances that may be overlooked due to the sheer volume of documents and the attention focused on the initial portion of the packet.
Developer’s Agreement – Connell Company-2025-139
This ordinance outlines the terms for “The District at The Park,” a mixed-use development featuring five buildings, a three-level parking deck, retail, and residential units, including affordable housing. Key obligations include:
- Installing a new traffic light at Plainfield Avenue & Connell Drive
- Paying $3.63 million in sewer connection fees
- Potential intersection improvements at Twin Falls Road & Diamond Hill Road to reduce cut-through traffic
According to NJ Elec, The Connell Company contributed over $68,000 to Union County Political Campaigns from 2019-2023
Emergency Appropriations – 2025-133
This resolution authorizes an emergency appropriation of $22,913,643.33 to cover salaries, insurance, public safety, public works, utilities, and municipal services. Specific allocations include funding for:
- Police, fire, emergency management
- Roads, sanitation, sewer maintenance
- Legal services, recreation, employee pensions
This appropriation appears to fund operations for up to six months until the 2025 Township budget is formally approved.
FSD Enterprises, LLC – Wireless Telecommunications Consulting-2025-138
The Township has allocated up to $17,050 from its General Administration – Professional Services budget for consulting services provided by FSD Enterprises, LLC, pending 2025 budget approval. The firm is expected to:
- Conduct tenant lease assessments
- Evaluate wireless infrastructure upgrades
- Analyze revenue stream buyouts
- Assess lease extension bids
According to NJElec, FSD Enterprises and their Employees Donated nearly $150,000 to NJ Political Campaigns from 2001-2024.