The Township of Berkeley Heights published a version of the CMS land lease agreement as an attachment to the March 4, 2025, meeting.

What stands out most in this proposal is the complete absence of any mention or indication that a turf field is part of the plan. Whether this omission is intentional or not, its absence raises serious questions. Is a turf field still the goal, or has the plan shifted? If so, to what?

The lease agreement states that the Township can apply for grants that are “only available through the Township” and not accessible to the Board of Education (BOE). However, the agreement lacks any specifics on what these grants would fund or how they would benefit the community.

The contract primarily grants the Township permission to use Lower Columbia for recreational purposes, yet it offers little to no details on what that actually entails. Who will be responsible for ensuring equitable access? While the agreement names the Athletic Director and the Recreation Department President as the schedulers, it fails to address critical questions: Who gets priority when scheduling conflicts arise? What happens if there’s an unexpected overlap in use?

Another glaring issue is the multiple references to “donations.” Who is expected to donate, and for what purpose? The lack of transparency around funding sources and financial commitments is concerning.

Key Terms of the Lease Agreement:

• Funding: Recreation Commission funds will be used to maintain and update the CMS field and surrounding areas, including the walking path, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and baseball field.
• Public Bidding & Construction: The BOE “shall have no input regarding bidding and procurement.”
• Term: 25-year lease, with an option for a 10-year extension by the Township.
• Rent: $1 per year.
• Maintenance & Security: The Township is responsible for maintenance and repairs to Lower Columbia. Each party will handle security and traffic management during their respective events.

The biggest unanswered question remains: If a turf field is not in the plan, then what is? More importantly, who benefits most from this lease agreement, and what is the true objective?

Adding to these concerns, NJ21st was informed last night that the Township has effectively removed access for GL tennis students to use the township-owned tennis courts at Columbia Park. This move, previously threatened in emails from the Township to the Superintendent in January, has now become a reality—without any discussion, collaboration, or consideration for the students impacted.

How can a community function when decisions are made through power plays rather than partnership? Imagine the outcry if student athletes were suddenly barred from using township baseball fields, basketball courts, or soccer fields. Whether your child plays sports or not, this decision should concern you. And whether you support the proposed field or not, you deserve to know the full scope of what is happening.

I have emailed all Council, BOE, Township, and District officials requesting clarity on these reports. Their responses will be published as they are received.

Response from BOE Representative Sai Akiri

Read More on the Lower Columbia Field Agreement

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