Derek Macchia

The Land Use Board held a public hearing concerning a proposal by AT&T to upgrade site lighting at their office complex located at 1455 206 Lot 41, Lot 16.02, in the Office Research Zone. The proposal involves upgrading 46 existing incandescent fixtures to more efficient LED lighting and installing 11 new 12-foot light poles with LED fixtures to improve illumination and address employee safety concerns regarding low light levels in parking areas. The plan includes adding motion sensors with dimming capabilities (to 50% after 20 minutes of inactivity) for most fixtures, while entryway and handicap parking lights will remain on constantly via photocells for life safety. The net impervious coverage is expected to decrease by 22 square feet due to a concurrent reduction in an existing walkway width (from 6'6" to 6'0" over 200 feet). The applicant confirmed compliance with township requirements regarding color temperature (3500K), foot candle levels (maintaining an average of 1 foot-candle, within the 2-4 range), and minimizing spillover via internal fixture shielding. The board also confirmed the continued adherence to a prior condition regarding employee occupancy limits between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The meeting began with the opening remarks and a statement regarding adequate notice. Discussions included the approval of minutes from the February 17th township committee and executive session meetings. The committee addressed five permits, including annual seasonal farmers market permits for Skyacres Winery and Rest Natural, and three social affair permits benefiting The Willow School and Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation. Subcommittee reports covered recreation updates, noting that spring program registration is open, the annual egg hunt is scheduled for April 4th, and community garden registration opens March 9th. The Sewer Transmission Advisory Board established its annual budget, including funding for the 2026 Miller Lane pump station groundbreaking and the introduction of a 'smart ball' technology to detect pipeline leaks. Updates were provided on crime statistics, which showed a consistent five-year decrease, and appreciation was extended to DPW for extensive snow and ice removal efforts. Library updates included welcoming a new representative, coordinating with the Children's Library, and proactively planning for the HVAC system replacement roadmap due to increasing maintenance costs. Land Use Board matters involved hearing an application for airport hangers, approving the first amendment to the housing element fair share plan, and reviewing an ordinance amending land management to reflect affordable housing requirements. The Shared Municipal Court budget decreased by 1% due to employee healthcare selections. The committee also discussed setting up meetings related to the America 250 celebration and municipal budget scheduling. Finally, the introduction of Ordinance 2026003, amending the filming section of general licensing, was made, stemming from state efforts to unify film-readiness requirements across municipalities.

The key discussion centered on a public hearing for an amendment to the master plan regarding the 2025 housing element and fair share plan. This amendment was introduced to confirm language reflecting the township's settlement via a consent order with the Fairshare Housing Center, ensuring compliance with New Jersey's statute A4 for Round Four of the Mount Laurel programs. The board also discussed adopting ordinances incorporating by reference the 2025 amendments to affordable housing regulations and authorizing a letter to the township committee confirming that proposed ordinances are not inconsistent with the master plan. Separate future meetings were noted for AT&T and Somerset Air Service matters.

The meeting commenced with establishing a quorum and the reading of the Open Public Meetings Act statement. Key discussions included the approval of three sets of prior meeting minutes (January 26 budget work session, February 2 TC meeting, and February 2 executive session). Permits for several events were approved, including two social fairs benefiting Mainstream, Inc. and the American Cancer Society, and two on-premise raffles benefiting the Liberty Corner School PTO. Monthly reports covered updates on summer camp registration, Burnt Mills dog park bids, community garden policies, and farmers market preparations. Discussions on land use included the ongoing Somerset airport hanger application and the approval for Tesla superchargers at Fresh Market. A significant portion of the meeting involved the introduction of an ordinance to update the township's land management code to incorporate specific New Jersey administrative code sections related to affordable housing regulations, in compliance with a judicial consent order. Resolutions approved included awarding a contract for payroll services to Primepoint LLC and adopting an updated Affirmative Marketing Plan for the affordable housing program.

The Township Committee returned to the public session following an executive session, during which no action was taken. The key discussion summarized involves the motion to adjourn the meeting for the evening.