Melissa Gildein

The Reorganization Meeting commenced with formal proceedings including the presentation of colors, pledge of allegiance, and invocation. Key agenda items focused on official organizational matters for the year 2026. These included administering the Oath of Office to newly elected officials, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens and Committeeman Jack Steen, followed by the nomination and appointment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor through resolutions. Numerous resolutions were adopted in a consent agenda, covering appointments for Solicitor, Engineer, Auditor, Municipal Court Prosecutor, Affordable Housing Administrative Agent, Labor Attorney, Bond Counsel, Risk Management Consultant, and establishing the schedule of regular meeting dates, official newspaper designation, rate of interest on delinquent taxes, and adopting the temporary budget and rules for public participation.

The Mantua Township Municipal Land Use Board convened to discuss several key items. A bulk variance application was reviewed for a property on Spring Hill Rd, involving requests for lot width and side yard setbacks, as well as a waiver for curb and sidewalk requirements. Concerns were raised by the public regarding survey discrepancies, potential impacts on property values, issues with a shared community well, leach field extensions, grading, and the potential displacement of wildlife due to the proposed development. Additionally, there were discussions regarding tree compensation in connection with another application on Woodlawn Ave, and resolutions were passed memorializing individuals associated with properties on Woodlawn Ave and Heritage Rd.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several applications. Application 2024-003, a final major subdivision, was approved with conditions related to a Tree Report and Traffic Study. Application 2025-018, a courtesy presentation by the Mantua Township School District, presented District Wide Bond Referendum projects for Sewell Elementary School. Application 2025-016, a minor subdivision, was approved with the condition that the zoning table on the survey be updated. Additionally, Resolution 2025-26 was memorialized.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several applications. Application 2023-10 for a bulk variance was approved, allowing an above-ground swimming pool closer to the rear property line than typically permitted. Application 2023-08, another bulk variance request, was denied due to the size of the proposed pole barn relative to the property size. Additionally, a waiver of curb and sidewalk was granted for Application 2022-17. The board also addressed concerns from the public regarding the drainage plan for a subdivision and acknowledged the resignations of two members.

The Mantua Township Municipal Land Use Board meeting included discussions and decisions on several applications. Application 2023-09, a bulk variance request for a front yard setback and building coverage, was denied. Similarly, Application 2023-16, a bulk variance request concerning an accessory structure (garage) size and setback, was also denied. Conversely, Application 2023-11, a use variance to convert commercial units into residential units, was approved contingent upon the Engineer's and Planner's reports and obtaining Site Plan Approval. Additionally, Resolutions 2023-32 and 2023-33 were memorialized.