Peter Albanese

The Board of Adjustment denied an application by Benjamin Shalit, agent for Charles Borinsky, for a variance to construct a 41-unit garden apartment development at 45 South Mountain Avenue. The Board determined that the property is located in an R-0 single-family zone where multi-family use is not permitted, and that granting the variance would be detrimental to the public good and impair the intent and purpose of the town's zoning ordinance.

The Council approved the insertion of a special item of revenue and appropriation in the 2026 budget in the amount of $11,764.91, derived from the Federal Bulletproof Vest Grant. This appropriation requires no additional local matching funds.

The Council meeting involved several legislative and administrative actions. New business included the first reading and introduction of multiple ordinances related to traffic amendments, prohibition of parking on Canterbury Drive, establishment of a handicap parking space, local improvement for street resurfacing, and capital appropriations for water system replacements and parking deck repairs. The Council adopted resolutions concerning the lease of fire pumping apparatus, the purchase of new software systems for police and fire departments, property tax exemptions for veterans, and certification of the annual audit. Additionally, the Council authorized property liens for remediation work, a fireworks display by the St. Sebastian Society, and the insertion of various grant funds into the budget. A contract renewal for the Clary Anderson Ice Arena was tabled, while an agreement for tennis court reconstruction was approved. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The Council discussed and passed several ordinances, including those amending the zoning chapter for historic district designation, adopting the Pine Street redevelopment plan, amending the Hahnes redevelopment plan, authorizing refunding bonds, and amending the code to eliminate rear-yard refuse collection. Resolutions were adopted regarding engineering contracts for the Public Safety Building, the purchase of an IP Telephony Communication System, and the assignment of a lease for the Walnut Street Railroad Station. The Council also authorized the hiring of a planning firm for redevelopment plans, requested state approval for budget revenue insertion, and supported legislative property tax reform. Additionally, bids were awarded for vehicle purchases and street improvements, and several traffic and parking ordinances were introduced for future consideration.

The Council reviewed and adopted several ordinances regarding township code amendments related to steep slopes. Appointments were made to the Ad Hoc Montclair Connection Citizen Advisory Committee, and a contract for leaf composting services was approved. The Council requested a budget revision for public health nursing, approved a grant application for the Cops in Shops program, and awarded a contract for rental ice skates. Additionally, the Council proclaimed the YWCA Week Without Violence and processed various municipal reports, including updates on the Montclair Connection project, flood plain studies, and upcoming municipal elections.