Environment

“Choices we each make every day can feel small, but they add up to a healthier planet for all of us.”

TC member Vic DeLuca said the utility would enable the town to help prevent flooding, fix/add infrastructure, and incentivize residents to reduce impervious surfaces. Some public commenters questioned whether a new utility was the most effective way to deal with challenges.

The utility will provide a regular pool of funds for annual drainage improvements and be funded by residential and commercial properties, with fees ranging from $35-$175 annually based on the amount of impervious surface on a property.

The designation is awarded to municipalities that demonstrate leadership in environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and green initiatives.

To ensure a shady canopy of trees for generations to come, the South Orange ordinance spells out how many trees need to be planted to replace healthy trees that are removed, based on the size of the tree removed.

The Valley St. Pathway Project, based on original designs by the Olmsted Brothers and Brinley & Holbrook landscape architecture firms, provides a route through the park, while making the playground and other amenities accessible to walkers.

Proponents say the sale of the water utility is the best option to make costly infrastructure upgrades, retire debt, and manage rate increases while maintaining water quality. Opponents raise concerns about NJAW being a publicly traded company and loss of control.

The New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection has declared a fire ban on bonfires and residential fire pits — unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity.

For homeowners and developers, the ordinance spells out how many trees need to be planted to replace healthy trees that are removed, based on the size of the tree removed.

This town hall is live and in person at The Baird.