Democratic candidates for Maplewood Township Committee — Jane Collins-Colding and Max Kravitz — answered questions regarding local issues at the monthly Hilton Neighborhood Association meeting on Thursday, May 15 at the DeHart Community Center. The HNA also live-streamed the forum on its Facebook page.
See timestamps here for the questions in the video below:
At 5:40, the candidates introduce themselves.
At 8:39, Moderator Mary Boehner asks: “The Township Committee recently voted unanimously to adopt a recommendation from the Engineering, Public Works and Planning Committee for an all-grass DeHart Park concept. What ideas do you have to address the competing interests of those in the Hilton Neighborhood who want to use it as a green space vs. organized sports teams?”
12:56: “In what way do you see that the Township Committee can impact climate change?”
17:15: “We are continually hearing how Maplewood residents who have raised their families in town are being priced out due to increases in taxes and other costs. What plan or initiative would you endorse to address these issues?”
20:50: “A law passed last year gave the New Jersey Dept. of Community Affairs the authority to determine how many affordable housing units every municipality must create and maintain. It recently released its list for 2025 through 2030 and Maplewood requires a present need of 20 and a prospective need of 216 for a total need of 236. As a candidate what is you position on the mandate and how and where would such housing be placed?”
25:37: “A longstanding issue in Maplewood Village is the movie theater/North Village redevelopment process. What do you want to see as part of the redevelopment process?”
29:36: “There have been several public meetings and the Township Committee has discussed a proposal to add bike lanes on Parker. We have seen lawn sign on Parker against the proposal. And there are also big supporters of the proposal. First, what is your position and, second, in general do you have an idea on how to increase traffic safety for all users of our roadways in Maplewood?”
34:12: “Why should residents of Maplewood vote for you rather than your opponent?”
37:54: Closing Statements
