Affordable Housing, NJ's Offshore Wind Project Among Issues Discussed at Clark's July Council Meeting

CLARK, NJ — The Township of Clark held its monthly town council meeting in the Clark Council Chambers on Monday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting began with a roll call. All council members were present: Angel Albanese (president), Steven Hund (vice-president), Frank Mazzarella, Jimmy Minniti, Patrick O'Connor, Bill Smith, and Brian P. Toal.

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The following ordinance was introduced, intended for a public hearing on August 19:

1. 24-12 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 33 OF CHAPTER 347 OF THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF CLARK ENTITLED “VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC”

The following resolutions were approved unanimously:

2. Certifying to the Local Finance Board of the State of New Jersey that the members of the Governing Body have reviewed as a minimum, sections of the 2023 Annual Audit entitled General Comments and Recommendations

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3. Authorizing the Township Planning Board to undertake a preliminary investigation to determine whether the proposed condemnation study area, which includes 52 and 56 Westfield Avenue, and Broadway near the intersection of Joseph Street, qualify as an area in need of Condemnation Redevelopment pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-5

4. Seeking approval of the Director of the Division of Local Government Services for insertion of a Special Item of Revenue in the amount of $8,669.16 for the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund

5. Renewing the Professional Services contract with CGP&H as the Administrative Agent for the township’s Affordable Housing Program in an amount not to exceed $36,600.00

6. Joining the New Jersey Coastal Coalition which provides networking and shared resources to better prepare for flood events

7. Accepting the Total Comfort Agreement with Edison Heating and Cooling for maintenance services for the ductless split systems at the Police Department in the amount of $1,292.00

8. Rescinding Resolution 24-106 which authorized the Tax Collector to prepare, and mail estimated  tax bills which are no longer necessary

9. Council as the ABC Board: Approving the Person-to-Person Transfer of Liquor License #2002-44-008-007 held by BV Liquor LLC, trading as Rotondos to KRUPACLARK INC.

10. Authorizing participation in litigation to address the Constitutionality and/or Validity of New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Mandates

11. Opposing New Jersey’s Industrial Offshore Wind Project

The following consent agenda resolutions were also approved unanimously:

12. Authorizing the Tax Collector to make the proper adjustments for 100% Property Tax Exemption  of Block 5 Lot 11 in accordance with a directive from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

13. Authorizing the issuance of a Duplicate Tax Sale Certificate for Block 59 Lot 6 pursuant to Chapter 99 of the Public Laws of 1997

14. Authorizing the Tax Collector to refund overpayment of sewer fees in the amount of $1,240.98

15. Authorizing the Tax Collector to refund overpayment of taxes in the amount of $2,681.00

A new business item on the calendar was also added and adopted:

• Authorizing the mayor and municipal clerk to execute a shared services agreement with the county of Union to modify the cooperative agreement dated June 16, 2014, as amended July 17, 2017, for community development block grant funding for fiscal year 2024/2025.

This was included in the July meeting agenda because Union County required a response by August 16, prior to the Council's next meeting on August 19.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, there were several remarks addressed to agenda items specifically.

Resident Mary Cortazzo Semler, currently running as a Democratic candidate for Municipal Council, raised a concern about Agenda Item 11, the resolution opposing New Jersey’s industrial offshore wind project.

The township's business administrator, Jim Ulrich, said that a plan to install wind turbines offshore would cost the community 50 percent more on electricity, cause problems for existing marine wildlife in the area, and take over a decade to see a significant positive environmental change.

TAPinto Clark previously published coverage of the ongoing debate over offshore wind energy in the state. Click here for the most recent article.

Resident John Greaves, also running as a Democratic candidate for Municipal Council, asked for clarification regarding Agenda Item 10, the resolution authorizing participation and litigation to address the constitutionality and/or validity of New Jersey's affordable housing mandates.

Council members responded to his request for clarification later in the meeting, saying that they wanted to challenge New Jersey's affordable housing mandates, which exempt 62 communities, leaving suburban areas with a heavier burden. They proposed legal action to ensure all towns in the state share this responsibility fairly.

Additionally, the Council noted that some residents had expressed unhappiness with the number of new apartments being built in town, potentially leading to traffic and pollution, along with a bill that would require developers to pay higher union wages, possibly increasing building costs and slowing down redevelopment projects in areas with greater need.

For more on the state's affordable housing mandates and related issues, click here and here .

For a list of those 62 "urban aid municipalities" referenced above, click here .

Several public comments also concerned the proposed development of the Clark Reservoir property, owned by Union County. The first two individuals to speak on the issue were part of the Clark Reservoir Committee. Their comments reflected the committee’s opposition to the recreation components of the proposed development project and, specifically, the possible deforestation around St. Agnes Church should the project proceed as planned.

The Township of Clark had previously articulated the position that " because this [the Clark Reservoir Project] is a county project on county land and not a town initiative, Mayor [Sal] Bonaccorso and the Township Council are not in a position to address specific questions about the project. "

Mayor Bonaccorso reiterated this point in response to the meeting speakers, indicating that there wasn't much else that could be said "until we have further information."

He added, "I get it. You don't like it? I don't know what else to say. I mean, you're preaching to the choir."

TAPinto Clark covered the July 2nd meeting at which the mayor hosted Union County officials, who spoke about the proposed Clark Reservoir project and listened to residents' concerns. Click here to read that article.

The July 15th meeting agenda can be accessed here .

A recording of the meeting can be viewed in full here .

The Clark Township Municipal Council will next meet on Monday, August 19.

Related Article: Tensions Rise Following Mayor's Apology at Clark's July Council Meeting

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