Timeline

Somerset County estimates about five months of work from the Aug. 3, 2026 closure. Warren Township’s July 30 notice anticipated reopening in mid-December 2026. The county page was last updated Aug. 3, 2026; LocalWhy has not reviewed a later update, extension or reopening notice. A five-month closure from Aug. 3 would run into early January 2027. LocalWhy has not reviewed records describing the remaining work, reopening sequence or pedestrian accommodation.

The Planning Board’s October 28, 2026 agenda sets the next meeting for November 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Susie B. Boyce Meeting Room at 44 Mountain Boulevard. The agenda listed PB 26-02 as a hearing item for October 28, not November 25. LocalWhy has not reviewed the November 25 agenda.

Administrator Mark Krane reported the date to the Committee on July 16, 2026. Through Nov. 2, 2026 the Township website still listed 3 Mountainview Road as the temporary in-person location, with mail going to 46 Mountain Boulevard. The temporary leases run through Dec. 31, 2026. The records reviewed do not show whether offices will return before or after that date.

The county clerk’s election page, updated October 31, 2026, says unofficial results will be posted to the county’s interactive results site after polls close at 8 p.m. on November 3, and that “Final certification will take place on November 18.” No vote totals were available when this entry was written.

The Township’s news item from November 2, 2026, schedules the meeting for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Susie Boyce Courtroom at the Municipal Building. This is next to the Library. The Open Space Advisory Committee will present the draft plan. This includes short-term and long-term plans, survey results, and proposed trail, park, and field improvements and preservation priorities.

No RSVP is needed. Residents who cannot attend may send comments to bill.openspace@gmail.com.

The plan summary’s adoption path places public input before a final plan document, Planning Board approval as part of the Master Plan, and submission to Green Acres. The Committee’s September 10, 2026 minutes and October 19 draft agenda listed a Planning Board submission around November 25, 2026; those were planning statements.

The announcement says the Open Space Advisory Committee is listing short-term and long-term plans, survey results, and proposed trail, park, and field improvements and preservation priorities. “will present the draft 2026–2035 Open Space and Recreation Plan,” Two presentations are already online. No RSVP is needed. Residents who cannot attend may send comments to bill.openspace@gmail.com.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. It will be held in the Susie Boyce Courtroom at the Municipal Building.

The Planning Board’s October 28, 2026 agenda listed the Toll case for a hearing. It set the next meeting for November 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at 44 Mountain Boulevard. The agenda also listed a courtesy review of a Warrenbrook Golf Course washdown building. The agenda records no disposition for PB 26-02 and does not list Toll for November 25. The minutes require a browser; LocalWhy has not reviewed what occurred.

The Township’s elections page lists October 27, 2026 as the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail. The county clerk’s office set 3 p.m. on November 2 as the last time to apply in person. It states that no mail-in ballots may be issued after 3 p.m. on the day before the election, according to N.J.S.A. 19:63-3. A secure drop box for returned ballots is located at 46 Mountain Boulevard.

The agenda listed Resolution 2026-269, for PS&S professional engineering services for a ‘Stage IV WWTP Emergency Generator Update.’ It also listed Resolution 2026-272, an extension of the SE Rose snowplowing contract. Additionally, it listed Resolution 2026-273, an extension of the sewer line repair contracts with John Garcia, PM Construction, and SE Rose. The agenda gives no amounts, terms, or scope. The May and June 2026 bond ordinance described acquiring and installing a generator. The records reviewed do not state if the October engineering item is the same project, an added scope, or a separate one. LocalWhy has not reviewed minutes for the meeting, so whether any item was adopted is not confirmed.

The agenda listed Resolution 2026-268, which is Change Order #1 for overlay and milling of various Township roads. It also listed Resolution 2026-271, for professional surveying services for Valley View Road. The agenda also listed Resolution 2026-259, a two-month extension of the New Jersey Department of Transportation grant for the ‘King George Road Project Phase 4.’ The agenda does not state an amount, a scope, or the grant period for the Phase 4 extension. No map or project description appears in the records reviewed. LocalWhy has not reviewed minutes for the meeting, so the votes and whether each item was adopted are not confirmed. An agenda listing shows scheduling, not the outcome.

Resolution 2026-264 authorizes a grant agreement with the Department of Justice COPS Program for the communications equipment upgrade; the Township’s meeting-highlights page records its adoption. Resolution 2026-265 covers radios for the police department from Motorola, and Resolution 2026-266 covers police communication center renovations from Procomm. The agenda lists both by title only. LocalWhy has not reviewed the October 22, 2026 minutes, so their amounts and votes are unconfirmed.

The notice, “Reminder to Residents: Tree Permits Are Required,” says: “Storm season is here! Please remember to get a Tree Permit before cutting any trees, dead or alive.” It quotes Chapter 17: trees “shall not be cut (except for reasonable pruning), damaged, injured, or removed, until a permit is obtained as provided for in section 17-5.” It says the application must be accompanied by a survey showing each tree’s location, size, and genus. It directs residents to the Zoning Permits page. No tree ordinance amendment had been adopted in the records reviewed.

The Planning Board’s October 14, 2026 agenda listed Planning Board case 26-02 for a hearing. It also listed a resolution for Planning Board case 25-06, the Jewish Community Foundation application. The minutes require a browser. LocalWhy has not reviewed if the hearing took place or what happened at the meeting.

The Township’s elections page lists October 13, 2026 as the voter registration deadline for the general election. The same page lists sample ballots mailed October 21, early voting from October 24 to November 1, and election day polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3.

Resolution 2026-242 authorizes radios for the fire and police departments under NJ State Contract #83909, adding account 6-01-25-250-6400 to the three accounts named in the January authorization. The agenda prints the contract number without a term. Resolution 2026-243 appears by title only. LocalWhy has not reviewed the September 24, 2026 minutes, so the votes and the Axon contract amount are not confirmed here.

The agenda listed Res. 2026-236, authorizing an application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Resilient Communities Program for $3,500,000 ‘to address flooding and drainage issues in the area of Maxwell Court and Cherry Tree Lane.’ The resolution text recites Ordinances 25-13 and 26-13, that Remington & Vernick was hired to study, design and permit the work, that a public hearing on the application was held Sept. 24, 2026, and that the application and plans were posted on the Township website as grant rules require. The agenda does not state the construction cost estimate or the local share. LocalWhy has not reviewed minutes for the meeting, so whether the resolution was adopted is not confirmed. An agenda listing proves scheduling, not outcome.

The Planning Board’s September 23, 2026 agenda listed PB 26-02. This item was for preliminary and final major site plan and minor subdivision approval. The applicant’s October 2 response states that testimony was provided at the hearing. The minutes require a browser to view. LocalWhy has not reviewed what the Board, applicant, or public said.

The Township’s September 1, 2026 release says Moody’s completed its periodic review and reaffirmed Aaa, the ninth consecutive year at that level. It quotes Mayor Shaun Fine and Deputy Mayor Vanessa Kian and attributes the rating to the tax base, financial management policies and liquidity. The release says Aaa municipalities are roughly the top 8% of New Jersey municipalities. The rating report itself was not reviewed.

This extension followed Administrator Mark Krane’s July 16 report. The report stated that furnishings and lease extensions for temporary space would be on the August agenda. The records reviewed do not name the landlord. They also do not give the rent per square foot or describe other lease terms. The February authorization approved $166,050 for six months’ rent. The August resolution approved $82,000 for the extension through the end of 2026.

The agenda resolution identifies the original award as Resolution 2026-057 and authorizes the Township Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent to execute the change order. It lists a revised contract total of $580,770.00, against a state grant total of $763,343.00. The minutes record five yes votes: McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine.

Res. 2026-224 approved Change Order #1 to the King George Road Phase II contract, adding $29,512.69, described as 13.3 percent, and revising the contract to $251,402.67. The reasons given were asphalt and fuel adjustments, additional traffic officers and an inlet repair. Res. 2026-225 separately asked NJDOT for a two-month extension of the Mountainview Road Project Phase 2 grant ‘to June 26, 2026,’ citing unforeseen delays; that date preceded the resolution’s adoption, and the record does not give NJDOT’s response. Croson reported that the overlay program was ‘almost complete’ and that paved or milled roads had presented no issues. Administrator Krane said Mountainview Road Phase II would ‘hopefully’ be completed that fall.

Resolution 2026-230 authorizes the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club to conduct the 2026–2027 deer management hunt on listed Township-owned properties and, subject to Somerset County approval, on six County-owned parcels. It passed as part of the consent agenda, 5–0 (OCR), on a motion by McCarey and a second by Croson. The resolution requires insurance naming the Township and County as additional insureds, a member list for the Administrator and Chief of Police, coordination on posting properties and informing the public, compliance with NJDEP 2026–2027 season rules, and periodic reports. It does not state season dates or bag limits.

The county’s ballot position drawing lists positions for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, county commissioner and both school boards, including the Warren Board of Education and the Watchung Hills Regional (Warren) Board of Education. The Warren Township Committee race does not appear in the posted drawing, although the county candidate list includes it. Whether municipal positions are drawn separately is not stated in the document.

The Township posted a news item stating that the county’s contractor would close and detour Stirling Road on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, with reopening anticipated in mid-December 2026. It listed the detours: general traffic via Mountain Avenue (CR 622) and Hillcrest Road (CR 531), and trucks over four tons via Valley Road (CR 512), King George Road (CR 651), Mount Bethel Road (CR 651) and Mountain Boulevard (CR 527). The notice does not give the closure hour, which the county page puts at 3:30 p.m., and does not describe pedestrian or school-bus arrangements. No Township Committee minutes in the review window mention the bridge.

The July 16, 2026 date is within the six-to-twelve-month estimate given in February by Township Attorney William Willard. Krane also reported on courtroom audio and visual work. The vendor was expected back the next week to finish programming. Additional microphones had been bought to meet New Jersey court requirements.

Administrator Mark Krane explained the $570,080 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stewardship grant and that the matching funds would come from the Open Space Trust Fund, with the grant money contingent on legislative approval.

The ordinance appropriates $1,140,160. This amount includes $570,080 from the grant under Green Acres Project No. 1820-26-009. It also includes $570,080 from the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, account 6-03-286-56-2401. It states that the grant-funded portion “shall only be effective after the approval of the applicable legislative appropriation.”

The roll call vote for introduction was: Committeeman McCarey yes, Committeeman Blick yes, Deputy Mayor Kian yes, and Mayor Fine yes. Committeeman Croson was absent and excused. The public hearing was scheduled for August 20, 2026.

Resolution 2026-203 approved Change Order #1 for the Mountainview Road Phase I contract. This added $79,690.15, which was 23 percent. The contract was revised to $437,350.20. The stated reasons were asphalt and fuel price adjustments under the New Jersey Department of Transportation formula. Additional traffic officers were also a reason. The meeting record does not give a revised completion date. At the same meeting, resident Joseph Faro of Sage Drive said King George Road north of Mount Horeb Road was collapsing into the ravine. Administrator Mark Krane said he would look into it. The minutes record no follow-up or repair authorization.

Resolution 2026-202 authorized the Sewer Department Director to transfer two equivalent dwelling units. These units will move from Block 86.01, Lots 31 and 32 to Block 86.01, Lot 30.01. The resolution was on the consent agenda. It was adopted 4–0. Committeeman Croson was absent. The minutes do not identify the property owners. They also do not say if the transfer is related to the CRC Communities request discussed on June 18, 2026. At that time, the Committee heard there are no rules on EDU transfers. The request by the owner of 513 Warrenville Road to reduce four EDUs to one is not mentioned in the July minutes reviewed. No transfer rule appears.

The Township’s meeting highlights list Resolution 2026-188, certifying the annual audit, at the July 16, 2026 meeting. LocalWhy has not reviewed the audit report; the adopted 2026 budget’s current fund balance sheet shows a surplus of $4,816,285.63 (OCR) at December 31, 2025.

The Committee minutes for July 16 and Aug. 20, 2026, and the agendas for Sept. 24, Oct. 8 and Oct. 22, 2026, reviewed for this issue, contain no further extension, renewal or replacement agreement for the Park and Ride at 300 Warren Corporate Center Drive. LocalWhy has not reviewed the Sept. 24 or Oct. 22 minutes. The records reviewed do not show whether parking continued after June 30 under a different arrangement or a new agreement. LocalWhy has not reviewed any later license. In April 2026 Committeeman Blick’s liaison report listed “Continue to assist residents with Park & Ride.”

Ordinance 26-18 was adopted 5–0 after a public hearing with no comments. It appropriates $880,000 and authorizes $880,000 in bonds or notes for acquiring and installing a generator for the sewer utility. Administrator Mark Krane said the sewer utility is self-liquidating, so no down payment is required, unlike the $390,000 DPW truck bond (Ordinance 26-17, $370,000 in bonds) adopted the same night. The meeting also adopted Res. 2026-164, which restated the USALCO polyaluminum chloride extension at $5.346 a gallon, up from $4.86, after the company declined to extend at the bid rate, with the same $70,000 cap through May 31, 2027.

Riverview Paving, Inc. of Hackettstown was awarded Mountainview Road Improvements Phase II at not more than $509,422.55, the lowest of 11 bids received May 21, 2026 and advertised in the Courier News and on the Township website. JA Alexander bid $533,205.63 and Westcraft Builders $733,976.00. The resolution directed the Engineer to file the award with NJDOT for approval before commencement, and it passed 5–0. The same meeting authorized up to $100,000 for road micro surfacing and installation through state contract 17-GNSV2-00181 (Res. 2026-156, 5–0). On June 18 Croson also said NJDOT-funded paving was under way on phases of Mountainview Road and King George Road and that a Township statement put Mountainview Phase II in the fall.

The roll call recorded yes votes from McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine. Committeeman McCarey had said on May 14, 2026 that an ordinance would be introduced the next month and that photographs had been taken for the Film Ready submission. During public comment at that May meeting, Rick de Pinho of Wilshire Road discussed the ordinance and asked the Committee “to consider the impact on citizens.”

Sewer Director Christian Kastrud presented two equivalent-dwelling-unit matters. CRC Communities requested to transfer two unneeded EDUs from one property to an adjacent property. The owner of 513 Warrenville Road requested to reduce four allocated EDUs to one. Administrator Mark Krane noted there are no rules or regulations on EDU transfers. Mayor Fine asked for a summary for further review. The minutes recorded no decision on either request that evening. The minutes do not describe how EDUs are allocated or priced. On July 16, 2026, Resolution 2026-202 authorized a transfer of two EDUs from Block 86.01, Lots 31 and 32 to Lot 30.01. The minutes do not state whether that is the CRC request.

Committeeman Croson reported that the Township was awarded a “$570,080 matching grant” from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Preservation Trust for Dealaman Trail and Pond improvements, “contingent upon legislative appropriation,” and thanked Remington & Vernick Engineers for the application.

The August 20 ordinance later recited a June 2, 2026 letter to Mayor Fine approving the matching grant of $570,080 under Green Acres Project No. 1820-26-009. The letter itself was not reviewed; it is known from the ordinance’s recitals and the June 18 report.

One North Road resident discussed development at the Bardy and Firewood sites during privilege of the floor. Another North Road resident discussed density concerns regarding developments near North Road and suggested the Township Committee have a mission statement. Eight residents spoke on various topics that evening; no action on the Bardy property was on the agenda.

Krane said “the NJDEP model tree ordinance was used and the Environmental Commission Chairman, Wayne DeFeo, has submitted comments.” He described current practice: tree removal is approved by the Planning Board or Board of Adjustment with site plans, and about 150 more applications a year come from residents. He raised whether those approvals should rest with the Zoning Official or involve the Environmental Commission or another board, and asked the Committee to review the recommendations “for possible introduction of the ordinance in June.” Committeeman Blick raised inspecting sites to confirm replanting. An unnamed resident asked about a complaint filed with the Zoning Officer. The Committee did not introduce the ordinance at this meeting.

Ordinance 26-18 was introduced as a bond ordinance appropriating $880,000 and authorizing $880,000 in bonds or notes for the acquisition and installation of a generator for the sewer utility. The roll call was 5–0. The ordinance followed a $65,000 PS&S engineering award for the Stage IV WWTP Generator Replacement, made Dec. 11, 2025. A public hearing and adoption vote were set for the following meeting; the Committee adopted the ordinance June 18, 2026, 5–0, after a hearing with no comments. The same May 14 meeting introduced Ordinance 26-19 prohibiting data centers, 4–1, and awarded the 2026 overlay contract.

The Township Committee adopted Ordinance 26-16, which releases and extinguishes an existing sanitary sewer easement within 15 Mountain View Road, Block 8, Lot 2, and accepts a new easement. The vote was 5–0 (OCR): McCarey, Blick, Croson, Deputy Mayor Kian and Mayor Fine voted yes. The names match the meeting’s agenda roll-call roster. The ordinance followed the Planning Board’s approval of the amended site plan and the Committee’s designation of the bank as redeveloper.

The agenda listed “Pilot Program Audit” as a discussion item, and Mayor Shaun Fine invited HFA to present. The minutes record the presentation in one sentence and say “A copy of the presentation is attached.” No exceptions, recovery amounts or recommendations are recorded, and no vote followed. During public comment on agenda items, Rick dePinho of Wilshire Road asked about the cost of the audit; the minutes record the question and no answer. The same meeting adopted the 2026 municipal budget, resolutions 2026-130, 2026-131 and 2026-132, each 5–0. The Township’s meeting highlights page for May 14 does not mention the audit presentation.

The district’s budget page states the Board of Education approved the 2026/27 budget at a public hearing on April 28, 2026. The budget totals $56,126,677 (OCR) including grants, against $54,030,991 (OCR), an increase of $2,095,686 (OCR) or 3.88%; the tax levy is $37,659,870 (OCR), up $1,429,978 (OCR) or 3.95%. Warren’s share is $22,803,572, up $833,507. The district’s April 28 minutes need a browser; LocalWhy has not reviewed them.

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Jewett, Board President Michael Birnberg, board members Michael Decker and Heather Trumpore, and Business Administrator William Scholts presented the district’s 2026/27 budget. The same meeting heard the Warren Township Board of Education budget from Board President Patricia Zohn, Superintendent Dr. Matthew Mingle and Business Administrator Chris Heagele. No Committee vote follows the presentations in the minutes.

Croson said work would begin April 20 on King George Road Phase II, Berkshire Drive to Washington Valley Road, and would then move to Mountainview Road Phase I, described as Round Top Road to the Federal Reserve Bank driveway. He said Mountainview Road Phase II, described as Round Top to Mount Horeb, was expected to go out to bid ‘in the coming months,’ with completion in late summer or early fall. The statements were forecasts; the minutes record no completion. Croson also reported that the annual overlay program had gone out to bid. The same meeting adopted Ordinance 26-13 for the Cherry Tree Lane drainage study, 5–0, and awarded the engineering scope change by Res. 2026-117.

Nineteen residents spoke during privilege of the floor, raising environmental conditions, traffic, flooding, impact to schools, sewer capacity, the number of units, impact on emergency services and what the minutes call lack of communication. The minutes list addresses on North Road, Morning Glory Road, Lara Place, Promenade, Washington Valley Road and other streets. Mayor Fine, the township attorney and the planner explained the affordable-housing process before the comments began.

Committeeman McCarey told the Committee that New Jersey “is on the verge of becoming the third highest state in the country in terms of revenue from film production” and described the ordinances and resolutions the state program requires. At the same meeting Committeeman Croson reported that Warren is featured in the Netflix series “Big Mistakes” and thanked McCarey for his Film Ready work.

At the April 16, 2026 meeting, under “Discussion,” Committeeman Croson “brought a concern to the Committee regarding the impact of data centers on communities, including to noise and energy impacts.” He said other New Jersey municipalities had passed ordinances limiting or prohibiting them and asked Township Attorney William Willard to research what Warren could do. Willard and Township Planner Katie Sarmad “discussed and made some recommendations and will draft an ordinance for the Township Committee to consider.” No vote was taken.

Ordinance 26-13 was adopted after a public hearing with no comments, by a 5–0 roll call. It amends Bond Ordinance 25-13 with a supplemental appropriation of $100,000 and $95,000 in bonds or notes for the Cherry Tree Lane drainage engineering feasibility study. By Res. 2026-117, on the consent agenda, the Committee awarded Remington & Vernick Engineers a change of scope of $93,110.00, stating the total cost of the contract at $183,040.00. The added work covers Cherry Tree Lane and the area upstream of Mount Bethel Road to Warrenbrook Golf Course. The resolution says the amended contract could not be executed until Ordinance 26-13 took effect, and recites that Cherry Tree Lane has also flooded in extreme rainfall events.

The ordinance satisfies the plan’s Mountain Boulevard mechanism with 12 affordable and 16 market-rate units. The Planning Board reviewed the amendments on March 25, 2026; the Committee introduced the ordinance March 12 and adopted it April 16, 5–0. The same April 16 meeting drew 19 speakers on the Bardy property, most on environmental conditions, traffic, flooding, schools, sewer capacity and unit counts.

Resolution 2026-108 introduced the 2026 budget on a 5–0 roll call: McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine voted yes. It listed appropriations of $27,058,362.93, an amount to be raised by taxes of $16,545,270.77 and a sewer utility budget of $5,450,537.00. The public hearing was set for May 14. The same night the Committee adopted Resolution 2026-111 terminating participation in the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, and Resolution 2026-115 joining the NJ Solutions Joint Health Insurance Fund, each on a 5–0 roll call with McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine voting yes.

The Planning Board adopted the memorializing resolution for PB 25-01A by a 6–0 vote. Kian, Lindner, Lippitt, Scuderi, Esposito, and Ganta voted yes. The minutes list Fine, DiBianca, Argiro, Puglisi, and DiGrande as excused. The minutes record no public comment on the resolution. These names match the meeting’s roll-call roster. The resolution documents the February 11 approval.

Somerset County awarded the contract for replacing County Bridge Number L1014 to Underground Utilities Corporation on March 24, 2026. The county held the pre-construction meeting on May 19, 2026. The county’s web page does not list the contract amount, the bid list, or the number of bidders. The project is funded by a FY2023 New Jersey Department of Transportation Local Bridge Future Needs grant, according to the same page. Construction started with the road closure on August 3, 2026. This was about four and a half months after the contract was awarded.

The notice stated staff would move in three phases. The first phase was March 18. It included Engineering, Fire and Fire Prevention, Human Resources, Land Use, the Township Clerk, and the Tax Assessor. The second phase was March 23. It included the Administrator, Finance, Health, Purchasing, Recreation, Sewer, the Tax Collector, and Zoning. The third phase was March 24. It included Construction. Suite 100 housed Engineering, Fire and Fire Prevention, Land Use, Recreation, Sewer, the Tax Assessor, the Clerk, and Zoning. Suite 102 housed Construction, Finance, Health, Human Resources, Purchasing, the Tax Collector, and the Administrator. Municipal Court and Police remained at 44 Mountain Boulevard. Public Works remained at 1 Bardy Road. Mail continued to be sent to 46 Mountain Boulevard.

Ordinance 26-05 was adopted after a public hearing. The minutes record no comments from the hearing. The roll call was 4–0. Committeeman Croson was absent. The ordinance appropriates $445,000 for Valley View Road improvements. It authorizes $420,000 in bonds or notes. The text also includes $252,952 in New Jersey Department of Transportation Local Aid funding. The Engineer reported that a grant was received on Dec. 11, 2025, for milling, overlay, and drainage. The same meeting introduced Ordinance 26-13 for the Cherry Tree Lane drainage study, 4–0. It also adopted Ordinances 26-06 through 26-11 on affordable housing, each by a 4–0 vote.

Under “Tree Ordinance,” Township Administrator Mark Krane “asked the Engineering and Zoning offices to come up with a proposal to address and amend the current tree ordinance so that it can be properly enforced.” He said a “comprehensive recommendation with changes” had been provided to the Committee and suggested sending a copy to the Environmental Commission. Township Attorney William Willard suggested reviewing the model NJDEP ordinance. Bill Gilbert said the ordinance needs more enforcement and publicity and suggested communicating it to realtors; Joe of Sage Drive asked about revisions. The Committee did not adopt or introduce an ordinance at this meeting.

The minutes list a ‘2026 Sewer Rates’ item. The recommendation was that the Township not change rates for 2026. Administrator Mark Krane said average water use had risen. This means the average user will see a slight increase from usage, not from a rate change. The minutes do not record any ordinance, resolution, or roll call on rates. LocalWhy has not reviewed a 2026 sewer rate ordinance or rate schedule. The meeting also adopted Ordinance 26-05 for Valley View Road, 4–0. It introduced Ordinance 26-13 for the Cherry Tree Lane drainage study, 4–0.

The resolution recites Resolution 2025-292 and authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to execute the extension on the same terms. Its text states no rent or other payment. The minutes record that Committeemen McCarey and Blick “addressed the resolution approving the lease agreement for the Park and Ride and discussed continued efforts to expand the program.”

The minutes name the yes votes as McCarey, Blick, Kian and Fine; Croson was absent. The hearing drew no comments. The ordinance amends Ordinance 25-11 to $763,343. Its title states the previous appropriation was $524,155; the attached ordinance text and Resolution 2026-068 give $524,115.

The ordinance appropriates $900,000 from the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2026, sought “through Congressman Thomas Kean, New Jersey Congressional District 7” and administered through the Department of Justice COPS Program. The project is titled “Township of Warren, New Jersey Public Safety Communications Equipment Upgrade.” Committeeman Croson was absent from the 4–0 vote.

Ordinance 26-13 was introduced to amend Bond Ordinance 25-13. This amendment is to fund the Cherry Tree Lane drainage engineering feasibility study. It includes a supplemental appropriation of $100,000 and $95,000 in bonds or notes. Administrator Mark Krane explained that during the initial Maxwell Court study, it became apparent that the downstream area, including Cherry Tree Lane, also needed to be addressed. The roll call was 4–0, with Committeeman Croson absent. The ordinance could not take effect until adopted after a public hearing. The Committee adopted it April 16, 2026, 5–0, with no comments recorded.

Argiro, Scuderi, Esposito, Ganta, DiGrande-Alt. 2, Mayor’s Designee Mario Serra, Deputy Mayor Kian and Lindner voted yes; DiBianca, Puglisi-Alt 1 and Lippitt were absent. Bill Gilbert spoke about sidewalks and trails. A resident asked about total affordable-unit counts and the affordability ratio. The planner said the plan carried 262 credits, about 150 new affordable units and about 500 total new units. The Board found six ordinances — for AH-4, AH-9, AH-10, AH-11, AH-12 and development fees — consistent with the Master Plan.

Ordinance 26-05 was introduced by title. It is a bond ordinance appropriating $445,000 for Valley View Road improvements. It authorizes $420,000 in bonds or notes to finance part of the cost. The meeting record reports a 5–0 roll call vote. The ordinance followed the Engineer’s December 2025 report of a $252,952.00 New Jersey Department of Transportation grant. The bond ordinance text includes this grant in the appropriation. A public hearing and adoption vote were scheduled for the following meeting. The ordinance was adopted March 12, 2026, 4–0, with Committeeman Croson absent.

The resolution lists two proposals: Holman Frenia Allison, PC at $49,400.00 and Mercadien at $75,000.00. Funds were certified in account 6-01-20-130-6102, Finance – OE. The award sat on consent agenda 2026-075 through 2026-089, adopted with McCarey, Blick, Kian and Fine voting yes and Croson abstaining. The resolution describes the work as a “forensic audit of active PILOT agreements” and does not name them or state a scope of work. The Township posted a February 2026 notice of contracts awarded.

Resolution 2026-086 awarded One Water Consulting, LLC a $15,000 contract for professional services. This was for a ‘preliminary nitrate evaluation-dynamic modeling approach’ for the Stage IV Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract was under a proposal dated February 3, 2026. Funds were charged to account 6-05-55-502-6103. The resolution was part of a consent block. It was adopted with four yes votes and Croson abstaining. The minutes do not state the study’s scope, schedule, or what the results would be used for. LocalWhy has not reviewed a study report.

The introduction followed the January 22, 2026 amendment of the state grant, which raised the award to $763,343.00. The first-reading vote was unanimous: McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine voted yes. The ordinance recites an existing appropriation of $524,155, while Resolutions 2025-081 and 2026-068 give $524,115. The ordinance was adopted March 12, 2026.

A representative from Remington & Vernick Engineers presented the survey and map for 173 and 197 Mount Horeb Road. They also presented the project scope and the environmental assessment. The proposed work includes rehabilitating deteriorated trail walkways. It also includes a regraded and replanted swale from the parking lot. Other work involves pond maintenance and light dredging, two solar-powered aerator pumps, a prefabricated pedestrian bridge over the stream feeding the pond, and kiosk upgrades at both driveways.

Four residents spoke: David Gabel, Joe Faro and Kevin Anderson expressed support; Mal Plager asked about maintenance of a separate Township-owned property unrelated to the application. The minutes record that an online survey posted for more than 15 days drew 93 responses, “the majority of which were favorable.”

Resolution 2026-074 was adopted 5–0. Committeeman McCarey, Committeeman Blick, Committeeman Croson, Deputy Mayor Kian, and Mayor Fine all voted yes. The resolution authorized an application for $573,580.00. The total project cost was $1,147,160.00, and the matching share was $573,580.00.

Porchetta Land & Site Contractors of South Plainfield was awarded not more than $137,432.50 for the Mount Bethel Road force-main repair, under Res. 2026-083. The resolution confirms the emergency authorization and recites the break on Jan. 31, 2026 in the area of Powder Horn Drive and the exposure of sewage on a public road. It says the three contractors under the Township’s sewer repair contract were called but none was available. The award appeared in a block of consent resolutions adopted with four yes votes and Committeeman Croson abstaining. The resolution does not describe the repair method or a permanent replacement schedule.

Res. 2026-083 recites that on Jan. 31, 2026 a sewer force main broke on Mount Bethel Road in the area of Powder Horn Drive, that sewage was exposed and running on a public road, and that an emergency authorization was issued. The resolution says the three sewer repair contractors under Res. 2025-304 were called but none was available. Work was performed Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, 2026 by Porchetta Land & Site Contractors, which the Committee confirmed on Feb. 19 at not more than $137,432.50. The record does not state the length of pipe replaced, the cause of the break or any repair to the road surface.

The meeting was listed for 2:00 p.m. in the Springdale Conference Room. It was called to order at 2:05. Members elected Bill Gilbert chair, Shilpa Desai vice chair, and Kevin Anderson secretary. They identified planning, preservation, and maintenance as three work areas. They reviewed materials from an earlier ad hoc committee.

The Committee decided to meet on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings will be at 6:30 p.m. The Committee’s page says it was “Established in January 2026 (Ordinance 25-18)”. The ordinance was adopted November 13, 2025.

The Committee heard that a Green Acres grant application for Dealaman Nature Trail was upcoming. The file posted as the January 23, 2026 minutes is in agenda format. LocalWhy has not reviewed a separate written summary of the meeting.

Resolution 2026-052 authorized purchase orders to Rich Tree Service, Inc. of South Plainfield for tree trimming, pruning and removal services under NJ State Contract #24-GNSVI-108523 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028), not to exceed $100,000.00, charged to account 6-01-26-290-6528. It passed on the consent agenda, 5–0. The February 19, 2026 bill list records purchase order 26-00149, dated January 14, 2026, to the same firm for “Tree removal,” $3,500.00.

The resolution charges the purchases to accounts x-04-55-906-6001, 6-01-25-265-6518, and 6-01-25-240-6401. It prints the state contract term as “5/1/2013-4/30/2025.” This contract ends before the January 2026 purchase date. The record reviewed does not explain an extension or renewal. The resolution gives no count of radios. It names no apparatus or units.

The announcement came in committee remarks at the meeting where Shaun Fine was elected Mayor 5–0 and Vanessa Kian Deputy Mayor 5–0. No resolution or vote on the audit was taken that night. The minutes record that McCarey said the Township “will be going out to bid to hire a forensic accounting firm to conduct an independent audit of all PILOT programs.” The action reflected “the Township Committee’s fiduciary responsibility to the residents and is not based on suspicion or mistrust.” The same minutes record three residents speaking at the end of the meeting. None of them spoke about PILOTs.

At the reorganization meeting the Committee adopted Resolution 2026-006 authorizing the 2026 temporary budget, on a 5–0 roll call: McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine voted yes. The same meeting elected Shaun Fine as Mayor and Vanessa Kian as Deputy Mayor, each on a 5–0 roll call with the same five members voting yes, and adopted the 2026 Rules of Order and the Mayor’s liaison appointments.

The January 6, 2026 minutes record the item in Kian’s list of priorities for the year. The minutes do not describe a specific project, funding amount or schedule for the program. The property license at that date ran through March 31, 2026 under Resolution 2025-292.

The Committee authorized the agreement by Resolution 2025-308 on December 11, 2025; the township planner told the Committee the agreement included a 100 percent affordable project in the center of town and a backup plan if it did not proceed by March 31, 2026. The agreement also names the Township-owned Stirling Road property as the fallback site for the Wagner Farm supportive-needs project if sewer construction makes Wagner Farm unrealistic. Settlement conferences had been held November 10 and December 12, 2025.

The amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan says paragraph 7 of the December 21, 2025 mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center listed the two parcels as a potential “Replacement Site” to the 100 percent affordable development previously proposed. The plan also reports that the owner’s November 20, 2024 letter asked the township to consider the site and described developer interest, but gave no concept plan. Before the agreement, the plan excluded the site as too unspecified.

The bids were advertised Nov. 20, 2025 in the Courier News and received at 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 16, 2025, according to Resolution 2026-057. Both firms had been prequalified earlier that fall after proposals were received Oct. 2, 2025 and reviewed by project architect Margaret Westfield and the New Jersey Historic Trust.

The Engineer told the Committee that the New Jersey Department of Transportation awarded $252,952.00 for milling, overlay, and drainage on Valley View Road. This is in addition to the Township’s overlay program. Resident Joseph Faro of Sage Drive thanked the Township for the grant. He also asked that drainage maintenance and repairs on Mount Bethel Road be addressed. The bond ordinance later included this grant in the $445,000 appropriation for Valley View Road. It authorizes $420,000 in bonds or notes. Ordinance 26-05 was introduced February 19, 2026. It was adopted March 12, 2026.

Rapid Pump & Meter Service Co. of Paterson was awarded the Stiles Road pump station upgrade at not more than $566,735.00, the lowest of seven bids that ran from Sovereign Consulting’s $581,250.00 to Spectraserv’s $784,200.00. Bids were advertised Nov. 2, 2025 and received Dec. 2. PS&S won construction administration and inspection at not more than $74,500.00 (Res. 2025-302) and engineering for the Stage IV WWTP Generator Replacement at not more than $65,000 (Res. 2025-301). Res. 2025-304 awarded sanitary sewer line repair contracts to John Garcia Construction, PM Construction and SE Rose Trucking & Excavating, with a combined cap of $150,000. The consent agenda carried 4–0, with Committeeman Blick absent.

Stilo of South Plainfield was awarded the King George Road Improvements Phase II contract. The contract is for not more than $221,889.98. This was the lowest of nine bids. The bids ranged up to KCC’s $296,296.00. Stilo was also awarded the Mountainview Road Improvements Phase I contract. This contract is for not more than $357,660.05. This was the lowest of ten bids. The bids ranged up to PM Construction’s $463,945.00. Both resolutions directed the Engineer to file the award and supporting documents with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for final approval before work began. The consent agenda passed 4–0. Committeeman Blick was absent. The same meeting approved plans dated November 12, 2025, for King George Road, from Berkshire Drive to Washington Valley Road. It also approved plans dated November 13, 2025, for Mountainview Road, from 15 Mountainview Road to Round Top Road. This was under Resolution 2025-290 and Resolution 2025-291.

The resolution authorizes the Mayor and Township Clerk to sign the written extension. It also directs that a certified copy and two signed copies be sent to Charles Applebaum, Esq. in Edison. The resolution states the license ends March 31, 2026, unless the parties extend it in writing. It states no fee. In public comment that same evening, resident Jaymin Patel spoke in support of expanding the Park and Ride facility.

During public comment, Bill Gilbert of Flintlock Drive spoke. “learned that the clear-cutting of trees on Hillcrest was conducted in accordance with the approved plan and recommended that future standards include maintaining barriers, particularly along Route 78.” The minutes record his account. The minutes do not record any Township finding on the plan or on compliance.

Remington & Vernick Engineers presented findings on conditions in the Maxwell Court and Cherry Tree Lane drainage areas and recommendations. The presentation is attached to the minutes; LocalWhy has not reviewed its contents. Frank Kane of Maxwell Court asked about next steps. Administrator Mark Krane said meetings would be scheduled with RVE and the Department of Public Works to determine immediate maintenance needs and discuss costs and plans. Mayor Lontai suggested DPW review all culverts the Township is responsible for and create a maintenance schedule. Joseph Faro of Sage Drive asked the Township to address ongoing drainage maintenance and repairs on Mount Bethel Road. The minutes record no vote on the study’s recommendations.

The Clerk said the property at 300 Warren Corporate Center Drive can accommodate 50 spaces for the program. The process would be “heavily advertised.” At the same meeting, Administrator Mark Krane referred to “complaints about overcrowded buses”. He said the Township was continuing to look at other options. He also stated the Township was “doing everything possible to keep this program going.” The minutes do not list the number of applicants, the length of the wait list, or the bus carrier and route.

The ordinance amends Chapter 2, Section 2-35, “Open Space, Recreation, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.” This establishes the committee. The committee’s duties include developing strategies to use the trust fund. They will also recommend and prioritize properties for preservation or acquisition. Additionally, they will research grants and review maintenance with the DPW superintendent.

The roll call vote was: Committeeman Blick voted yes, Committeeman Fine voted yes, Committeewoman Kian voted yes, Deputy Mayor Croson voted yes, and Mayor Lontai voted yes. The public hearing drew no comments.

At the same meeting, Committeeman Fine reported that the Township was hiring a consultant. The consultant will determine the costs for updates at Morecraft Farm and Dealaman Pond. The more expensive project will be used to apply for the Green Acres grant.

Township Engineer Christian Kastrud reported that NJDOT had approved the King George Road project, that bids were being accepted and that construction was expected in spring. He said Mountainview Road Phase I was also going out to bid. By Res. 2025-279, adopted on the consent agenda 5–0, the Township asked NJDOT for a six-month extension of the Mountainview Road Phase 2 grant to April 30, 2026, citing unforeseen delays and the Engineer’s recommendation to avoid invalidating the grant. The resolution does not record NJDOT’s response. Deputy Mayor Croson also reported that the Department of Public Works was installing 260 feet of pipe in Plainfield Gardens to improve drainage.

After a discussion listed as “Financial Analysis Hofheimer Improvements,” the Committee agreed to a “special bond referendum election” on preserving the Hofheimer House and directed the clerk to contact the county clerk and Board of Elections. Committeeman Fine cited “$98/year for 20 years”; Committeeman Blick favored a public vote on projects that “significantly impact taxes.” Five residents spoke about the house during the privilege of the floor, including Joe Faro, Bill Gilbert and Greg Fitzgerald.

The amended housing plan records that Wagner Farm, Block 83, Lot 4 in the AH-3 zone, received site-plan approval on November 22, 2021; that a Warren resident adjacent to the property sued; that the court remanded the matter to the Planning Board on September 19, 2025; and that the Board acted on the remand on October 27, 2025. The plan states that the case remains pending. It also records Bergen County United Way’s concern about the project’s financial viability because of sewer facilities that would need to be built.

Clarke Caton Hintz’s conceptual space planning report describes a 9,560-square-foot building and prices a preferred concept at $4,859,000 (OCR), an estimate dated June 23, 2025: $3,595,390 (OCR) of construction, $629,610 (OCR) for general conditions, bond, overhead and profit, and $634,000 (OCR) of contingency. Hazmat removal is excluded. The report says the firm consulted about 20 organizations on space needs.

Resolution 2026-117 was adopted on April 16, 2026. It states that on July 2, 2025, the Township awarded Remington & Vernick Engineers a contract. This contract was for engineering services for the Maxwell Court Drainage Improvement Project feasibility study. The award was made by Resolution 2025-182. LocalWhy has not reviewed the July 2025 resolution or the original contract amount. The study later expanded. It now includes Cherry Tree Lane and the area upstream of Mount Bethel Road to Warrenbrook Golf Course. This expansion added $93,110.00 to the cost. The stated contract total is now $183,040.00.

Later Township and Planning Board records describe a June 9, 2025 memorializing resolution. This resolution approved PB 25-01, the original preliminary and final major site plan. The plan was for a Cash Services Center and accessory law-enforcement training facility. The plan called for demolition of all existing site improvements and construction of the buildings, secured loading areas, a guardhouse, parking, and stormwater facilities. The June 9 minutes need a browser. LocalWhy has not reviewed them. The approval was later amended.

The Feb. 20, 2025 resolution is recited in Resolution 2026-068, adopted Jan. 22, 2026, which amended the grant. The building is listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places. The record reviewed does not state a local match for the grant.

The Township Committee adopted Ordinance 24-24, approving the “Redevelopment Plan For 15 Mountainview Road” and creating the MRRP 15 Mountainview Road Redevelopment Plan District, according to Resolution 2026-125. The plan governs what the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may build on the roughly 118-acre former Chubb tract. LocalWhy has not reviewed the ordinance text in full.

Somerset County held a virtual public information meeting from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on October 26, 2022. The meeting was about the proposed replacement of the bridge that carries Stirling Road over Stony Brook. The county page shows display boards about existing conditions, the construction plan, the bridge plan and elevation, a detour plan, a parcel map, and a project information sheet. The detour plan included a truck detour updated on February 3, 2026. The page does not report attendance or comments from the meeting. Construction did not begin until August 2026, after the county awarded the contract on March 24, 2026.

Resolution 2021-297 designated the property at 15 Mountain View Road a non-condemnation redevelopment area under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, according to the recitals of Resolution 2026-125. The tract is Block 8, Lot 2, about 118 acres, the former Chubb Insurance headquarters. The designation began the redevelopment process that later produced a redevelopment plan and a site-plan application.