Adequate notice of the June 11th, 2026 regular meeting of the township committee has been provided in accordance with the open public meetings act by posting written notice and agenda of the meeting on a bullet board in a municipal building 1000 route 10 township of Hannover and by posting the seam on the official township website
and by delivering such notice to the following newspapers. Morris County Daily Record H Eagle and by following the scene with the township clerk. >> Roll call. Commitment Cahill here. Commandment Veramosa here, Command Francioli >> here, >> Deputy Mayor Mahalo, Mayor Gallagher here, five members in attendance.
>> If you would please join us for the pledge of allegiance and please remain standing for a prayer led by Deputy Mayor Michael Malco. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Excuse me. Almighty God, please watch over and guide this governing body with an abundance of wisdom and understanding to help make the best decisions for our residents. Please bless our first
responders and township volunteers who help keep us all safe. Also, bless our township employees and residents. Lastly, please let us pray for the men and women of the US armed forces who stand vigil over us always. Amen.
>> Thank you. Okay. Uh, good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We're going to begin tonight with Mr. Giorgio reading into the record some proclamations. Joe, would you like to take over, please? >> Thank you very much, Kristen. Normally, uh, we read all of the proclamations
into the record. Um, but because we have a very heavy legal agenda this evening after this regular meeting, um, unfortunately, we're going to preclude reading all four into the record. Fern,
I'm sorry, but we will read two out of the out of the four so that um we can make it at least happy to into the record. So first the first proclamation
is a proclamation of the township committee of the township of handover commemorating the 350th year anniversary of Whippony and the 250th year anniversary of the United States of America. Whereas the original inhabitants of what
is now New Jersey called themselves Lenny Lenipe, the local Lenipe natives called the area west of the central Payic River by the name of Whipan. And whereas the first American explorers
and settlers adopted the Aboriginal name of Wibbon. And whereas the first record of Whiponong was written as a place called Whipono referencing a dead transa a dtransaction
from 1676. And whereas the colonial royal government recorded a large territory from the Pakic River to Hatkcon as Weni. And whereas in 1720
the court of the royal government changed the aboriginal American name of Whit Penny to the German name of Hanover in honor of Great Britain King George I of the House of Hanover. And whereas the
Hanover is now whereas Hanover is now a township in New Jersey and Whippony is now a section or a village in Hanover. And whereas Whippony and Hanover were established long before the United States of America was founded, before
New Jersey was a state and before Mars County was established. And whereas the United States of America claimed independence from the royal government of Great Britain by signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4th,
1776. And whereas the Township Committee of the Township of Hanover hereby recognizes 2026 as the 300th anniversary 350th anniversary of Whippony. And whereas the township committee of
the township of Hanover hereby recognizes 2026 as the 250th year anniversary of the United States of America. And whereas the township committee, the governing body of the township of Hanover, hereby
memorializes these two important historical milestones with the adoption of this proclamation. Now therefore be it resolved by the township committee of the township of Hanover in the county of Mars and state of New Jersey as follows.
One, the governing body hereby commemorates the 250th year anniversary of the United States of America, an important milestone of the history of our great nation. Two, the governing body hereby commemorates the 350th year
anniversary of Whippony, an important historical milestone of the Township of Hanover. And three, in this year of 2026, the governing body of the township of Hanover calls upon all residents of Hanover Township to recognize and
celebrate these historic milestones. And this proclamation is signed by each member of the governing body, mayor and township committee. So mayor want to present it to more commission. She says she is here members of the
commission. You guys want to come back to present this? Sure. accept. Thank you. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. So, take one more.
So, Fern, this is the next proclamation. This one we're going to read into the record. This is a proclamation of the township committee of the township of Hanover designating June 2026 is LGBTQIA
plus as pride month in Hanover Township. Whereas the township committee of the township of Hanover welcomes and encourages diversity and inclusion within the Hanover community. And whereas June 28th marks the anniversary
of the Stonewall uprising in New York City, a pivotal moment that sparked the modern gay rights movement and is commemorated nationwide during Pride Month to support
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, interex, asexual, and plus LGBTQ. QA+ community. And whereas celebrating Pride
Month raises awareness, provides support and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community and serves as an opportunity for education, dialogue, strengthening
alliances and building understanding. And whereas despite remarkable progress toward acceptance and equality, members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face
discrimination, intolerance, and hate. And whereas we must commit to supporting and accepting LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially youth who are statistically
more likely than their peers to experience bullying and violence in schools, face higher rates of depression, struggle with substance abuse, and attempt suicide. And whereas we must
remain vigilant in deterring oppression and discrimination based on sex, gender, identity or expression and sexual orientation. And whereas protecting the rights of every
individual enhances and strengthens the dignity, value, and unity of our entire society. And whereas the township of Hanover affirms its support of LGBTQIA+
residents and stands with them in protecting their civil rights and their ability to live openly, equally, and without fear. Now, therefore, it be it resolved by the Township Committee of the Township of
Hanover on this 11th day of June, 2026 that the governing body recognizes and supports the month of June 2026 as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer, or questioning, interex, asexual, and plus LGBTQI A+ Pride Month. Be it further resolved that the governing body urges all residents to celebrate and promote a culture of
inclusiveness and acceptance during this month and throughout the year. Signed, Thomas A. Gallagher on behalf of the township committee. Thank you. I promise to keep it really really short.
>> So, I know I usually accept this, but I'm going to hand this over to Ahmad uh to accept this this time and he'll explain. >> Hey, good evening everyone. Um so, >> my name is Ahmad Cai. Um I'm a handover.
Um, so I live here in Hanover and um to hear that proclamation, I mean um it it brought me almost to tears, right? Um like nobody asked you guys to do that this year. Uh the words that were said
um in that statement um were remarkable, right? Like growing up um as a gay man, this type of conversation would not be happening in our town. So the fact that you men are sitting here, you're setting
an example to the kids of the community, right? And I'm very thankful and grateful that you guys have appointed the month of June as pride month. So thank you so much. I think it's important and I I know that it will save
lives. So thank you so much. Thank you. You guys want to come back? Heat. Heat. Sorry, not my usual. Thanks, guys. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I'm just going to read into
the record the title of the next two proclamations. Uh, the next proclamation is a proclamation of the Township Committee of the Township of Hanover declaring June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month in Hanover Township.
And the next is a proclamation of the Township Committee of the Township of Hanover declaring June 2026 as anti-violence awareness month in Hanover Township. Thank you. Can I give this to her?
Okay. Okay. And to continue now we are next on the agenda is the approval of the township committee meeting minutes of May 14th 2026. May I please have a motion to approve the meeting meeting minutes? >> So move second.
>> All in favor? So approved. Next is the public hearing and adoption of ordinances 25 2026 26 2026 and 27 2026. Proof of publication that the ordinances and the notice of introductions appeared
in full on the township's website under legal notices on May 15, 2026. At this time, may I please have a motion to convene the public hearing on ordinances 25, 26, and 27? >> So move second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Is there anyone in chambers wishing to
be heard concerning ordinances 25, 26, or 27? If so, please state your name and address for the record and which ordinance you would like to make comment about. >> Yes. Good evening, uh, mayor, members of the township committee. Craig Janetti of the law firm Dave Pittney on behalf of
TR Sterling Handover LLC, who is the owner of the Sterling Park uh, apartment uh, development and we are objecting to ordinance number 27-2026. Uh I sent correspondence to the township
committee dated June 9th, 2026 uh addressing the issue um with respect to this ordinance. Uh the main issue is the town is proposing to extend the affordability controls on 64 affordable
units uh at Sterling Park. those 64 affordable units are part of a affordable housing restriction but is really an affordable housing agreement. Uh as the township committee is aware uh
today all affordable units are governed and managed by the uniform housing affordability controls adopted by the housing mortgage finance agency. In 2001 when this affordable housing agreement was entered with respect to these units,
U-Hack didn't exist. So it's our position these units are subject to that agreement regardless of what the law is today about extending affordability controls based upon units restricted
previously under U-Hack because again these units weren't restricted under U-Hack. The impact is signi significant. We're we're talking tens of millions of dollars in valuation. These restrictions are set to expire in five years. Uh
pursuant to the affordable housing agreement, which is different than how the current and even prior UAC deed restrictions read under this affordable housing agreement which was negotiated and executed by the township after the end of 30 years. The rest is
specifically provides that the restrictions shall expire and at the expiration of that term that the town shall execute the uh necessary document to release the controls. Uh what's also important with this
agreement is Fanny May is a third party beneficiary of the agreement and the agreement provides that this agreement cannot be amended without the consent of all parties handover township TR Sterling and Fanny May. So, it's our
position the town doesn't have the authority to extend these uh controls unilaterally and we've requested that the town not proceed with adopting this ordinance. I also noted in our letter we reviewed the town's court approved housing element
and fair share plan for their affordable housing compliance and the extension of these controls are not within that plan. So the town currently is not seeking credit based upon its court approved plan for the extension of these affordable units. So we ask that the
township committee not take action uh and either vote no on the ordinance or at a minimum postpone it so there's an opportunity to further discuss this issue. Thank you. >> Thank you. prior to our vote, which is right now,
please uh weigh in on this and respond to that concerning series of questions. Would you want to finish the public hearing first? The only public hearing first. >> Sure. >> Fern Walen, Cedals. Um I wasn't expecting to say anything. Uh I'm not a
lawyer, so obviously I can't respond to the gentleman, but what I would say is this. I don't know how many affordable housing units we're talking about, but we're talking about people who live there. We're talking about people who pay rent there. We're talking about people who are right now having a
really, really hard time making ends meet. So, I would um ask you uh when you do consider this to please consider those people who will essentially get kicked out of their apartments if this
is allowed to happen. So, I'll just say that. Thank you. >> Thank you, F. >> If I may just address Hold on. >> If you do want to come back up and take a minute, it has to be before everybody else gets a chance to speak once.
Mayor and committee members, I thank you for looking forward to extending affordability controls because in reality, like Fern said, there are people who so many people need affordable housing and there's people
actually currently living there now in affordable housing that would essentially not be able to afford to live there anymore. However, number of units that there are there. Um, the other thing that is also a win for the town and for the residents
of Sterling Park, because they are residents of the town as well as all of us, is that it prevents the town having to build somewhere else 300 units to get those 60 units,
you know, which is ridiculous because, you know, we're saturating market rate, but we still don't have the amount affordable that we need in town. So, I commend you and I hope that you vote for this
ordinance because it's good for the residents of Hanover Township and that's what matters. That's what we're here for. Thank you. >> Thank you, Terry. >> Um
Ahmad of Handover again. Um, so when you think about affordable housing, um, it's not just about the business that provides the housing, right? These people, to Fern's point, uh, they're going to grow up one day and how they
grow up, the resources they have is going to have a direct impact on our society. So there's children who live there, who go to school here in Hanover, who have the opportunity to learn here in Hanover and become productive members of society here in Hanover. The last
thing we want is for these people to end up not being able to afford their homes and then having to leave handover, having to leave that opportunity that they have here and end up in a situation where they may not be able to pursue the same opportunities. So, I think Hanover
is a beautiful town. Um, and I don't think 65 units u will hurt uh the developer. I think um that developer is very successful. We want our businesses to be successful. Uh
but 65 units u of affordability is not going to hurt them um you know compared to how much they are making. So, I think from that standpoint, I would really hope that you all would uh you would support the the ordinance. Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Hearing none see them, but you're actually still in public comment. So, we're we're not going to go back and forth, but we are going to rebut and make our point very clear if you are attorney. So, if you'd like to take one minute. Sure. Thank you. >> Take one minute. I appreciate that
clock. One minute. I appreciate that, mayor. Just to be clear, under the restriction, uh the term of the agreement and the restriction is 30 years, but it doesn't become no one gets kicked out. It remains affordable to the current
tenant. It only gets released once it becomes vacant from that tenant. So, the notion that once it's expired, people are going to get kicked out is is not accurate. Second, we're not saying the town
can't attempt to extend the uh the affordability controls. We're saying they can't unilaterally do it, particularly without just compensation. There is a property interest and there isn't a value per negotiated agreement.
Uh and it's our position. It's illegal to unilaterally extend it without just compensation uh for that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. I'd like to take this opportunity. Well, I'd like to close it to the public and then ask Fred to take the floor as
long as he needs. All >> in favor? I Fred, please take the floor. >> Yeah. Thank you, mayor. Th this ordinance and there's a companion ordinance on here as well. It's the the township looked at existing affordable
housing commitments which are generally for 30 years and said if the law provides which we believe now the fourth round rules and I know we've had a lot of struggles with the fourth round rules but here's something that is for the other side of the fence. It's for the
township and as said um that it's for the benefit of the residents and the residents who need affordable housing. the township has an opportunity under the law, we believe, to extend these these affordability controls. And along
those lines, like for Sterling, the actual affordable housing agreement between Sterling and the township, first paragraph says for a period of at least 30 years, beginning on the due date. Well, at least 30 years. This township
committee is elected to extend it beyond 30 years because that's what it says. is now in the fourth round rules that you can extend this for a period beyond the 30 years if you have a need for affordable housing which we always will
see right now at this point there is a need. We saw that at the end of the fourth round and there was a point well this isn't in your plan. On page six of our plan it says that the township will set aside funds if necessary for their continued preservation of affordable
rental units. It also says that the town will seek to obtain bonus credits for the extension of controls. Uh for Sterling, it was 317 units and there was 64 units in the entire project that were affordable. Those are incentives give
given to developers. So, it's time it's not time to end this at the end of 30 years. there's clearly been a much more dramatic need for these units as we've seen over the last 10 years in the township and throughout the state. So,
uh this this is a very good decision by the township committee strategically to say it's a good time to make sure you protect yourself to have additional affordable housing. If you have an issue with the fourth round plan and one of the projects doesn't work itself out,
the township has these additional units or in the future. And I think, you know, I'll defer to the Fern and Terry law firm because their comments are on point. It's really true. It's to maintain additional affordable housing
opportunities for residents. And you know on a similar vein this township committee uh did the same thing uh when it came to Eden Woods in Eden Woods uh for there was documentation signed by
the residents to extend their affordable controls and it was just a a the compensation was just to record the extension of the controls. But um that was challenged in the courts and we were successful this year in that matter. I
think Terry was actually at the uh oral arguments and the trial. But uh to that point, this went on for 4 years. The township was successful and the affordability controls were extended and the calculations right. If you have, in
this case, 64 affordable units that are going to be extended under the rules, it would take 320 market units to get a new set of 64 affordable housing units. And so, I applaud the committee. It's not going to
rest just because the fourth round we came in under 200 new market rate units. the governing body said we're going to keep going and look for opportunities to extend control. So it's there's a companion ordinance here tonight as
well. And you know I I heard Mr. Gianetti with respect to 27- 2026 but there's also 26-2026 and that's for Metro West. Same thing. They're going to uh expire their
controls their senior affordable units. It's so hard to get senior affordable units, right? So, here too, the law says that you have the right to extend it. And the agreements say it's at least 30 years. And the agreement also says with
Sterling that Sterling can extinguish these affordable units only with the approval of the township committee. Well, clearly the township committee isn't interested in doing that. The township committee wants to extend uh those controls. So, mayor, I think, you
know, it's it's why the township has been successful in creating affordable housing opportunities without additional highdensity development. It's to to have these units in place now and in the future for the residents as stated. So, they have they have opportunities right
in Hanover Township without a corresponding three or 400 unit project. and the affordable trousing trust fund is available for certain subsidies as well in accordance with the rules and you've protected that as well. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, Fred. That last paragraph
said quite a bit because a lot of people find themselves talking about affordable housing. Housing is not affordable. We all want housing to be affordable. But what the problem, especially with round three and four is and was is that you have to create so
much density in order to get that offset for the affordable. So Fred, I think your explanation was great. I'm ready to move forward and ask Christie to take a vote on this. >> Now on adoption, may I please have a motion to adopt ordinance number 25,
2022, 26, 2026, and 27 2026. So move. >> May I have a second? Second. >> Roll call. Committeeman Cahill. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Francioli. Oh, I'm sorry. Feromosa. >> Hi. >> Committeeman Francioli. >> Uh I Yes. This uh I think it's important
as council just stated uh in his last comment that uh any funding for this program and we do support this program will be through the uh affordable housing trust fund and not taxpayers dollar directly. So I think that's
important for everybody to know. So yes, >> Deputy Mayor Malgo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Gallagher. >> So adopted. >> Mayor, can I add one other comment because there are two uh projects within the township. In both instances, both yourself and Mr. Giorgio directed me to
reach out to both Sterling and uh as as well as um the Metro West to see if we could discuss that. And we were basically told we're not interested. So, you know, it's not as if the ordinance just evolved and was served and we did serve a copy of it, but it was only
after we did reach out and and ask to have a discussion about those extensions and we're told there really wasn't an interest. >> Thank you, Chris. Sure. >> Okay. Next on the agenda, I'd like to introduce ordinance number 28 2026.
Like to read the title into the record. It is ordinance 28206, an ordinance of the township committee of the township of handover in the county of Morrison, state of New Jersey, authorizing the process of change orders and the release of retainage in the amount not to exceed $85,000
to AB Contracting LLC for the performance of additional construction fee services as it relates to the B Meadow swimming pool splash pad project and further appropriating the sum of $85,000 from the swimming pool enterprise fund capital account for 2026
in all of the prior years for the financing of this change order and retainage release. I'd like to say for the record that the ordinance and its respective notice of introduction will be published in full in the township's website under legal notices according with law. The public hearing is
scheduled for July I have 11th. What date is 9th? July 9th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. If any member of the public would like to be heard regarding this ordinance, they will be given the opportunity to do so that evening. May please have a motion to introduce ordinance 282026.
>> I'll make that motion, but let me qualify this. Um, >> sorry, cuz I I spearheaded the splash pad and I still stand behind it. If you guys have seen it, it looks terrific. Um, there were definitely some issues that came up that were completely
unforeseen. Um, we even got into the building itself where the electrical system had to be rewired. They weren't even sure how it was still functioning at that point. This took care of some of that uh just to make this this go. This number is not a solid number. It will
not go higher than that. We are in negotiations uh to try to discuss this particular number. But this is this is a worst case scenario type of uh ordinance that we're putting out. Um but if you get a chance, check out the splash pad. It's terrific. It really came out well.
Um, but again, we there was when you're building a project like this, there are things that do pop up. Um, just just unforeseen and that's where a lot of this came from. So, >> I'll second. >> Thank you. >> On roll call. Command Cahill. >> Yes.
>> Committee man for >> committee manoli. Hi. >> Deputy Mayor Malco. Yes. Mayor Gallagher. Hi. So introduced. Next on the order of business is the approval of resolutions as a consent agenda. However, Mayor Gallagher would
like to take a vote on resolution number 118 as a separate item. Mayor, would you like to speak regarding that resolution? >> No, I would just like to say that we've had quite a bit of back and forth with our water authority. It's got some press. Uh people are including us are a
little bit concerned and sometimes a little bit emotional. and uh we discussed who would be a very good appointment to serve as a liaison to the water authority and we spent quite a bit of time on it and we selected John Sheridan who was a board event member
for a very long time. He was a committeeman for a while and he was the mayor for a period of time and he got up to date very very fast on our concerns, our potential solutions to make it better, better quality service, better quality water, um, and preparing for the
additional development that's going to take place from round four of the fair share housing agreement. So, I just want to say that we all spent quite a bit of time on who would be uh a great great appointment to work for and with Hatter
Township to make sure we're doing the best we can in almost every area and uh John graciously agreed and uh I asked Christ to single it out because we've been getting a lot of attention on this and I think it deserves the attention that it's been getting. So, Kristen, that's it.
>> May I have a motion on resolution 118? >> So, move. >> May I have a second? >> Second. All in favor? >> So approved. Does any member of the governing body have any questions regarding resolutions 119 through 138? Move it be approved. >> Thank you. May I have a second?
>> Second. >> Okay. >> All in favor? >> So approved as a consent agenda. Lastly, uh we have to pay our bills in the amount of $8,70,721.92. May I have a motion to please pay our bills? >> Pay the bills. >> Thank you, John. May have a second.
>> Second. >> All in favor to pay the bills. I >> We could pay the bills. Mayor and the members of the township committee. That clears my portion of the agenda and I thank you very much. >> Great work, Crystal. Thank you very much. Okay. I'd like a motion over to the public. So move. Second. All in
favor? I. >> Okay. If anyone from the public would like to address the governing body, please take the podium, state your name, address, and you have four minutes. Little Mabe Whippony. Uh before I start, I just want to compliment the township on that musical clock outside of the
doors. Uh it was playing Getting to Know You from The King and I as I was walking in here, a musical that I actually produced at Memorial Junior School back in the 2007 time frame. So, thank you for having that out there. Um good evening. I'm speaking tonight as a
private citizen and not in conjunction with any elected office that I may hold. On Sunday morning, May 31st, my wife is awakened by a prop plane flying circles over our house. There's nothing new about the loud and droning engines of the prop planes taking off from the
airport. But what was new is she was awakened at 4:30 a.m. by this plane. The next day, a private post on Facebook read, "Anyone know the town's noise, ordinance, or rules for the flight school? This is constant every morning.
woken up at 4:50 a.m. this past Sunday due to the noise from the airplanes constantly flying over my house. And I'm told that this resident lives by the high school. Now, the disturbance of the piece by the airport is nothing new. It goes back
decades. However, the noise of these prop planes has become egregious and needs to be addressed. It seems that the first step to reigning in the noise pollution is to regulate the hours that these planes can take off. It seems
reasonable to limit the hours of takeoff from, say, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., but personally, I've noted propanes taking off after midnight. You may wonder why I have not included jets and planes landing in my address here. Although
jets can be noisy as well, they leave our airspace quickly and planes coming in for a landing do not make as much noise. Years ago, I called the airport to complain about the noise. Someone at the airport would call me back and
usually tell me that they had no record of a plane taking off or landing at that time and I noted the time when it happened. Secondly, the flight pattern that these planes use is the same one over and over again. My observation has been that they
take off to the north, fly as far as southern Paripony, and then make smaller and smaller circles. A change in their flight patterns is long overdue. Taking off in another direction and circling other communities would go a long way
towards alleviating the problem here in Hanover. Last Saturday night, I posted on the Handover Township, New Jersey, New New Jersey Facebook page. Since I did that, it has been strangely quiet this week in terms of prop lanes. I
don't want to speculate as to why that's happened, but it's a very welcome development. I wanted to share four comments that residents posted on Facebook this week in regard to the prop planes. One resident wrote that there is technology that can be installed by the
airport to reduce noise pollution and we can look into that to make it less of a nuisance to the residents who live closest to the airport. Another resident wrote, "What Bill may be referring to are mornings when the prop planes start practicing touching go at 5:00 a.m. and
it goes on for hours. If they start at 8, I can't complain as much, but 5:00 a.m. is just not acceptable." Another person said, "Never have the planes been this many. The prop planes are insane, and the jets do not follow approved
landing plans or flight heights." Now, I know personally what that sounds like. Shortly after we moved into handover, a jet came in for a landing not too far over the top of my roof. The sound was so loud that I actually ducked in my own
kitchen, thinking my house was under attack. And when they use these flight patterns, they go over B Meadow School, which is a big safety concern. Another person says, "Yes, it's the flight schools and their pattern work. They do touch and go
flying low, loud, and frequent every 1 to 3 minutes. Same pattern." Another person, a number of years back, the mayors of the surrounding towns got together and a flight plan was established. Traffic has since increased
significantly and the freight plan is not always being followed now and we have had planes flying very low over our street. It's not just the noise of the planes which is understandable but the planes not following the flight plan and
flying low over our homes that has been an issue for us. And by the way, my house is just 3 miles from the airport as the crow flies. Another person said midyear 2020 the flight school started violating violating the noise abatement
policy that is the main problem. So no I don't want to move out of handover but the airport should be responsible for the policy that they agreed to many years ago. We are located in the noise abatement area. The flight schools, airport operations, airport controllers
are all aware and allow it to happen. Airport operations continue to hold on to that the noise abatement policy they agree to is voluntary versus them agreeing to it voluntarily. They continue to use the smaller runway for
the flight schools and lowflying over the noise abatement areas. This is even more of a safety concern than a noise problem. Most small most small plane accidents happen during the landing and takeoff phases. And lastly, I grew up on
your side of Whitney and now live on the Long View area airport border. Recently, I was at Blackpark Park watching a baseball game and the quantity of lowflying planes was notable, definitely much more in quantity and definitely
lower than I ever remember as a kid. Where we currently live there is frequent smaller plane parenthesis flight school traffic and of course the helicopters not bothered by the president that we think is kind of cool to watch and hear. What I observed at
Blackbrook is much different than what it used to be. There are more jets today using Marstown than there were in the early 70s and 80s for sure. So gentlemen, there we have it.
And also um another gentleman um Scott Reed would also like to speak on the same issue. >> Am I okay? >> Please. >> Oh, state your name, address. Uh Scott Reed uh Whippony uh on One Jock Terrace
Whippony uh which is right along the airport area. Um I would like to start off Ace and previous you've been very helpful to myself and a few of the neighbors in the general area of reaching out to the airport. So I know this is not necessarily new to you guys to everyone. Um but recently about I
think about 9 months ago I started a petition actually for the airport. Um, there's been an existence of a voluntary noise abatement policy. Not exactly sure when it started. I can't seem to find it. Which is supposed to limit the impact of flight operations on the
surrounding community. And Morristown airport routinely allows the flight schools especially, to perform repeated touchand goes, which is the constant circling and drone of unmuffled airplanes on runway 31. That's the shorter runway directly over our
neighborhoods. these low-flying aircraft. Not only it's about sound, safety concerns as persistent noise pollution throughout the day, both early and late hours, as previously stated, as early as 5 in the morning. Can't even sleep with our windows open over by the
area anymore. Um, it's been exacerbated by the airport's allowance for the flight school operations with closed traffic from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on average and results in constantly exposure to not only noise, but our children, our elderly individuals, and anyone trying to enjoy the peace and
quiet of their of their yard. So, the main concerns myself and 124 people that have already signed the petition is repeated lowaltitude aircraft operation in the areas where residential homes are located. It poses significant safety
risks. If you're not aware, the average uh small aircraft accident happens within the first 3 minutes of takeoff and the last 8 minutes of their flight before landing. And these touchandgo operations are all takeoffs and landing. Um so the potential for accidents is
real and troubling. Noise pollution. Constant drone of aircraft engines unmuffled during late evening hours disrupts the lives of both the community members and is actually detrimental to both physical and mental health for those living close to the airport. And
then quality of life. We have a right to the peace and quiet to enjoy the homes that we pay taxes on and quite frankly spend a lot of money to live in this great town. And the lack of enforcement on the voluntary noise abatement. If you call the airport, they'll tell you that
they can voluntarily follow the noise abatement. No, they voluntarily agree to that agreement, but it seems like nobody is able to hold them accountable for that. Um, and I get it. I live next to an airport. I bought in 2013.
From now till 2020, everything was good. Occasional noise, but since 2020, when we hit the airline shortage, right, of of available pilots, it is constant. with at times multiple planes running touch and goes. At times there could be
60 airplane passes over my house in an hour and that is a noise abatement area. I am in the quiet zone where my house is on one jock terrace. I can't imagine everybody else and it was not like this when we for the first seven years that we purchased. So, we're
asking for enforcement of the voluntary noise abatement, limit the hours of operation, increased community with the uh sorry, increase communication with our community. When you call them, if you look at the noise abatement policy, they're supposed to respond in
writing. They don't. They're supposed to enforce the noise abatement. They don't. they continuously allow runway 31 and in implement additional noise mitigation measures and also be accountable for the low flying. You can come to my house. I
I invite you over anytime and watch them take off. There are times that they are skimming the treetops. They are not it is not safe for us. And when you call airport operations, their answer if something goes wrong is they're going to land on park. You guys all know park, right? Tell me how even a little Cessna
is going to land on park in an emergency. We are just waiting for a tragedy to happen. The facts are there and Morristown airport agreed to follow this noise abatement policy and they're not. That's all I'm asking for.
President Trump can land every day. The Jets commercial can land every day. the random person that owns a plane and flies in once and out once. I'm good with even the occasional touch and goes, but all day long,
imagine 10 hours of that drone. That's what those of us in some of the areas, if you look at the flight patterns are experiencing. Floren Park brought this up at their town meeting, I believe about 2 years ago, same thing for for the same runway, flight 30, uh, sorry,
runway 31. So I ask you, I I don't know where to go, but it's frustrating. We have a great town and it's not fair and I think not legal that they are not following their noise abatement policy. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. I'm going to ask Ron to
take the floor for a minute because on our governing body, we have a pilot and we although Ron serves on the Mars County Transportation Board, Ron is also a liaison to the airport and anytime we've gotten concerns or questions and
and I've heard this one several times, uh I refer to Ron and he has a very good relationship with Cory at the airport. Uh so Ron, if you could take the floor for a couple minutes. Thank you, mayor. Yes. Um, first u an apology on the part of uh
Hanover uh for any disturbance to our residents by the airport. But let me uh let me say this. Um Hanover Township along with Floren Park, East Hanover, etc. All who border the airport uh meet occasionally
uh to discuss issues regarding the airport. Those issues are varied from uh noise issues and uh safety issues etc. activity on the airport and we try to keep up with uh airport management flight base operations over there. Uh we
do have a very good relationship with flight-based operations at the airport and when we do have complaints uh we do get together with them to try to identify the aircraft by its end numbers uh what crime it took place and uh the
effect that it had on the community. Um to answer some of the questions that were put on the uh on the floor, the FAA controls the skies over every airport. Uh airports operate 24/7,
365 days a year. We cannot limit their hours. We cannot control sections of the hours. And we don't control aircraft once they're 2 to 3 in off the ground. concerning aircraft that move on the
ground that is under the control of flight-based operations and we have a contact there. But let's talk about flight overflights. Handover has taken the lead over the years in noise abatement recommendations
and has worked with the FAA to get those adopted. The route 80 route for air aircraft uh coming in as helicopters has been modified over Route 80, thus the name uh to keep helicopter noises at a minimum. Uh and we got their cooperation
for that. We're trying to work with flight schools. Flight schools down there now. There are five such flight schools and um they operate um freely on at 24/7 at the airport. Again, um I'm
not one to condone any flight school operations that take place uh during the night hours. Matter of fact, that's a certain qualification for a pilot. So, if you heard an aircraft at night, that is not a student. That is not part of
the highly uh school. Um unfortunately, unfortunately, Hanover Township and many of our neighbors in the B Meadow area, etc., Long View, etc., live under the flight pattern of takeoffs and landings.
Some weeks ago, I gave a discussion, a talk to the township committee with uh illustrations and diagrams of the flight patterns leading in and out of their runways. There are four operative runways at Marstone Airport, 523, 1330.
Uh they're all compass headings, by the way. Uh, but in order for an aircraft to land, it cannot arbitrarily just say, "I'm going to land." There's a procedure for them to call in. There's a procedure for them to get clearance in the tower. They must identify themselves. They must
adhere to what's known as an AIS, automatic terminal information system, before they can come into the area. Once they approve come into the area, they fly what's known as a downwind. Usually takes place on certain runways over Rooney Road. they fly a final and a base
into the particular runway. We cannot regulate that. That's all given regulations by uh the FAA. If there are violations of those regulations, the aircraft is identified, the pilot is identified, and there are
penalties, not the least of which is loss of a pilot's license. So, it's very strictly enforced. Um, if Hanover Township has information regarding any changes at the airport, we post them. It's given over to
administration, puts them on our website. So, if they're working on a runway, and they most recently have the largest runway between Route 10 and route uh uh Columbia Turnpike, which has been repaved, etc., they'll close that runway, and they'll inform us. We post
it. They also Marstown airport post what activities there uh and uh if they're going to close a runway and they're going to alter the traffic pattern we're informed and we're informed for how much time uh that traffic pattern will be
altered. Um, having said that, um, I unfortunately, um, in this case, Bill, it was an earn aircraft at that hour of the morning. I don't know. I can't, um, I can't confirm that frequent night flights over over
your home. I hope they are not. Um, I will try to look into uh any night flights that have taken place with what within the last week. Uh, I assume it occurred within the last week or so. Uh,
I'll see what I can find out. I doubt very much that it's a flight school. They're not they're not certified for flight um uh until they uh receive a uh private pilot's license or a commercial
license, etc. Um, so um uh having said that uh I know Hanover is doing its very best. We have some issues on Park Avenue, Columbia Turnpike, uh, and Whippony Road with our new condominium
owners in that area. Um, they live at the threshold of a takeoff and landing runway, runway, uh, 30. Uh, that means that aircraft from the ground climbing up over their areas, they usually could fly over their home 7 to 800 ft while
they're still climbing. And by the way, full power V1. Okay. Um it's it's a problem. We have tried to work out a cooperative deviation for that area. Uh and we called together a meeting of all flight
schools and all the area general avian pilots and we managed to get some um success in that aircraft deviating 10° after they take off as safely as they
can. Um pilot's discretion is on the safety and that that comes first and foremost. Um but um having said that uh I can tell you uh over the years that Hanover has done its utmost uh to
control noise and noise abatement. There is no noise abatement procedure that is written in a book. uh noise abatement procedures are recommended by airport management and the surrounding towns recommended and pilots uh are uh most
generally cooperative with that. Uh jets coming in now are controlled. At one time stage 1, two and three jets uh were evaluated on the level of noise they gave off. Stage three being the worst
for stage three jet came in if your water glass shook on your counter while you were trying to have your lunch. Those are eliminated. No stage three. Stage two, uh, there's a 10% fine for landing fees if they bring in a stage two with that. Stage one is a
whisper jet and it's mostly whisper jets that we bring in. Now, uh, I can't speak for government landings. I can't speak for what's going on now with Air Force One. I can't speak about the security
that might be involved in Air Force One coming in. Uh but I do know that there is more activity in the governmental area. There is less activity in the frequency of overflights of gas, general aviation aircraft. Um I know what I'm
saying may not make you happy. uh not going to resolve your problem, but I can tell you that we will do all we can to find out what the issue is and if there's something we can remediate, we're going to do it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Ron. There there's one thing I'd like to add to what Ron uh just
said. I had a conversation conference call with Cory from the airport with a resident very close about flight schools. And Cory told me that if the flight patterns if they're flying in too low and it's hard to regulate a flight
school that's not from around here because some of them are from Virginia. They're all different states and they come in. Uh Marstown is very strict. But Marstown also has to know when there's a problem. Cory actually recommended some of these planes are so low you can see
the numbers. take a picture of the number and get in touch with the airport or get in touch with Ron because then they can identify what flight school it is and then they can reprimand a flight school because Marstown participates in a huge network of flight schools and um
this very topic came up with with the the the low of taking off the low of landing and the number of the plane is going to identify the flight school. So, if that helps you too, in addition what Ron said, we're here and want to work with you. >> I think that's a good suggestion. But I
will tell you this, too. Um, every aircraft that comes into Marstown Airport is recorded. Uh, every pilot, even at night when there's no one in the tower, has to announce their intentions in the blind. That means that I must tell from Point Booten Reservoir in
where I am, what I'm doing, so that everybody at night knows. That's all recorded. uh we can go back through the records when we have to. We can find out where that aircraft is. So, while trying to read end numbers, I hope I don't want you to stand in your yard with binoculars and and risks on safety. But,
uh if you tell us throughout the time of day, uh I guarantee you we can identify the aircraft through uh the uh recordings that we have and they must log in those recordings. So, mayor, thank you. >> Thank you. If I may, I don't want to belabor this, but I just want to share
with you. So, I live on the other side of the airport, and you had mentioned something about the no voluntary noise abatement, some program, and weren't sure when that was. It was the late '9s. I I remember that because we were given a it was very bad on my side of town, and and believe it or not, it it's
changed. But my point is, we were given a hotline number. We were told, uh, take pictures, get numbers, take video. I remember taking video. Same thing, planes flying over my house where it rattled. um while there are no laws, rules or regulations controlling that the
awareness making the airport aware that uh that this is happening and we're not happy with it seem to have evaded it quite a bit on my side of town for a very long time. That's why I'm very surprised that I'm that you're having these problems now. And it was all touch and goes all day long. And uh so anyway, I would just say any way you can
communicate with the airport. Every chance you get, kind of be a thorn in the side a little bit, we will do the same. Uh and we may get some some action. >> Maybe it's time for us to get the mayors together again. Uh you know, Ron said in the past, we've done that. Maybe that's
something we should do is uh reach out to to know Rowan Taylor. And you know, there's always strength in numbers, right? we we'll come out and let them know there's an issue. We'll get better results. >> And I don't want to belabor too much, but I do just want to clarify. Ron, thank you for call it fighting the
fight. But one the night thing, maybe they're going for their IFR. I don't know what uh that's instrument instrument flying as opposed to visual flying for anybody that's not aware. Um they are 100% doing touchandgo pattern
work at night. I'm on Jacqu Terrace. Sharon, Jock, Blown View. It's like three three It's It's probably a perfect runway, call it visual for them to follow. They are constantly doing it. Middle of winter, 5:30 in the morning, walking my dog, they're rolling. 10:00
at night, they're rolling. Summer or winter. So, whatever the airport's saying, ask them to look up my phone number. I I could share it with you after. They are I am calling the airport regularly as suggested. They are not really helpful. They are telling me that it is a
voluntary to follow and then I'm in the quiet area. So, not only are they following the noise abatement policy which is posted on their website, there's a fivepage uh PowerPoint document exactly what they're saying they're doing. They're not following that. And then on top of that, if you
look at it, uh behind the high school area is a quiet zone. I'm in a quiet zone over where I am. They are constantly running pattern work. I have countless calls in. Hence why I'm here. Hence why I started the uh the uh um the
um petition. Thank you. Um there's a lot of people that have not they don't know where else to go and the airport operations group you can't talk to the director. They're unavailable and they just tell you they will talk to somebody when there's lowflying airplane. I then call the next day there's a lowflying
airplane. So, I understand that they're supposed to be reporting it to the FAA, but we are constantly seeing the same flight schools break the same protocol. And let's be honest, the airport makes money from every touch and go. Here's what I'm going to tell you to do, though, because a lot of people say
call, call, call. And just like with a lot of agencies, a lot of people don't, and they come to us, and this is our this is our job. So, I'm going to ask you, anybody to get in touch with us and Chris is 428-2466. Ron
Ron is our airport guy. He's a pilot. He knows more than anybody I know about this. So, what we're going to do is instead of Buckshot and doing everything we could, we will consolidate because I've been getting more and more calls. Um, it'll go through us. It'll go to Ron
>> and Ron will report back and the airport that afternoon. But let me let me say this. Uh, aircraft. You you're mentioning certain types of aircraft. I don't want to get into uh uh uh the uh lessons on on flight. IFR flight coming
into airport is 1500 ft over uh uh MSL over the airport. Okay, 1500. If they violate that, they're they're on our ILS systems coming in etc. That violation seen general GA aircraft come in at,200
ft. You know, there's a little phrase that goes to this, too. And it says with a pilot, he says, "Flying is the greatest thing, but the first greatest thing about flying is landing." Okay? Um, so at some point, the rubber must meet the ground. He's going to descend
from 1,200 ft. He's going to descend down on on particular finals into the airport. I am so sorry for our families that live under that area, but our airport's been there since 1930s. Okay. Um, we used to have on the books and I
don't know if it still exists where real estate uh firms who are selling under airport zones or any zones where there's traffic, trains, etc. must divulge to the buyer the uh uh impacts that are in
the area. So, I don't know if that's taking place, but boy, we should really take a look at that. You know, we're going to we're going to open this can of worms officially on a higher level tonight. and Kristen 973-428-2466. Thank you and uh we'll consider this a new chapter. Thank you for your time.
Anyone else? Mike, you know, if you want to speak, you got to go to the podium, state your name, address, and you have four minutes. Chris, in a minute or two, we're going to make it >> three minutes. Mike Chuknitzki, 570 Oak
Boulevard. I am here as the chairman of the Laymore Commission and I head the 250 350 celebration committee. Uh the the first proclamation about the the 250th of the United States and Whippage
350. We are celebrating with a number of events that the township committee has funded. Coming up really quickly is we're going to have a large concert on June 14th. We are going to have a parade and fireworks on July 1. On July 4th,
we'll be in the burying yard in Hanover Township Day. We're going to try to do something very special. And there are other events beyond that uh for the rest of the year. Uh the history when you look at it 250 350 you you can actually
talk about the Knights of Columbus are 50 this year. The American Legion is 100 this year. The fire department is 110 years old. The airport is close to 100 years old. It's amazing how quickly the
years pass. Run. Joe, Michael, your family have been here forever. We can't get rid of your family. Okay? And it happens really, very quickly that you become history and
what you are all doing here and all the issues you're dealing with are basically affecting the history of our town for the future. And I always would like to say that I really really appreciate all that you do and the difficult choices you have to make. And one last thing,
one last thing. In 1915 in Cedar Nolles, they were selling lots of property. A lot in Cedar Nolles cost $250 if you wanted to buy one. If only you could go back in time. Gentlemen, thank you.
>> Thank you. My course. >> Anyone else? Blanch, I saw you standing up and making your way. And Blanch, if you need to get in touch with Christa, >> I have a cell number. Good evening. I'm Blanch Lopez, 60 Perry
student weapon. My co-chair Jane Shrader and I wanted to officially invite the township council and the community to the Echoes of Liberty Colonial Concert this Sunday, June 14th, at 3 p.m. at Memorial Junior School performed by the
Handover Wind Symphony. This concert is an opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate our community's 350th anniversary. Sunday's concert is more than a concert. It is a celebration of our shared history, our community spirit, and the
people who have made this town such a special place to call home for generations. Thank you, township committee and all township employees for their support and leadership as we wo the pieces of the concert together. Sunday's concert is sponsored by the
Hanover Township Cultural Arts Committee in partnership with Landmark Commission, Hanover Heritage Association, and with gracious support of Hanover Township's EDAC. Jane and I have always had the mindset since the beginning of this journey to
honor our past, embrace the present, and inspire the future of our beloved community. We hope to see you all there. I'd also like to take the opportunity to remind everyone of the pre-f fireworks patriotic parade on Wednesday, July 1st
with a rain date of July 2nd. The parade will come down North Jefferson Road starting at Stony Brook Road coming down a Veterans Field and end at the end at the band shell in the recck department parking lot where we will have proclamations and recognition of our
very special 350th birthday. We have some special guests coming. We have General Washington and General Rosh Shambo who will be coming into town on horseback. We have a town crier. We have Sons of the American Revolution members. We have
reenactors marching down Jefferson in formation. Plus, we have our own scouts to step off the parade. Just to let everyone know of the significance of July 1st for our community. On this date in 1676, it was decreed by the King of England
and the Duke of York, the establishment of East and West Jersey, of which Whipanong became a major player. So, we all have a very special date to add to our township calendar for years to come and so we can celebrate. I
encourage everyone to grab a lawn chair, set up along North Jefferson Road by 6:00 p.m. and watch our special guests as they come into town for this very special occasion. Thank you. Thank you, Blanch. >> Anyone else?
Do you know Atinson? Um, I just want to say thank you for passing the resolution um to extend the affordable housing because as you know it's very needed. Um, and I also wanted
to thank you for looking into um helping our fire districts because as you're aware there um seems to be a lot of issues
there right now. Um um whatever you're able to do to help I hope it's soon. Um, but thank you for what you're doing. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else?
>> I'm looking at you, Gary. You know, I'm looking at you. >> Okay. Hearing none. Quick. Hearing none. See none. >> All right. All in favor? >> I. Okay. Typically, we have committee
comment, but tonight we have quite a bit that we have to take care of in conference. Uh, but I'm going to ask Michael Mahalo to take the floor for a minute because we're going into a season where we have quite a bit going on in the wreck, including the fireworks and our celebration. But I would like to put the
ball on the tea to just start Michael off by saying, "I got a text message from a resident today saying how disappointed she was in me because the fireworks were cancelled. Uh, I can't imagine where that one came from. So, Mike, are the fireworks canled this
year? >> Fireworks are not cancelled. And thank you very much, Mike and Blanch. Uh, you pretty much covered you help me out here. Uh, just to go over quickly, and I'll do it in chronological order. So, on Friday night, uh, this Friday night, we have a World Cup viewing party at the
at the Brickyard. Everyone is welcome. Uh, please go on the community pass. It's free, but just go on the community pass and just sign up just so we have a headcount. Uh there'll be food trucks. It's sponsored by uh Hover Soccer. Um all kinds of stuff going on. Obviously,
there'll be music, there'll be food trucks, there'll be games. Uh and then we get to watch um uh USA play at 9:00 and that starts at 7:30. Okay. Uh there will be shuttle buses if we do fill up, which we do expect. There's been several hundred uh signups already, so we expect
it to be uh quite turnout tomorrow night. Um, if the lot's full at B Meadow, you can park over at B Meadow School. So, if the by the pool is is uh filled up, it'll be uh parking over across the street. Um, again, on Sunday, we have the Echoes of
Liberty concert, which Blanch went on about, which excellent. Thank you very much. You explained it much better than I could. Again, Sunday at Memorial, 300 p.m. that starts again, another free event sponsored by the town and by all of those groups. Uh then we have our
patriotic celebration with the uh pre- fireworks parade again uh told us about that starts at 6:00 p.m. Yes, July 1st. It is a little bit earlier and typically we do the 2nd, but by the because of the way the weekend falls and and how the
fourth falls, we had to bump it to the first with a rain date of the second. Um I do want to take this moment though to thank everyone for everyone's help with the Memorial Day parade. Uh we had a successful parade, a lot of attendance. Even though everything was iffy, uh
everybody did a terrific job. I really want to thank uh thank you all. Uh we're all on the committee as are a bunch of other people and they do an awesome job. We had a great uh great parade. The rain held off and we had a again a wonderful day and I want to thank you. I gave them the chair, but I've got a great group
that I work with that really pulls this thing together. So uh again, thank you all. That's it. Kept it short and sweet. That's it. One one last thing we'll go over the calendar though. On uh July 4th at 10 a.m. the landmark committee is hosting a
tour of the Maring yard. Correct, Michael? And a ceremony which I understand will be a guest appearance by our mayor. So what are my new shirts on it? >> No, I got I do have one more. >> Oh, you do, too. Okay. But Jul
is to hand it off to Ron because we do have uh for the 350 250. Yeah. By the way, second >> the parade was the parade was great. Uh weather held out and uh the ride the ride in your your what is it? A model
what? >> It was a model. I think the Model A Ford was outstanding. Really terrific. Not gave any good excuse. The guy had his foot on a mechanical clutch for an hour and a half. Um, I do want to bring to everyone's attention, uh, part of what
we're doing for the 350th anniversary of of Whippony and through our landmark commission as well is we, uh, we, uh, took our seal, our official seal of Hanover Township, and we
had that seal brought into a medallion or metal. I don't know if we're going to be able to see this. We're going to we're going to we're going to try it again. Okay, this this is in a lovely gift box. And here we go. We're going to give you a little a little shot of the
seal, but the bigger versions in back of me. This is a bronze seal. Only 150 of these seals were manufactured. Is that right? 150. Uh and the bronze seals are all numbered
as well. And on the back of the seal is commemorative message for the 350th anniversary. They are available through the general office. Are they are they presently available? 9732846.
We just got them in. So I mean they're they're available for sale now, right? >> Yeah. All right. Uh the medallion that I just showed you uh is $35. uh and your purchase of this you'll get
one of 150 it'll be registered uh along with that it'll be registered to book uh for posterity. Now if you uh uh don't want to go for the 35 you can go for six because we're also taking the seal and
putting it into a coin uh size version in silver. still has the commemorative message on the back. So, we have how many of these available? >> 250 250 on this one. All right. 250 on
the coin. Um, this is not numbered, but I think you just you're just going to come in and make a purchase of this coin if you want the coin. So, they are readily available once again through the general office and uh I hope you enjoy them. Okay. Thanks, Mike.
>> Thank you. All right. Thank you. All right. myself. You want me to wrap it up? Anybody have anything else before we close it out? Eric, thank you very much. You did a great job tonight. We feel very safe. Uh motion to adjourn. So move. All in favor? I >> And we are going to continue our legal
session in Congress. Thank you everybody. You guys need this. One.