Is it? >> [clears throat] >> Welcome everyone to the meeting of the Lawrence Township Council. That's the order. It's great to see so many people out today. I'm guessing it's not about our regular work refunds and things like that. I think we
have a special guest tonight, so I'm going to get right to it. Um statement of proper notice. Adequate notice of this meeting of the Lawrence Township Council being held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2020. This notice was provided through the posting of the annual meeting schedule of said council in accordance in accordance with section 13
of the Open Public Meetings Act. Said notice was forwarded to the Township clerk on the 12th of March, 2020, and in addition it appears on our website. That will we shall rise for the invocation and pledge. May May we carry out our work at this
meeting in a just, honorable, and sincere manner, always bearing in mind our duties and continuing to keep Lawrence a wonderful community in which to live. I pledge >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
>> [clears throat] >> and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I was going to have a roll Mr. Gardner? Here. [clears throat] Mr. Krier? Here. Mr. Knaak? Here. Mr.
Thompson? >> Here. Mayor Bobbitt? Here. I had to get some water because I think I've been talking for a little bit. Um Special proclamations, recognitions, and presentations. By the proclamation to congratulate James Holzhauer on achieving 31-time
champion on Jeopardy. So, I was going to stand over there and I will go over there and read the proclamation, bring all [clears throat] the things. >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> Township of Lawrence, do you want to Yes. Come on up.
I'll let you hold this if you want. Township of Lawrence, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey. Resolution of Township Council congratulating James on achieving 31-time championship status on Jeopardy. Whereas the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence wishes to recognize and celebrate residents who bring honor
and distinction to the community through outstanding And whereas James a proud resident of Lawrence Township has demonstrated exceptional intellect, composure, and [laughter] breadth of knowledge on the nationally acclaimed quiz show Jeopardy. And whereas through remarkable skill and
dedication, James achieved the extraordinary distinction of becoming a 31-time champion. A rare accomplishment attained by only a select few contestants in the history of the program, making him the fifth all-time Jeopardy winner. And whereas this achievement reflects
not only the personal excellent but also serves as an inspiration to the residents of Lawrence Township, especially students and lifelong learners, highlighting the value of education, curiosity, and perseverance. And whereas the success of James has brought positive recognition and pride
to Lawrence Township, to the Township of Lawrence, showcasing the community as a place that fosters talent, intellect, and achievement. Now, therefore, be it resolved further resolved by the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence, County of Mercer, State of New Jersey, that it hereby extends its heartfelt congratulations to James Ding
for becoming a 31-time champion on Jeopardy. And be it further resolved that the council expresses its sincere admiration for this outstanding accomplishment and wishes James Ding continued success in all future endeavors. And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution will be presented to James Ding as a token of
the township's pride and appreciation on May 19th, 2026. WE HAVE ONE MORE THING AND then So, we also have a plaque and this says, "This Lawrence resident became the fifth highest winning Jeopardy champion of all time after 31-day winning streak, also
becoming the highest-ranked New Jersey champion in Jeopardy history. Answer, who is James Ding?" >> [laughter] >> Lawrence Township is proud to present the key to the township to Lawrence resident James Ding in recognition of his outstanding achievement as a 31-day
Jeopardy champion on this day, May 19th, 2026. YES. UH JUST THANK YOU all very, very, very much. I was I'm really glad that uh I was able to do something nice for for Lawrence, for New Jersey, for for all
for all the local people. Um, between being being a bureaucrat and being a law student, I got uh I mean, less time to participate in the community than I would prefer to be as, you know, an engaged citizen. So, >> [clears throat] >> uh I mean, I really thank you all for
being so welcoming and so supportive. And yeah, you know, stay curious, STAY LEARNING. >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> WITH THAT, WE WILL MOVE ON. THANK YOU AGAIN. Great way to start the evening. Um Good job, Sydney.
We are now moving on to public participation. I will read um I will preface The [clears throat] purpose of public comment period is for members of public to inform the governing body of their views. This time is an opportunity for Township Council to listen to the cares of the public and to consider what we hear in our deliberations.
It is not a time for back-and-forth dialogue. It actually can be difficult for us to give accurate responses on political and complex issues on the spot. Rather, we want you to call or email members of council, manager, or clerk seeking additional information or response to an issue. I'd also like to read two excerpts from the Lawrence Township Administrative
Code, Section 10-22, Manner of Addressing Council. A person may address the council upon recognition by the chair. The person addressing the council shall write down their name and address on the sign-in sheet, >> [clears throat] >> step up to the microphone, shall give their name in an audible tone of voice for the record, and shall have the right to address the council >> [clears throat]
>> for any length of time as needed by the chair. No person having the floor shall be permitted to enter into any discussion either directly or through members of council without permission of the chair. No question shall be asked of council person except through the chair. Also, 10 10-23, Decorum of Council Meetings. Any
person making impertinent or slanderous remarks or who shall become boisterous while addressing the council shall forthwith be barred from further audience with the council by the presiding officer unless permission to continue or again address the council be granted by the majority vote of the council. And with that, public
participation is open for 5 minutes limit per speaker. >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Council, and congratulations to uh Jamie on the highest honor. My name is Bob Lerner.
Thank you. I reside at 4 Benedict Road. My wife and I and our family have lived here for over 30 years. I am the current president of the Roseville Acres Homeowners Association. I am a group of neighbors of some 30 residents.
I'm here speaking tonight on behalf of myself in my capacity as president of our neighborhood association and as a member of the steering committee of of the LPH coalition which opposes the proposed zoning changes you are
considering. I'm going to read some statements of objections for the records. The proposed zoning change represents illegal and unconstitutional spot zoning. In that it is creating an artificial
interior zone that is surrounded by ETS's remaining property. This unique interior zone would not normally be created as a matter of conventional zoning and is [clears throat] being implemented solely to facilitate the land owner's desire to
alter zoning on a part of its property to build an 800 unit residential development with retail space while retaining all other pre-existing zonings and avoiding the need for a
required use variance. Number two. This proposed zoning change is an intentional effort to allow the land owner to avoid the burden of seeking a required use variance that would normally be required in a change
[laughter] of this drastic [clears throat] nature for a small or fractional portion of its property. By this device, the land owner is freed of the difficult burden of satisfying the positive and negative criteria [laughter] that would be normally necessary for use
variance. By allowing the land owner to avoid the use variance process, the township we believe is illegally evading the municipal land use law that requires a
use variance to protect the public and our neighbors. The proposed zoning change fundamentally alters the community zoning plan in that this property is adjacent to and or is in the vicinity of a preserved area or
an area deemed environmentally sensitive >> [clears throat] >> and should be subject to a use variance so that the negative criteria of course can be tested and proven. The proposed zoning change, >> [clears throat]
>> we believe, is inconsistent with the goal of preserving natural resources and the township's master plan since it will encroach on and intrude upon the ecology of the adjacent and historic Stony Brook,
an area that is also habitat for at least one endangered species, which we believe to be the ground muscle, and is a sensitive ecology. The area of the proposed zoning change is also a relatively low-density office
industrial area. ETS itself has low-density usage and only for the work day and not usually at nights, weekends, or holidays. This proposed zoning change will introduce, contrary, obviously contrary, [clears throat] high-density usage into this part of the
community on a full-time, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis, contrary to the traditional and overwhelming zoning uses in this section of the community. The proposed zoning change is also contrary to the master plan's goal of
preserving the community character, its visual character, and for all new development to be compatible with the size and scale of existing structures in the vicinity. The proposed zoning change is contrary to and inconsistent with the township's
master plan that seeks to maintain, preserve and environmentally sensitive areas in the township, and to protect such areas from intrusion and harm from the adjoining developments. The proposed site is next to or in the
vicinity of undeveloped open space both on and off the ETS property. And the proposed zoning amendment is inconsistent [clears throat] with the township's master goal of attempting to obtain and expand open space.
On behalf of myself, my neighborhood, the LPH coalition, we strongly urge you in no uncertain terms to reject this proposed change that you are considering. THANK YOU. >> [clears throat]
[applause] [laughter] >> BOARD MEMBER ORDER. YES. MR. SATTIN. UH MAYOR, it is come to my attention that there may be a legal issue involving [clears throat]
Excuse me. Item 11B, which is ordinance 25-11-26. I would like to address at this time to possibly save uh some time with regard to public comment. Not to in any way limit
public comment, but just to make the public aware of what's happening with regard to this matter. All right, Mr. Sattin. Thank you. For the record, thanks. Thank you. Uh before proceeding with the scheduled public hearing and consideration of
ordinance 25-11-26, I believe it is important to advise the body and public of developments that occurred at last night's planning board meeting. Planning board conducted a public hearing regarding several proposed
revisions to this ordinance. These revisions were made in response to comments, concerns, and recommendation from residents and other interested parties at a prior planning board meeting regarding the ordinance as originally introduced by Township Council.
Following further public comment and recommendations uh from the Township planner uh Beth McManus, the planning board voted to recommend the inclusion of this revised language. As a result version of the ordinance now
before the Township and before the Council tonight differs from the version originally introduced, noticed, and served upon affected property owners and nearby residents. Although I view the revisions as primary primarily clarifying rather than
substantive I believe it would be improper for Township Township Council to proceed tonight with a public hearing and a vote on the ordinance in its revised form. The agenda, public notices, service requirements were completed based on the
originally introduced version of the ordinance. Under these circumstances it's my opinion that proceeding tonight would could raise concerns about compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and broader or print principles of
fairness, transparency, and adequate public notice. Had the planning board rejected the proposed revisions and returned the ordinance without modification the Council would be in a position to proceed with the hearing and vote this evening. However
that is not the procedural posture presently before us this evening. Accordingly it is my strong recommendation that the Township recommence the process with the finalized version of the ordinance intended for consideration.
Once the ordinance language is finalized, the Township should ensure that all statutory notice and service requirements are satisfied, including any personal service obligations applicable under the New Jersey
Municipal Land Use Law and all the requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act that are fully met before scheduling the ordinance for public hearing and adoption. So, I think the matter 11B
should not be on the agenda tonight because [clears throat] of a defect in the process that the ordinance as presented under the Open Public Meeting Act is not what was
changed by certain revisions at the Planning Board last night. And as such, to be fair to everybody here, to be fair to you, to be fair to the public, it should be re-noticed with whatever the revisions are
and give the opportunity for people to review it and comment at a future meeting. So, it would be my strong recommendation as Township Attorney that you do not have the legal authority to have a public hearing this evening.
Thank you, Mr. Saxton. Thank you. I I heard your wisdom, expertise, >> [laughter] >> and and much deeper understanding of the Open Public Meetings Act and all the other legal matters facing us. I was at the Planning Board meeting last
night. Um I thought that the changes were good, but I understand the concern of both you as well as I'm kind of assuming those on Council as well as the public that they would like to see something in writing before proceeding. >> Yeah, I'm not commenting on whether or
not the changes, the revisions are de minimis or substantive. That's not before The only thing I'm commenting on is adherence to the Open Public Meeting Act as it applies to this ordinance or any ordinance, not just this ordinance. And
it would be my position uh that given the fact that certain revisions were made uh they were not posted 48 hours ahead. They were not available to the public. And as such it would be unfair, legally, uh to have a
public hearing on a revised ordinance. And I see no authority to do that. All right, thank you. No, no. You hadn't posted. No, this was not posted. It was not posted. No, we don't have the final ordinance. No, we would have to would
have been posted 48 hours ahead. Yeah. Yeah, she did. She did. That was the The question was was whether we had sent a revised uh a piece that we had, so No. There's no revisions. No public revisions.
One quick thing. You've already had the five. You can have three later. I didn't know the meeting was allegedly going to be canceled. Sir, that that lady has the floor. I just wanted to ensure that the meeting is going to be canceled. Order. Order. I just wanted to ensure that my prior
remarks are on the record whether this meeting is held or not held this evening. >> They're on the record. This meeting is is occurring, sir. The meeting is not being canceled. Mr. Learner, the meeting will proceed. Welcome. Thank you.
Good evening, Lawrence Town Council, members of Lawrenceville. My name is Frank Cusack. I actually reside in Hamilton. I'm coming to you actually today as the founder of the Coalition for Healthy Water. I'm sure many or some of you may have heard of
my work on Facebook. Um I began the Coalition after the Hamilton H2O public meeting that every town had when it came to the Trent Water Works rate increase in the summer of 2025.
Uh I also started the vote of confidence in Trent City Council petition that is on change.org. Currently, we have 457 supporters with more every day. Um I've spoken many times with the Trent City Council, Hamilton Town Council. I'm
now coming I finally Unfortunately, I finally have time to come in front of you guys. Um recently, I requested uh the full rate increase study from Raftelis that prompted the H2O public meetings last
summer. That was the basis for the rate increase. After a month of extensions on my open request and going in front of City Council, I did receive all pages of that rate study. In the introduction letter of the rate study from the CEO of Raftelis to Sean
Sample, the director of Trent Water Works, he writes, "We had to make significant assumptions which reduce our certainty about the ultimate revenue impacts of the rates." Only page and a half later later, in the study it says, "Trent Water Works
did not have all the data needed for the study, and some of the data that was provided was not of a high quality. As a result, Raftelis had to make certain assumptions to complete the study." Two weeks ago, I went to the Hamilton Town Council meeting. You can find that
on YouTube where it was announced that they actually increased uh my town's legal budget to continue their lawsuit against Trenton Water Works. Last week I was in attendance at the State of the City address. The mayor, Mayor Gusciora, discussed
many things that night. Um one of the main things that he had discussed in regards to the Trenton Water Works is the Capital Improvement Plan. One of the cornerstones of that plan is the decommissioning of the Pennington Ave Reservoir which is uh
actually over a decade in the works. That should have been done 12 years ago to meet state uh regulations and we still have an open uncovered uh reservoir. Um I am consistently
uh sharing uh information that I have received with uh a local journalist. He and I work tirelessly to uh dispel a lot of what's going on at the Trenton Water Works and share with all of the region that is
being serviced. And all of the reasons I'm here today to talk to speaking to you is to actually say hi. And then uh I hope I can continue to help the residents of Lawrence who are serviced by Trenton Water Works
in any way that they need to continue the fight to get safe water, secure water, and an equitable solution to the uh continuing issues at the Water Works. Thank you. Thank you. As
as a Trenton Water Works uh user and someone who's been dealing with it on council I think as long as well as the manager of the [laughter] water department on council. So, thanks for showing up. Of course. Okay. Thank you. Hello, my name is Alex Friedman. I live at 286 Carter Road. It's a farm. It's
kind of place that the township's own master plan identified as part of the rural open space character it's committed to preserving. I'm here as a neighbor, a farm owner, a taxpayer, a citizen who believes that democratic governance works when elected officials govern with their constituents, not around them.
I want to begin with something I think we all agree that Mount Laurel obligations are serious and legitimate and the principle that no community can follow up on working families who need a place to live is one of the best things about this state. I honor that obligation and I'm not here in any way to fight affordable housing.
But I am here because the way the township has pursued its housing obligation in this place, at this scale, by this process is just fundamentally wrong and I have five points to articulate why. First, this deal was not done in a transparent manner. As we understand it, ETS leadership approached the township
expressing interest. It was formally acknowledged in your 20 in June 25 fourth round housing plan. So, we had a fancy challenged nonprofit trying to potentially solve its down sheet problems and found a municipality that needed housing units. An understanding was reached without the public being appropriately involved.
By the time your taxpayers and neighbors learned about what was being planned, the planning board had already voted. I want to be fair to ETS. I I know they've lost contracts and they may have to change their space needs, but that's not the township's job to solve their financial problems, if those exist. Obviously, the township's job is to
serve the people who live here while complying with state law. And those people were not considered in a reasonable manner. I want to quote the municipal manager, quote, "We have a fiduciary obligation to comply with the law and act in the best interests of the community." I agree completely. I'm trying to
understand how a process from which the community was excluded fulfills that obligation. Second point, the township's own words when they made the decision. Where nature smiles for 22 miles. Wetlands represent over 20% of our land. It's not a slogan, it's a legal commitment. Your master plan enshrines
the preservation of rural character as a core planning objective. Resoning it for 800 units at ETS is fundamentally inconsistent with that commitment. The tension runs deeper. The June 25 housing plan acknowledges the environmental constraints on the site, wetlands, vernal pools, flood prone
areas, category one Stony Brook. You documented the problems, proceeded anyway. We know that category one waters carry the highest level of protection in New Jersey. This Stony Brook is not an ordinary stream. Hopewell, Lawrence, Pennington, Princeton were all partners in an active regional watershed plan
committed to safeguarding the water's quality, reducing flooding, enhancing climate resilience. We signed that commitment here in Lawrence. How can we build a small city along that stream consistent with [clears throat] it? The vernal pools do not recover, we know that. The ecological damage once got there, the number of endangered
species are the bat, the turtle, the wood muscle, the chain sea, numerous protected birds among them. These are federally and state protected species. This is potentially a federal flood zone. There's federal jurisdiction at play. Has that been considered properly?
Number three, the site's the wrong location by the town's own affordable housing standards. Our own [clears throat] principles call for affordable housing to be cited near public transportation, town centers, and services that low income families depend on, grocery stores, medical offices,
walkable schools, transit connections. These aren't aspirational operational preferences. This is what makes affordable housing work. ETS fails on every one of these criteria. Number four, the alternatives have not been seriously explored. Local land trusts transit land trusts can be part of the solution. Other institutional
users can be can be part of the solution. Have we explored all of these alternatives appropriately? Number five, 800 units, let's talk about it as people, not as units. That's two to 3,000 new residents, 1,500 cars
for every resident. Every errand, every commute, every school drop-off is a car. That's 1,500 daily car trips. Then you add in the services, the retail stores, that's another 400 workers and commercial vehicles. That's 4,400 vehicle trips a day. That's 1.6 million miles a year.
>> [clears throat] >> And I use New Jersey's crash statistics. [laughter] It's 50 crashes a year, one a week. Over 10 years, which is a blink of an eye for a community, that's 500. That's fatalities. And if you think I'm being alarmist, I spent years working on the night shift at the Princeton Rescue
Squad, picking people and their kids out of these cars. And it will fundamentally change this community. Have we done the studies, the appropriate studies to understand the traffic implications? I don't think so. In closing, we're fully committed, as you can tell, to fighting this proposal through every
legal, civic, political avenue available to us. We've got counsel, we've got alliances, we're not going away. But we're here to work with you. You are our elected officials, and we're your constituents. We're not your opponents. We're the community you were sent here to serve. And the path that
serves this community doesn't end with a vote tonight, or whenever this is rescheduled. It pauses, it listens, it honestly >> [clears throat] >> examines the alternatives. And the council has the chance tonight, or whenever this happens, to choose the right path. Thank you. THANK YOU. >> [laughter]
>> UH MY NAME IS MARY ANN MELDA. I LIVE AT 58 Cole Road. I want to congratulate Alex, cuz he basically said everything that I wanted to say already. So, I'll be really brief. I'm just so disappointed in our government. For the reasons that Alex
mentioned, but because when I was growing up, there was an expression, you can't fight city hall. And that expression came from the oppressed people of New York City who were fighting Tammany Hall for
[clears throat] decades. And Tammany Hall, little history lesson if you need it, was a totally corrupt, totally democratic, sorry Arthur, organization that totally oppressed the people of New York.
It's not the way government is supposed to work. It's not the way it was designed. And to And And Arthur Alex couldn't have put it better. What we have here is a sense in the people that we were
cut out. And when you saw that we became angry, you can take your can your mantra, which I'll credit to Kevin Yerlinzky, this is good for you. And we keep saying, we
don't want this. And you work for us. And there are a hundred alternatives. And you're not even willing to work with us to find some sort of answer that will
make There are hundreds of people that are extremely unhappy. Mayor, I asked to have a meeting with you. Kevin, I asked to have a meeting with you. And you refused. And this was early on when we were looking for some sort of
common ground, when 185 people gave me their email addresses at the first meeting that was so stressful. >> [clears throat] >> We keep saying, we don't want it. Kevin keeps saying, this is good for you. And
we keep saying, work with us and find another answer. I'm not going to get into the details which Alex said so beautifully. I just want to ask you one more time where is 30 towns in New Jersey are
fighting it for their own personal towns. Their boards and councils dedicated 20 grand from their town budget to fight this kind of oppression
all the way up to the Supreme Court and we in Lawrence are fighting with you where you should be representing us and joining the coalition that's in the third circuit that's going to the Supreme Court
to give people a voice in their government again. I live at 58 Carter Road. 52 Carter Road, 60 Carter Road, and 62 Carter Road are up for sale as of this occurrence of
this first mortgage meeting and they're all being sold for $200,000 less than their original listing prices which were around 600,000. They're now down to 400,000. So the the
prediction that was made at two town zoning meetings before is coming to already and I believe one of these participants said yes, property values will go down. They're going down. They're going down now.
And all we're asking like Alex said so articulately work with us. Let's find another solution. Let's join this coalition. Let's go to the Supreme Court with this.
It's a government of the people by the people and for the people that we are simply asking for. >> [applause] >> Mayor and Council Um my comments are on the land use
management >> ma'am, ma'am. What? Could you state your name? >> I'm Marilyn Roman. Thank you, Mr. And my comments are on the land use ordinance uh number 251326. And um I'm a long-time resident
of 59th Bethpage Avenue, which borders block 801, block two 121. That is the round property. The subject of the AC5 overlay district that is part of the proposed amendments
to the land use ordinance of Town of Brookhaven. Ma'am. That's Avenue is a narrow dead-end street with curves on both sides. >> Ma'am. Ma'am. I I'm pausing your time. You can select your time, but we will be we will be here
>> Is this is this the wrong time to state this? >> Yeah, if you want to Oh, that's fine. Yeah, I didn't >> sure when was the proper time. >> I appreciate you coming up now. We >> Okay. You'll let me know when I can come up. >> I'll give you Yeah, there will be a public hearing on that. Okay. >> We'll make sure I'll I'll make sure Mr.
Sciacca reminds me. Thank you. Yeah, I was confused. Thank you. Yes, it was. That's okay. >> [clears throat] >> So just just for the record, since someone said it was confusing, on second readings of ordinances, there is a section for public comment about that
that particular ordinance. So, you can it's more appropriate then, but if you if there's anyone else who has any public comment, um feel free to comment. We're all here to see. There's also a second uh
public comment later. So, with that, I'm going to close public comment and move on to seven, review and revision of the agenda. I think we have at least one item to remove from the agenda. >> [laughter] >> Uh Mr. Seigfreid, do we have a need for
18 H 6 uh closed session? No, I I don't think so. Mr. No, I don't think so. So, we can also remove 18 H 6. Yes. All right. Anything else? Do I have a motion for the changes?
I'd like to move to uh remove 11 B and 18 H 6 from the agenda. Second. Thank you. Mr. Farkas? Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Ms. Farmer? Yes. Ms. Jacquelyn? Yes. Mr.
Kanacki? Yes. Ms. Santos? Yes. Mayor Bobbie? Yes. Do I have a motion for 8 A? To adoption as previously I'd like to move 8 A adoption as previously >> [clears throat] >> 8 A regular meeting from the first 2026.
I'll second. Second. Ms. Ms. Farmer? Yes. Ms. Jacquelyn? Yes. Mr. Kanacki? Yes. Ms. Santos? Yes. Mayor Bobbie? Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Do I have a motion for 8 B? I'd like to
move 8 B regular meeting May 6th, 2026. Second. Ms. Farmer? Yes. Mr. Kubiak? Yes. Mr. McNack? Yes. Mr. Centurione? Same. Mayor Robin? Yes.
>> [laughter] >> Uh if we can keep it down a little bit, I appreciate it. Thank you. Now we're on to nine, awarding and rejecting of bids. Do I have a motion for 9A? I'd like to move 9A, number 182, authorizing the awarding of bid 26-06, new commercial cleaning for a 3-year
period. Second. Second. Thank you. Mr. Irwin, speaking. For a cleaning contract for a total amount of 38,516. Any questions from the >> [clears throat] >> Any questions from the public about this uh bid?
Uh for my friends in the audience, can we can we keep it down so that some people who would like to hear what's going on in the back here, I appreciate it. We have plenty of space outside to get some I'm sorry. It's hard to Where were we?
I just need to close the range. Okay. >> [laughter] >> There was no comments. Public comments. Yeah, seeing as I have closed public comment about the bids, all in favor of the discussion. Mr. Irwin? Yes. Mr. Kubiak? Yes. Mr. McNack? Yes. Mr. Centurione? Yes. Mayor Robin? Yes.
Uh we're on to 10, introduction of ordinances. Do you have a motion for 10A? I'd like to move 10A, ordinance number 25-17-26, an ordinance of the Township of Robbinsville, Mercer County, New Jersey, authorizing the acquisition of certain real property located at 843 Clark Road,
block 7801, lots 33, 34, and 35 for recreational purposes. I'll second. Second. Thank you. Mr. Irwin? You want to explain? I mean, I I I will say it, and then you can supplement it. Sure. Uh this is for a
portion of land running along the roadway that will be used for extending the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. This ordinance is required by law for the township to acquire the subject land through either voluntary negotiations with the property owner or seek to acquire the land through condemnation
action if the negotiations fail. I can report to you that the contact our attorney has contacted the property owner's attorney. They are in discussions with regard to this and this ordinance will actually legally
allow the town to enter into negotiations. So, it's a necessary part of the process. That is That is correct and we have just been meeting with the property owners to hopefully resolve this. Thank
you, Mr. Sciarra. Thank you, Mr. I'm glad to [clears throat] see the mayor doing the proper things to follow the law. Um any questions from council? Okay. All right. Mr. Carl, roll call, please. Ms. Farmer? Yes. Is she here? Yes. Is Mr. Knape
>> Yes. Is Mr. Toto >> Yes. Mr. Bobbitt Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Have a motion on 10B. I'd like to move 10B, ordinance number 2518-26, an ordinance of the Township Council of the Township of Lawrence, County Mercer, State of New Jersey, establishing the Lawrence Township Arts Commission.
Second. I I'm going to take first second on this one. Uh yes, so everyone tonight I'm introducing an ordinance to establish a Lawrence Township Arts Commission. >> [laughter] >> This will help us foster local arts, support cultural programming, and create more opportunities for artistic
expression in our community. As part of this, we'll need passionate volunteers to serve on the commission, so I encourage anyone interested to send in their applications once and hopefully this is approved in the next meeting or so.
So, I do have one comment just for the discussion purposes. Um if if the council were to do this, I would ask for consideration that this become effective January 1, 2027. We don't really have a funding mechanism
because we just recently passed our budget, but considering how fast time flies and this whole process, we may get right up to that [clears throat] point anyway. So, I just want you to consider that. >> Right, understood. And this um within the ordinance, there is no budget um
Okay. >> needs. This is a simply a um advisory board on cultural programming at this at this time. >> Yeah, right. So, in 2027, we can revisit it. Because some of the other committees that there is a funding portion to it to allow for those incentives like that.
So, I'm certain that this would be one of those types [clears throat] of committees. And Mayor, if I could add Yes. some comments. And obviously, as I join with my Councilwoman here, I am super excited as a lover of the arts myself. Um
I had a little bit of a stint in the arts growing up. Arts were a very big part of my education here in Mercer County. So, I'm very excited um because this will enhance the richness of our community and culture.
And not to mention that it could also have a tremendous economic and development uh opportunities for the industry in my town. Many of you know that film ready and also the film industry has really
gone gangbusters in New Jersey and we're really excited about that. And also, it gives people an opportunity to come together in our community, our schools, and to express the um cultural richness of our members of Lawrence.
So, I really want to celebrate what brings us together as a community. And just remember that art heals, art moves, and art saves. And I really believe it saves lives, and more than ever in our world today, I believe
that arts are an important part of that needs to be a part of our our young artists, especially the young people. Thank you. Mr. David I just wanted to um applaud the councilwoman for her initiative on starting this commission.
I uh love an advisory committee. I think that they are the the best way to hear the voices of people in the community, and um I'm very excited to see this commission started.
Mr. Patrick Mr. Adams All right. Ms. Farmers Yes. Mr. Glenn Yes. Mr. Kaminski Yes. Ms. Sinton >> Yes. Mr. Bogart Yes. 11 an adoption of ordinances. Who would like to move 11A? I'd like to move 11A,
ordinance number 2510-26, an ordinance repealing existing article 9 affordable housing procedural and eligibility requirements of the township land use ordinance in its entirety, and replacing it with a new article 10, affordable housing procedural and eligibility requirements, affordable
housing ordinance. I'll second. Second. Mr. Herwinski Now, this arises out of a mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center, and updates regulations to implement our round four housing element in Fair Share plan. Yeah, I think it's also I'll just add as
a member of the planning board that we the planner suggested to us that it would be easier to basically just change this old law than try to edit it and and bring it up to current standards. That's why it's a whole repeal and replace. Any questions from council?
Seeing none, any questions from the public on this? This is part of the public hearing. Yeah, that's why I did it in the first place. Oh. Public comment. Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> I see none. I'm going to close public comment.
For this ordinance. Mr. Farmer. Mr. Mr. Farmer. Yes. Mr. Collier. Yes. Mr. Kanaki. Yes. Mr. Santos. Yes. Mr. Bobbitt. Yes. Do I have a motion for 11C? I'd like to move 11C, ordinance number 2512-26,
an ordinance amending section 421, regional commercial RC district article 4, zoning district regulations of the land use ordinance to permit increased inclusionary development at the Quaker Bridge Mall property in accordance with the Township mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center. Ordinance
amending RC regional commercial district. I'll second. Mr. Mack. Mr. Mack. Yeah, this arises out of the mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center that requires the Township to permit an additional 100 homes on the QBM
um site in and around for housing element in Fair Share Housing. Thank you. All right, minutes. Any questions from council members? Uh public comments on this ordinance. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I see none on this one. I'm going to
close public comment. Mr. Collier. >> [laughter] >> Mr. Farmer. Yes. Mr. Collier. Yes. Mr. Kanaki. Yes. Mr. Santos. Yes. Mr. Bobbitt. Yes. Do I have a motion for 11D? I'd like to move 11D, ordinance number 2513-26,
an ordinance amending section 409, apartment townhouse AT district of article 4 zoning district regulations of the land use ordinance to permit inclusionary and inclusionary mixed use development. Ordinance amending the AT district. I'll second. Second.
Mr. Olensky. Now, this arises out of the mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center that requires [snorts] the township to permit inclusionary development at the property known as 345 - 0 Princeton Pike and the adjacent lot along Atlantic Drive. And I also want to indicate that there is a correction
that's needed to replace where it references on page one lot 121. It needs to reflect lot 21. And what section is this? Page one, I believe it is. >> [clears throat] >> That's a de minimis change, Mr. Mayor.
All right. And And I might have a question from council. So, having Mr. Secretary, this is the time for public hearing. Public hearing? I believe it's from Now? Yes.
>> [laughter] >> Do you have A HIGH SECOND? OKAY. AND MS. ROMAN, ONE MOMENT, YEAH. THERE'S NO TIME LIMIT, but don't go 30 minutes. Don't go [music] crazy. Now, what about But you can say it. I can't even hear you down here talking. >> [laughter] >> It's Marilyn Roman.
And a long time resident of Beth Anne News, which is block 801, block 21, their ground property, the subject of AT5 overlay district that is part of the proposed amendment to the
land use ordinance of Lawrence Township. Beth Anne News is a narrow dead-end street with curves on both sides. Resident vehicles are always parked along the street at any given time. During multiple and with multiple
resident vehicles they park towards the top of the street where Bethesda Avenue intersects Princeton Place. And I have that past photo. I request then that the amendment to the land use ordinance include
language that would specifically prohibit that a discharge from block 801 21 Maryland Avenue to Bethesda Avenue due to the narrowness of the street and the fact that resident vehicles
always park along the top of the street where Bethesda Avenue intersects Princeton Place. And a lot of times the cars are coming up and somebody's coming down, somebody's got to wait at the top of the street and it's really a hazard. And I know that the proposed amendment
already specifies that driveway serving individual townhouses shall not access the existing public roads. However, there is no current prohibition of the parking block for the Niche development
from accessing Bethesda Avenue and such a prohibition needs to be included, in my opinion, in the ordinance to make it safe on Bethesda. So, thank you for listening. WELL, THANK YOU. >> [applause] [laughter]
>> DID YOU WANT TO ENTER THAT photograph into the records? And give a copy to the clerk. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Brooke. This is coming down the street. And this is
We'll put it in the record. Thank you. Do you need this? No. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Anyone else for public comment? Sylvia Burgess. Uh I'll sign in um after >> [laughter] >> sweet. Um if I remember correctly from the planning board meetings
um about that ordinance, uh it was specified that there's only going to be one driveway going into onto Princeton Avenue and um and not any access to Betts Avenue. So,
if I I think that was that's in the ordinance and the planner >> referencing the back of the parking lot? Uh well, it's still if it's still a um only one driveway into that property, it's only going to be coming in from
Princeton Avenue and not Betts. So, I think there was a specified thing in the ordinance, if I remember correctly. I could be correct. I didn't read the ordinance beforehand. But, only one driveway um to Princeton Avenue.
So, um because as uh the planner explained it during the uh planning board meeting, she specifically did that. So, there is no uh access to that at any time. Yes, at any time.
So, just to just um from the report from the planning board. And um thank you very much. Thank you, Ms. Burgess. Um I have a question for Yes, Mr. Saxton. Yes, I have a legal question. Uh
what's to stop What's to stop council on the planning board from Hear me out. Passing this potentially passing this ordinance tonight. And then circling back with the planner about
the issue that Mr. brought up. And if there's something that that there's a concern, [snorts] we could We could always amend it. Okay. You can always amend it in the I do appreciate you putting your thoughts together. Um It would be just not as strong. So Yeah.
And I And that's what I thought. I just wanted to make sure that. So Um Any any further comments from council? Any comments from the Does an amendment Yeah, it'll come to us.
Yes, I just My recommendation is to vote on the ordinance as proposed because it's scheduled for an adoption. Yes, this is always subject to amendment. But this was as a result of the mediation agreement with Fair Share, hasn't it? If council is impacted by what the resident has said, you can instruct me
to engage our municipal engineer and planner to visit that issue and make sure if it is appropriate to amend it, we comply with everything that we need to comply with. And that that was what I was going to go for next because I I having been on this, I understand how
how tight it is on the end of the residents' concerns. So I I do have a client that opposes it. And then there are questions and comments from council before we call for a question. See none. >> [clears throat] >> Oh, wait. Oh, sorry.
One more for Hi. Hi. Um my name is Michelle Worth and then I live on Helen Avenue. I'm a street over from Beth's. And I would like to just say that there is an awful big problem here that I see with
and with the safety of the people that live at Project Freedom. There was a light installed by Project Freedom. Not long after they developed it because they saw there was problems with people on motorized wheelchairs that were
trying to go back and forth to QuickChek, um, McDonald's, so on. Even with that light installed, I have seen many people get very close to getting run over. Um, I don't think it's very safe for
them. I'm very concerned for their safety with these developments both by the Merry-Go-Round and across the street where Enzo's is located. Um, and a big concern also is traffic. [clears throat] I work
and when I leave for work, it takes me quite a while just to pull out of my street onto Princeton Avenue because with the Lucky 7 across the street, we have trucks, we have police officers, we have firefighters that line up their
trucks all across Princeton Avenue all morning. They buy their breakfast, they buy their lunch. There's not enough parking at Lucky 7 for the business that they create there. And having these two complexes, I think it's just going to
create a huge traffic problem. And my biggest concern actually is for Project Freedom. I don't have anybody who is in that situation, but I have gone in that area to vote. I have seen many people struggle with their disabilities there
and I'm just concerned that they might have a lot of difficulties with these big complexes and with both. Thank you for listening. Thank you. Thank you for coming out. Thank you. >> [cough] >> Can I ask a question?
There's no light there anymore. Correct? It's blinking light. Blinking light. Right. Mhm. So the Yeah, they're coming in. Yes, and the circle will be Mhm. Any other comments questions from the And well, first, [clears throat] any other comments from the public?
How many units? How many units? It's on there. Okay. It's on there. Good day. My name is Suzanne Berthet. I grew up on Meth Avenue. I wanted to respond where she said that the ordinance says just one driveway
access to whatever development is there at lot 21 will be to Princeton Pike. I read the ordinance, read the marked up copy multiple times. It does not say that. We want language in there that absolutely prohibits
any discharge from lot 21 to Meth Avenue. And I disagree with you passing this ordinance and amending it later because that means we have to come back and make sure that you do it. Thank you. Anyone else for public comments?
>> [laughter] >> All right, I'm going to close public comments. Final questions conversation debate from the council or first question? All right, we can start. I want to see the picture. >> All right.
Any debate? All right. Let's call the roll. I'm calling the roll. >> [laughter] >> Mr. Homer? Yes. Mr. Kler? Yes. Mr. Kanaki? Yes. Mr. Sentz? >> Yes. Mr. Balvin? Yes. So,
the motion for 11e I'd like to move 11e ordinance number 25-26 repealing existing section 901 affordable housing contribution of article 9b guaranteed in sections and off-tract improvements to the Township Land Use Ordinance in its entirety and
replacing it with a new section 901 affordable housing contribution affordable housing redevelopment fee ordinance. Mr. Sentz? Mr. Kler? Mr. Nolan? Yes, Mr. Weiss has had a mediation agreement with Fair Share Housing Center that requires the Township to take action that includes
updating regulations to implement the round four housing element and Fair Share plan to be consistent with the recently adopted amended Fair Housing Act. [clears throat] All right. I'll open it up for public participation first. Anyone on this
11e? Open for participation. >> [clears throat] >> All right. I'll close the >> Any uh um questions or comments from the council on today's ordinance questions? Seeing none, start with ordinance 11.
Mr. Farner? Yes. Mr. Golden? Yes. Mr. Kruneti? Yes. [clears throat] Mr. Centra? Yes. Mr. Bobbitt? Yes. 11 F. Ordinance 11 F, ordinance number 25-15-26, ordinance to appropriate $1 million
uh $1,930,325 from the capital improvement fund for various capital improvements in and by the Township of Lawrence in the County of Mercer, New Jersey. I'll second. Second. Mr. Woznisky?
This ordinance allows the Township to use approximately $1.9 million from our capital improvement fund, essentially our savings for major projects, paid for various infrastructure and equipment improvements. It does not involve new debt or additional taxes, but rather it uses funds that have already been set
aside as previously previously authorized by the governing body in previous years. Thank you. Um I'll open it up for public participation. Yes. And this is public participation about this ordinance. Just saying. Not a
problem. My name is Felicia Dudden Janzi and I live near some of the roads that are specifically listed here. And my question my concern was whether this is limited to these particular roads named or that
they are included but there could be others named by the Township engineer later. I called the engineer on May 11th um and left a voicemail because two of the roads in my neighborhood, Lawrence Woods Homeowners Association
neighborhood are are completely cracked now and starting to create potholes. And I called um hoping that it would all our two roads would be included in the next plan. Now, if he has or she has discretion to work on additional roads,
um that'd be great. But if not, I'd like to ask that our roads our two roads be quickly studied and included here because they have the same conditional problems that I I've seen on these other roads. So, So, I I I appreciate I appreciate
your comments, but this that's the next ordinance. This one was just about capital. It wasn't a road improvement one. Do you have a minute? No, but you Think of it this way, you already did it. So, now I'm on your record saying you can It's all right. It's okay. >> [laughter] >> Just be sure to Is your side back? Would
it be all right if Mr. Nowitsky answers this question now? Absolutely. Yeah, it's kind of procedural, right? I think well, our road improvement plan is every year there's a study done and determinations are made which roads receive the attention based upon their
condition moving forward. So, the So, you the roads that you have concerns about, if you've identified them to Mr. Parviz, who is our engineer, he certainly always takes that into consideration. And this to specifically answer your question, these roads are the roads that are going to be dealt
with through this particular ordinance. So, it's it's specific and limited to what's written down here. Correct. Okay. But that's not to say we It doesn't mean that he doesn't have other funding to adjust. Absolutely, doesn't mean it. Okay, thank you. Okay.
And thank you for asking for the plan and asking. Um Anyone else from the public wishes to comment on the capital improvements ordinance? Seeing none, I'll close that. Any questions, comments, debate from
council? Seeing none, let's [clears throat] hear from our clerk on this. This from yes Mr. Yes Mr. Mayor body yes and now let's move on to number 2516 - 26 orders providing
for various road improvements and overlay including all work and materials in and by the township of Florence in the county of Mercer, New Jersey appropriating $2,430,000 in capital improvement funds. Mr. What I said last time.
>> [laughter] >> All right, I will open it back up for public comment and if anyone wants to talk more about something during the meeting. >> [clears throat] [snorts] >> Any questions or comments from the council? Seeing none, let's start the questions.
Ms. Farmer? Yes. Mr. Yes. Mr. Yes. Mayor Yes. I don't have anything to report on operations but do you have comments? I am not a politician. I have not run
for elected office. There was an individual that came up at public participation. She's left and she normally leaves early to not hear the follow-up discussions but she attributed quotes to me. Specifically twice she said this is good
for you that I said this is good for you. Patently false. And if I remain silent and don't say anything, I get the sense that it somehow validates what she's said and I just can't have that. I'm just not built
that way. I would never say this is good for you. My job as a the manager and the community development director, I'm the guy that has to answer the phone calls. Somebody for the township must deal with
these issues and take the calls and make sure that the town complies with the law at that beginning stage. So, I'm the guy that has to do that. And I accepted that responsibility and I will do it, but I will not
accept advocacy that says false statements or attributes false statements to me. >> [clears throat] >> Just won't do it. And I apologize. I don't want this to be me talking every time and I didn't do that during public participation because I didn't want the
back and forth. Um but that offends me. I'll own everything that I say in public. Absolutely everything that I say in public. I did not say that because I don't think it's good for you. But we have to deal with these issues. They're difficult issues. People are
upset. Emotions run high. We've got fiduciary obligations on our side that involve the entire context of the community, affordable housing obligations, and who we are as a community as relates to the law that we must comply with.
And it's not fun. And there will be disagreements, but man, we should just be at least honest in our advocacy. We should at least tell the truth. And I just wanted to clarify the record
for that. I never said that. I would never say that. Nor do I ever want to take these phone calls about developments. They are not fun. I'd like to hide. But we got to deal with them. It's called [clears throat] professionalism and it's called what we decided that we
would put ourselves in this spot to make these decisions and represent the community to the best of our ability. Sometimes we're on the wrong side of having to deal with something And it's unpleasant. Thank you for your time. Thank you Mr. Woods. Very good. Wish Mr.
Leonard, Mr. Friedman, and Mr. Ali were here [clears throat] to see it. So, it's unfortunate. Attorney's report. Um >> [laughter] >> Thank you. Clerk's report. Just a few items. Thank you. Um the MPS notifications,
>> [clears throat] >> which your finding What you want to hear. You want the heads up on it. So, that we do either not get a fine or June 10th the local finance board will be meeting to discuss that.
Um I did send out a reminder notifications yesterday. May 26th through 31st now is election time. Um early voting will begin. Um also um there's a information on the
township website for um county website and the clerk's website. The deadline to apply for your mail-in ballots is May 26th. And the deadline for in-person ballot um applications would be June 1st, 3:00
p.m. Um let's see. And then I think it would do good to get [clears throat] a little flyer. And this thanks to our deputy manager that we have a little Lawrence Township clothing store. So, that now if you want to order
something, you may that they are gifts here for our Township Council for our Township Community Day and other you know events that you may want to order. And that is all I have today. Thank you, sir. Old business, new business?
So, none? I think you All right, then. I I thought we'd go over that. >> [laughter] >> Do we have New business, old business? Who's the good girl? All right. I am pleased to announce that we have scheduled the first in a series of
master plan / affordable housing community conversations. The date will be June 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Senior Center. Info will be sent out shortly, but I wanted to get the details out. Thank you. Yeah. Anything else?
I'll leave that for later. Anything else for your district attorney? >> [clears throat] >> All right. Public participation, 3-minute limitation per speaker. Anyone else to come up? This general public first, is there something No, this is This is This is your last chance, Mr. Cleary. You want
to come up and say something? 3 minutes, though. Yeah, I know. I won't start now, though. 8 minutes for us. >> [cough] >> Wow. >> [clears throat] >> I'm Jim Prewitt. Resident for 45 years.
And uh just a >> [clears throat] >> couple of general comments. One, I want to go on record as sympathizing with the lady back here who said about uh passing the ordinance.
And the fact that you may be able to amend it later. I don't know. If I was in that position, I'd feel exactly the same way. People have jobs and stuff. They're not all like me. They're able to be here with And you know, it's I don't understand
There might There's probably a good reason, but I don't understand why in such a situation the actual ordinance can't be postponed until the decision has been made about whether to change it. Uh
And uh the other thing I early voting. I know it's it's necessary and and many times important. But when I was looking at
my ballots and my wife's ballots, which happened to be different parties, there there's no there's nothing to vote on virtually. And it I wondered if if it's possible to to make that vote shorter.
If there's any possibility of that, if not now, but in the future. It seems like an expensive proposition for people to sit there for multiple days when there's nothing to vote on unless they write somebody in. Uh
And the the last uh thing I sympathize with Mr. Wyatt is There's no easy answer to this uh affordable housing or any of this development. I can't imagine uh
what it's like because it's all everybody's in favor of it but never but not in their backyard and I I'm sure as a matter of fact that I'd be the same way. But I and I sympathize with uh ETS but
at the same time I sort of sort of agree with the gentleman that said that's not uh the people the neighbors there to bail them out. But but a more significant thing that
rang a bell with me that I hadn't thought of before is that for affordable housing parts of the development I know it's not all going to be affordable but having to be near um public transportation and things like
that are maybe more important. The 3131 Princeton Pike is None of our easy. They they all present traffic difficulty and all that. The 3131 Princeton Pike is uh near
public transportation and and seems more appropriate and I know it's I know it's not either or I know it's not either or but it seems that seem that type of place seems more appropriate maybe to the affordable housing part of it. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Mayor, do you have a
comment? Mr. Blake, could you say that for one second? Because I want to get to one of your questions, okay? Um with regard to the ordinance, this was the subject of mediation conducted by and overseen by a superior court judge because we were a council was
challenged with our affordable housing. So, this was the subject of a mediation and a superior court judge told us we needed to get these things passed by March of 2026. And because we've taken on more public
hearings in the plan at the planning board and here, we are significantly delayed and I don't think a superior court judge would think that the the the reason for the amendment that could be done at a later date should stop this
council from voting on a document. So, that's the that's the reason why I made the recommendation. Let's comply with the the court, have this thing adopted and certainly, you know, you can leave your phone number with us and we'll communicate with you with regard to
um the amendment that's going to happen through our firm. And then, um the second thing, um Yeah, there was another thing. I'm lost. >> [laughter] >> I'm in. I'm sorry. I'll remember that.
Don't feel bad. Me too. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, I'm Yeah, I'm scared of this stuff. You get it behind my age, you'll forget more than that. >> [laughter] >> Anyone else can talk now. >> Yeah, I have a question. Come on up. State your name and address for the
record and don't forget to sign Also, I'm in Edgewater. No problem. Orrin Griffith. Um I'm the one telling that I live right around the corner from the merry-go-round. How many units? I can't find any word where how many units going to be built in that merry-go-round or across the street here? Can you Can anybody tell me? Or how do I
find out? This is not the subject of a land use application. There is no development developer that's come before the planning board or the zoning board. So, this is an overlay and so there is no designated
specific units. That's not a part of what we're doing here. What are we doing? We're complying We're We're complying with our affordable housing obligations as directed by Fair Share Housing. So, what is And correct me if I'm wrong.
Part of Part of Part of Part of Part of affordable housing in the state of New Jersey is including here zoning and allowing the potential for affordable housing to be built. So, So, at at Quaker Bridge Mall, we have a We
had an overlay for I believe 350 units and that has been expected and nothing has happened over the last third round. And so, Fair Share Housing came back to us and said, "Hey, this I We don't We don't believe you are making a sort of good faith effort or effort to allow for
affordable housing to come here. How about you up it to 450 with a slightly greater density, I believe? Yes. Yes. What are we saying? And And so, And so, this was another site where Now, it's being built right now. It's just No, it's just It's It's being approved to be built. It's It's the the
potential. The [clears throat] potential No applications. No, but no applications. Yeah, but basically you're approving any anything anybody can build there. On the I I wouldn't say anyone can build anything. If you're approving [clears throat] it now, why wouldn't you? There's no approval process here tonight for any
building whatsoever. And then I I remember the second thing for Mr. Cleek. >> [laughter] >> All right. So, you you have to ask the question about affordable housing being located in areas close to public trans- the transportation. [laughter] That's generally There's certain levels
of affordable housing and that's generally for 100% affordable housing complexes like what we have on Texas Avenue, right? So, every development has set aside a 20% affordable housing. and you would be surprised to see the eligibility income
that's involved with affordable housing and most of the eligibility the people that qualify have cars and are able to have transportation but those that can't afford it go to these other locations and that's the reason why you know
places like the Texas Avenue one is kind of really critical to the townships affordable housing program because it's specifically situated [laughter] there and then this other these other locations they just have to do with eligibility requirements and they do
mostly all have cars or at least one car so the transportation element is is not as intense of a need so I just wanted to get that out there. Anyone else? I mean who's structured and all this new Come back up here if you want to say anything else.
back and forth from the seating position. Kenny [clears throat] And you can Yeah, and the infrastructure and all this new building that we have you're blaming there's problems with water and everything. Kenny Thank you for your comments.
I don't I don't have an answer right now because there's no reports. I think that is clearly stated. >> Yeah, that would be subject of the hearing at the appropriate board zoning and planning. Anyone else for public comment? Seeing none close public comment.
And we'll move to 18 resolutions. I'd like to move 18A through 18E five in a block. Second. Ms. Farmer Yes. Mr. Kenya Yes. Mr. Canales Yes. Mr.
Torres >> Yes. Mr. Canales Yes. >> [laughter] >> All right. 19 Council members and liaison officers. Is your packet? No. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> On Thursday, uh May 21st at 11:00 a.m.
the Jefferson Department of Military Affairs will be holding their Memorial Day service. Uh being as military 11:00 it will start. You have to go past the guard shack. They will tell you where to park.
And they will have a uh seats >> [clears throat] >> for people to sit down in. And then on Saturday, May 23rd at 10:00 sharp we will be having Lawrence County's
Memorial Day parade from the high school going to the Veterans Park. And that will go off at 10:00 sharp military time. You know that way. Not 10:01. And I know the [clears throat] sergeant
down here knows what that means. So, but everyone's welcome to come to it. Uh and I know recreation uh will be doing the hot dogs and water.
Now, the rain date I don't believe we have one. Yeah, there's no way we can have a rain date. No. There's no way to work a straight rain date with all the different participants involved. We have to see what happens when
uh Nancy calls 6:00 in the morning to tell me how wet it is and if it's going to be canceled. If it is, it will be put out The original rain date was Sunday. Thank you. Thank you. Uh this month was my first meeting as liaison for the trails and open space committee. The committee reviewed and
discussed the status of their priorities for trails and open space in Lawrence. There were many great ideas and many productive discussions about the various projects. I look forward to working with the committee in the future. Uh they're a wonderful group of caring volunteer committee members and I'm excited to help identify and develop new trails and
open space goals. Yes. Um two things. Uh first I think Councilman Finney forgot one detail about uh Saturday's event uh and that is he will be our grand marshal FOR THE PARADE. SO HONORED TO HAVE SUCH A UH ESTEEMED
grand marshal this year. Uh Secondly, uh there's one thing about the Business and Economic Growth Committee. We did meet um last week and uh they're still accepting applications for a student liaison. So student has to uh go
to school in the Lawrence Township. Um I believe there are several schools. So uh and it is 10th through 12th grade. I believe the application is available online. Um but please if you know any young person that might be interested, encourage them to
apply. And who is who is applying? Um Okay. Yeah, the DEI Committee has not met as of yet. We're meeting this coming Thursday, but just wanted to remind everyone that we will be celebrating Juneteenth on June 18th at 10:00 a.m.
here at Town Hall. Um Wanted to share that I not one of my reports, but um I got the opportunity to participate last Friday on the historical game between Maidenhead
and um, a Lambertville team. I'm forgetting their name. Um, so that uh, was a very exciting, well-attended. We played baseball and it was in order of the 1860s. And we played by the, you know, those
rules. No gloves, short a lot of neat rules. It was a lot of fun. Our young people, little leaguers, really enjoyed seeing many of their coaches play. I actually didn't play. I threw the first pitch and was the manager of the
team. But um, it was a great time. It really um, it it counted um, reflected what our town is about, you know, the young people were super excited. The not so young people, no,
were, you know, out there playing baseball and it was a great time. They had a lot of fun. And if I could, Mayor, just wanted to take a moment um, to just make an address with regards to all of the talk that we've been doing about affordable housing.
And um, I just wanted to to remind, you know, the public. I feel like there is uh, a group that is not being represented when we're having these discussions. And I just want to remind everyone um,
just um, some of what is so great about Lawrence Township and our town. And we've been really uh, good stewards of of of providing affordable homes for people. And
those folks are young professionals. They're looking to start out their careers and maybe can't afford, you know, uh, as expensive a home that may be in our town. And this really our journey of providing affordable [clears throat] housing
really gives an opportunity for workforce housing for our teachers, our police, and our firemen to live here in our community. So, we're doing a lot of work as a town, you know, the planning board,
all of us to provide those opportunities for people that ordinarily may not have the ability to live in such a great community like ours. So, I just want for people to remember that it's about the college students that's just graduating. It's about the
attorney that's just getting started in their career. And as I mentioned, you know, it's not about necessarily someone who can afford a car or ride a bus, but it's often times about people who want to have home ownership, you know,
someday in their life. And it just really gives them an opportunity to to do that here in our town. So, I just want to put that out there, you know, that it's we're not happy that there's not representation of people who
would be living in this affordable housing. So, thank you. Well said, COUNCILWOMAN CLARK. >> [applause] >> I I I COMPLETELY CONCUR WITH THAT AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT IN TERMS OF THE richness of of our community is based on
sort of that diversity of both the income background and allowing young families to come here. I think it would shock many of you in the audience and and those who have already left what those standards actually what those levels are for Marshall County in terms of income for a family of four.
Um it's it's quite a bit of money. So, to provide a quite housing I I will also um as as the liaison to Use these words Yeah, it will apply. How much money But
you can ask me. >> I am sorry. Sorry. Sorry. But we're we're almost done. We're in the home stretch. So, if you want to have >> sorry. No worries. [clears throat] Um and then I'll say as the liaison for the uh Environmental Green Advisory Committee, one of the things that we are
looking at is water quality issues that chair of that committee also serves on the planning board. She that's one of her passions. And so, to when I hear comments about we don't care about the stream and stuff, that's our plan and share. Um so Yeah.
Um but actually that will be into the planning board some of the their recommendations as well as they're still working on a white paper about um turf fields. I I am going to continually say that at every meeting because I love Mr. Luminsky's
eyes bug out when I say nature fields. >> [laughter] >> Um with that um uh seeing no other written communications, we don't have Oh. Excuse me. Go ahead. Sorry. I should have said it in old new business. Um Kevin, can you give us an update on the RFP uh for the
uh community center, please? Yeah, this is for the boat because you all know that we have a document that I have um circulated to each each of you asking for [clears throat] some comments back in the areas where I feel like the policy part um applies. Um Mr.
Sidebottom and I have worked through the document. Um I think it looks pretty good. Um and if we all get a consensus from you, um then we should think about either having this up uh for the next
meeting in June or before then at a special meeting for this limited topic. Um but that's something for you for you guys to consider because we did have a a plan in terms of a timeline. Mhm. And
if if we consider doing a special meeting, uh we have a great shot of meeting the timeline by having received bids by the end of August. I I will say take privilege. I would say I would love
to have a special meeting. Um I'm available after election day. So, the second week of June. I know others might have concerns about the timing. Um but I think that would be really wonderful. I've I've taken a look at the RFP. It's looking good. I'd love to hear what the
task force members are thinking about it and the rest of the council as well. Um but I I applaud the start that both you and Mr. Seibert have done. Um and I would I I think it would be appropriate for us to have a special meeting to get it done, put it out there. I know the community has waited a long time to
get here. So, Yeah. And and you know, major elements of the task force's recommendations are incorporated in there as you saw. So, um I'm looking forward to the feedback so we can kind of get this thing out. All right. So, I guess the next steps would be I think I
see a lot of head nods. So, I think we're all in agreement about a special meeting. Um would it be Miss Carter, would you need to sort of find out dates from us and then be able to notice? Yes. Okay. Um so, I guess I guess from the five of us, let's give
Miss Carter any dates that don't work for us. And it would be uh would be the summer hours at that point, 6:00? They are at summer hours and I should have said that. June, p.m. I mean, it's the summer with the summer schedule.
Yeah, we got 11:00, but I think we're going to try to get it I guess next June 2nd is election day. So, we'll we'll figure out the next We'll figure it out. So, the only thing that kind of makes sense just to jump in here is like the the June 4th or June
Yeah, maybe the Thursday. Because then we're right up against the the June meeting. Right. As long as it isn't the week of election week. Okay, yeah. Cuz we are very busy with matters and election week. Okay, it may just be the June meeting then, which
is you know, fine. Second that. All right. With that, I [clears throat] believe we are to 22 adjourn. Motion. Second. All right. Thank you all.