[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6035697,"mediaKeyId","5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0","parentId",5098185,"title","Sayreville historical society presses for access and involvement as firehouse restoration plans near completion","audioSeconds",354,"startMs",5233000,"endMs",5587000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0&start=5233&end=5587","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0/thumbnail_5233000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6035697/Sayreville/Middlesex-County/New-Jersey/Sayreville-historical-society-presses-for-access-and-involvement-as-firehouse-restoration-plans-near-completion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6035697-0391cf2448c982c236a6406a880e70bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170389&Signature=iybW0Rb81wuOnk8S4dInfU-KumArcWsXrGWVRu1-xdp4erzzBBQ4LKa5Bnz~1s-TnQyJB3-BAo9JD67iJ0ke~C9d7p5MlvUsSMn8PiNX65NbD3frrkLcv3fnxbYVcnSkMEShgxCXgKR1EXHGLNPzKekLTONRncwe6Uvp-elFQEWccrg6qCeQ9AyCrSH-itTQvIidb-e96OFw4kSYdj~brj5UlhZyKntgHa1rhuIbJcL1Q~-fVVQ11FB-21410nyA-bFjKLNa-FiX7KUlxssmJAUTg4rItaS-jTTWuipqUXUi0Xv9GLFuncj3P1UoqoF0wwRsBciSaMrp3VyXv1dSHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Borough of Sayreville, NJ","date","2025-05-13T14:59:34Z","article","Representatives of the Sayreville Historical Society and several council members discussed the restoration of the borough's original town hall/firehouse and the historical society's desire to be involved in planning and artifact preservation.

Frank (identified in the meeting as president of the Sayreville Historical Society) described a long-running dispute around the firehouse project and said volunteers needed access to the building to remove and preserve historic artifacts before construction. He asked for a meeting with borough staff and the project architect to review stages, timelines and artifact removal. \"We need to sit down and talk like real people do,\" he said, and offered volunteer support for packing and preserving items.

Jay (the borough's project/engineering representative) told the historical society that plans for environmental cleanup of the firehouse site were being finalized and would be completed that week, and that the architect was finalizing the building layout and concept plans. Borough administration said arrangements would be made so members of the historical society could access and remove items deemed necessary for preservation before work proceeds.

Key points:
- The borough expects to complete environmental cleanup plans and submit them to the architect for coordination. (Speaker: Jay)
- The historical society will meet with the architect to offer guidance on historic elements to include in the rehabilitation. (Speakers: Frank; Jay)
- Borough administration committed to arrange access for the historical society to remove artifacts prior to construction work.

Outcome: Borough staff agreed to coordinate a meeting between the historical society and the project architect and to arrange access so volunteers can remove and pack artifacts before construction. The architect and engineer are near completion of plans for structural rehabilitation and environmental remediation work, after which construction procurement will proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council Meeting - May 12 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Sayreville Historical Society asked for one-on-one meetings, access to the old Town Hall/firehouse artifacts and inclusion in the renovation planning; borough staff said plans and environmental cleanup work are nearing finalization and agreed to coordinate access for artifact removal and a meeting with the architect.","taxTitle","Sayreville, Middlesex County, New Jersey","taxId",53871,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6035703,"Sayreville discussion on shooting-range noise and a proposed Port Authority MOU stalls after no second on negotiation motion",329,2591000,2920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0&start=2591&end=2920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0/thumbnail_2591000.jpg","/articles/6035703/Sayreville/Middlesex-County/New-Jersey/Sayreville-discussion-on-shooting-range-noise-and-a-proposed-Port-Authority-MOU-stalls-after-no-second-on-negotiation-motion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6035703-d114f365b80ac5f5dea7dc57e755220d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170389&Signature=ju7xjOKANqM-rN5A31eQGgySO6Wvp80BQv8~ddHkOBsOVBynkNe5XK4CO2tVOmaDP7m~130IsVO5DBNRlXmviZrVVn~4V~hhtFzFB~1fY48i4pB0g~6erVPrj5QouaVR2EVFmyjwj7m8~5B8jtTdY7fneV~eraAvEgW39gYNSn7xSrruREO~xi1B2UvKFTaArWx8ytLXyLU5Tr1MSPlZFI9OD6l8i8-JTNswPs514PALlTJRE6TqdEF0QdBEBX7tEkl8FNeyJsUfUPkK~Rg0cGQKI34kBcp722JJTkByDt1HmW3FY2RjqKb-x~oVYAOlIfQ1pzxhyajTIAuzjWDeMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members and residents discussed persistent noise from the borough firearms range, a planned soundproofing wall and the possibility of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Port Authority to share costs.

Councilwoman Novak noted the borough engineer reported planting trees would not mitigate the noise and described a $180,000 sound wall proposal. Novak said Port Authority users of the range have used suppressors and had few complaints; she said Port Authority pays fees to use the facility and might contribute toward a wall. \"Port Authority has been there every day with absolutely no complaints,\" Novak said, and she urged the borough to pursue funding partners.

Council member Mary (first name used at the meeting) moved to authorize the business administrator to negotiate an MOU with Port Authority that would include both usage fees and a proportional share of the cost of sound mitigation. The motion specified authorizing outreach to secure both continued range-use fees and a contribution toward soundproofing. The council president asked for a second but none was offered; the motion therefore did not proceed.

Council members also emphasized that the borough seeks to preserve the range for local police training while minimizing impacts on nearby residents. One council speaker said the governing body's prior decision not to reauthorize MOUs for outside agencies was intended to protect officers' access and the community's quiet enjoyment.

Details clarified during discussion:
- Estimated cost for a soundproofing wall was discussed at about $180,000. (Speaker: Councilwoman Novak)
- Port Authority reportedly pays significant fees to use the range; Novak cited a payment range she described as between approximately $350,000 and $400,000 (speaker used an imprecise figure). The exact figure was not confirmed on the record. (Speaker: Councilwoman Novak)
- A motion to authorize the business administrator to negotiate an MOU including cost sharing was made by Mary but received no second and therefore did not move forward.

Outcome: No council authorization was granted at the meeting to negotiate or reauthorize an MOU with external agencies for range use; staff were not given a council-approved directive to finalize a cost-sharing agreement.","Council members debated installing a $180,000 sound wall at the municipal firearms range and an authorization for the business administrator to negotiate an MOU with Port Authority to share costs; a motion to authorize negotiations failed for lack of a second.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6035708,"Residents and officials press Sayreville over Bailey Park contractor site, DEP involvement and Green Acres grant conditions",371,3796000,4167000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0&start=3796&end=4167","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0/thumbnail_3796000.jpg","/articles/6035708/Sayreville/Middlesex-County/New-Jersey/Residents-and-officials-press-Sayreville-over-Bailey-Park-contractor-site-DEP-involvement-and-Green-Acres-grant-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6035708-494bc6077becc611491e466256f470df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170389&Signature=Kmeq-8CD-QJrXCn3jPae3F2OJh2YqstRxdMxzicPZwJy5uZEEP5tgKcf6sed~NZl2PoiR4uHnJfxPcOrEwoYtWgXsTZ4TSAchGxWXMspsXKwQh1WXHyNRs9-vl2w4jLaytLy4df15H2zMOiYHIAu6Fzjy-MoIZ0jyyRMN6I0d15VIr3lW1iqMA6Kb995uUCcAW4DI2O9eSPfSCnm-3ksy82P4cQ021hTeO1w3A0A--JLQ5yzOlZJKZl5jqlZ89IrGb72GPC3vuTWxdKb4E6KODT1Gq8OzrUWVLOLvsltOtYttXkjr1KBqL14vLpQaEDQLeYBhmn~VW2YyYFPdL6bWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents at the Sayreville Mayor and Council meeting raised concerns that a contractor staging area at Bailey Park had become an illegal dumpsite, and asked whether the borough's grant funding would be affected.

Resident Jim Robinson told the council the Bailey Park site has become “an illegal dumpsite,” saying the contractor initially was to store pipes and materials but had left debris on site. Robinson said he wrote to the business administrator in April seeking removal and that the contractor had not vacated the site within the expected timeframe.

Business Administrator Glenn (title given in the meeting) responded that the use of the site had been negotiated under a prior administration and that the borough became aware the work had grown “out of hand.” Glenn said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) contacted the borough and asked when the material would be removed and where it would go; he said officials furnished that information this week and that the DEP had advised the borough it could continue the work provided a temporary waiver from the DEP was obtained in advance.

Glenn also told the public that Green Acres — the state conservation program providing funding for park projects — will not disburse certain grant funds until the area is cleaned. \"The state won't release the grant funds,\" a speaker said, and borough staff confirmed that cleanup and environmental assurances are conditions for moving forward with Green Acres disbursement.

Discussion points and clarifications:
- The Bailey Park site had been authorized previously for contractor staging; the borough allowed the work to continue until it became excessive. (Speaker: Business Administrator Glenn)
- The DEP requested timing and disposition plans for the materials; the borough provided those details this week and was advised a temporary DEP waiver would be required before continued staging. (Speaker: Business Administrator Glenn)
- Borough staff stated there is no interruption in Green Acres disbursement solely because the material is present, but added that the state will withhold funds until the site is cleaned to the state's satisfaction. (Speaker: Business Administrator Glenn)

Formal directions and next steps:
- Borough staff said they will coordinate an environmental assessment and discuss cleanup plans with the engineering department as the Bailey Park project moves toward construction planning.
- Staff indicated they would address bonding and other contractual assurances as part of project oversight.

Background: Bailey Park is one of several park and restoration projects discussed at the meeting. Residents asserted the current condition violates state law and Green Acres regulations; borough staff said they were actively addressing DEP and Green Acres requirements.","Public commenters and borough staff discussed a contractor-staged material dump at Bailey Park; borough staff said the Department of Environmental Protection has asked when material will be removed and that grant funds are conditional on cleanup.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6035713,"Sayreville adopts ordinance to establish municipal \"cap bank\" allowing budget to exceed 2.5% levy cap",1116,710000,1826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0&start=710&end=1826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5098185-443b51305129cd819082db2dbfa6fbf0/thumbnail_710000.jpg","/articles/6035713/Sayreville/Middlesex-County/New-Jersey/Sayreville-adopts-ordinance-to-establish-municipal-cap-bank-allowing-budget-to-exceed-25-levy-cap","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6035713-0687e5bbae56524aec6734fbbb7db258/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170389&Signature=Rbt0a9Kk762JRd2IoAZPl4RRrSlPWuuGTtWuPoEf-rpnbJzy7GXR47tTRKHGWK3pdVhjC6wLURiCtgPDp29ZVTMgk5jKxKFkMsmcs1UcfsupICQI1QAuk7vhg4nrx8AJnJyLxKYoKLHNEkVyfHmmCl9k-VgQtCJYoT1dB-Df4cR1-8NqiUSRwpc9ZAG6Y0S99GBk2ftH77QhVY6z3TEUIvWHISBvvdt4gkPE0Je6~KQ9HU5xIkSD0GUutJXUdfsovozyItinCsvKidTdbf3L-370dPJ8SfwuEvv6vaSJjj1cJg2oo0xxrlLlcHAOcCg5LDgOCxtrcEbuL1nzQC0G7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Borough of Sayreville Mayor and Council on a May 2025 regular meeting adopted an ordinance to amend municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a municipal “cap bank,” allowing the borough to exceed the normal 2.5% tax levy cap under state rules.

The ordinance, introduced and advanced on second and final reading at the meeting, passed on a roll-call vote after a public hearing. Council members closed the public hearing and moved to adopt the ordinance as advertised by law.

The measure matters because exceeding the 2.5% cap permits the borough to increase the municipal tax levy beyond the automatic limitation set by state rules; proponents say it preserves fiscal flexibility while critics say it can raise costs for residents.

During the public comment period, resident Jim Robinson pressed the council on several budget specifics and on perceived management choices. Robinson highlighted recent outside grant awards while questioning why the borough still needed to exceed the cap: “I saw that we just got a $1,600,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Fund,” he said, and asked whether grant opportunities and other revenue sources had been fully considered before moving to exceed the cap. He also raised concerns about personnel and contract costs, saying there had been an increase for a “mayor’s chief of staff” line and asking whether that or hiring multiple municipal engineers contributed to the need to exceed the cap. Robinson asked for written answers to his questions.

Mayor Kennedy O'Brien (Mayor of the Borough of Sayreville) acknowledged the questions and told speakers to contact the mayor’s office for follow-up, saying staff would “work on them.”

Council members also noted that the ordinance is a commonly used municipal tool to “bank” unused levy capacity. At the meeting one council member said they would vote against the measure after learning the borough was already using some banked capacity; the ordinance nonetheless passed in the roll-call vote.

Discussion points raised during public comment included:
- Recent grants and project revenues mentioned by residents, including a $1.6 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (cited by a speaker). (Speaker: Jim Robinson)
- Questions about appointments and personnel costs, including references to additional mayoral aides and two municipal engineering contracts. (Speaker: Jim Robinson)
- Concerns about cuts to programs such as senior services and crossing-guard funding, and about trash-collection costs associated with new multifamily housing. (Speaker: Jim Robinson)

Council and staff response/direction included:
- The mayor’s office committed to follow up and provide answers to questions raised during public comment.
- Council discussed the technical purpose of a cap bank (to bank unused levy capacity for future use) and confirmed the ordinance followed required advertising and public hearing procedures.

Formal action:
- Action: Adopt ordinance amending municipal budget appropriation limits and establishing a cap bank (calendar year ordinance referenced as “ordinance 16, calendar year 2025”).
- Outcome: Approved by roll-call vote at the meeting. One council member announced a negative vote during the roll call.
- Notes: The ordinance was adopted on second and final reading and advertised according to law; the council did not attach additional conditions on its use at the time of adoption.

Background and next steps: The council’s adoption permits the borough to exceed the 2.5% levy growth cap when the governing body chooses to do so and when state rules are followed. Residents who raised questions at the meeting were told staff would provide additional information and answers following the meeting; the mayor directed those requesting information to contact his office.","The Sayreville Mayor and Council adopted an ordinance to establish a cap bank that permits exceeding the 2.5% local property tax levy growth cap. The vote followed public comment raising questions about spending, recent grants, and staffing increases; council staff said they will follow up with written answers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sayreville historical society presses for access and involvement as firehouse restoration plans near completion

Sayreville discussion on shooting-range noise and a proposed Port Authority MOU stalls after no second on negotiation motion

Residents and officials press Sayreville over Bailey Park contractor site, DEP involvement and Green Acres grant conditions

Sayreville adopts ordinance to establish municipal "cap bank" allowing budget to exceed 2.5% levy cap