Council approves temporary easement at 500 Green Street to allow creek-bank work to reduce local flooding

The Woodbridge Township Council adopted an ordinance to authorize acquisition of a portion of property known as 500 Green Street so the township can access and reinforce creek banks, officials said during the public hearing.

Tom Maris, a member of the public who addressed the council during the hearing, asked what the acquisition would cost the township and how it would benefit residents. A municipal official explained the item is the back section of the former Berber property and that the town needs temporary access to reinforce creek banks that cause flooding behind several homes on Lyman Avenue. The official stated the action is a temporary easement at no cost to the township and that the easement will allow necessary work and then be returned to the owner.

Why it matters: Council members and speakers said the creek behind Lyman Avenue causes backyard flooding for multiple properties; the easement is intended to let the township perform maintenance to prevent recurring flooding. Public commenters pressed whether the acquisition benefits residents, owners or both; staff clarified it is a maintenance action to address the creek and prevent flooding.

Details recorded in the hearing: The transcript records that the item concerns the "old Berber property" and was described as access to the back section to "reinforce the creek banks." A member of the public asked for confirmation that the township would "improve it and then give it back to them," and was told the town will retain an easement because the property already has an easement and the township needs to access it for maintenance.

Outcome: The public hearing was closed and the ordinance adopted; the ordinance was submitted to the mayor for approval as required by law.