Residents back open‑space ballot question and urge action on scooters, courts; council adopts climate resolution

Speakers at Morristown’s April 22 public hearing urged the council to send an Open Space Trust Fund question to voters this November and raised quality‑of‑life concerns ranging from sidewalk e‑scooters to new recreational courts.

Scott Wild, a Morristown resident, urged the council to authorize a ballot question to create an open‑space trust fund that would make the town eligible for additional grants and help maintain and improve parks. "I first became aware of the importance of this issue about 2 years ago...An Open Space Trust Fund will help us revitalize Burnham Park and all of the 16 parks around town," Wild told the council, identifying himself as a resident at 52 Mill Street. Several other speakers, including Linda Langseth Carrington and Judy Byard, also spoke in support of an ordinance (O-19-2025) the council subsequently introduced.

Not all public commenters supported every recreation proposal. Ed Peters spoke in opposition to a proposed beach‑volleyball court at Ridgewood Park, citing concerns about future maintenance, dogs and nighttime use. "I just don't see the value of this," Peters said, adding he had not heard public support comparable to earlier pickleball advocates.

Other public comments addressed sidewalks and personal‑mobility devices. Bill Byrne urged enforcement of existing rules for electric scooters and e‑bikes to protect pedestrians, saying sidewalks are becoming less safe as the town grows. Several residents also reiterated earlier concerns about pickleball noise at sites adjacent to homes; one speaker thanked the town for adding porta‑potties that reduced some problematic behavior.

The council responded to public remarks and placed several items on the agenda. Councilman Polipchuk described the open‑space ordinance as a mechanism to let voters decide; he said the proposed tax range in the ordinance would be between 1¢ and 5¢ per $100 of assessed value and that the revenue would be dedicated to land acquisition, maintenance and stewardship.

Separately, the council adopted Resolution R-62-2025, expressing support for the New Jersey Climate Superfund Act. Ken Dalski, who identified himself as a resident of Parsippany and earlier commented in favor of the resolution, thanked the council for placing the item on the agenda. The council approved the resolution by roll call vote.

Ending: The council closed the public hearing, scheduled public hearings on introduced ordinances for May 13, and invited residents to follow up with the administration for details on enforcement and project timelines.