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Washington Township Council opposes state bill S-4736, applies for $175,000 recreation grant and approves payments
Summary
At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Township of Washington Council voted to oppose S-4736 (which members said would bypass local planning), authorized a FY2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant application for roughly $175,000 to improve Memorial Field (ADA access), and approved routine bill payments by resolution.
The Township of Washington Council on Feb. 2 unanimously approved a set of routine and policy resolutions, including a formal expression of opposition to New Jersey bill S-4736 and authorization to apply for a roughly $175,000 recreation grant for Memorial Field.
Council members first approved Resolution 26-167, authorizing payment of the township’s bills for Jan. 16 through Jan. 28, 2026. After a motion and second, the council completed a roll-call vote to enact the payment resolution.
On Resolution 26-168, the council voted to register opposition to S-4736, a proposed state measure council members said would curtail local planning oversight. During discussion, members raised concerns about the bill’s possible effects on local zoning decisions and noted accessory dwelling standards should be determined locally with planning-board input. One council member described the issue as a loss of “local destiny” if oversight were removed.
The council then approved Resolution 26-169 to submit an application for the FY2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) seeking approximately $175,000 to fund Memorial Field improvements, including additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access and playground upgrades. Council members asked whether earlier ADA work completed at other fields fully connected accessible parking to paths and ramps; administration said parking exists in some locations but ramps and path connections remain incomplete.
All motions were seconded and carried on roll-call votes. The council also noted the public hearing on the open space trust fund / park improvement program for Memorial Field on the agenda and opened a public comment period (no speakers attended).
The meeting closed its regular agenda and moved to a conference session, where budget scheduling and other items were discussed.
Votes at a glance: - Resolution 26-167 — Authorize payment of bills (Jan. 16–Jan. 28, 2026): approved (roll call). - Resolution 26-168 — Express opposition to S-4736 (concern: bypassing local planning oversight): approved (roll call). - Resolution 26-169 — Authorize submission of FY2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant application (~$175,000) for Memorial Field ADA and playground improvements: approved (roll call).
Next steps: administration said it will submit the LRIG application and will return to the council for any required follow-up if grant or state guidance requires further action.
