Residents press Clark Township to oppose reservoir redevelopment plan; mayor defends approach and apologizes for prior remark

Scores of residents used the meeting’s public‑comment period to urge the Clark Township Council to oppose elements of Union County’s proposed redevelopment of the Clark Reservoir, especially the removal of forested areas around Saint Agnes Church for active‑recreation features.

Pernita Bishlani told the council she and other residents strongly oppose plans she said would clear “more than 14 acres” of woods, install 10‑foot‑wide asphalt pathways close to private homes, and construct features such as a train, carousel and clock tower. She argued the changes would worsen flooding, increase heat‑island effects, reduce habitat for birds and turtles, and erode neighborhood privacy.

Eric Housker of the New Jersey and Union County Sierra Club said the reservoir area has long served as a wildlife preserve and habitat, citing species seen along the shore, and urged the council to protect the preserve. Several other speakers echoed those environmental concerns and urged the township to push the county to reimagine the plan with green‑infrastructure alternatives.

The mayor, who opened the meeting with an apology for an under‑the‑breath offensive slang reportedly captured on a recording, told residents he heard their concerns and said he and township staff will continue negotiations with Union County. He described the reservoir plan as not “etched in stone” and urged people to engage politely when communicating with county officials; he asked the council to defer formal action and allow administrators to handle county negotiations.

Council members acknowledged the strong public turnout at the July 2 county meeting and thanked residents for raising issues respectfully. Several council members said the plan will likely change through county consultations and that the township will press for protections where feasible.

What residents asked for: preservation of mature trees and forested buffer zones, alternatives to wide asphalt paths near homes, increased green‑infrastructure spending from county grant funds, and meaningful community review prior to irreversible site work. What the council did: the meeting generated no final vote on the reservoir plan; instead, council members directed the mayor and township administration to maintain communications with the county and to report back when substantive developments occur.

Next steps: Residents were reminded that county proceedings continue and that the township will post updates; the council urged stakeholders to submit formal questions to county staff and to monitor the township website for resolutions and future meeting items.