Sayreville council deadlocks over Port Authority access to Boascon firing range

A proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Port Authority to permit use of the Boascon firing range prompted a lengthy council debate and ended in an apparent 3–3 tie, with no action recorded.

Councilman Blumayer introduced the motion authorizing the business administrator to meet with the Port Authority to develop an MOU for use of the Boascon Range. Supporters said the Port Authority was willing to invest in sound mitigation and that suppressor use and new barriers have reduced audible impacts. "If the port authority is willing to invest a lot of money in the range... I think this is a positive step," one council member said.

Opponents warned the scale of use—described in the meeting as accommodating roughly 2,200 officers—would significantly increase range activity and noise, and cited prior community opposition. Council member Inarski asked for a sound study, which staff estimated could cost under $10,000. "I want a study done," Inarski said, adding that residents had previously been upset by noise and some had moved away.

The roll call produced an evenly split result with three council members voting yes and three voting no; the transcript records the tie as "3 3, mayor." The record does not show the mayor breaking the tie or further action, and minutes indicate the council asked for additional information before proceeding.

Council members who supported outreach to the Port Authority said potential investments could fund walls, additional trees, and other mitigation measures. Those opposed said the original purpose of the range was for the borough police department and that adding large-scale external access would not fulfill that original intent.

Council asked staff to pursue further study, including a sound study and additional engineering input, and deferred final MOU decisions until that information is provided.