Residents urge limits on gas leaf blowers and support for rain‑garden grant; committee asked to promote voluntary 'Quiet Summer 2026'

During public comment March 18, environmental concerns drew sustained attention from residents and outside advocates.

Charlie Schachner, speaking as a private citizen and an environmental commission member, said he is circulating a petition calling on the township to regulate gas leaf blowers and reported the petition has 135 signatures. Schachner asked the committee to help raise awareness through municipal communications for a voluntary 'Quiet Summer 2026' campaign encouraging residents and landscapers to avoid gas leaf blowers in May–August. He emphasized that alternatives — electric blowers, brooms and mulching — reduce noise and pollution and protect residents and workers.

Committee members acknowledged the distinction between handheld 4‑stroke engines and backpack 2‑stroke engines and discussed exemptions and alternatives during the public exchange; staff suggested social‑media outreach and mulch/leaf‑management messaging as early steps.

Dylan Medici of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition described a federal pass‑through NJDEP grant, run with Rutgers University’s Water Resources Center, to plan and possibly construct green‑infrastructure projects (rain gardens, bioswales) in the Speedwell Lake watershed to mitigate stormwater and improve water quality. Medici said the program covers planning, design and construction costs and asked the township to consider passing a resolution of nominal support so work can proceed before the program window closes in May.

Officials asked for documentation and agreed to accept the project materials the speaker offered; staff noted that some county property-ownership questions may affect site selection and that Rutgers will provide design oversight. The committee did not take immediate formal action but indicated willingness to review project materials and consider a resolution.