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Township decision clouds turf plan; board asks for clearer analysis of field options
Summary
Township officials signaled probable wetlands issues at Lower Columbia, making artificial turf unlikely; the board asked the township for cost and plan details and noted a recently awarded engineering contract to design natural-grass improvements.
Berkeley Heights school leaders pressed for clearer information this week after township officials signaled that installing an artificial-turf field at Lower Columbia is unlikely because of wetlands concerns.
During a finance-and-facilities report, the board learned the township’s recreation department has moved away from an artificial-turf plan for the Lower Columbia field, citing probable wetlands and the prospect of not receiving state approval. The township later posted a professional-services contract with Harbor Consultants to survey and design a natural-grass field with improved drainage and irrigation.
Board members emphasized process and transparency. “It would be nice to know about this concern prior to the contract negotiations,” the finance chair said at the committee report, and another member urged the township to share the cost analysis and the alternative plan before the board makes further commitments. Several members also asked whether the lease/shared-services agreement that governs use and maintenance of the property supports the district’s ability to apply for grants.
Why it matters: The site discussion affects how athletic fields are maintained and funded and whether the district can rely on township-led improvements or should assume maintenance responsibilities. The town’s decision also affects eligibility for certain grant programs that require specific lease or ownership arrangements.
What’s next: Township officials have indicated they will share plans and cost estimates for natural-grass improvements; the board asked administration to review the shared-services/lease language and to seek the township’s documents so the district can assess grant options and maintenance responsibilities.
