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Millburn introduces $4.5 million bond to rebuild high‑school fields amid heated public debate
Summary
The Millburn Township Committee introduced a $4.5 million bond ordinance (2741-26) on March 17 to fund high‑school field improvements, citing durability and playable hours; public commenters and environmental groups urged more study and transparency about turf vs. engineered natural grass.
The Millburn Township Committee on March 17 introduced Ordinance 2741-26, a bond ordinance appropriating $4.5 million to rebuild and upgrade playing fields at Millburn High School. Sponsors said the measure authorizes the township's share so engineers can complete design and cost estimates; a public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for April 7.
Deputy Mayor Cosgrove and other sponsors argued the township needs a surface that supports substantially more weekly playable hours than natural grass can endure. The deputy mayor cited consultations with turf experts and Rutgers University turf specialists and said the township will not use crumb‑rubber infill, that proposed systems under review use organic or infill‑free materials, and that the project team plans to submit NJDEP permitting. “Waiting doesn't save money, it costs money,” a sponsor said in defending the introduction.
Speakers from Millburn Youth Sports, the Board of Education, and recreation groups urged approval, saying current fields suffer chronic drainage problems and fail to meet demand for organized play. “We're asking you to say yes,” said Kenny Gallon of the Millburn Soccer Club, citing a field deficit and high weekly demand that proponents say exceeds grass's sustainable use.
Environmental Commission members, Millburn for Climate Action, and other residents pressed for an independent analysis comparing engineered natural grass (sand‑based root zones) and modern synthetic systems, and for transparent lifecycle and playable‑hours comparisons. Vinita Gangwal of Millburn Climate Action asked the committee to commit to an honest analysis of playable hours across options and to publish pricing for the low‑impact alternatives before final adoption.
The ordinance passed first reading and was introduced by roll call vote; the hearing and final adoption are scheduled for April 7, when the committee will accept further public comment and a formal vote. The township said engineering will determine final surface specifications, permitting needs and a procurement path; the bond introduction does not lock in a final surface choice.
