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Neighbors object as Edison installs sand and seating in Polansky Park for pilot events
Summary
Residents near Polansky (Woodland Grove) Park told the council they were not consulted after sand, seating and temporary infrastructure were added for a pilot programming initiative; complaints included noise, parking, sanitation risks, exposed wiring, removal of trees, wetlands concerns and a 90-plus signature petition asking the township to stop or relocate the pilot.
A large and visibly upset group of neighbors told Edison Township Council on June 24 they discovered a new pilot program at Polansky (Woodland Grove) Park only after trucks dumped sand and crews installed temporary seating and decorative hedges.
Patrick Durick, who said he represents the Plantsky Park neighborhood group, said residents collected "90-plus signatures" and objected to noise, parking, sanitation from nearby food trucks, and loss of a quiet neighborhood amenity. "People walk their dogs, little kids kick balls," he said. "We were never told about this; we had no chance to give our feedback." Other speakers echoed the concern about both process and safety.
Neighbors raised several concrete complaints: exposed and apparently temporary electrical connections in the park, potential for additional amplified music and multi-day programming (the mayor's office had described a "soft opening" and an acoustic performer), a large volume of sand placed in a small passive-park area, and the effect on wildlife and wetlands. Dr. Isha Thakur told council staff that trees had been cut and described exposed wiring splayed across the ground: "It is so dangerous. What if your pilot program causes a fire and couple of the houses get burned?" she said.
Long-time residents said the small park had historically been maintained as passive open space, and several asked whether other township venues such as Papaianni Park or Shamrock Park would better fit event programming because those sites offer more parking and distance from homes.
Administration described the effort as a temporary pilot intended to activate underused park space; officials said they met with some residents and planned additional outreach. The mayor proposed an informational meeting and, during the meeting, council members pledged to visit the site and arrange follow-up. The mayor indicated a public meeting for residents would be scheduled for July 1.
Why it matters: The dispute raises neighborhood-notification and land-use questions for small "pocket parks," highlights environmental and safety concerns associated with temporary event infrastructure, and illustrates how a lack of early community engagement can create political friction.
Next step: Council members said they would assess the site and follow up with administration and the mayor to organize resident meetings; the mayor expected to meet residents after returning from leave and to consider relocation or suspension of programming if concerns are not resolved.
