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Residents press council over pickleball court plans for Joseph E. Robertson Park; mayor opposes lighting
Summary
Spring Lake Heights residents and councilors clashed over grant-funded plans for pickleball courts at Joseph E. Robertson Park, raising concerns about tree removal, lighting, flooding and park size; the borough clarified the grant appropriates funds only and that design/contracting decisions remain pending.
The Spring Lake Heights Borough Council heard sustained public concern on Oct. 7 about preliminary plans to install pickleball courts at Joseph E. Robertson Park, with residents citing tree loss, drainage and park size and the mayor saying he opposes adding lights to the courts.
Mayor Christopher Campion opened discussion of the park project after Councilman Leonard Capristo reviewed a grant the borough received to support construction. Borough Administrator John Barrett told the council the grant application was for pickleball courts specifically and that the appropriation on the agenda covers the funding, not authorization to hire contractors or begin construction.
Why it matters: Joseph E. Robertson Park is a small neighborhood park with a grove of trees residents said they value; changes there would affect nearby yards, runoff patterns and everyday park use. Several speakers asked the council to prioritize walking paths and protected green space over an expanded athletic footprint.
During public comment Gaylen Nolan of Allaire Road thanked the mayor for opposing lighting and said two courts would be sufficient for the borough; Anna Kuntz urged the council to consider a walking trail instead of four courts; Christine Nevin-Meloro, co-chair of the Spring Lake Heights Environmental Commission, sought clarification about plans to remove and replace trees; Margaret Melchione and Susan Careatti raised concerns about the park’s small size and neighborhood flooding. Kerry Murray said she received a notice about a separate Land Use Board application for a Dunkin Donuts and was advised by Borough Attorney Greg Vella that councilmembers cannot discuss pending land-use applications and that the public may address the Land Use hearing directly.
Councilwoman Sara King said she was not informed in advance about the ARP firefighter grant item and expressed concern about approving plans that could affect the tree grove; Administrator Barrett reiterated that the council was considering appropriation of money and that specific design and contracting steps remain to be decided.
No formal action to construct or light the courts was taken at the meeting. Mayor Campion and council members said they would consider the public comments as planning proceeds; Barrett was asked to re-secure barricades on park access paths to address resident safety concerns in the near term.
