Residents urge caution on proposed board merger and raise microplastics concerns at Oradell meeting

Residents at the June 15 Oradell Zoning Board meeting used the public‑comment period to press two separate concerns: opposition to a proposed merger of the borough's planning and zoning boards and environmental questions about plastic modular surfacing used in a recent front‑yard installation.

Sam Tripsis told the board he is "100% opposed" to merging the boards, saying the zoning board has historically provided independent scrutiny and that the public had not been adequately engaged about the change. Tripsis said he had copies of a 13‑page draft ordinance (cited in the hearing as Ordinance 26‑10) and urged board members to express their views before votes proceed.

Another longtime resident reiterated concerns about transparency and said the merger appeared to be a convenience move that could weaken local checks and balances. Board members did not take a formal position during that meeting; the chair noted the ordinance had been introduced on June 9 and that additional meetings remain in the municipal process.

Separately, several commenters returned to concerns about the material used for the Mendoza family's modular court. Paul Lasounas asked whether the interlocking tiles were plastic and warned about microplastics and PFAS in drinking water. The applicant responded that the tiles are a high‑density, UV‑resistant plastic and that the manufacturer describes the product as non‑toxic. The board required the applicant to provide manufacturer and material specifications to the borough engineer for review.

No formal action on Ordinance 26‑10 was taken at the zoning board meeting; the comments were recorded during the public‑comment period.