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Green Township discusses solar contract negotiations, defers parking ordinance and weighs data‑center sample ordinance
Summary
The committee entered closed session to discuss a solar project contract and other legal matters and took no action upon return; members declined to pursue a proposed parking ordinance and asked staff to review code. Committee members also discussed drainage funding priorities and a Warren County sample ordinance on data centers to be circulated for discussion.
Green Township officials on Jan. 20 moved into closed session to discuss contract negotiations that include a township solar project and other legal matters; Mayor Virginia "Ginnie" Raffay said action was not anticipated upon return to open session.
By resolution (ES2026-02) the committee entered executive session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations (specifically called out: a solar project contract), potential litigation, insurance counsel, attorney–client advice and a zone change. The motion to enter closed session was made by Bader Qarmout and seconded by Michael Rose. The committee reconvened in open session at 8:15 p.m.
During general business the committee reviewed a draft parking ordinance that would have required all vehicles to be parked on an impervious surface intended for parking. Members noted that many properties cannot meet that standard; the committee reached consensus not to move forward with the ordinance and asked the Township Attorney to review the existing code to determine whether the rule could be folded into current regulations.
Committee member Margaret "Peg" Phillips referenced Governor Sherrill’s Jan. 20 Executive Order No. 2 concerning electricity and the Board of Public Utilities' role in accelerating solar development. Phillips also said the commissioners in Warren County provided a sample ordinance that would designate data centers as a non‑permitted use in particular municipal zones because of environmental concerns; she will distribute that draft to committee members for future discussion.
Township drainage and road priorities were also discussed: Deputy Mayor Rose asked for an update on the Lake Tranquility drainage study; the clerk said the study is temporarily on hold pending grant funding while Princeton Hydro adds storm‑drain data. Rose emphasized the poor condition of Highland Avenue; the clerk said a grant obtained for Hedden Road might be deferred one year so Highland Avenue could be paved.
No public comment was received during either public comment period, and the committee adjourned at 8:16 p.m. The next Township Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
