Verona awards emergency‑services expert as residents press for noise study

The Verona Township Council voted unanimously to award a contract to H2M to serve as a subject‑matter expert on a proposed consolidated emergency services facility, saying the firm’s New Jersey experience and ability to help limit construction costs were key factors. Deputy Mayor McAvoy moved the resolution and the council approved it by roll call.

Residents raised questions about the project’s potential impacts during public comment. Joanne Chasnow, a Claridge 1 resident, showed a site drawing and said "at least 74 apartments of the 274 in Claridge 1 face directly toward the site of the newly proposed building" and asked whether a noise assessment or environmental impact document exists. Mayor Tamborow replied the drawing is conceptual and that administration and architects are considering plantings and other mitigations, but acknowledged "there has not been" a site‑specific noise report and directed residents to request public records through the clerk or administration.

Council members stressed cost control and constructability in selecting the expert. Councilman Roman and others said H2M’s local project experience was a deciding factor; Roman said the firm offered realistic approaches to site work and cost management. Manager Kevin O'Sullivan said interviews and an RFP produced three finalists and that the expert will provide nationally informed guidance on programming, site selection and cost estimating.

Councilmembers also asked the administration to engage the community and to provide clearer timelines and documented reports. Several members asked for the expert to help define the minimum necessary program and to bring cost estimators back to the council so the public can better understand tradeoffs and funding implications.