Politics & Government

Garden Expansion, Shared Services Among 2012 Goals [VIDEO]

Affordable housing is a also priority.

The list of 2012 Goals and Objectives for Chatham Borough emphasizes responsible budgeting, both in 2012 and over the long term. There is more to the list than simply financial planning.

The list of 28 items includes renovations of parks and pedestrian paths, including trails and sidewalks and a new dog park.

Harris encouraged the public to share their thoughts on the list. For the complete list of 2012 borough goals and objectives, click here.

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Green initiatives and energy audit recommendations also provide the borough with cost-saving opportunities, especially with grants available for their implementation.

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The borough completed an energy audit of municipal buildings in 2010. "We've been working to implement some of the recommendations in that audit. We've done very well so far," Falzarano said, "but we still believe ... that there's more work to do."

Another chance to help save costs this year and in future years is in increasing shared services. Thanks to the joint court system with Chatham Township, Harding and Madison, the borough has already saved approximately $400,000. The Finance Committee will be responsible for "[identifying] further shared service opportunities," according to the list of goals, and will present the council with a list of plans before Aug. 15.

Pedestrian and Open Spaces

Other goals also stipulate several improvements to pedestrian and public spaces, including:

  • The completion of the sidewalk maintenance program by Sept. 1;
  • Complete the renovations before November. Falzarano said the project will likely come before the council before March, and the borough has approximately $300,000 available for this project. "The Finance Committee is looking at ... possibly applying [the money] to other capital projects," Falzarano said, in case the entire amount is not necessary for the project.;
  • Forming a joint committee between the borough and Chatham Township for improving the accessibility of Woodland Park, and implement the plan, if possible. Falzarano said forming the joint committee with the township was "the big question."
  • Plan the expansion of the Community Garden;
  • Adopt and complete the Complete Streets Plan by November
  • Expand the trail system, with help identifying new trail sites and grant funding opportunities from the Environmental Commission;
  • Identify and produce cost estimates for the construction of a dog park, using help from dog owners in the community and the Open Space Committee;
  • And remove excess lighting from Main Street, using standards from the state Department of Transportation and help from Jersey Central Power & Light.

Affordable Housing

"We have to continue to review our affordable housing plan," Falzarano said. To that end, the borough hired an administrative agent to look into developing housing that meet with the requirements of The Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). 

To that purpose, the administrative agent will be responsible for discussing COAH opportunities with current property owners and developers, evaluate grants for any potential COAH transitions and look for possible sites in town for "age-restricted and other low [and] moderate income housing," according to the list of goals.

Falzarano emphasized the borough needs "to get our COAH house in order," and the administrative agent is currently working on a report for the mayor and council.


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