Here’s What the Woodbridge Council Decided This Week
The council approved a memorandum of understanding for Sunrise Village, introduced new traffic ordinances, and thanked public works crews for days of storm cleanup after last week’s severe weather.
The building at 99 Florida Grove Road in Hopelawn sat vacant after its developer’s luxury apartment concept failed to attract tenants. Woodbridge Township and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA plan to convert it into 28 units of supportive housing. (The Central Jerseyan)
Editor’s note: The Central Jerseyan is free to read and supported by advertising. If you value this kind of local reporting and want to help sustain it, you can become a citizen supporter on Patreon. Your contribution helps fund continued coverage of local government, schools, and community issues.
Chris Howell | July 9, 2026
The Top 5
1. Council Approves Sunrise Village Agreement With the YMCA
The council approved a memorandum of understanding between the township and the Raritan Bay Area YMCA for the Sunrise Village supportive housing project. The agreement formalizes the YMCA’s role in providing services to residents of the affordable housing units, including help with finances, transportation, housing, and employment.
Mayor John McCormac said the arrangement mirrors work the YMCA already does at two facilities in Perth Amboy. “They provide humanitarian services among all different subjects, from finances to transportation to housing to employment,” McCormac said. “They do all kinds of great things, and that’s what they’ll be doing for the residents of that facility.”
McCormac also addressed a recurring question about whether the project will cost the township tax revenue. He said Woodbridge sets its own tax levy each year and collects that full amount regardless of how many properties are on the tax rolls. Removing one property from taxable status, he said, has a “minuscule” impact given more than $3 billion in total township property value.
2. Township Thanks Public Works Crews After Storms Knock Out Power
Severe storms and extreme heat last week left trees down and power out across parts of Woodbridge. Council President Sharon McAuliffe opened Tuesday’s meeting with a moment of silence for those who died in the heat and storms, and asked residents to check on elderly neighbors during outages.
DON’T LET AN ALGORITHM DECIDE YOUR NEWS
Sign up for The Central Jerseyan Newsletter for independent local news and events every weekend.
McCormac thanked the Department of Public Works for days of cleanup work, saying the cost of the response is approaching what the township would spend on a major snowstorm. Residents with storm debris still on their property can call 732-738-1311, extension 3600, to arrange a pickup.
3. New Traffic Ordinances Move Forward
The council gave final approval to two traffic ordinances on Tuesday. One removes handicapped parking spots on Walter Drive, Oakland Avenue, Piper Avenue, Oak Street, and Greenbrook Avenue. The other adds turn restrictions at Chain O’Hills Road near Walgreens and at Avenel Street near QuickChek.
Three additional traffic ordinances passed on first reading and will come back for a public hearing on July 21. Two would update the township’s list of stop-sign intersections. The third would change how the township handles affordable housing requirements tied to new development, eliminating an option that let some developers pay a fee instead of building required units.
Separately, Police Director Joseph Nisky introduced two more traffic proposals expected to appear on a future agenda: weight restrictions on Main Street, Green Street, and Avenel Street, and a new turn restriction at Pearl Street and Main Street.
4. Second Property Tax Relief Event Set for July 21
Councilman Daniel Harris said Tuesday’s in-person property tax relief event with the state Division of Taxation drew dozens of senior residents by the time it opened at 9 a.m. A second event is scheduled for July 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Acacia Youth Center, 95 Florida Grove Avenue.
The event helps senior homeowners complete the state’s 2025 PAS-1 form for the Property Tax Relief Program. Residents who haven’t received or completed the form can bring it or fill one out on-site with help from a member of the state Treasury Department. No appointment is necessary, though residents should bring documentation of their household income.
5. New Jersey Senior Olympics Returning to Woodbridge in September
Harris also announced that the New Jersey Senior Olympics will be held in Woodbridge Township, September 11 through 13. Athletes must be 50 or older to compete, and the event includes 19 sports for men and women, almost all of them held in Woodbridge. Registration closes August 27. Applications are available at township facilities or online at NJSeniorOlympics.com.
Honorable Mentions
Sidewalk Farmers Market Opens This Weekend: A new sidewalk farmers market begins this Saturday on Main Street, running through the end of August. The market will feature fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade goods from local vendors.
Pizza Run 5K Set for July 15: The township’s annual Pizza Run 5K takes place July 15 at 7 p.m., starting at Avenel Williams Park. Registration runs from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. the day of the race. The $25 entry fee includes a T-shirt, pizza, and a drink at the finish line.
Library Offering Monarch Butterfly Kits: The Woodbridge Public Library is offering monarch butterfly kits for a small fee through July 11, while supplies last. Residents can call the library at 732-634-7571 to arrange pickup.
Gallery on Main Seeking Local Artists: The Gallery on Main is accepting submissions from artists for upcoming exhibitions. Residents can email [email protected] or call 732-726-7024 for details.
Pakistan Day Parade Approved for August: The council approved a permit for Pakistan Day Parade N.J. to hold its annual parade on August 16, with an August 23 rain date. The parade runs from 4 to 5 p.m.
Also Approved Tuesday
- Agreement with Environmental Connection, Inc. for asbestos inspection and monitoring at 380 Berry Street
- One-year, $140,000 contract with Community Grants, Planning & Housing to administer the township’s affordable housing program
- Two-year, $200,000 contract with Craig’s Plumbing and Heating for portable toilet rental and cleaning at township parks and events
- Emergency purchase of a refurbished sanitation truck for up to $220,000 following a mechanical failure
- $171,500 contract with T&M Associates for environmental engineering work tied to the Up Smiths Creek redevelopment
- $480 increase to a home improvement repair contract for a Woodbridge homeowner, bringing the total to $25,330
- Sidewalk installation waiver approved for a property on Chain O’Hills Road in Iselin
- Routine tax and parking permit refunds
- Petty cash and emergency budget appropriations for the new state fiscal year
The council’s next regular meeting is Tuesday, July 21, at 6 p.m.
Editor’s note: The Central Jerseyan is free to read and supported by advertising. If you value this kind of local reporting and want to help sustain it, you can become a citizen supporter on Patreon. Your contribution helps fund continued coverage of local government, schools, and community issues.