Handicap parking ordinances, multi-million-dollar projects, a deputy clerk’s reappointment, and comments over cats, taxes, zoning, and even a holiday toy drive marked the Sept. 23 meeting.
The Woodbridge Township Council’s Sept. 23, 2025, meeting stretched across routine approvals, big-ticket projects, and public clashes over animal control, development, and taxes.
Ordinances and Resolutions
The council adopted two ordinances on second reading to add handicap parking spaces — one on Laurel Street and another on Douglas Street. A third ordinance, which would have vacated part of Metuchen Avenue, was postponed to the Oct. 7 meeting.
Five new ordinances were introduced on first reading, with hearings scheduled for Oct. 7. Among them:
– A $4 million federally funded capital ordinance for the Woodbridge Waterfront Walkway project.
– A $4 million state-funded ordinance for improvements at the Sewaren Marina.
– A $3.5 million bond ordinance to acquire properties for a future municipal court.
– An ordinance adding handicap parking on Fairfield Avenue.
– An ordinance authorizing the township to acquire property at 511 Cliff Road.
The council also approved 21 resolutions in one vote. Notable actions included:
– Reappointing Cheryl Sharkey as Deputy Municipal Clerk for a four-year term.
– Approving the Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 23.
– Entering a rink partnership with the New York Rangers.
– Authorizing large-scale infrastructure work, including Stafford Road sanitary sewer upgrades ($5.37M) and Oak Tree Road intersection improvements ($98.6K).
– Green-lighting equipment purchases such as two Ford F-250 trucks for wastewater ($90.5K), ambulance gear ($109.9K), and classroom technology ($100K).
– Authorizing the Planning Board to investigate whether property in Avenel should be designated an area in need of redevelopment.
– Passing a resolution for emergency temporary appropriations in the SFY 2026 budget.
Ethics Dispute
Council Vice President Sharon McAuliffe addressed a Patch article alleging she improperly introduced ordinances while owning a Main Street business. She said she has recused herself when appropriate and has followed legal advice. Township attorney James Nolan confirmed procedures were later tightened: members who recuse themselves may no longer make motions on items they cannot vote on.
Feral Cat Debate
Several residents urged the township to adopt a formal trap-neuter-return program to manage feral cats. The exchange escalated when Marge Petrow, head of a volunteer group that once signed an MOU with the township, clashed with officials over whether the shelter was supposed to take the lead. Business Administrator Vito Cimilluca rejected her account as “completely inaccurate.” (Full story [here] — link to your dedicated TNR article.)
Taxes and PILOT Revenue
A resident questioned why local property taxes haven’t dropped despite new development. Mayor John McCormac countered that the township has held tax rates flat in past years and said $28 million in annual PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) revenue prevents “astronomically” higher bills.
Zoning and Development
Former councilman Ken Gardner pressed the township to overhaul its zoning ordinance to stop large apartment projects downtown. Planning Director Marta Darden said the ordinance is updated regularly, while officials stressed compliance with New Jersey’s affordable housing mandates.
Holiday Toy Drive Proposal
During public comment, David Rudd and his husband Scott asked the township to partner with their nonprofit on a Christmas toy drive. They said last year’s effort collected 1,750 toys for local foster children and requested permission to place donation boxes at municipal buildings. Mayor McCormac and council members expressed support, with officials noting the program has long helped brighten the holidays for township families.
Community Voices
Other residents raised concerns about road construction notices, local flooding, and community programs. Officials promised better communication on utility projects and highlighted flood-monitoring systems installed at two Avenel underpasses.
Announcements and Events
– Council President Spillar announced a Sprouts grocery store will open at the Cloverleaf site in October, bringing new jobs alongside other tenants.
– Members promoted fire prevention open houses, the Colonia Breast Cancer Walk, Oktoberfest, a domestic-violence awareness vigil, and a township cleanup.
– Officials also recognized first responders and celebrated the success of the Hispanic Heritage Festival.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2025, at 6 p.m.