Middlesex County public meetings in 2021

Development Review Committee

The Middlesex County Planning Board Development Review Committee is meeting to review preliminary and final subdivision applications and various site plans. The body is also considering the release of a performance guarantee for BAPS Edison.

• Release of Performance Guarantee: BAPS Edison (ED-SP-238)
• Preliminary Applications: New Durham Subdivision (Edison), Jersey Ave. NJ Urban Renewal LLC (New Brunswick), Arsenal Trade Center (Sayreville), and 1145 Foster Avenue (South Plainfield)
• Final Applications: Regency at Cranbury (Cranbury), Arsenal Trade Center (Sayreville), and 58 Miara Street (Sayreville)
• Site Plan Reviews: Including Iport 12 Parking Lot/Amazon (Carteret), Churchill Junior High (East Brunswick), and Greenspace Self-Storage (Milltown)
• Site Plan Reviews: Including Ray Catena-Old Post Road (Edison) and 236 French Street (New Brunswick)

The Development Review Committee approved numerous subdivision and site plan applications, including conditional approvals for projects in Edison, Sayreville, and Woodbridge. A performance guarantee of $39,264 was returned to BAPS Edison. All motions were unanimous.

• Approved minutes of October 12, 2021 (unanimous)
• Returned $39,264 performance guarantee to BAPS Edison, retaining $1,000 (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved New Durham Subdivision, Edison (unanimous)
• Granted 30-day extension for Jersey Ave. NJ Urban Renewal, New Brunswick (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary subdivision for Arsenal Trade Center, Sayreville (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary subdivision for 1145 Foster Avenue, South Plainfield (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for Regency at Cranbury 1-7 (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Clean Earth of Carteret (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet virtually to conduct administrative business and receive reports. The agenda contains no new action items or old business for decision.

• Approval of October 12, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review of November 9, 2021 meeting minutes
• Planning Director's Report
• Report of the Development Review Committee
• Staff reports on sustainability, resiliency, transportation, mobility, regional planning, and local assistance

The Middlesex County Planning Board met virtually and approved the November 2021 Development Review Committee report, which covered 28 applications including 23 site plans, mostly industrial or mixed-use. The board also approved the 2021 Sustainability and Resiliency Report and staff reports on Transportation and Mobility and Regional Planning. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved November 2021 Development Review Committee report (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 Sustainability and Resiliency Report (unanimous)
• Approved Transportation and Mobility staff report (unanimous)
• Approved Regional Planning and Local Technical Assistance staff report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 12, 2021 (motion carried; Commissioner Director Rios present but not voting)

WDB Literacy Committee

The committee approved the September 14, 2021 minutes. Guest presenters from the Reformed Church of Highland Park discussed refugee and immigrant literacy services. Updates were provided on FEMA COVID-19 funeral assistance, VITA tax preparation, the Online Literacy Directory, and upcoming changes in HSE testing.

• Approved minutes from September 14, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

WDB Youth Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the September 28, 2021 meeting. Updates were provided on the MCOWD Entry Level Internship Training & Employment (E.L.I.T.E) program, including 36 enrolled clients and new worksites. A guest speaker from AmeriCorps presented program details. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved minutes of September 28, 2021 YAC meeting (motion passed)

MCIA December 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) held its regular December 8, 2021 meeting via Zoom, with Chairman James P. Nolan presiding and Commissioners Paul Abbey and Christine D'Agostino present; Commissioner Anthony Raczynski was absent. The board unanimously approved all 25 resolutions on the agenda, including the adoption of the 2022 operational budget with total revenues of $66,960,713 and total appropriations of $66,370,333, as well as separate budgets for the New Brunswick Cancer Center Parking Garage, North Brunswick Train Station, Roosevelt Care Center facilities, Golf Course Operations, and General Operations. The board also awarded multiple professional service contracts for 2022, including workers' compensation claim administration to Inservco Insurance Services (not to exceed $153,999), legal services to Hoagland Longo Moran Dunst & Doukas LLP, engineering services to CME Associates (not to exceed $170,000), and general counsel services to Rainone Coughlin Minchello LLC (not to exceed $400,000). Additionally, the board approved a shared services agreement for a Human Resources Director with the Middlesex County Utilities Authority, authorized the procurement of excess workers' compensation insurance from Midwest Employers Casualty Company at a cost not to exceed $90,000, and approved payment of expenses totaling $3,435,675.97.

• Adopted 2022 operational budget with $66,960,713 revenues and $66,370,333 appropriations (unanimous)
• Adopted 2022 budgets for Cancer Center Parking Garage ($1,953,267), North Brunswick Train Station ($1,500,000), Roosevelt Care Centers ($49,162,000), Golf Operations ($1,501,967), and General Operations ($12,843,479 revenues)
• Awarded workers' comp claim administration contract to Inservco Insurance Services, not to exceed $153,999 over 3 years (unanimous)
• Awarded legal services contracts to Hoagland Longo Moran Dunst & Doukas LLP for liability defense and workers' comp defense (unanimous)
• Awarded engineering services contract to CME Associates, not to exceed $170,000 (unanimous)
• Awarded general counsel contract to Rainone Coughlin Minchello LLC, not to exceed $400,000 (unanimous)
• Approved shared services agreement for HR Director with Middlesex County Utilities Authority (unanimous)
• Authorized excess workers' comp insurance from Midwest Employers Casualty Company, not to exceed $90,000 (unanimous)

December Board Meeting

The Board of Elections will meet to discuss re-warding and review administrative reports. The meeting includes time for commissioner and public comment.

• Discussion of re-warding
• Review of administrative reports

MCIA November 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) unanimously approved a resolution authorizing $3,635,044.55 in expenses, along with renewals of employee vision and dental benefit contracts for 2022. The board also approved a $750 settlement for a property damage claim and an addendum allowing a recycling contractor to use subcontractors for container pickups for 90 days due to COVID-related labor shortages. No public comments were made on the resolutions.

• Approved $3,635,044.55 in expenses (unanimous)
• Approved vision benefits renewal with National Vision Administrators, up to $5,000 (unanimous)
• Approved dental benefits renewal with Delta Dental, up to $99,000 (unanimous)
• Approved dental benefits renewal with Healthplex Dental, up to $140,000 (unanimous)
• Approved dental benefits renewal with Flagship Health Systems Dental, up to $17,000 (unanimous)
• Approved $750 settlement payment and release for a property damage claim (unanimous)
• Approved 90-day addendum with Solterra Recycling Solutions for subcontractor container pickups (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 13, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Development Review Committee

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee is meeting to review various land development applications. The body will consider site plans and subdivision applications across multiple municipalities, including New Brunswick, Carteret, and Woodbridge.

• Preliminary subdivision applications for Jersey Ave. NB Urban Renewal (New Brunswick) and Arsenal Trade Center (Sayreville)
• Final subdivision application for Whispering Hills (South Plainfield)
• Release of performance guarantees for Regency at Monroe Phase 9 and Super Foodtown Woodbridge
• Site plan reviews for 23 projects, including Chick fil-A (Woodbridge) and Cranbury School (Cranbury)
• Site plan reviews for 528 and 743 Roosevelt Avenue (Carteret)

The Development Review Committee approved several site plans, including conditional approvals for properties in Carteret, Cranbury, Middlesex, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Woodbridge, and granted final plat approval for Whispering Hills in South Plainfield. The committee also approved the return of performance guarantees for Regency at Monroe and Super Foodtown, and granted extensions for several projects to the December 14, 2021 meeting. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved final plat for Whispering Hills, South Plainfield
• Approved conditional site plan for 528 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret
• Approved site plan for 743 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret
• Approved conditional site plan for Cranbury School, Cranbury
• Approved exempt site plan for Safelite AutoGlass, East Brunswick
• Approved site plan for Chick-fil-A, Woodbridge
• Returned performance guarantee of $3,134 for Regency at Monroe, Phase 9
• Returned performance guarantee of $9,818 for Super Foodtown, Woodbridge

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet virtually to conduct administrative business. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items and reports.

• Approval of September 14, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review of October 12, 2021 meeting minutes
• Planning Director’s Report
• Report of the Development Review Committee

The Middlesex County Planning Board met virtually and approved the September 14, 2021 meeting minutes, the Planning Director's Report, the Development Review Committee Report, and staff reports on Sustainability, Transportation, and Regional Planning. No substantive decisions or action items were taken; the meeting was largely procedural and informational.

• Approved September 14, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Planning Director's Report (unanimous)
• Approved Development Review Committee Report for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Sustainability and Resiliency Report for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Transportation and Mobility Report for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Regional Planning and Local Assistance Report for 2021 (unanimous)

Workforce Development Board

The Middlesex County Workforce Development Board approved the PY 2021 budget as presented, with a 17.5% funding increase, and unanimously elected Lourdes Valdes as Chair, Amy Bellisano as Vice Chair, and Paul Hiler as Secretary for Program Years 2021-2022. The board also approved the minutes from the April 27, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were informational reports or discussions.

• Approved PY 2021 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Elected officers for PY 2021-2022: Chair Lourdes Valdes, Vice Chair Amy Bellisano, Secretary Paul Hiler (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 27, 2021 meeting (unanimous, with two abstentions)

Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board is meeting to discuss farmland preservation applications and specific property designations. The board will consider an offer to purchase a development easement for Duchess Farms in South Brunswick.

• Resolution to determine Lot 2.03 in Block 21, Cranbury Township, as a commercial farm
• Offer to Thomas Brys and Candice Howard of Duchess Farms to purchase a development easement on Block 26, Lots 5.02 and 6, South Brunswick
• Review of development easement certified value for Duchess Farms, South Brunswick
• Adoption of the 2022 Schedule of Meetings

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board authorized presenting an offer to Thomas Brys and Candice Howard of Duchess Farms to purchase a development easement on Block 26, Lots 5.02 and 6 in South Brunswick Township. The board also approved a resolution determining a Cranbury property (Lot 2.03, Block 21) as a commercial farm, with one abstention. The 2022 meeting schedule was adopted, and minutes from the July 14, 2021 meeting were approved.

• Authorized offer to purchase development easement on Duchess Farms property (unanimous)
• Determined Lot 2.03 in Block 21, Cranbury as a commercial farm (1 abstention)
• Adopted 2022 schedule of regular meetings (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2021 regular meeting (unanimous)

MCIA October 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority approved all resolutions on the agenda, including the introduction of 2022 budgets for the Roosevelt Care Center facilities, golf courses, administrative operations, the North Brunswick train station, and the New Brunswick cancer center parking garage. The board also approved a resolution authorizing up to $60 million in County Guaranteed Parking Revenue Bonds for the New Brunswick parking garage project. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 2022 budgets for Roosevelt Care Center, golf courses, administrative operations, North Brunswick train station, and New Brunswick cancer center parking garage (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing up to $60M County Guaranteed Parking Revenue Bonds for New Brunswick parking garage (unanimous)
• Approved resolution designating Donna Smith and William Brennan (alternate John DeLorenzo) as commissioners to Joint Health Insurance Fund (unanimous)
• Approved resolutions certifying review of Local Finance Board findings for capital equipment pooling and parking facility (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 8, 2021 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved payment of vouchers (unanimous)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to review preliminary and final subdivision applications and various site plans across several municipalities. The body is also considering the release of a performance guarantee for a project in Monroe.

• Release of Performance Guarantee: Regency @ Monroe Phase 10 (MO-155)
• Preliminary Applications: Jersey Ave. (NB-48), Arsenal Trade Center (SY-117), and Princeton Orchards (SB-234)
• Final Applications: 238 Cleveland Avenue (HP-33), Woodhaven Village (OB-279), and Riverton Village (SY-112)
• Site Plan reviews for 16 projects, including a Dunkin’ in South Plainfield and Buddhist Worship Center in Piscataway
• Site Plan reviews for 710 Old Bridge Turnpike (EB-SP-325) and 224-226 Forsgate Drive (JA-SP-43)

The Development Review Committee approved several preliminary and final subdivision applications, including Princeton Orchards in South Brunswick, 238 Cleveland Avenue in Highland Park, Woodhaven Village in Old Bridge, and Riverton Village in Sayreville. It also granted conditional site plan approvals for numerous projects, including 710 Old Bridge Turnpike in East Brunswick, 224-226 Forsgate Drive in Jamesburg, and a Dunkin' in South Plainfield, each subject to conditions such as revised plans and ADA compliance. The committee approved the return of a $129,402 performance guarantee for Regency at Monroe, Phase 10, and granted extensions for several applications to the November 9, 2021 meeting.

• Approved preliminary subdivision for Princeton Orchards, South Brunswick
• Approved final subdivision for 238 Cleveland Avenue, Highland Park
• Approved final subdivision for Woodhaven Village, Section 2, Phase 6, Old Bridge (2 sheets)
• Approved final subdivision for Riverton Village, Sayreville (3 sheets)
• Approved conditional site plan for 710 Old Bridge Turnpike, East Brunswick
• Approved conditional site plan for Dunkin', South Plainfield
• Approved return of $129,402 performance guarantee for Regency at Monroe, Phase 10
• Granted extensions to Nov 9, 2021 for Jersey Ave. NB Urban Renewal, Arsenal Trade Center, and others

Planning Board

The Planning Board is meeting to conduct routine administrative business. The agenda consists of procedural items and staff reports.

• Approval of June 8, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review of September 14, 2021 meeting minutes
• Report of the Development Review Committee
• Staff reports on Sustainability and Resiliency, Transportation and Mobility, and Regional Planning and Local Assistance

The Middlesex County Planning Board approved the September 2021 Development Review Committee report, which covered 40 subdivision and site plan applications, including a proposed 540,000-square-foot warehouse in Monroe. The board also approved staff reports on sustainability, transportation, and regional planning, and approved the minutes from the June 8, 2021 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of June 8, 2021 (motion carried)
• Approved September 2021 Development Review Committee report (unanimous)
• Approved Sustainability and Resiliency Report for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Transportation and Mobility Report for September 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved Regional Planning and Local Assistance Report for 2021 (unanimous)

WDB One Stop Committee

The Operations and Planning Committee approved the minutes from the June 24, 2021 meeting. Members received updates on county unemployment, the transition to limited in-person services at One Stop Career Centers, and several workforce training grants, including a $27,000 grant for 911 dispatcher training. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from June 24, 2021 meeting

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to discuss various land use applications, including site plans and subdivisions across several municipalities. The body is also reviewing the release of performance guarantees for completed projects.

• Release of performance guarantee for JAHU, Inc. in Woodbridge (WO-SP-162)
• Preliminary applications for 12 Paul Street (East Brunswick) and Arsenal Trade Center (Sayreville)
• Final applications for Highland Avenue (Metuchen) and 357 Cobb Way (Woodbridge)
• Site plan reviews for FedEx Ground (Woodbridge) and Lidl U.S. Operations, LLC (East Brunswick)
• Minor subdivision sketch plats for 40 Broad Avenue (Edison) and Fresh Ponds (Milltown)

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved numerous subdivision plats, site plans, and performance guarantee releases. All motions were carried, with most approvals made in accordance with staff recommendations. Several items were extended to the October 12, 2021 meeting.

• Approved amended resolution for release of performance guarantee for JAHU, Inc., Woodbridge
• Returned performance guarantee of $52,260 for 520 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick
• Returned performance guarantee of $33,444 for Vision Stream, Old Bridge
• Returned performance guarantee of $41,576 for AvalonBay, Piscataway
• Approved preliminary subdivision for 12 Paul Street, East Brunswick
• Approved final plat for Highland Avenue, Metuchen
• Approved site plan for Cooper Electric, Cranbury
• Approved conditional site plan for Lidl U.S. Operations, LLC, East Brunswick

Planning Board

The Middlesex County Planning Board is meeting to discuss a proposed amendment to the Lower Raritan - Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan. This amendment relates to a warehouse redevelopment project in Woodbridge Township.

• Consideration of Wastewater Management Plan amendment for SEI Cutters Dock Urban Renewal, LLC and SEI Pennval II Urban Renewal, LLC
• Proposed warehouse redevelopment at 2, 34 and 35 Cutters Dock Road and 1 and 222 Pennval Road, Woodbridge Township
• Approval of May 11, 2021 meeting minutes

The Middlesex County Planning Board approved an amendment to the Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan for a proposed warehouse redevelopment in Woodbridge Township, contingent on NJDEP approvals. The board also approved the minutes of May 11, 2021, accepted the Planning Director's report, and approved staff reports on sustainability, transportation, and regional planning. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved amendment to wastewater management plan for SEI Cutters Dock and SEI Pennval II warehouse redevelopment (contingent on NJDEP permits)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2021
• Accepted Planning Director's report
• Approved Development Review Committee report for June and July 2021
• Approved Sustainability and Resiliency Report for June-August 2021
• Approved Transportation and Mobility Report for June-August 2021
• Approved Regional Planning and Local Assistance Report for 2021

WDB Literacy Committee

The Literacy Committee will meet to review previous minutes and administrative changes. The body will discuss service disruptions and community relief efforts resulting from Hurricane Ida. Members from libraries and literacy agencies will provide updates.

• Review of June 8, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Hurricane Ida service disruptions and relief efforts
• Updates from libraries, WLL, and literacy agencies

The committee approved the June 8, 2021 meeting minutes with a correction clarifying a statement by Jessica Tomkins, with Bob Davis abstaining. Members reported on Hurricane Ida's effects on literacy programs, noting challenges such as an undocumented family's eviction in Jamesburg and enrollment declines, while some programs resumed in-person services. Updates were also given on Afghan refugee assistance, federal funding applications for community projects, and job openings among partner organizations.

• Approved June 8, 2021 minutes with correction (motion by Nicholas Cammarano, seconded by Jessica Tomkins; Bob Davis abstained)
• Noted administrative change: Jasmina Dizdarevic to take over as Literacy Committee facilitator
• Heard updates on Hurricane Ida impacts and service disruptions from member agencies
• Discussed local Afghan refugee assistance efforts and federal funding applications for community projects

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association is meeting to review a water quality management planning amendment for a proposed warehouse redevelopment. The body will also discuss a New Brunswick land development ordinance and receive updates on wastewater management and river resilience projects.

• Review of WQMP SSA Amendment Application for proposed warehouse redevelopment at 2, 34, 35 Cutters Dock Road and 1, 222 Pennval Road, Woodbridge Township
• Discussion of New Brunswick Ordinance #O-042101 regarding the Land Development Code
• Status update on Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan & Amendments
• Status update on NJDEP Resilient NJ Raritan River and Bay Communities Project
• Status update on CRS/MS4 Group

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association approved the City of New Brunswick's stormwater control ordinance (SCO) with final approval, concurring with staff recommendations. It also endorsed the SEI Cutters Dock and Pennval II warehouse redevelopment's wastewater service area amendment, contingent on NJDEP environmental permits. The minutes of the June 14, 2021 meeting were adopted with a correction. No public comments were made.

• Approved the minutes of the June 14, 2021 meeting with a correction to 'Borough of Highland Park'.
• Approved final approval for the City of New Brunswick's stormwater control ordinance (SCO), adopted April 21, 2021.
• Endorsed the WQMP SSA Amendment for SEI Cutters Dock and SEI Pennval II warehouse redevelopment in Woodbridge, contingent on NJDEP permits.
• Noted NJDEP requested revisions to the Wastewater Management Plan are complete, with response letter to be sent.
• Heard updates on the Resilient NJ Raritan River and Bay Communities project and CRS/MS4 group activities.

MCIA September 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority unanimously approved all seven resolutions, including a $324,459 annual insurance assessment, a revised employee classification code, a contract with JP Capizzi LLC as Special Bond Counsel, an amended retirement plan contract with Bay Ridge Financial Group, a new collective bargaining agreement with CWA Local 1065, an application to the Local Finance Board for up to $6 million in bonds to finance a Carteret parking facility, and $3,875,549.44 in expenses. The board also received updates on the train project and discussed public comments on recycling and the Carteret parking deck.

• Approved $324,459 payment to Middlesex County Insurance Commission for 2021 annual assessment.
• Adopted revised employee classification code, authorizing CFO to make administrative corrections.
• Awarded contract to JP Capizzi LLC as Special Bond Counsel for the Authority.
• Amended Resolution 21-46 to authorize retirement plan services with Bay Ridge Financial Group.
• Approved successor collective bargaining agreement with CWA Local 1065 for 2022-2024.
• Authorized submission of application to Local Finance Board for up to $6 million in revenue bonds for Carteret parking facility.
• Approved payment of expenses totaling $3,875,549.44.
• Approved minutes of the August 11, 2021 meetings.

MCIA August 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority approved a series of resolutions, including the issuance of up to $15,250,000 in county-guaranteed capital equipment and improvement revenue bonds for municipal equipment like police and passenger vehicles. The board also approved a $60 million agreement with the County of Middlesex for yard waste recycling services, which was clarified to fund the parking project for the new cancer institute in New Brunswick. A TEFRA hearing was held for the refinancing of $45 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds for the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center project, with no public comments received.

• Approved issuance of up to $15,250,000 county-guaranteed capital equipment and improvement revenue bonds (4-0)
• Approved $60 million agreement with County of Middlesex for yard waste recycling services (4-0)
• Approved participation in program with Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools for physician assistant training (4-0)
• Approved contract for retirement plan services with Bay Ridge Financial Group (4-0)
• Approved payment of expenses (4-0)
• Approved minutes of July 14, 2021 meeting (4-0)
• Approved payment of vouchers (4-0)
• Held TEFRA hearing for $45 million multifamily housing revenue bonds (New Brunswick Performing Arts Center) - no public comments

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is reviewing several subdivision sketches, preliminary applications, and site plans. Items include residential and industrial projects across Edison, New Brunswick, Piscataway, Sayreville, and Woodbridge.

• Subdivision sketch for 110 Clive Street, Edison
• Minor subdivision for Federal Business Centers, Edison
• Sketch plat for 1023 River Road, Piscataway
• Preliminary application for Jersey Ave., New Brunswick
• Preliminary application for 90 Hancock Road, Piscataway

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved several subdivision and site plan applications, including preliminary approvals for 90 Handcock Road in Piscataway, the Muslim Center in Piscataway, and Vermilla Phase 2 in Woodbridge, as well as final approval for a lot in Spotswood. The committee also granted conditional site plan approvals for properties in Edison, Old Bridge, Woodbridge, and other locations, subject to conditions such as revised plans and stormwater maintenance agreements. Additionally, the committee approved the return of performance guarantees for properties in Edison and New Brunswick, and removed one resolution from the agenda.

• Approved preliminary subdivision for 90 Handcock Road, Piscataway (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary subdivision for Muslim Center, Piscataway (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary subdivision for Vermilla Phase 2, Woodbridge (unanimous)
• Approved final subdivision for Lot 1, Block 100, Spotswood (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for 54 Cattail Way, Edison (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Village Supermarket, Old Bridge (unanimous)
• Approved return of $12,540 performance guarantee for 342-344 Plainfield Ave, Edison (unanimous)
• Removed Regency @ Monroe, Phase 10 resolution from agenda (unanimous)

MCIA July 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority approved a consent agenda including a $1,428,955/year yard waste recycling contract with Nature's Choice, a $60M parking revenue bond application, and a $15.25M capital equipment financing application. The board also authorized an amended redevelopment agreement with Hardenberg Street Development Associates for a New Brunswick parking garage. All resolutions passed unanimously with four votes in favor.

• Approved $1,428,955/year yard waste recycling contract with Nature's Choice (4-0)
• Authorized application for up to $60M parking revenue bonds (4-0)
• Authorized $15.25M capital equipment financing application (4-0)
• Approved amended redevelopment agreement with Hardenberg Street Development Associates (4-0)
• Approved purchase of two vehicles up to $85,000 (4-0)
• Approved interlocal services agreement for purchasing agent Kevin McQueeney (4-0)
• Approved $3,682,072.08 in expense payments (3-0, Abbey abstained)
• Approved minutes of June 9, 2021 meeting (4-0)

Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board is meeting to discuss the status of easement purchase applications. The board will consider a resolution adopting an Appraisal Release Policy for the County’s Farmland Preservation Program.

• Status of Easement Purchase Applications
• Resolution adopting Appraisal Release Policy for Farmland Preservation Program appraisals
• Closed session appraisal review of Duchess Farms, South Brunswick

The board approved minutes from prior meetings and adopted a resolution on appraisal release policy. Staff reported the Zimbicki farmland preservation application closed, bringing county preserved farmland to 3,746 acres. The board also entered closed session to review Duchess Farms appraisals.

• Adopted minutes of April 14, 2021 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of June 16, 2021 special meeting (Jany abstained)
• Adopted resolution on appraisal release policy (unanimous)
• Convened closed session to review Duchess Farms appraisals (unanimous)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to discuss various land use applications. The body will review requests for the release of performance guarantees, minor subdivisions, and preliminary and final applications for several projects across the county.

• Release of performance guarantees for QuickChek Jamesburg, Springpoint Senior Living/Monroe Village, The Presbyterian Homes at Monroe, Divine Ventures Development LLC, and Cornerstone Realty
• Minor subdivision sketch plats for Lidl U.S. Operations (Edison), Heritage at Milltown, and South Brunswick Board of Education
• Preliminary applications for Edison Town Square, Jersey Ave. NB Urban Renewal, Arsenal Trade Center, 357 Cobb Way-Avenel, and 761-777 Coolidge Avenue
• Final applications for CT07 Chai LLC, Edison Town Square, 17 Adirondack Avenue, and 761-777 Coolidge Avenue
• Site plan reviews for 19 projects, including solar facilities in Piscataway, JB Wicoff Elementary School in Plainsboro, and Cragwood Warehouse in South Plainfield

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved multiple subdivision plats and site plans, including preliminary and final approvals for projects in Edison, Woodbridge, Sayreville, and East Brunswick. The committee also approved the release of five performance guarantees for completed improvements, totaling over $128,000. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved release of $27,507 performance guarantee for QuickChek, Jamesburg (unanimous)
• Approved release of $49,602 performance guarantee for Springpoint Senior Living, Monroe (unanimous)
• Approved release of $9,520 performance guarantee for Presbyterian Homes, Monroe (unanimous)
• Approved release of $19,442 performance guarantee for Divine Ventures, Old Bridge (unanimous)
• Approved release of $22,878 performance guarantee for Cornerstone Realty, Woodbridge (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary subdivision for Supercharged (Edison Town Square), Edison (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for CT107 Chai, LLC, East Brunswick (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Lidl U.S. Operations, Edison (unanimous)

WDB One Stop Committee

The Operations and Planning Committee approved the minutes from its March 25, 2021 meeting. Members received updates on the Workforce Development Board, including a new election of officers scheduled for July 27, and a presentation from the Mental Health Association of New Jersey. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from March 25, 2021 meeting (motion by Jen Goodin, seconded by Miriam)

WDB Youth Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 23, 2021 meeting as distributed. Staff reported on the ELITE youth program, including 47 new participants and 53 enrollments as of May 31, 2021, and announced upcoming virtual job fairs. A guest speaker from Planned Parenthood presented on reproductive health services. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of March 23, 2021 YAC meeting (motion by Jose Montes, seconded by Naomi Vliet)

Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board is meeting to address new business regarding a specific property in Cranbury Township. The board will review a Right to Farm complaint and a Commercial Farm Determination.

• Right to Farm Complaint filed by Ralph Izzo
• Commercial Farm Determination filed by DeSandre Bros. Co. Inc. for 53 Cranbury Neck Road (Block 21, Lot 2.03)

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board held a public hearing on a Right to Farm complaint filed by Ralph Izzo against a property at 53 Cranbury Neck Road, Cranbury Township, alleging a berm diverted runoff onto his property. The board heard testimony from the property owner, Mansha Al-Shujairi, and the commercial farm operator, Joe DeSandre, regarding whether the property qualifies as a commercial farm under the Right to Farm Act. No decision was made; the board deferred its determination on the commercial farm status to a future meeting. Both parties indicated willingness to participate in state agricultural mediation.

• Deferred commercial farm determination on 53 Cranbury Neck Road property to a future meeting
• Heard testimony from complainant Ralph Izzo, property owner Mansha Al-Shujairi, and farm operator Joe DeSandre
• Noted both parties' willingness to participate in state agricultural mediation program
• Board members agreed to potentially visit the property to visualize the situation

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association is meeting to review recently adopted stormwater management ordinances from North Brunswick and Highland Park. The body will also receive status updates on the County Wastewater Management Plan and the Resilient NJ Raritan River and Bay Communities Project.

• Review of North Brunswick Ordinance #21-10 regarding Stormwater Control For Non-Residential Major Development
• Review of Highland Park Ordinance #5-21-118 concerning Stormwater Management
• Status update on Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan & Amendments
• Status update on NJDEP Resilient NJ Raritan River and Bay Communities Project
• Status update on CRS/MS4 Group

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association approved two stormwater control ordinances for North Brunswick and Highland Park, concurring with staff recommendations. The board also adopted minutes from the May 10, 2021 meeting with corrections. No other substantive decisions were made; the rest of the meeting consisted of reports and updates.

• Approved North Brunswick stormwater control ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Highland Park stormwater control ordinance (unanimous)
• Adopted May 10, 2021 minutes with corrections (unanimous)

MCIA June 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority approved several resolutions, including authorizing bond refundings for golf courses, open space, and educational services, which are projected to save over $1.8 million. The board also approved creating a Division of Parking and temporary staffing for COVID-19 workflow needs. All resolutions were approved unanimously.

• Approved golf course refunding bonds up to $6.25M (unanimous)
• Approved open space refunding bonds up to $11.75M (unanimous)
• Approved educational services refunding bonds (unanimous)
• Approved creation of Division of Parking (unanimous)
• Approved temporary staffing for COVID-19 workflow (unanimous)
• Approved application to Local Finance Board for $15.25M equipment financing (unanimous)
• Approved substitution of equipment under capital equipment bonds (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 12, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

WDB Literacy Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 9, 2021 meeting. Members provided updates on literacy programs, including hybrid and remote operations, TASC testing, and enrollment challenges. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting was informational.

• Approved minutes from March 9, 2021 meeting (motion by Nicholas, second by Jennifer)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to review various land use applications, including site plans and subdivisions across several municipalities. The body will also consider the release of performance guarantees for two projects.

• Site plan reviews for Tesla and The Link at Edison
• Final applications for South Brunswick Center (Sheets 1-8)
• Preliminary applications for Arsenal Trade Center in Sayreville and Jersey Ave. NB Renewal in New Brunswick
• Release of performance guarantees for East Brunswick Fire District #1 and Jahu, Inc.
• Resolutions for 44 Stelton Road in Piscataway and Woodmont Industrial Project in South Amboy

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved several conditional site plans, including 44 Stelton Road in Piscataway, Woodmont Industrial Project in South Amboy, Federal Business Centers, J&M Furniture, The Links at Edison, Gables Plaza, and 1690 South Washington Avenue in Piscataway, each subject to revised plans and specific conditions. The committee also granted final plat approvals for all eight sheets of the South Brunswick Center, approved two sketch plats, and returned performance guarantees for East Brunswick Fire District #1 and Jahu, Inc. Several applications were extended to the July 13, 2021 meeting.

• Approved conditional site plan for 44 Stelton Road, Piscataway (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Woodmont Industrial Project, South Amboy (unanimous)
• Approved final plat for South Brunswick Center, Sheets 1-8 (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Federal Business Centers, Edison (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for J&M Furniture, Edison (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for The Links at Edison (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for 1690 South Washington Avenue, Piscataway (unanimous)
• Returned performance guarantees: $7,334 for East Brunswick Fire District #1 and $41,803 for Jahu, Inc. (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Middlesex County Planning Board is meeting to review administrative reports and action items. The board will discuss support for a grant application for the Glendale property and address the meeting schedule.

• Requested support for the Edison Township Urban Parks Grant Application 2021 for the Glendale property
• Cancellation of July 13, 2021 and August 10, 2021 Planning Board meetings

The Middlesex County Planning Board unanimously approved a letter of support for Edison Township's 2021 Urban Parks and Green Acres grant application for the Glendale property, finding it consistent with the County's Open Space Master Plan. The board also approved the April 13, 2021 minutes, the May 2021 Development Review Committee report, and staff reports on sustainability, transportation, and regional planning. The July 13 and August 10, 2021 meetings were cancelled, and the next meeting is set for September 14, 2021.

• Approved letter of support for Edison Township's Glendale property Urban Parks grant application (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of April 13, 2021 (unanimous)
• Cancelled July 13 and August 10, 2021 Planning Board meetings (unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 Development Review Committee report (unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 Sustainability and Resiliency report (unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 Transportation and Mobility report (unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 Regional Planning and Local Assistance report (unanimous)

MCIA May 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority approved three resolutions: procuring insurance for Roosevelt Care Center facilities at a cost not to exceed $660,000, reimbursing a former employee up to $20,000 for medical expenses during a disability appeal, and contracting with Central Square for a finance software upgrade not to exceed $80,000. All resolutions passed unanimously. The board also approved minutes and payment of vouchers totaling $3,398,443.07.

• Approved insurance procurement for Roosevelt Care Center facilities (TDC and Starstone) up to $660,000 (unanimous)
• Approved reimbursement to Marie Desir up to $20,000 for medical coverage expenses (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Central Square for Finance Enterprise software upgrade up to $80,000 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of vouchers totaling $3,398,443.07 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to discuss various land use applications. The body will review preliminary and final subdivision applications and a list of 24 site plans across multiple municipalities.

• Release of performance guarantees for Owens Road Office Complex, 475 Smith Street LLC, and Town Center Elementary School
• Preliminary subdivision applications for 475 Raritan Center Parkway, Woodland Avenue, Jersey Ave NB Urban Renewal, and Arsenal Trade Center
• Final subdivision applications for Half Acre Road, Woodland Avenue, and Venue at Monroe
• Site plan reviews for projects including Imani Park Apartments, RCINJ New Cancer Pavilion, and Woodmont Industrial Project
• Site plan reviews for various locations in Edison, New Brunswick, Sayreville, and South Plainfield

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved numerous preliminary and final subdivision plats, site plans, and performance guarantee returns at its May 11, 2021 virtual meeting. All motions were carried unanimously, with one abstention on the March 9, 2021 minutes. Several applications were granted extensions to the June 8, 2021 meeting.

• Approved March 9, 2021 minutes (Commissioner Kenny abstained)
• Returned $3,779.00 performance guarantee balance to Owens Road Office Complex, Old Bridge
• Returned $945.00 cash and $17,504.00 bond to 475 Smith Street, LLC, Perth Amboy
• Returned $76,873.00 performance guarantee balance to Town Center Elementary School, Plainsboro
• Approved preliminary subdivision for 475 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison
• Approved preliminary subdivision for Woodland Avenue (Sarkaria), Edison
• Approved final plat for Half Acre Road, Cranbury
• Approved conditional site plan for 475 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison (subject to revised plans, drainage, stormwater agreement, Mosquito Commission approval)

Planning Board

The Middlesex County Planning Board is meeting to review administrative reports and act on specific land use and grant items. The board will consider a wastewater management plan amendment and a grant application for urban parks.

• Amendment to the Lower Raritan - Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan for The Green at Old Bridge Affordable Housing (Block 2150, Lot 4.11, Old Bridge Township)
• Support for the Plainsboro Urban Parks Grant Application 2021 – Bulk Farm (Block 3601, Lot 10, Cranbury Neck Road)

The Middlesex County Planning Board approved an amendment to the Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan for The Green at Old Bridge Affordable Housing, allowing a 60-unit affordable housing project. The board also approved a letter of support for Plainsboro's Urban Parks Grant Application for the Bulk Farm, and accepted several staff reports. All votes were unanimous, with one abstention on the March minutes approval.

• Approved amendment to Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan for The Green at Old Bridge Affordable Housing (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Plainsboro Urban Park Grant Application for Bulk Farm (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 9, 2021 (Commissioner Kenny abstained)
• Accepted Planning Director's Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Development Review Committee Report for April 2021 (unanimous)
• Accepted Sustainability and Resiliency Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Transportation and Mobility Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Regional Planning and Local Assistance Report (unanimous)

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association will conduct its reorganization and elect officers. The body will review a water quality management amendment for affordable housing in Old Bridge and stormwater management ordinances from four municipalities.

• WQMP SSA Amendment Application: The Green at Old Bridge Affordable Housing (Block 2150, Lot 4.11)
• Borough of Milltown Stormwater Management Ordinance 21-1495
• Borough of South Plainfield Stormwater Control Ordinance 2195
• City of Perth Amboy Stormwater Management Ordinance #1378-2007
• Borough of Middlesex Stormwater Control Regulations Ordinance #2028-21

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association approved a Site Specific Amendment for The Green at Old Bridge Affordable Housing, expanding the Future Wastewater Service Area by 2.75 acres and adding 13,500 GPD of effluent flow to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority. The board also reorganized, electing Allan Williams as Chair, Suzan Colon as Vice Chair, and Doriann Kerber as Secretary, and adopted the 2021/2022 meeting schedule. It approved minutes from prior meetings with corrections and concurred with staff recommendations on four municipal stormwater control ordinances, granting final approval to Milltown and South Plainfield and conditional approval to Perth Amboy and Middlesex.

• Approved The Green at Old Bridge Affordable Housing WQMP SSA Amendment Application (unanimous)
• Elected Allan Williams as Chair, Suzan Colon as Vice Chair, Doriann Kerber as Secretary (unanimous)
• Adopted 2021/2022 regular meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Feb 25, 2021 special meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Mar 8, 2021 regular meeting with correction (unanimous, Kerber abstained)
• Approved minutes of Apr 12, 2021 special meeting with correction (unanimous)
• Concurred with staff recommendations on stormwater control ordinances: final approval for Milltown and South Plainfield, conditional for Perth Amboy and Middlesex (unanimous)

Workforce Development Board

The Middlesex County Workforce Development Board approved Resolution PY-20-10-R, which connects individuals with chronic unemployment to opportunities to build workplace skills and job history. The board also approved the minutes from the January 26, 2021 meeting, with one abstention. No other formal votes were taken; other items were reports or discussions.

• Approved Resolution PY-20-10-R on transitional jobs policy (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from January 26, 2021 meeting (unanimous, one abstention)

MCIA April 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority approved a resolution awarding a contract to WSP for conceptual design and preliminary engineering of the North Brunswick Train Station project, with a total award not to exceed $3,199,272. The board also approved payment of expenses totaling $3,703,756.44. Minutes from the March 10, 2021 meeting were approved. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Awarded WSP contract for North Brunswick Train Station design, up to $3,199,272 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of expenses totaling $3,703,756.44 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 10, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board is meeting to review easement purchase applications and the Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan. The board will also consider a corrective resolution regarding a development easement in East Brunswick.

• Corrective resolution for the purchase of the development easement of the Estate of Ernest Bergfelder (Block 316.01, Lot 22.06, East Brunswick)
• Right to Farm/MCADB Resolution for Brothers Investment, LLC in Monroe Township
• Discussion on the Middlesex County Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan
• Review of the status of easement purchase applications
• Appraisal release discussion

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board held its annual reorganization, unanimously electing James Giamarese as Chair, Robert Von Thun as Vice Chair, and Tom Mancuso as Secretary. The board also unanimously approved a correcting resolution for the Ernest Bergfelder easement purchase, changing the exception area classification from severable to non-severable. A resolution dismissing the Right to Farm case for Brothers Investment, LLC was approved after the applicant withdrew. The board discussed, but did not vote on, the Comprehensive Farmland Preservation Plan update, including preservation goals and Agricultural Development Area criteria.

• Elected James Giamarese as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Robert Von Thun as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Tom Mancuso as Secretary (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of January 27, 2021 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved correcting resolution for Bergfelder easement, changing exception area to non-severable (unanimous)
• Approved Right to Farm dismissal resolution for Brothers Investment, LLC (unanimous)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to discuss preliminary subdivision applications and site plans across multiple municipalities. The body will also consider the release of performance guarantees for two projects.

• Release of performance guarantees for Woodhaven Village-Texas Road (Old Bridge) and Mack-Cali Woodbridge, LLC (Woodbridge)
• Preliminary subdivision applications for Half Acre Road North Parcel (Cranbury), 723 Wood Avenue (Edison), 238 Cleveland Avenue (Highland Park), Jersey Ave. NB Urban Renewal (New Brunswick), and Princeton Orchards (South Brunswick)
• Site plan reviews for 17 projects, including Sadhu Vaswani Center (East Brunswick), Manasquan Bank (Metuchen), and Livingston Warehouse (North Brunswick)
• Site plan reviews for three Piscataway projects: 1570 South Washington Avenue, 141 Circle Drive, and Ridgedale Gardens

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved several preliminary subdivisions and conditional site plans, and released performance guarantees for completed improvements. All motions passed unanimously. The committee also granted extensions for several projects to the May 11, 2021 meeting.

• Approved preliminary subdivision for Half Acre Road North Parcel, Cranbury (unanimous)
• Approved conditional preliminary subdivision for 723 Wood Avenue, Edison (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary subdivision for 238 Cleveland Avenue, Highland Park (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Central Gas M & R Station, Edison (unanimous)
• Approved exempt site plan for 139 Raritan Avenue, Highland Park (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Manasquan Bank, Metuchen (unanimous)
• Returned performance guarantee of $874,453.00 for Woodhaven Village-Texas Road Remining, Old Bridge (unanimous)
• Returned performance guarantee of $26,034.00 for Mack-Cali Woodbridge, LLC, Woodbridge (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet virtually to conduct administrative business and review reports. The agenda includes the approval of previous meeting minutes and a report from the Development Review Committee.

• Approval of February 9, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review of March 9, 2021 meeting minutes
• Planning Director's Report
• Report of the Development Review Committee

The Middlesex County Planning Board met virtually on April 13, 2021, and approved the minutes of the February 9, 2021 meeting, the Development Review Report for 2021, and staff reports on Sustainability and Resiliency, Transportation and Mobility, and Regional Planning and Local Assistance. The board also reviewed the minutes of the March 9, 2021 meeting for approval at a future meeting. Members paid tribute to the late County Commissioner Charles Kenny, who was not present.

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Middlesex County Water Resources Association will hold a special virtual meeting to review several local ordinances. The agenda focuses on reviewing updated subdivision, site plan, and stormwater management regulations from various municipalities.

• Review of Borough of South River Chapter 295: Subdivision and Site Plan Review; Stormwater Management
• Review of Plainsboro Township Chapter 85: Subdivision and Site Plan Review
• Review of Borough of Metuchen Article 42: Surface Water Runoff
• Review of South Brunswick Township Chapter 62, Article VI: Stormwater Management Ordinance # 2021-10
• Review of East Brunswick Township Chapter 192, Section 53: Storm Drainage Facilities

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association unanimously concurred with Office of Planning staff recommendations on seven municipal stormwater control ordinances. Four ordinances (South River, Plainsboro, Metuchen, East Brunswick) received final approval, while three (Piscataway, Helmetta, South Brunswick) received conditional approval. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.

• Approved final approval for South River stormwater ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved final approval for Plainsboro stormwater ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved final approval for Metuchen stormwater ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved final approval for East Brunswick stormwater ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved conditional approval for Piscataway stormwater ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved conditional approval for Helmetta stormwater ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved conditional approval for South Brunswick stormwater ordinance (unanimous)

WDB One Stop Committee

The Operations and Planning Committee approved the minutes from the December 10, 2020 meeting. The meeting consisted primarily of updates from the Workforce Development Board and partner agencies, including plans to apply for a grant for 911 dispatcher training and updates on COVID-era programs. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from December 10, 2020 meeting (motion by Sherri, seconded by Miriam)

MCIA March 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority held a routine meeting, approving all resolutions and payments unanimously. They designated representatives to the Joint Health Insurance Fund and authorized Millennium Administrators as account manager for the Medicare Retiree Drug Subsidy program at a cost not exceeding $8,000. Payments totaling $3,357,842.07 were approved. No public comments or substantive discussion were recorded.

• Approved $3,357,842.07 in expenses (unanimous)
• Approved resolution designating Donna Smith and William Brennan (alternate John DeLorenzo) as JHIF commissioners (unanimous)
• Approved Millennium Administrators as RDS account manager, cost not to exceed $8,000 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

WDB Literacy Committee

The Middlesex County Workforce Development Board Literacy Committee met via Zoom and approved the minutes from its December 8, 2020 meeting. The meeting consisted of updates from various literacy agencies on their remote operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. No formal decisions or votes on new policies were made.

• Approved the minutes from the December 8, 2020 meeting.

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to review various site plans and subdivision applications across multiple municipalities. The body will also consider the release of a performance guarantee for a project in Woodbridge.

• Release of Performance Guarantee: 22 Homes Park Avenue & 1090 Green Street, Woodbridge
• Minor Subdivisions: Federal Business Centers, Inc. in Edison and Woodbridge
• Preliminary Applications: Monroe Veterans Housing and Friendship Road Development
• Site Plans: Costco (Monroe), FedEx Truck Depot (Edison), and Glow Car Wash (Old Bridge)
• Site Plans: Epic Church and Camelot at Ernston Road (Sayreville)

The Middlesex County Planning Board's Development Review Committee approved 25 site plans and 2 subdivision applications, all unanimously. Approvals included conditional approvals for projects like Monroe Veterans Housing, Friendship Road Development, and Costco in Monroe, subject to conditions such as revised plans and state agency submissions. The committee also granted extensions for several projects to the April 13, 2021 meeting and approved the return of a performance guarantee for a Woodbridge property.

• Approved minutes of January 12, 2021 meeting
• Approved return of $10,110 performance guarantee for 22 Homes Park Avenue & 1090 Green Street, Woodbridge
• Approved sketch plat for Federal Business Centers, Inc., Edison (classified 'C')
• Approved sketch plat for Federal Business Centers, Inc., Woodbridge (classified 'C')
• Approved conditional preliminary subdivision for Monroe Veterans Housing, Monroe
• Approved conditional preliminary subdivision for Friendship Road Development, South Brunswick
• Approved exempt site plan for At Home Recreation, East Brunswick
• Approved conditional site plan for 1691 Oak Tree Road, Edison

Planning Board

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and administrative reports. There are no new action items or specific projects listed for decision.

• Approval of January 12, 2021 meeting minutes
• Review of February 9, 2021 meeting minutes
• Report of the Development Review Committee
• Staff reports on Sustainability and Resiliency, Transportation and Mobility, and Regional Planning and Local Assistance

The Middlesex County Planning Board unanimously approved the January 12, 2021 meeting minutes, the Development Review Committee report, and staff reports on sustainability, transportation, and regional planning. The board also heard that the county received a $400,000 federal grant for a freight movement study in southern Middlesex County and that a new electronic development review system will be implemented over the next six to eight months. No action items or old business were considered, and no public comments were made.

• Approved minutes of January 12, 2021 meeting (unanimous).
• Approved Development Review Committee report for February 2021 (unanimous).
• Approved Sustainability and Resiliency report (unanimous).
• Approved Transportation and Mobility report (unanimous).
• Approved Regional Planning and Local Assistance report (unanimous).
• Closed public comment portions (unanimous).
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous).

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association will review recently adopted stormwater management ordinances from four municipalities. The body will also receive status updates on wastewater management and the Resilient NJ Raritan River and Bay Communities Project.

• Review of Borough of Carteret Ordinance #21-1 (Stormwater Management)
• Review of Borough of Sayreville Ordinance #518-21 (Stormwater Management Rule)
• Review of Old Bridge Township Ordinance #2021-01 (Land Development Ordinance)
• Review of Monroe Township Ordinance #0-2-2021-0003 (Stormwater Management)
• Status update on NJDEP Resilient NJ Raritan River and Bay Communities Project

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association met virtually and voted unanimously to concur with Office of Planning staff findings and recommendations, which included conditional approval of four municipal stormwater control ordinances from Carteret, Monroe, Old Bridge, and Sayreville. The group also adopted the January 11, 2021 minutes as presented. No other substantive decisions were made; member agency reports, correspondence, old business, and public comment were all noted as absent.

• Adopted the minutes of the January 11, 2021 meeting as presented.
• Voted unanimously to concur with Office of Planning staff findings and recommendations on four stormwater control ordinances, which included conditional approval for Carteret, Monroe Township, Old Bridge Township, and Sayreville.

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Middlesex County Water Resources Association will hold a special virtual meeting to review recently adopted stormwater ordinances from four different municipalities. This process ensures local water management rules are reviewed by the county association.

• Review of Cranbury Township Stormwater Maintenance Ordinance # 11-20-12
• Review of Woodbridge Township Stormwater Control Ordinance 150-82.1
• Review of City of South Amboy Stormwater Control Ordinance Chapter 53 Article XXXIII
• Review of Borough of Jamesburg Chapter 25 Stormwater Control Ordinance # 06-21

The Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association held a special virtual meeting to review four municipal stormwater control ordinances (SCOs) from Cranbury Township, Woodbridge Township, South Amboy, and Jamesburg. Staff recommended conditional approval for all four, and the WRA voted unanimously to concur with the staff findings and recommendations. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2021.

• Approved conditional approval of Cranbury Township's stormwater control ordinance (adopted Dec 14, 2020)
• Approved conditional approval of Woodbridge Township's stormwater control ordinance (adopted Feb 2, 2021)
• Approved conditional approval of South Amboy's stormwater control ordinance (adopted Feb 17, 2021)
• Approved conditional approval of Jamesburg's stormwater control ordinance (adopted Feb 17, 2021)
• Unanimously concurred with Office of Planning staff findings and recommendations on all four ordinances

MCIA February 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority held its February 10, 2021 meeting, electing officers and approving a series of routine administrative resolutions for 2021, including designating authorized newspapers, appointing representatives, and authorizing financial and purchasing processes. The board also approved payment of vouchers totaling $3,444,856.87. All resolutions and motions were approved unanimously by the five members present.

• Elected James P. Nolan as Chairman, Anthony Raczynski as Vice-Chairman, and Paul Abbey as Secretary-Treasurer (all in favor)
• Approved resolution designating The Star Ledger and Home News Tribune as authorized newspapers (5-0)
• Re-appointed Carol Byrnes as representative and Brian Wahler as alternate to Keep Middlesex Moving board (5-0)
• Designated William Brennan as Certified Finance Officer (5-0)
• Authorized Paul Abbey and William Brennan as signatories for bank accounts (5-0)
• Designated Kevin McQueeney as Qualified Purchasing Agent and Affirmative Action Compliance Officer (5-0)
• Adopted 2021 Code of Classifications and authorized depositories and cash management plan (5-0)
• Approved payment of vouchers totaling $3,444,856.87 (5-0)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to discuss various land development applications. The agenda includes reviews of site plans, subdivision applications, and the release of performance guarantees across multiple municipalities.

• Release of performance guarantees for Four Seasons @ Monroe, R & W Homes 1, LLC, L & E Associates, Woodhaven, and The Learning Experience
• Final subdivision applications for 101 Rose Street (Metuchen), Sixteenth Street (North Brunswick), and Henderson Road Mixed Income (South Brunswick)
• Site plan reviews for Glendale Avenue Warehouse (Edison) and Smart Lincoln (Jamesburg)
• Site plan review for K-Land No. 68, Popeye’s Restaurant in South Brunswick
• Preliminary subdivision application for Whispering Hills Road in South Plainfield

The Development Review Committee approved several subdivision and site plan applications, including preliminary and final plats, and conditional site plan approvals. The committee also approved the return of performance guarantees for several developments where improvements were found adequate. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved return of performance guarantee for Four Seasons @ Monroe ($248,255)
• Approved return of performance guarantee for R & W Homes 1, LLC, Monroe ($40,896)
• Approved return of performance guarantee for L & E Associates, Old Bridge ($43,686)
• Approved return of performance guarantee for Woodhaven, Texas Road and Marlboro Road, Old Bridge ($132,871)
• Approved return of performance guarantee for Woodhaven, Texas Road and Woodhaven Boulevard, Old Bridge ($265,904)
• Approved return of performance guarantee for The Learning Experience, Sayreville ($48,191)
• Approved preliminary major subdivision for Whispering Hills Road, South Plainfield
• Approved conditional site plan for Glendale Avenue Warehouse, Edison

Planning Board

The Planning Board is meeting to discuss amendments to its by-laws. The session also includes reports from the Development Review Committee and staff reports on sustainability, transportation, and regional planning.

• Amendments to Planning Board By-Laws

The Middlesex County Planning Board unanimously approved amendments to its by-laws, which streamline committee structures and update legal references. The board also approved the Development Review Committee's January 2021 report, which highlighted significant warehouse and commercial development in Woodbridge and Carteret. No public comments were made, and no other substantive decisions were taken.

• Approved amendments to Planning Board By-Laws (unanimous)
• Approved Development Review Committee report for 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 8, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted staff reports on sustainability, transportation, and regional planning (unanimous)

Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board is meeting to discuss farmland preservation. The board will consider a resolution for the purchase of a development easement in East Brunswick and hold a preliminary discussion on the County Farmland Preservation Plan.

• Final approval for purchase of development easement for the Estate of Ernest Bergfelder (Block 316.01, Lot 22.06) in East Brunswick
• Preliminary discussion on the Middlesex County Farmland Preservation Plan
• Review of the status of easement purchase applications

The Middlesex County Agriculture Development Board unanimously approved a resolution granting final approval for the purchase of a development easement on the Estate of Ernest Bergfelder property in East Brunswick Township. The board also adopted minutes from prior meetings and discussed the County's farmland preservation plan update, including a presentation on Destination 2040. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.

• Approved resolution for final approval of development easement purchase from Estate of Ernest Bergfelder (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of Closed Meeting of July 29, 2020 (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of Regular Meeting of November 18, 2020 (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of Closed Meeting of November 18, 2020 (unanimous)

Workforce Development Board

The Middlesex County Workforce Development Board unanimously approved four resolutions, including the One Stop Operator contract with Middlesex County College and policy updates for youth programs. The board also approved the October 2020 meeting minutes and discussed budget cuts, CARES Act funding, and a planned move to 44 Hoes Lane in Piscataway.

• Approved minutes from October 27, 2020 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved resolution PY-20-06-R introducing Youth Work Experience policy (unanimous)
• Approved resolution PY-20-07-R revising Youth Incentive Policy (unanimous)
• Approved resolution PY-20-08-R acknowledging One Stop Career Center certification application (unanimous)
• Approved resolution PY-20-09-R approving One Stop Operator contract (unanimous)

WDB Youth Advisory Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the December 10, 2020 meeting. Updates were provided on the MCOWD Entry Level Internship Training & Employment (E.L.I.T.E) program, including new participants and work sites. The youth incentive and work experience policies were noted as passed in January 2021. A guest speaker from NAMI NJ presented on mental health programs.

• Approved minutes of December 10, 2020 YAC meeting (motion by Naomi Vliet, seconded by Evelyn Rosa)

MCIA January 2021 Board Meeting

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority certified its review of the 2019 annual audit and approved a $375,000 increase to the 2020 Recycling Operations Budget due to higher vendor rates and added services, including North Brunswick. Both resolutions passed unanimously. The board also approved minutes from the December 16, 2020 meetings and authorized payment of vouchers totaling $3,484,600.36, with one abstention.

• Certified review of 2019 annual audit (unanimous)
• Amended 2020 Recycling Operations Budget by $375,000 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 16, 2020 meetings (unanimous)
• Authorized payment of vouchers totaling $3,484,600.36 (one abstention)

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee is meeting to review various subdivision applications and site plans across multiple municipalities. The body will also consider the release of performance guarantees for five completed projects.

• Release of performance guarantees for Beechwood Shopping Center (Edison), Taco Bell (Edison), Woodhaven (Old Bridge), and Chase (Woodbridge)
• New site plan reviews for Johnson & Johnson WHQ (New Brunswick) and Rutgers Behavioral Health Treatment Center & Residence (North Brunswick)
• Subdivision sketch plats for 831 U.S. Highway Route 1 (Edison) and 2 Lake Avenue (Helmetta)
• Final subdivision applications for 300 Salt Meadow Road (Carteret)
• Site plan reviews for Glendale Warehouse (Edison) and QTS (Piscataway)

The Middlesex County Development Review Committee approved multiple subdivision and site plan applications, including conditional approvals for the MCVTS East Brunswick Campus, Rutgers Behavioral Health Treatment Center, and 1095 U.S. Route 1 in Edison. The committee also released performance guarantees for five completed developments, including $411,948 for Woodhaven in Old Bridge. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved conditional preliminary subdivision for Lot 5.29, Block 133.28, East Brunswick (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for MCVTS East Brunswick Campus (unanimous)
• Approved conditional site plan for Rutgers Behavioral Health Treatment Center, North Brunswick (unanimous)
• Approved site plan for Johnson & Johnson WHQ, New Brunswick (unanimous)
• Released $411,948 performance guarantee for Woodhaven, Texas Road & McClean Street, Old Bridge (unanimous)
• Released $23,646 performance guarantee for Beechwood Shopping Center, Edison (unanimous)
• Granted extension for Glendale Warehouse, Edison until Feb 9, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved withdrawal without prejudice for 797 New Durham Road, Edison (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Middlesex County Planning Board held its annual reorganization, unanimously re-electing Matthew Vaughn as Chairman and Thomas Pollando as Vice Chairman for 2021. The board also unanimously approved resolutions appointing Steven D. Cahn as Counsel and Douglas J. Greenfeld as Secretary, and adopted the 2021 meeting schedule. Four wastewater management plan amendments were unanimously endorsed, and a resolution honoring retiring Planning Director George M. Ververides for 59 years of service was passed.

• Re-elected Matthew Vaughn as Chairman for 2021 (unanimous)
• Elected Thomas Pollando as Vice Chairman for 2021 (unanimous)
• Appointed Steven D. Cahn as Planning Board Counsel for 2021 (Resolution 2021-01, unanimous)
• Appointed Douglas J. Greenfeld as Planning Board Secretary for 2021 (Resolution 2021-02, unanimous)
• Adopted 2021 meeting schedule (Resolution 2021-03, unanimous)
• Adopted agenda requirements for public meetings (Resolution 2021-04, unanimous)
• Endorsed four wastewater management plan amendments (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution honoring George M. Ververides for 59 years of service (unanimous)

Lower Raritan-Middlesex County Water Resources Association

The Middlesex County Water Resources Association is meeting to review proposed Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) amendment applications. The body will also receive reports from member agencies and status updates on wastewater management and the Resilient NJ Program.

• WQMP Amendment Application: Elion Acq. SSA, Veronica Avenue and Bennett’s Lane, Franklin Township
• WQMP Amendment Application: Metro 12 Carteret Logistics Center, 300 Salt Meadow Road, Borough of Carteret
• WQMP Amendment Application: Northwood Manor residential development, Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge Township
• WQMP Amendment Application: Somerset County Septic Management Plan (SMP)
• Status update on Middlesex County Wastewater Management Plan & Amendments