Pennington, NJ

Borough Council

Historic Preservation Commission

The Pennington Historic Preservation Commission will meet on August 18, 2026, via Zoom. The agenda includes a public comment period, approval of June minutes, and a review of application #26-004 for storefront fills at 24 N. Main Street. The commission will also discuss several other items, including a signage initiative, street trees, and potential designation of additional historic properties.

• Application #26-004: 24 N. Main Street, Block 205, Lot 19 - Storefront Fills
• Discussion of Pennington School-Old Main
• Signage Initiative
• Street Trees in the Historic District
• Designation of Additional Properties

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission meeting scheduled for August 17, 2026, has been canceled because a quorum was not met. The next meeting is set for September 21, 2026. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting canceled due to no quorum
• Next meeting scheduled for September 21, 2026

Planning / Zoning Board

The Pennington Planning Board will hold a consistency review of Ordinance 2026-26, which amends the zoning chapter to implement recommendations from the Borough Master Plan adopted May 13, 2026. The board may also approve minutes from that same meeting. Public comment is limited to non-agenda items.

• Consistency review of Ordinance 2026-26 amending Chapter 215 'Zoning'
• Implementation of Master Plan recommendations adopted May 13, 2026
• Approval of May 13, 2026 meeting minutes

Borough Council

The Pennington Borough Council will meet to discuss and vote on several ordinances, including a $8,000,000 bond for PFAS remediation in the water/sewer system and zoning amendments tied to the 2026 Master Plan. The meeting will also introduce ordinances on redeveloper escrow fees and street paving, along with resolutions for bill payments, equipment purchases, and deer management.

• Ordinance 2026-24: $8,000,000 bond for PFAS remediation and water/sewer improvements
• Ordinance 2026-26: Zoning amendments to implement 2026 Master Plan recommendations
• Ordinance 2026-27: New escrow fee requirements for redevelopers
• Ordinance 2026-28: Amendment to 2025 bond ordinance for street milling and overlaying
• Resolution 2026-8.7: Purchase of Caterpillar backhoe loader under Sourcewell contract

Borough Council

The Borough Council is reviewing bond ordinances for PFAS remediation and lead service line replacement. The session includes discussions on zoning updates, police space studies, and affordable housing administration.

• Ordinance #2026-24: $8,000,000 bond for PFAS remediation and water/sewer improvements
• Ordinance #2026-25: $3,500,000 bond for lead service line remediation and replacement
• Ordinance #2026-26: Zoning amendments based on the May 13, 2026 Master Plan
• Resolution 2026-7.10: Extension of grace period for third quarter tax payments
• Resolution 2026-8.5: Authorization of hunting for the deer management program

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission meeting scheduled for July 21, 2026, has been canceled. The cancellation is due to a lack of business.

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission will discuss its role in providing input on proposed lighting and solar ordinance amendments from the Master Plan. The body will also review updates on habitat initiatives and a regional resilience planning grant from the NJDEP.

• Proposed lighting and solar ordinance amendments
• NJDEP regional resilience planning grant discussion
• Bat and firefly habitat initiative update
• 2025 Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report update
• Community Energy Plan progress update

Planning / Zoning Board

Borough Council

The council will introduce two bond ordinances totaling $11.5 million for water/sewer utility improvements: $8 million for PFAS remediation and $3.5 million for lead service line replacement. Also on the agenda are a yard waste collection ordinance amendment, a resolution authorizing a deer management contract with Scorpion Outdoors including hunting on designated properties, and a resolution to apply for a NJ Department of Transportation grant for road improvements on Green Street and Broemel Place. Other items include a resolution terminating a probationary police officer and renewing an employee assistance plan contract.

• Introduction of Ordinance #2026-24: $8,000,000 bond for PFAS remediation through water/sewer utility
• Introduction of Ordinance #2026-25: $3,500,000 bond for lead service line replacement
• Resolution 2026-7.1: Authorizing 2026-2027 deer management contract with Scorpion Outdoors including hunting on designated properties
• Resolution 2026-7.8: Authorizing grant application to NJDOT for roadway improvements on Green Street and Broemel Place
• Ordinance #2026-26: Modifying requirements for yard waste collection

Borough Council

The Borough Council holds a work session, voting on a liquor license renewal and a settlement agreement, and discussing yard waste changes, a deer management agreement, and an RFP for police facilities. The tentative regular agenda includes bond ordinances for $11M in PFAS remediation and $3.5M for lead service line replacement through the water/sewer utility.

• Resolution 2026-6.11 renewing Plenary Retail Consumption License #1108-33-001-001 for 2026-2027
• Resolution 2026-6.12 authorizing a settlement agreement
• Ordinance #2026-24: $11,000,000 bond for PFAS remediation via Water/Sewer Utility
• Ordinance #2026-25: $3,500,000 bond for lead service line replacement
• Discussion of deer management agreement and RFP for police/borough facilities

Historic Preservation Commission

The Pennington Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss two applications: siding work at 236 S. Main Street and frontage changes at 12 N. Main Street. Other business includes a signage initiative, annual report, Certified Local Government status, street trees, and possible designation of additional properties. No formal votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion only.

• Discussion of siding at 236 S. Main Street (Block 703, Lot 24)
• Discussion of frontage at 12 N. Main Street (Block 205, Lot 22)
• Signage Initiative
• Designation of Additional Properties
• Land Use Ordinance Amendments

The Pennington Borough Historic Preservation Commission met via Zoom on June 16, 2026, and unanimously approved the May 19, 2026 minutes with amendments. No public comment was received. The commission discussed but took no formal action on several items, including a siding project at 236 S. Main Street (owner decided not to proceed), a frontage issue at 12 N. Main Street (tabled pending owner response), and a street tree initiative (cost estimate of $13,000 discussed, next steps planned). The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

• Approved May 19, 2026 minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Tabled 12 N. Main Street frontage item pending owner response
• Discussed 236 S. Main Street siding; owner decided not to proceed
• Discussed street tree initiative with $13,000 cost estimate; coordination planned
• Scheduled HPC Annual Report to Council for July 6, 2026
• Noted new homeowner letter sent to 228 S. Main Street

Environmental Commission

The Pennington Environmental Commission meets to discuss ongoing projects and receive updates. Key items include a recap of the annual presentation to the Borough Council, feedback from the May Community Conversation program, and progress on the site planning checklist. No final decisions or votes on policy are expected; the agenda is largely informational and procedural.

• Recap of June 1 Borough Council presentation on commission accomplishments and priorities
• Feedback and lessons learned from the May Community Conversation program
• Status update on the Environmental Commission Site Planning Checklist draft
• Upcoming volunteer workdays at the Pennington Arboretum in June
• 2025 Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update and CEP activities

Planning / Zoning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, has been cancelled. No business will be conducted at this session.

• Meeting cancelled; no agenda items to report.

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold public hearings on ordinances adjusting fees for services, sewer rates, establishing a deputy clerk office, and amending a bond ordinance. Resolutions include authorizing lead service line bids, renewing liquor licenses, and approving a police MOU with Capital Health Services. A presentation on the Environmental Commission's 2026 agenda is scheduled.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 2026-19 amending fees for borough services
• Public hearing on Ordinance 2026-20 adjusting sewer fees
• Resolution 2026-6.5 approving engineering professional services agreement
• Resolution 2026-6.6 authorizing bids for lead service line replacement
• Resolution 2026-6.8 approving police MOU with Capital Health for mental health support

Borough Council

The Pennington Borough Council will hold a work session to discuss several major items, including redevelopment planning for the Wells Fargo, Blackwell, 12 N. Main Street, and Landfill properties. The council will also review land use ordinance amendments, consider fee changes for borough services and sewer fees, and discuss rejecting bids for lead service lines. A closed session is scheduled to discuss personnel and a possible sale of a retail liquor license.

• Redevelopment planning process covering Wells Fargo, Blackwell, 12 N. Main Street, and Landfill
• Ordinance 2026-19: Amending Chapter 98 fees for Borough Services
• Ordinance 2026-20: Adjustment of sewer fees
• Rejection of bids for lead service lines (Resolution 2026-6.6)
• Closed session for personnel (PD) and possible sale of retail liquor license

The Borough Council held a work session with no formal votes. They discussed plans to reject all bids for lead service line work at the June 1 meeting, reviewed land use ordinance amendments, and agreed to an informal meeting with the developer of the former Wells Fargo property. The meeting ended with a closed session to discuss the sale of a retail liquor license.

• Agreed to allow informal meeting with Wells Fargo property developer, with readout to full council
• Scheduled resolution to reject all lead service line bids for June 1 meeting
• Discussed land use ordinance amendments, with planner to review parking question near dentist's office
• Moved to closed session to discuss sale of retail liquor license (unanimous)

Open Space Committee

The committee will approve previous minutes and hear a status update on the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan Element. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss properties of interest; no specific properties or decisions are listed.

• Approval of minutes from March 18, 2026
• Status update on the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan Element
• Closed session to discuss properties of interest (no details provided)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Pennington Historic Preservation Commission will discuss two properties: siding at 236 S. Main Street and frontage at 12 N. Main Street. Other business includes a signage initiative, annual report, master plan update, and designation of additional historic properties. The meeting is open for public comments.

• Discussion of siding at 236 S. Main Street, Block 703, Lot 24
• Discussion of frontage at 12 N. Main Street, Block 205, Lot 22
• Signage Initiative in the historic district
• Street trees in the historic district
• Designation of additional properties

The commission voted unanimously to approve the May 21, 2026 minutes. A design committee was formed to streamline the Certificate of Approval process for 12 N. Main Street. The signage subcommittee presented a Phase I direction, but no approval was requested. Chair Holtermann will prepare the annual report for the borough council and will pursue local historic designation for three properties.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Formed design committee for 12 N. Main Street COA process
• Presented signage Phase I direction (no approval requested)
• Chair to prepare and submit annual report to Borough Council
• Chair to follow up with HPO on designation of Toll Gate School, School Administration Building, and Railroad Station
• HPC recommendations incorporated into updated Land Use Plan (adopted by Planning Board)

Environmental Commission

The commission will review a wildlife habitat restoration proposal for Kunkel Park. Members will also discuss the recent Pennington Day event and coordinate upcoming community conversations regarding energy plans.

• Wildlife habitat restoration proposal for Kunkel Park
• Pennington Day 2026 recap and discussion
• Community Energy Plan and Home Energy Incentives coordination
• Community Energy Plan progress update

The Environmental Commission approved the April 20, 2026 meeting minutes with noted corrections after a motion by Joann Held and second by Nell Haughton. The commission also agreed to continue working with the Parks & Recreation Committee on the proposed wildlife habitat restoration project at Kunkel Park. The next meeting is set for June 15, 2026.

• Approved April 20 minutes with corrections (motion by Joann Held, seconded by Nell Haughton)
• Agreed to continue collaboration on Kunkel Park wildlife habitat restoration project

Planning / Zoning Board

The Pennington Planning Board will hold a public hearing on adopting the Master Plan and will consider a resolution to appoint a Planning Board Engineer. The board will also review minutes from April 8, 2026, and discuss old business.

• Public hearing on Master Plan adoption
• Resolution to appoint a Planning Board Engineer
• Approval of April 8, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of old business

Borough Council

The Borough Council will consider introducing three ordinances: one amending Chapter 98 Borough Fees, one authorizing adjustment of sewer charges for verified unintended water leaks, and one establishing the position of Deputy Clerk. A bond ordinance amendment and several resolutions—including appointments for Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Clerk, and Deputy Registrar—are also on the agenda. Public comment periods are scheduled at the start and end of the meeting.

• Ordinance 2026-19 amending Chapter 98 Borough Fees
• Ordinance 2026-20 authorizing sewer charge adjustments for verified unintended water leaks
• Ordinance 2026-21 establishing the position of Deputy Clerk
• Ordinance 2026-22 amending Bond Ordinance 2020-9
• Resolution 2026-5.3 appointing Lubna Muneer as Chief Financial Officer

The Council introduced Ordinance 2026-19 to increase fees for administrative services, zoning permits, dog and cat licensing, and trash pickup. Other actions included appointing a member to the Parks and Recreation board and waiving a message board fee for a local auxiliary.

• Introduced Ordinance 2026-19 to increase various Borough fees
• Approved fee waiver for Pennington Fire Company Women's Auxiliary message board (5-0)
• Appointed Emily Nally to Parks and Recreation (5-0)
• Tabled Environmental Commission 2026 Agenda presentation

Borough Council

The Pennington Borough Council will discuss several ordinance amendments, including changes to fees for borough services and regulations on water leakage and rental registrations. The council will also consider appointments for chief finance officer, deputy clerk, and other staff positions. Additionally, a proposal from Suplee, Clooney for accounting services will be reviewed for approval.

• Ordinance Amendment – Fees for Borough Services
• New Ordinance – Water Leakage/Spillage
• New Ordinance – Rental Registrations
• Appointment of Lubna Muneer as Chief Finance Officer
• Approval of proposal from Suplee, Clooney for Accounting Services

The Council discussed proposed ordinances regarding borough service fees, water leakage, and rental registrations. The session included reviews of personnel appointments and administrative resolutions for a future regular agenda. No final votes on ordinances or resolutions were recorded during this work session.

• Tabled resolution for MOU Arrive
• Scheduled water leakage ordinance for introduction at the next meeting
• Scheduled rental registration ordinance for further discussion at the next work session
• Moved to convene in closed session for personnel and litigation matters

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will review several properties and discussion items. The agenda includes property-specific discussions regarding siding, a chimney removal, and cemetery walls or expansions.

• 236 S. Main Street: Discussion of siding
• 120 S. Main Street: Letters regarding unauthorized removal of chimney
• 13 S. Main Street: Wall in front of cemetery
• 32 E. Delaware Avenue: Expansion of cemetery
• Master Plan Update - Land Use Plan Element

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission will approve the minutes from the March 16, 2026 meeting, hear an overview from the Historic Preservation Commission, and receive updates on the Pennington Arboretum, including a 2026 ANJEC grant submission and new plantings with Bountiful Gardens. The commission will also get a progress report on the Community Energy Plan and discuss logistics for a May community conversation and Pennington Day 2026. Additional items are general updates from borough agencies.

• Approve minutes from the March 16, 2026 meeting
• Historic Preservation Commission overview and discussion
• Pennington Arboretum update: 2026 ANJEC grant submission and new plantings with Bountiful Gardens
• Community Energy Plan update and next steps
• Pennington Day 2026 planning: booth logistics, arboretum map, and interactive energy demonstration

Planning / Zoning Board

The Pennington Planning Board will hold a public meeting on April 8, 2026, via Zoom. The board is scheduled to consider conditional adoption of the Land Use Plan Element and Framing Plan, as well as updates to five Master Plan elements. Other items include a resolution for an extension of time for a minor subdivision at 12 N. Main Street and discussion of the Fourth Round Fair Share Plan Consent Order.

• Resolution for extension of time to perfect minor subdivision approval at 12 N. Main Street (Block 205, Lot 22)
• Conditional adoption of Land Use Plan Element and Framing Plan
• Conditional readoption of five Master Plan elements: Mobility, Open Space and Recreation, Utility Services, Community Facilities and Services, and GBESE
• Discussion of Fourth Round Fair Share Plan Consent Order
• Approval of February 11, 2026 meeting minutes

The Pennington Borough Planning Board conditionally adopted the Land Use Plan, Framing Plan, and re-adopted five other Master Plan elements (Mobility, Open Space & Recreation, Utility Services, Community Facilities, GBES). The board also approved a 120-day extension for a minor subdivision application at 12 N. Main Street and learned the court accepted the Fourth Round Fair Share Plan. Public comments raised concerns about zoning of Pennington School land and historic areas.

• Approved 120-day extension for minor subdivision at 12 N. Main Street (8-0)
• Conditionally adopted Land Use Plan (9-0)
• Conditionally adopted Framing Plan (9-0)
• Conditionally re-adopted Mobility, Open Space & Recreation, Utility Services, Community Facilities & Services, and GBES Plans (9-0)
• Conditionally adopted Open Space and Recreation Plan (9-0)
• Approved minutes from February 11, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Borough Council

The Pennington Borough Council will hold a public hearing on the 2026 budget and consider two ordinances, including one to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank. The meeting also includes approvals of prior minutes, presentations of the 2025 audit, and a series of resolutions covering appointments, grant applications, and service contracts. Several resolutions address infrastructure projects, park equipment, and temporary outdoor dining permits.

• Ordinance 2026-17 – Exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank per N.J.S.A. 40A:4‑45:14
• Ordinance 2026-18 – Set compensation rates for borough officers and employees for 2026
• Resolution 2026-4.16 – Reject all bids for Abey Drive, Mallard Place and Queens Lane Reconstruction Project (NJDOT‑FY2024 Municipal Aid Program) and direct re‑advertising
• Resolution 2026-4.10 – Purchase two trash‑cart enclosures for Kunkel Park using Open Space Funds
• Resolution 2026-4.11 – Conditional authorization for Vito's Pizza to maintain a temporary outdoor dining area in the public right‑of‑way in 2026

The Borough Council appointed Nancy Rubenstein to the Senior Advisory committee and James Ottomanelli to the Parks & Recreation board, each for unexpired terms. The council also approved several meeting minutes and a resolution confirming review of the 2025 audit. All votes were unanimous except one closed‑session approval that had one abstention.

• Appointed Nancy Rubenstein to Senior Advisory (term ends 12/31/2028) – vote 5‑0
• Appointed James Ottomanelli to Parks & Recreation (term ends 12/31/2027) – vote 5‑0
• Approved February 23, 2026 Work Session minutes – vote 6‑0
• Approved March 2, 2026 regular meeting minutes – vote 6‑0
• Approved March 9, 2026 special meeting minutes – vote 6‑0
• Approved January 26, 2026 closed‑session minutes – vote 5‑0, 1 abstain
• Approved Resolution 2026‑4.21 certifying review of 2025 audit – vote 6‑0

Borough Council

The Pennington Borough Council will hold a work session and a regular session where they will discuss several items, including Pennington Day 2026 and a lead service line replacement program. The council will hold public hearings and vote on Ordinance 2026-17, which would allow the municipality to exceed its budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank, and Ordinance 2026-18, which sets compensation rates for officers and employees for 2026. Additional resolutions include a supplemental HDSRF application for the landfill, a computer contract with RND, and the purchase of a trash‑cart enclosure for Kunkel Park.

• Ordinance 2026-17 – exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank (public hearing and adoption)
• Ordinance 2026-18 – set compensation rates for officers and employees for 2026 (public hearing and adoption)
• Resolution – supplemental HDSRF application for landfill
• Resolution – approve computer contract with RND
• Resolution – purchase trash‑cart enclosure for Kunkel Park using Open Space Funds

The council approved a resolution to reject the existing bids for the Abey Drive, Mallard Place, and Queens Lane projects and will solicit new bids for Abey Drive by July 2026. It also approved an additional $24,734.08 supplemental hazardous discharge site remediation fund request for the landfill. Appointments were made for Nancy Rubenstein as Senior Advisory and James Ottomanelli to Parks & Recreation. Several contracts and permits, including a computer contract with RND and an outdoor dining permit for Vito's Pizza, were approved.

• Approved resolution to reject bids for Abey Drive, Mallard Place, and Queens Lane and to solicit new bids for Abey Drive by July 2026
• Approved supplemental hazardous discharge site remediation fund request for $24,734.08
• Appointed Nancy Rubenstein as Senior Advisory
• Appointed James Ottomanelli to Parks & Recreation
• Approved computer contract with RND with a cost cap
• Approved purchase of trash cart enclosure for Kunkel Park using Open Space Funds
• Approved outdoor dining permit for Vito's Pizza
• Approved resolution for Pennington Day beer garden

Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee will first approve the minutes from its January 21, 2026 meeting and consider a borough request for material for the spring newsletter. In a closed session, members will discuss properties of interest for open‑space purposes.

• Approve minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting
• Consider borough request for spring newsletter material
• Closed‑session discussion of properties of interest

The Open Space Committee approved the January 21, 2026 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. Later, the committee unanimously voted to enter a closed session to discuss specific property matters. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Adopted Jan 21 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to discuss specific properties (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will review application #26-001 for chimney removal at 120 S. Main Street. The body will also discuss its annual report, certified local government status, street trees in the historic district, and communication to property owners. Additional items include a letter of support from the County and Hopewell Valley Historic Society and a history awards program.

• Review application #26-001 for chimney removal at 120 S. Main Street, Block 505, Lot 15
• Discuss street trees in the historic district
• Consider newsletter/communication to property owners
• Consider Hopewell Valley Historical Society History Awards for Historic Preservation
• Review Certified Local Government status

The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the February 17, 2026 minutes with amendments. It took no formal action on the chimney removal at 120 N. Main Street but agreed to send a letter to the contractor. The commission approved and sent letters of support to the New Jersey Historic Trust for both the County historic preservation grant and the Hopewell Valley Historic Society’s site‑management application. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved February 17, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to issue a letter to the contractor about the unauthorized chimney removal (no vote recorded)
• Approved and sent letter of support for County historic preservation grant to NJ Historic Trust (no vote recorded)
• Approved and sent letter of support for Hopewell Valley Historic Society site‑management application to NJ Historic Trust (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Environmental Commission

The Pennington Environmental Commission will review minutes, strategic projects, and upcoming community programs. The group will discuss the Community Energy Plan, select a survey winner, and plan for Pennington Day 2026.

• Approval of February 23, 2026 minutes
• Review of Community Energy Plan survey results
• Selection of $10 Terra Momo gift card winner
• Planning for Pennington Day 2026 booth
• Update on Pennington Arboretum 2026 focus areas

Planning / Zoning Board

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for March 11, 2026, has been canceled. This notice was issued by Land Use Administrator Robin Tillou.