Rockaway, NJ

Board of Adjustment

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will vote on two ordinances: one appropriating $86,132.81 from a Morris County Community Development Block Grant for municipal building ADA improvements and restoration, and another amending the Land Use and Development code to adopt a new zoning map. The consent agenda includes resolutions supporting Class 1 and Class 2 cannabis licenses, a tax refund for 31 Independence Way, the sale of 33 Pawnee Avenue, and additional funding for the National Opioid Settlement. The council will also appoint five members and two alternates to the Shade Tree Commission and grant full membership to two fire company members.

• Ordinance O-26-25 appropriates $86,132.81 for municipal building ADA improvements and restoration
• Ordinance O-26-26 amends Chapter 54 to adopt a new zoning map and re-locate specific sections
• Resolution R-26-129 authorizes the sale of real property at 33 Pawnee Avenue
• Resolution R-26-128 grants a tax refund for 2026 overpayment at 31 Independence Way
• Resolution R-26-130 inserts additional revenue into the 2026 budget for the National Opioid Settlement

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will meet to consider site plans and variances for several residential and commercial addresses. The board will review resolutions for two properties and hold a public hearing for one site plan.

• BOA # 25-16: 'D' Variance for Brookes at 554 Mt. Hope Ave
• BOA # 26-05: 'C' Variance for new dwelling on steep slopes at 93 W Lake Shore Drive
• BOA # 24-04A: Amended 'C' & 'D' Variance and Final Site Plan for Dickerson on Carrell Street
• BOA # 26-02: Public hearing for Preliminary/Final Site Plan with 'C' & 'D' Variance at 488 Mt Hope Road

Planning Board

The Planning Board will review a zoning‑map consistency memorandum and a referral memorandum dated July 15, 2026. It will consider Ordinance O‑26‑03, which amends Chapter 54 and adopts a new zoning map for the township. The board will also hold public hearings on three minor subdivision and site‑plan proposals. These items comprise the primary business for the July 20 meeting.

• Ordinance O‑26‑03: amendment to Chapter 54 and adoption of a new zoning map
• Burgis Associates memorandum – Zoning Map Ordinances Consistency Review (July 15, 2026)
• Acting Township Clerk memorandum – Planning Board Referral: Ordinances O‑26‑26 (July 15, 2026)
• Public Hearing PB#2566 – Pondview Estates minor subdivision – firehouse (RT 15/W Union Turnpike)
• Public Hearing PB#2567 – Pondview Estates minor site plan with “C” variance – restaurant (RT 15/W Union Turnpike/160 W Union Turnpike)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will introduce an ordinance updating the zoning map and another banning data centers across all districts. The council is scheduled to adopt a separate ordinance amending food and beverage regulations. A consent agenda covers routine administrative actions, including liquor license renewals, budget adjustments for opioid settlement funding, and $86,132.81 in grant funds for municipal building accessibility upgrades.

• O-26-26: Introduction of a new zoning map and relocation of land use ordinance sections
• O-26-23: Adoption of an ordinance designating data centers as a prohibited use in all zoning districts
• O-26-24: Adoption of amendments to food and beverage regulations under Chapter 28
• O-26-25: Introduction of $86,132.81 appropriation for municipal building ADA improvements using Morris County grant funds
• Consent Agenda: Renewal of ABC liquor licenses, addition of opioid settlement funding to the 2026 budget, and resolution regarding Rockaway Valley Regional Sewerage Authority litigation

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will consider two resolutions and hold two public hearings. Resolutions involve a D variance for Brookes at 554 Mt. Hope Ave and a C variance (new dwelling, setbacks & impervious coverage) for Seifert at 1 Sunnyside Lane. Public hearings will address a preliminary/final site plan with C & D variances for Amaya at 488 Mt. Hope Road and a C variance (new dwelling, steep slopes) for Takier at 93 W Lake Shore Drive.

• Resolution BOA #25-16: Brookes – D variance at 554 Mt. Hope Ave (Block 11301 Lot 39)
• Resolution BOA #26-06: Seifert – C variance for new dwelling at 1 Sunnyside Lane (Block 40307 Lot 1)
• Public hearing BOA #26-02: Amaya – preliminary/final site plan with C & D variances at 488 Mt. Hope Road (Block 11402 Lot 9)
• Public hearing BOA #26-05: Takier – C variance for new dwelling on steep slopes at 93 W Lake Shore Drive (Block 20702 Lot 15)

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings and consider resolutions for several variance applications, including a new single-family dwelling, a deck rear-yard setback, and a preliminary/final site plan with multiple variances. The board will also approve minutes from May 19 and address public comment.

• BOA #25-16 – Brookes: D Variance at 554 Mt. Hope Ave
• BOA #26-03 – Savino: C Variance for new single-family dwelling (impervious coverage & front yard setback) at 6 Lyonsville Road
• BOA #26-04 – Mesia: C Variance for deck rear-yard setback at 238 Mt. Hope Ave
• BOA #26-06 – Seifert: C Variance for new dwelling (setbacks & impervious coverage) at 1 Sunnyside Lane
• BOA #26-02 – Amaya: Preliminary/Final Site Plan with C & D variances at 488 Mt. Hope Road

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment approved a 'C' variance for a new two-story dwelling at 1 Sunnyside Lane, replacing an existing summer cottage, with conditions including engineering review and deed adjustments. The board also memorialized two prior variance approvals for properties on Lyonsville Road and Mt. Hope Avenue, and approved an escrow payment for professional services.

• Approved BOA #26-06 Seifert variance for new dwelling at 1 Sunnyside Lane with conditions (8-0, 2 absent)
• Memorialized BOA #26-05 Savino variance for new dwelling at 6 Lyonsville Road (7-0, 1 abstention, 2 absent)
• Memorialized BOA #26-04 Mesia variance for deck at 238 Mt. Hope Avenue (7-0, 1 abstention, 2 absent)
• Approved escrow payment for professional services (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Rockaway Township Planning Board will consider a referral from the Township Clerk regarding Ordinance O-26-23, which would amend the land use code to designate data centers as a prohibited use in all zoning districts. The board must issue a consistency report within 35 days. Also on the agenda is a resolution for a minor site plan with a variance for Cibao Meat Products at 92 Green Pond Road. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Referral of Ordinance O-26-23 to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts
• Resolution PB#2563 for Cibao Meat Products – minor site plan with 'C' variance for a generator at 92 Green Pond Road (Block 22103, Lots 16, 29 & 30)
• Approval of minutes from April 20, 2026
• Open to the Public session

The Planning Board unanimously recommended an amendment to Ordinance O-26-23 to specifically ban data centers throughout the township. The board also approved a minor site plan for a generator at 92 Green Pond Road and authorized professional service payments.

• Recommended amendment to Ordinance O-26-23 to ban data centers (unanimous)
• Approved minor site plan for generator at 92 Green Pond Road with decibel level amendment (uncontested)
• Approved payment for professional services for April 20, 2026 (uncontested)
• Approved minutes from April 20, 2026 meeting (uncontested)

Township Council

The council will introduce two ordinances: one to prohibit data centers townwide (O-26-23) and another to amend food and beverage regulations (O-26-24). They will also vote on adopting ordinances for ADA improvements funded by a $73,963 grant, a water filtration easement from Fox Crest HOA, and procedural changes. A consent agenda includes liquor license renewals, a tax refund, a grant application for Circle Drive improvements, a developer's agreement amendment at 1076 Green Pond Road, and sales of surplus property and a liquor license.

• Introduction of O-26-23 to ban data centers as a prohibited use in all zoning districts
• Adoption of O-26-20 appropriating $73,963 for municipal building ADA improvements via a CDBG grant
• Consent agenda: R-26-113 authorizing a NJDOT grant application for Circle Drive roadway improvements
• Consent agenda: R-26-114 amending a developer's agreement for 1076 Green Pond Road with extended completion date
• Consent agenda: R-26-116 authorizing public sale of a plenary retail distribution liquor license

The Rockaway Township Council approved the May 26 meeting minutes (7-1). It introduced Ordinance O-26-23 to ban data centers in all zoning districts (7-1) and adopted Ordinance O-26-20 for ADA building improvements with $73,963 funding (8-0). The council also adopted a water‑filtration easement ordinance (8-0) and approved the consent agenda items, including the sale of a liquor license (8-0).

• Approved May 26 minutes (7-1)
• Introduced data‑center ban Ordinance O-26-23 (7-1)
• Introduced food‑and‑beverage ordinance O-26-24 (8-0)
• Adopted ADA improvement ordinance O-26-20, appropriating $73,963 (8-0)
• Adopted water‑filtration easement ordinance O-26-21 (8-0)
• Adopted administrative‑code amendment ordinance O-26-22 (7-1)
• Approved consent agenda R-26-111 through R-26-116, authorizing liquor license sale (8-0)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will consider several ordinances, including a $401,812.81 pedestrian safety and connectivity project near Copeland Middle and Stony Brook Elementary schools. It will also adopt ordinances for ADA building improvements, sewer and water code amendments, and licensing standards for body art establishments. Additional items include approval of May 12 meeting minutes and a consent agenda of resolutions on fireworks, tax refunds, and budget revenue items.

• O-26-18: Ordinance providing $401,812.81 for pedestrian safety and connectivity improvements near Copeland Middle and Stony Brook Elementary schools
• O-26-20: Ordinance allocating $73,963 for municipal building ADA improvements funded by a community development block grant
• O-26-17: Ordinance amending Chapter 15 (Sewer and Water) of the Revised General Ordinances
• O-26-19: Ordinance adding Article XVII to Chapter 28 to establish licensing and standards for body art establishments
• R-26-104: Resolution conditionally authorizing a public fireworks display for White Meadow Lake Property Owners Association

The council approved the May 12 meeting minutes (8‑1). It introduced three ordinances (O‑26‑20, O‑26‑21, O‑26‑22) and adopted three ordinances, including a $401,812.81 Safe Routes to School project (O‑26‑18) and a body‑art licensing ordinance (O‑26‑19). A motion removed four resolutions (R‑26‑106 to R‑26‑110) from the consent agenda for separate consideration (7‑2).

• Approved May 12 Council minutes (8‑1)
• Introduced Ordinance O‑26‑20 (ADA building improvements) (9‑0)
• Introduced Ordinance O‑26‑21 (water‑filtration easement) (9‑0)
• Introduced Ordinance O‑26‑22 (administrative code amendment) (8‑1)
• Adopted Ordinance O‑26‑17 (sewer/water fee changes) (8‑1)
• Adopted Ordinance O‑26‑18 (pedestrian safety improvements, $401,812.81) (9‑0)
• Adopted Ordinance O‑26‑19 (body‑art licensing) (9‑0)
• Removed Resolutions R‑26‑106, R‑26‑107, R‑26‑109, R‑26‑110 from consent agenda (7‑2)

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and vote on several variance applications, including a new single-family dwelling on Lyonsville Road. Decisions will be made on 'C' and 'D' variances for properties on Mt. Hope Avenue, Carrell Street, and Pawnee Avenue.

• Savino application for a new single-family dwelling at 6 Lyonsville Road seeking 'C' variance for impervious coverage and front yard setback
• Amaya preliminary/final site plan at 488 Mt. Hope Road with 'C' and 'D' variances
• Dickerson amended final site plan at Carrell Street with 'C' and 'D' variances
• Mesia public hearing for 'C' variance for a deck rear yard setback at 238 Mt. Hope Avenue
• Brookes resolution for 'D' variance at 554 Mt. Hope Avenue

The Board approved the minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting. It voted to let Asaf Gahali return with new information to reconsider a previously denied application. The Board approved a “C” variance for Ronald Mesia’s deck at 238 Mt. Hope Ave., conditional on an as‑built survey. It also carried forward the Carrell Street site‑plan variance to the August 4, 2026 meeting.

• Approved April 21, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Allowed Asaf Gahali to appear again and reconsider denial (approved by 4 members, 2 opposed, 2 abstained)
• Approved Mesia deck variance with condition of as‑built survey (approved by 8 members)
• Carried forward Dickerson Carrell Street site‑plan variance to 8/4/26 (approved by 8 members)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will consider introducing three ordinances, including one for pedestrian safety and connectivity improvements near Copeland Middle and Stony Brook Elementary schools, appropriating $401,812.81 from a federal-aid grant. Another ordinance would amend sewer and water regulations, and a third would regulate body art establishments. The council will also vote on adopting ordinances on farmers markets and parks, and act on a consent agenda that includes a shared-services agreement for five Class III special law enforcement officers with the school board.

• Appropriation of $401,812.81 from NJDOT grant for pedestrian safety improvements near Copeland Middle and Stony Brook Elementary schools (O-26-18)
• Introduction of ordinance to regulate body art establishments (O-26-19)
• Consent agenda resolution authorizing contract with RealAuction.com for municipal tax lien sale for 2026 (R-26-97)
• Shared-services agreement with school board for five Class III special law enforcement officers (R-26-99)
• Resolution establishing sanitary sewer maintenance fee for single-family dwellings (R-26-91)

The Township Council introduced four ordinances and adopted five ordinances, including pedestrian safety improvements and body art licensing. The council also approved a soil disturbance permit for a farm property.

• Introduced O-26-17 amending sewer and water code (8-0)
• Introduced O-26-18 for pedestrian safety at schools (8-0)
• Introduced O-26-19 for body art establishment licensing (8-0)
• Adopted O-26-14 adding farmers markets to health code (8-0)
• Adopted O-26-15 amending health and environment sections (8-0)
• Adopted O-26-16 amending parks and recreational facilities (8-0)
• Approved soil disturbance permit for Block 60001 Lot 7 (4-3-1)
• Removed two items from consent agenda for separate discussion (8-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will vote on two resolutions for variance applications and hold a public hearing for a new variance request. The resolutions include a minor subdivision with variances for a duplex at 46 Pawnee Ave (BOA #25-01) and a "D" variance at 554 Mt. Hope Ave (BOA #25-16). The public hearing is for a "C" variance for a new single-family dwelling at 6 Lyonsville Road (BOA #26-03). The board will also discuss a letter request to adjourn and reconsider the 46 Pawnee Ave case.

• Resolution BOA #25-01 (Gahali): minor subdivision with "C" & "D" variance for a duplex at 46 Pawnee Ave
• Resolution BOA #25-16 (Brookes): "D" variance at 554 Mt. Hope Ave
• Public hearing BOA #26-03 (Savino): "C" variance for new single-family dwelling at 6 Lyonsville Road
• Correspondence: letter request to adjourn and reconsider for 46 Pawnee Ave
• Approval of minutes from April 7 and April 21, 2026

The Board approved a 'C' variance for Joseph Savino to construct a new split-level dwelling, including a pool and patio. Approval is conditional upon the demolition of the existing home and specific stormwater and survey requirements.

• Approved 'C' variance for new dwelling at 6 Lyonsville Road (8-0)
• Approved April 7, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved escrow payment for professional services including $400 for Burgess Associates (unanimous)
• Scheduled reconsideration hearing for 46 Pawnee Ave for May 19, 2026

Township Council

The Council will meet to adopt the 2026 municipal budget, including an ordinance to establish a cap bank. Additionally, the body will consider various bond ordinances for township improvements, water supply systems, and road repairs.

• Adoption of the 2026 Municipal Budget
• $4,248,890 bond ordinance for various township improvements
• $1,730,000 bond ordinance for water supply and distribution system improvements
• $750,000 ordinance for road improvements
• Contract award to DeMaio Electrical Company, Inc. for Fox Hills well filtration ($1,180,000)

The Rockaway Township Council approved the 2026 municipal budget, authorizing $31,186,027.16 for municipal purposes, $459,685.70 for open space and related trusts, and $2,261,055.00 for the library tax. The council also cancelled a $587,000 reserve balance for unused sick and vacation time, returning it to the general fund. Ordinance O-26-08 to exceed budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank was adopted, and the farmers‑market fee schedule was reduced through Ordinance O-26-14.

• Approved March 24 minutes (8-1, Kelley No)
• Cancelled $587,000 reserve balance and returned to general fund (9-0)
• Adopted Ordinance O-26-08 to exceed budget limits and create a cap bank (8-1, Kelley No)
• Approved Resolution R-26-86 to read 2026 operating budget by title (8-1, Kelley No)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-87 to adopt the 2026 municipal budget (8-1, Kelley No)
• Adopted Ordinance O-26-14 reducing farmers‑market license fees (9-0)
• Adopted Ordinance O-26-15 amending Health and Environment sections (9-0)
• Adopted Ordinance O-26-16 amending Parks and Recreational Facilities provisions (9-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on BOA #25-01. The agenda item concerns a minor subdivision with a C and D variance for a new duplex at 46 Pawnee Avenue, Block 21501, Lot 18. The board will consider whether to approve the variance request.

• BOA #25-01 – variance request for a new duplex at 46 Pawnee Ave (Block 21501, Lot 18)

The Board of Adjustment approved a minor subdivision and use variances for a duplex at 46 Pawnee Ave, with conditions including outside agency permits, an as-built survey, approval of township professionals, and no unfinished basement living space. The vote was 4 yes, 1 no, 2 abstentions. The applicant's attorney indicated he may request reconsideration before the resolution is adopted.

• Approved escrow payment for professional services (unanimous)
• Deemed application complete (unanimous)
• Approved BOA #25-01: minor subdivision and c/d variances for duplex (4-1-2, 2 abstentions)
• Imposed conditions: all outside permits, as-built survey, professional approval, no basement living space

Planning Board

The Rockaway Township Planning Board will hold public hearings on two minor site plan applications with 'C' variances: PB#2563 for a generator at 92 Green Pond Road, and PB#2559 for R K & Sons, INC at 822 Green Pond Road. The board will also consider approving previous meeting minutes and escrow resolutions.

• Public hearing for PB#2563: 92 Green Pond Road – minor site plan with 'C' variance for a generator
• Public hearing for PB#2559: R K & Sons, INC at 822 Green Pond Road – minor site plan with 'C' variance
• Approval of minutes from February 9 and February 23, 2026 (special meeting)
• Escrow resolutions

The Rockaway Township Planning Board approved a minor site plan and variance for Cibao Meat Products to install a generator, while also approving a site plan and variance for RK & Sons Inc. to build a garage addition.

• Approved Cibao Meat Products generator variance (12-0)
• Approved Cibao Meat Products minor site plan (12-0)
• Approved RK & Sons Inc. garage addition variance (12-0)
• Approved RK & Sons Inc. minor site plan (12-0)
• Approved Resolution for Payment for Professional Services (uncontested)
• Approved February 9, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 9, 2026 special meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on BOA #25-16, a “D” variance request for the property at 554 Mt. Hope Ave, Block 11301 Lot 39. The meeting also includes routine agenda items such as approval of the March 3, 2026 minutes, resolutions, committee reports, and other matters.

• Public hearing on BOA #25-16 “D” variance for 554 Mt. Hope Ave
• Approval of minutes from March 3, 2026
• Resolutions (Escrow)
• Committee reports
• Other matters

The Board approved a motion to issue a stopple on 554 Mt. Hope Avenue, add a deed notice restricting the addition to family use, require revised plans and set a construction completion date of 12/31/2026. The motion passed with eight votes in favor and one against. The Board also approved the escrow payment for professional services unanimously.

• Approved stopple and deed notice for Brookes property (8-1 vote)
• Required applicant to submit revised plans and obtain approvals
• Set construction completion deadline for the addition to 12/31/2026
• Approved escrow payment for professional services (unanimous)
• Adopted motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will introduce the 2026 municipal budget and consider several resolutions related to the budget, online public disclosure, and self‑examination. It will vote on multiple bond ordinances totaling about $6.5 million for general improvements, water system upgrades, and road projects. A contract award for road work on Reservoir Road and a resolution supporting a Class 5 cannabis retailer are also on the agenda.

• O-26-09 Bond Ordinance appropriating $4,248,890 and authorizing $3,268,595 in bonds for various township improvements
• O-26-10 Bond Ordinance appropriating $1,730,000 and authorizing $1,690,000 in bonds for water supply and distribution system upgrades
• O-26-11 Ordinance re‑appropriating $750,000 for various road improvements
• R-26-71 Resolution awarding a $459,015.52 contract to Riverview Paving, Inc. for Reservoir Road – Section II improvements
• R-26-66 Resolution supporting the location and operation of a Class 5 cannabis retailer by Kind Kush Rockaway Township LLC

The council approved the March 10 meeting minutes (8-1). It introduced Ordinance O-26-08 to exceed budget limits (8-1) and adopted Resolutions R-26-67 and R-26-68, each passing 8-1. The council removed R-26-66 from the consent agenda (8-1) and unanimously approved several bond and salary ordinances.

• Approved March 10 minutes (8 yes, 1 no)
• Introduced Ordinance O-26-08 to exceed budget limits (8 yes, 1 no)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-67 introducing 2026 budget (8 yes, 1 no)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-68 for self‑examination of 2026 budget (8 yes, 1 no)
• Removed R-26-66 from consent agenda (8 yes, 1 no)
• Approved Bond Ordinance O-26-09 for $4,248,890 (9 yes)
• Approved Bond Ordinance O-26-10 for $1,730,000 (9 yes)
• Approved Road Improvement Ordinance O-26-11 reappropriating $750,000 (9 yes)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will hear a presentation from the township auditor, Ray Sarinelli, Jr. of Nisivoccia. The council will then discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The meeting is open to the public and follows standard procedural notices.

• Presentation by Township Auditor Ray Sarinelli, Jr. (Nisivoccia)
• Discussion of the proposed 2026 budget

The council approved a bundle of fixed‑cost budget sections, including insurance, library, pension and debt service items, with an 8‑1 vote. Several salary adjustments were reduced, notably the Health Department's provisional increase to $2,500 and the Municipal Court's to $7,290. Council members voted 8‑1 to keep 2025 council salaries, avoiding a proposed raise. Tabs 1 and 2 of the budget were each approved unanimously.

• Approved bulk non‑negotiable budget sections (Tabs 4,5,6,7,10,14,16,18‑20,22) 8‑1
• Reduced Health Department provisional salary adjustment from $5,000 to $2,500, vote 6‑3
• Reduced Municipal Court provisional salary adjustments from $9,790 to $7,290, vote 8‑1 (Kelley abstained)
• Eliminated proposed 2026 council salary increase, keeping 2025 salaries, vote 8‑1 (1 abstention)
• Approved Tab 1 (all changes) 9‑0
• Approved Tab 2 (Planning and Zoning) 9‑0
• Reduced contracted services from $20,000 to $5,000, vote 5‑4
• Reduced overtime line $3,400 to $2,000, vote 9‑0

Township Council

The Council is considering several ordinances to create and amend multifamily residential districts and affordable housing requirements. The meeting includes the adoption of a Housing Element and Fair Share Plan and a spending plan for affordable housing.

• Ordinances O-26-03 through O-26-06 creating and amending multifamily residential districts
• Ordinance O-26-07 creating Chapter 8 'Affordable Housing Requirements'
• Resolution R-26-57 adopting the Fourth Round Affordable Housing Spending Plan
• Resolution R-26-58 for a Community Development Block Grant for Fox Hills Well Field restoration
• Resolution R-26-61 to execute a federal aid agreement with the NJ Department of Transportation

The council unanimously approved five fair‑share housing ordinances (O‑26‑03 through O‑26‑07) and three related resolutions (R‑26‑56, R‑26‑57, R‑26‑60). A separate resolution supporting ICE cooperation (R‑26‑62) was rejected 7‑2. The consent agenda passed unanimously and a new council reporting procedure was approved 8‑1.

• Approved O‑26‑03 Amending Chapter 54 (Regional Business Multifamily Overlay) – 9‑0
• Approved O‑26‑04 Creating RMF‑14 Multifamily Residential District – 9‑0
• Approved O‑26‑05 Creating RMFO‑15‑B Multifamily Residential Overlay District – 9‑0
• Approved O‑26‑06 Creating RMFO‑15‑C Multifamily Residential Overlay District – 9‑0
• Approved O‑26‑07 Comprehensive update to Chapter 8 and deletion of sections – 9‑0
• Approved R‑26‑56 Resolution endorsing the amended housing element – 9‑0
• Rejected R‑26‑62 Resolution supporting public safety, legal immigration and federal cooperation – 7‑2
• Approved new council reporting procedures – 8‑1

Planning Board

The Rockaway Township Planning Board will discuss four ordinances (O‑26‑03, O‑26‑04, O‑26‑05, O‑26‑06) that amend Chapter 54 of the township’s Land Use and Development Code. Each ordinance creates or modifies a multifamily residential overlay district, including the R‑B MFO Regional Business Multifamily Overlay District and three new RMF/RMFO districts. The board will also review a Burgis Associates memorandum on affordable‑housing ordinance consistency and a clerk’s memorandum referring the ordinances for consistency determination under NJSA 40:55 D‑26 A.

• Ordinance O‑26‑03: amend Section 54‑30.52 to create “R‑B MFO Regional Business Multifamily Overlay District”.
• Ordinance O‑26‑04: create new Section 54‑30.34 “RMF‑14 Multifamily Residential District”.
• Ordinance O‑26‑05: create new Section 54‑30.71 “RMFO‑15B Multifamily Residential Overlay District”.
• Ordinance O‑26‑06: create new Section 54‑30.72 “RMFO‑15C Multifamily Residential Overlay District”.
• Burgis Associates memorandum – Affordable Housing Ordinances Consistency Review, dated February 19, 2026.

The Planning Board reviewed four proposed ordinance amendments to the township’s Land Use and Development Code (Ordinances 26-03 through 26-06). The Board found the changes consistent with the Master Plan, had no recommendations, and unanimously approved sending them to the Mayor and Council for consideration. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved forwarding of Ordinance 26-03 amendment to R‑B MFO Regional Business Multifamily Overlay District (approved by all)
• Approved forwarding of Ordinance 26-04 creating RMF‑14 Multifamily Residential District (approved by all)
• Approved forwarding of Ordinance 26-05 creating RMFO‑15B Multifamily Residential Overlay District (approved by all)
• Approved forwarding of Ordinance 26‑06 creating RMFO‑15C Multifamily Residential Overlay District (approved by all)
• Motion to adjourn approved by all

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will meet to approve minutes from February 17, 2026, and consider a variance request for a property at 750 Green Pond Road.

• Approval of February 17, 2026 minutes
• Variance request for impervious coverage and setback at 750 Green Pond Road
• Attendance includes Chairperson Jason Smolinski and Co-Chairperson James Loftus

Township Council

The Township Council is meeting to vote on ordinances regarding PFAS remediation and wedding ceremony codes. The body will also introduce a new ordinance regarding affordable housing requirements and a resolution opposing an ICE facility in Roxbury.

• O-26-01: Appropriation of $864,737.74 from reserves for PFAS remediation
• O-26-07: Proposed new Chapter 8 'Affordable Housing Requirements' and deletion of several existing housing sections
• R-26-51: Resolution opposing an ICE processing/detention facility in Roxbury
• O-26-02: Amendment to Section 2-48.4 regarding wedding and civil union ceremonies
• Tax title lien redemptions for 1113 Bush Circle, 353 Richard Mine Road, and 6 Margots Way

Planning Board

The Rockaway Township Planning Board will review four proposed ordinances that amend the township's land use code. The items include amending an existing business district and creating three new residential districts.

• Review of Ordinance O-26-03: Amends R-B MFO district
• Review of Ordinance O-26-04: Creates RMF-14 residential district
• Review of Ordinance O-26-05: Creates RMFO-15B residential overlay district
• Review of Ordinance O-26-06: Creates RMFO-15C residential overlay district
• Affordable Housing consistency review memorandum from Burgis Associates

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will consider several variance applications and a final site‑plan approval during its February 17 meeting. Items on the agenda include “C” variances for Brock, Argintar and Leifken, a “D” variance for Lakeland Bus Lines, and an amended “C” and “D” variance for the Dickerson project on Carrell Street. The board will discuss these requests in the regular order of business and a public hearing. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• BOA #25-19 – “C” variance for Brock, 2 Grove Lane, Block 40203 Lot 1
• BOA #25-17 – “C” variance for Argintar, 20 Mountain Avenue, Block 21910 Lot 17 (impervious coverage & steep slope new driveway)
• BOA #25-12 – “D” variance for Lakeland Bus Lines, 425 E Blackwell Street, Block 10202 Lot 38‑43
• BOA #26-01 – “C” variance for Leifken, 750 Green Pond Road/3 Upper Hibernia, Block 40802 Lot 1 (impervious coverage & front yard setback)
• BOA #24-04A – Final Site Plan Approval – amended “C” & “D” variances for Dickerson, Carrell Street, Block 10201 Lot 37 & 50

The Board approved an escrow payment for professional services unanimously. It memorialized three separate variances (BOA #25-19, #25-17, #25-12) with the votes recorded. The Board approved the Leifken application for a two‑story addition and front portico, attaching several conditions. The Dickerson site‑plan amendment was carried forward to the April 21, 2026 meeting.

• Approved escrow payment for professional services (unanimous)
• Memorialized BOA #25-19 "C" variance (approved by Scherwa, Wekilsky, Onorevole, Horowitz)
• Memorialized BOA #25-17 "C" variance (approved by Scherwa, Wekilsky, Onorevole, Horowitz)
• Memorialized BOA #25-12 "D" variance (approved by Smolinski, Scherwa, Wekilsky, Onorevole, Horowitz)
• Deemed Leifken application complete (unanimous)
• Approved Leifken variance with conditions (approved by Wekilsky, Lucas, Platts, Nicastro, Scherwa, Smolinski, Onorevole, Horowitz)
• Carried forward Dickerson site‑plan amendment to April 21, 2026 (no further notice)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will consider several ordinances, including a PFAS remediation ordinance that appropriates $864,737.74. The meeting also includes a mayoral appointment, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a consent agenda with resolutions on a tax‑lien redemption, a strategic grant plan, a soil‑disturbance permit, naming a water utility building, and contracting for professional and banking services. Additional ordinances amend the wedding and civil‑union code and create new multifamily residential districts.

• Ordinance O-26-01: PFAS remediation funding appropriation of $864,737.74
• Ordinance O-26-02: Amendment to Chapter 2, Article IX, Section 2-48.4 on wedding and civil union ceremonies
• Ordinance O-26-04: Creation of new Section 54-30.34 "RMF-14 Multifamily Residential District"
• Resolution R-26-40: Redemption of tax‑title lien on 313 Fischer Ct.
• Resolution R-26-42: Soil disturbance permit for 48 Upper Hibernia Road

The council approved a $864,737.74 appropriation for PFAS groundwater remediation using reserve funds. It appointed Hatfield Schwartz Law Group as labor counsel with a not‑to‑exceed budget of $150,000. Several land‑use ordinances were adopted, creating new multifamily residential districts and updating wedding and civil‑union ceremony regulations. Additional resolutions authorized competitive banking services and other administrative actions.

• Approved PFAS remediation ordinance appropriating $864,737.74 (9 AYES)
• Appointed Hatfield Schwartz Law Group as labor counsel (8 Yes, 1 No: Kelley)
• Amended chapter 2 to update wedding and civil‑union ceremony rules (9 AYES)
• Amended chapter 54 to modify the R‑B MFO Regional Business Multifamily Overlay District (9 AYES)
• Created RMF-14 Multifamily Residential District (9 AYES)
• Created RMFO-15B Multifamily Residential Overlay District (9 AYES)
• Created RMFO-15C Multifamily Residential Overlay District (9 AYES)
• Authorized competitive contracting for primary banking services (8 Yes, 1 Abstain: Kelley)

Planning Board

The Rockaway Township Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on the township’s amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of the January 12, 2026 minutes, a resolution concerning escrow, and standard committee reports.

• Public hearing on the amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan
• Resolution regarding escrow
• Approval of the January 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Formal action may be taken at all meetings
• Notice of meeting published in The Citizen and The Daily Record on November 26, 2025

The board approved a resolution to pay professional services for the meeting. It then approved the amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, satisfying the township's affordable‑housing obligations. Both approvals were passed by the members present, with no opposition recorded.

• Approved minutes from Jan 12, 2026 Re‑Organization Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Jan 12, 2026 Regular Meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution for Payment for Professional Services (uncontested)
• Approved amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (approved by Ms. Meyers, Mr. Simkins, Ms. Schievella, Mr. Lutz, Mr. Quinn, Mr. Elko, Mayor Jackson and Mr. Cafone; absent Chief Scherr, Mr. Barilla, Ms. Noon)
• Adjourned meeting (approved by all)

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment will meet to conduct regular business and a public hearing. The board will consider a "D" Variance application for a property located at 554 Mt. Hope Ave.

• Public hearing for BOA # 25-16 (Brookes) at 554 Mt. Hope Ave, Block 11301 Lot 39 regarding a "D" Variance

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment met on Feb 3, 2026 to consider a (d)(1) use variance for 554 Mt. Hope Ave, Block 11301, Lot 39. Members clarified that seven board members were present and that five affirmative votes are required for a variance. No vote or final decision was recorded in the minutes.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings to consider variance requests for three properties. The board will also vote on a resolution regarding a pool installation at 59 Sunnyhill Road.

• BOA #25-18: Resolution for impervious coverage variance for an inground pool at 59 Sunnyhill Road
• BOA #25-19: Public hearing for "C" Variance at 2 Grove Lane
• BOA #25-17: Public hearing for impervious coverage and steep slope variance for a new driveway at 20 Mountain Avenue
• BOA #25-12: Public hearing for "D" Variance for Lakeland Bus Lines at 425 E Blackwell Street

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment approved three “C” variances: Richard’s inground‑pool variance, Kenneth & Elaine Brock’s residential addition variance, and Robert Argintar’s driveway variance, each with specific conditions. The Board also deemed the Lakeland Bus Lines application complete, adopted the amended year‑end report, and approved an escrow payment for professional services. All minutes from the January 13 meetings were approved unanimously.

• Approved Richard’s “C” variance for inground pool (approved by six members, one abstention)
• Approved Brock residential “C” variance for two‑story addition with conditions
• Approved Argintar “C” variance for driveway expansion and retaining wall with conditions
• Deemed Lakeland Bus Lines application complete (motion approved, no opposition)
• Adopted amended year‑end report (approved by seven members)
• Approved escrow payment for professional services (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Jan 13 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Jan 13 re‑organization meeting (unanimous)

Township Council

The Rockaway Township Council will approve minutes from three prior meetings, review a resolution on council appointments, and consider several consent agenda items. Items include a purchase authorization using state, county and regional cooperative contracts, a refund of a 2025 water overpayment for 24 Apache Trail, and approval of professional services that exceed the bid threshold. The council will also consider an application for a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recreational improvement grant before adjourning.

• Approve December 9, 2025 closed‑session meeting minutes
• Approve December 30, 2025 special meeting minutes
• Approve January 6, 2026 reorganization meeting minutes
• Authorize purchase of goods and services through cooperative contracts for 2026 (R‑26‑36)
• Refund 2025 water overpayment for Block 20604 Lot 29 (24 Apache Trail) (R‑26‑37)

The Rockaway Township Council approved four resolutions (R-26-36, R-26-37, R-26-38, R-26-39) with unanimous support. A separate motion to pull R-26-38 for individual voting also passed unanimously. The council reassigned the Community Development and Revenue Sharing Committee chair, replacing Vice President Sackett with Councilmember Wojtowicz, by a 9‑yes vote. Additional appointments to local boards were entered into the record.

• Approved R-26-36 resolution authorizing purchase of goods/services (9 Yes)
• Approved R-26-37 resolution refunding 2025 water overpayment (9 Yes)
• Approved R-26-38 resolution for professional services exceeding bid threshold (9 Yes)
• Approved R-26-39 resolution to apply for a recreational improvement grant (9 Yes)
• Motion to pull R-26-38 for separate voting passed unanimously (9 Yes)
• Approved R-26-03 committee reassignment, replacing Sackett with Wojtowicz (9 Yes)
• Ethics reminder motion regarding Councilman Kelly passed (8 Yes, 1 Abstention)
• Recorded one‑year appointments to education, historic, library, and other boards

Board of Adjustment

The Rockaway Board of Adjustment will conduct its annual reorganization meeting. Members will be nominated and elected to the positions of Chairperson, Vice‑Chairperson, and Secretary/Second Vice‑Chairperson. The board will adopt new by‑laws, a Year End Report, and set a fee for advance meeting notification. Appointments for a board attorney, planning consultant, and engineering/traffic consultants will also be made.

• Nomination and election of Chairperson, Vice‑Chairperson, and Secretary/Second Vice‑Chairperson
• Adoption of by‑laws
• Adoption of Year End Report
• Establishment of fee for advance meeting notification
• Appointment of board attorney and planning consultant

The Rockaway Township Board of Adjustment elected its officers, adopted its by‑laws, and approved several administrative actions. The Year End Report was amended to recommend allowing separate entrances for mother‑daughter homes, passing 7‑1. The board also set the 2026 meeting schedule, appointed a board attorney, planning and engineering consultants, designated official newspapers, and established a fee for advance meeting notice.

• Jason Smolinski elected Chairperson (unanimous)
• James Loftus elected Vice‑Chairman (unanimous)
• Tim Scherwa elected Secretary/Second Vice‑Chairman (unanimous)
• By‑laws adopted (unanimous)
• Year End Report amended to recommend separate entrances for mother‑daughter homes (approved 7‑1)
• 2026 meeting schedule set (unanimous)
• Joseph Bell appointed Board attorney (unanimous)
• The Daily Record and The Citizen of Morris County designated as official newspapers (unanimous)