Verona, NJ

Boards and Committees

Boards and Committees

The Verona Planning Board will vote on Resolution 2026-22, a site plan waiver for 573 Bloomfield Avenue. The board will also approve minutes from the June 25, 2026 meeting. An application for 22 Lakeside Avenue is being carried to the September 24, 2026 meeting without new notice.

• Resolution 2026-22: Site plan waiver for 573 Bloomfield Avenue, Block 1806, Lot 17
• Application 2026-04: 22 Lakeside Avenue, Block 1806, Lot 13 (Our Lady of the Lake) carried to Sept 24, 2026
• Approval of minutes from the June 25, 2026 regular meeting

Boards and Committees

The Multicultural Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Committee is holding its regular meeting via Zoom. Members will approve June minutes, hear updates from the library, schools, recreation, and township staff, and discuss planning Q3/Q4 cultural events (Hispanic Heritage, Diwali, Hanukkah) plus filling an open committee spot and recruiting volunteers. Public comment is scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from June 24, 2026 regular meeting
• Updates from Library Director, School Superintendent, Recreation Department, and township
• Discussion of Q3/Q4 events: Hispanic Heritage, Diwali, Hanukkah
• Open committee spot and volunteer recruitment

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will hold its regular meeting on August 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes introduction of a financial agreement ordinance for 383 Bloomfield Avenue, a short-term tax abatement ordinance, and several resolutions including contract awards for sound system and HVAC upgrades, redevelopment agreements for properties on Bloomfield Avenue, and acceptance of grants. The meeting also includes public comment periods and an executive session.

• Ordinance No. 2026-29: Financial Agreement – 383 Bloomfield Avenue
• Resolution No. 2026-184: Award contract to BIS for sound system upgrades at Community Center
• Resolution No. 2026-185: Award contract for HVAC upgrades
• Resolution No. 2026-186: Authorize redevelopment agreement with 420 Bloomfield Avenue
• Resolution No. 2026-196: Award contract to VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists for new ambulance

The Verona Township Council approved a $135,000 contract with H2M Architects & Engineers for design review and construction documents for the Emergency Services Building. The council also adopted an ordinance setting the salary for the Supervising Sewage Plant Operator, approved a $33,000 watershed improvement plan contract with Boswell Engineering, and accepted two opioid settlement grants totaling $6,541.74. A settlement agreement with La Bella Princess Cafe was authorized, allowing the business to open pending a variance review.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-28 fixing salary for Supervising Sewage Plant Operator (5-0)
• Approved $33,000 contract with Boswell Engineering for watershed improvement plan Phase II (5-0)
• Accepted $3,088.88 National Opioid Settlement grant (5-0)
• Accepted $3,452.86 National Opioid Settlement grant (5-0)
• Approved $39,000 contract with Yorktel for Clerk's software modules (5-0)
• Awarded $135,000 contract to H2M Architects & Engineers for Emergency Services Building design (5-0)
• Authorized settlement agreement with La Bella Princess Cafe to open pending variance review (5-0)
• Approved minutes from July 20 and July 28 meetings (4-0 with abstentions)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, memorialize four previously granted resolutions, and hear three new variance applications. The new business includes a fence height variance on a corner lot, a wellness center use variance, and two home addition variance requests. The meeting is in-person only.

• Memorialize Resolution 2026-16: mixed-use 3-unit residential building at 257 Pompton Avenue
• Memorialize Resolution 2026-17: HVAC unit at 17 Douglas Place
• Memorialize Resolution 2026-18: uphold zoning officer's rescission of permit for event space at 555 Bloomfield Avenue (Bella Princess, LLC)
• New business: 6-foot fence variance at 1 Glen Road (corner lot)
• New business: wellness space variance at 3 Claridge Road (Flor Da Vida Women's Wellness)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a special meeting to review Application #2026-20. The agenda focuses on variances required for a medical spa expansion and two new tenants offering massage and wellness services in a C-2 zone building. These uses are currently non-conforming because they are not permitted principal or conditional uses in that district.

• Application #2026-20 for 96 Pompton Avenue, Block 807, Lot 13, C-2 Zone
• True Bliss Medical, LLC (Med-Spa) seeks to expand into two additional treatment rooms
• Grateful Massage NJ, LLC seeks to assume a lease for a massage parlor use
• The Plunge Room, LLC & Revive Wellness Suite, LLC seek permission for contrast therapy and sauna services
• All proposed uses are classified as non-conforming in the C-2 Zone

Township Council

The Verona Township Council is holding its regular meeting on August 3, 2026, with a public hearing on Ordinance No. 2026-28, which sets the salary for the Supervisor Sewage Plant Operator. The council will also consider several resolutions, including a professional services contract for a watershed improvement plan, acceptance of opioid settlement grants, and contracts for emergency services design review and other services. The agenda includes consent agenda items, public comment periods, and an executive session.

• Ordinance No. 2026-28: Salary Ordinance for Supervisor Sewage Plant Operator
• Resolution No. 2026-175: Professional Service Contract with Boswell Engineering for Watershed Improvement Plan – Phase II
• Resolution No. 2026-176/178: Accept National Opioid Settlement Grants ($3,088.88 and $3,452.86)
• Resolution No. 2026-182: Award Contract No. 2026-06 for Emergency Services Building Design Review, Construction and Bid Documents
• Resolution No. 2026-183: Authorizing an Agreement with La Bella Princess Cafe

The Verona Township Council held a special meeting via Zoom to receive presentations from three architectural firms for Project No. 2026-06, the Emergency Services Building Design, Review & Construction. No decisions were made; the meeting was informational only. The council adjourned at 10:33 p.m. with a unanimous vote.

• Heard presentations from BKV Group, H2M Architects, and Tecton Architects for the emergency services building project
• Adjourned at 10:33 p.m. (4-0)

Township Council

The Verona Township Council is holding a special meeting to hear presentations from three architectural firms for the design and construction of a new Emergency Services Building (Project No. 2026-06). The meeting will include public comment and an executive session. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Paul Michell, AIA, BKV Group
• Presentation by Dennis Ross, AIA, H2M Architects
• Presentation by Matthew Salad, AIA, Tecton Architects
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per speaker

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will hold a regular meeting on July 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes a public hearing on an ordinance to add Municipal Lot #3 to the metered/permit parking rules, introduction of a salary ordinance for the Supervisor Sewage Plant Operator, and a consent agenda with resolutions on the 2025 audit, the 2026 Community Energy Plan, and several construction contracts. The council will also consider appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Historical Preservation Commission, and Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee.

• Ordinance 2026-27: Amends Chapter 140 to include Municipal Lot #3 in metered/permit parking
• Ordinance 2026-28: Salary ordinance for Supervisor Sewage Plant Operator
• Resolution 2026-169: Adopting the 2026 Community Energy Plan
• Resolution 2026-170: Award ADA improvements to VCC Annex Building
• Resolution 2026-172: Award contract to GEMA Construction Inc.

The Verona Township Council approved a $110,000 professional services contract with Boswell Engineering for construction management and inspection of the Derwent Avenue sewer repairs, and authorized participation in the Essex County Urban County Community Development Program for federal fiscal years 2027-2029. The council also tabled a zoning ordinance amendment (2026-10) pending further information, introduced a parking ordinance (2026-27) for Municipal Lot #3, and approved several other resolutions including a $76,590 road resurfacing contract and a $19,297.29 recycling grant.

• Approved $110,000 contract with Boswell Engineering for Derwent Avenue sewer repair oversight (4-0)
• Authorized participation in Essex County Urban County CDBG/HOME/ESG program for FY2027-2029 (4-0)
• Tabled zoning ordinance amendment 2026-10 for further information (4-0)
• Introduced parking ordinance 2026-27 to include Municipal Lot #3 in metered/permit parking (4-0)
• Approved $76,590 contract with Schifano Construction for resurfacing Municipal Lot #2 and Civic Center horseshoe (4-0)
• Accepted $19,297.29 2023 Recycling Tonnage Grant and authorized budget insertion (4-0)
• Approved removal of dead 45-inch Red Oak tree at 79 Fairview Avenue (4-0)
• Approved grant application for Morningside Road improvements to NJDOT (3-0, Schor recused)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Municipal Alliance Committee (VMAC) will hold a regular meeting via Zoom on July 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes approval of April 15, 2026 minutes, a Fiscal Year 2026 financial and program review, a preview of the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2027, and appointment of officers. Public comment is limited to four minutes per speaker, and due to Daniel's Law, participants should provide only their name and township.

• Fiscal Year 2026 financial and program review
• Fiscal Year 2027 1st quarter preview
• Appointment of officers
• Approval of minutes from April 15, 2026
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per speaker

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is holding its regular July meeting to discuss budget updates, new tree plantings, and a response to the Bloomfield Avenue streetscape presentation. The commission will also review the approved Community Forestry Management Plan and address tree maintenance requests, including 63 new tree requests on Linden. The meeting is open to the public with a comment period.

• Budget updates for shade tree and capital budget 2025
• Strans presentation on Bloomfield Ave. streetscape response
• Community Forestry Management Plan approved
• 63 requests for new trees on Linden; mark outs next step
• Contractor on notice to replace trees on Balston/Windemere/Whitney

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on July 9, 2026, to consider several applications. These include a resolution to memorialize a prior approval for HVAC units, a continuation of a Pompton Avenue case, and three new variance requests for HVAC installation, a second-floor addition, and an appeal of a zoning permit rescission. The meeting is in-person only.

• Resolution 2026-15: Approve two new HVAC units at 94 Elmwood Road (Block 906, Lot 30)
• Application #2026-10: Continuation for 257 Pompton Avenue (Block 104, Lot 1)
• Application #2026-15: New HVAC unit at 17 Douglas Place (Block 201, Lot 46) – variance for lot coverage (existing 62.4%, proposed 62.6%)
• Application #2026-12: Bella Princess, LLC appeals zoning permit rescission at 555 Bloomfield Avenue (Block 1806, Lot 19)
• Application #2026-16: Second-floor addition at 111 Hillside Avenue (Block 2006, Lot 14) – variances for side yard setbacks

Township Council

The Verona Township Council is holding a regular meeting on July 6, 2026, with a consent agenda that includes a contract for sewer repairs, a cooperation agreement with Essex County, and several other resolutions. The council will also hold a public hearing on a zoning ordinance amendment and introduce an ordinance to add Municipal Lot #3 to metered/permit parking. Presentations on the Community Energy Plan and an Age-Friendly initiative are scheduled, along with a swearing-in ceremony for a new council member.

• Resolution 2026-156: Authorize contract with Boswell Engineering for Derwent Sewer Repairs
• Ordinance 2026-10: Amending zoning code (Article XVI, Sections 16.1-16.8) - public hearing
• Ordinance 2026-27: Adding Municipal Lot #3 to metered/permit parking (introduction)
• Resolution 2026-165: Grant application to NJDOT for Morningside Road improvements
• Resolution 2026-166: Amending 2026 Pool Rules – hours of operation

The Verona Township Council adopted six ordinances, including the redevelopment plan for 251½ Grove Avenue, a $100,000 pool improvement bond, and several capital ordinances. It also introduced two bond ordinances for capital improvements, with one item pulled from the agenda. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Adopted redevelopment plan for 251½ Grove Avenue (5-0)
• Adopted $100,000 pool improvement bond ordinance (5-0)
• Adopted $67,500 capital improvement ordinance (5-0)
• Adopted $113,000 water/sewer utility capital ordinance (5-0)
• Adopted pool membership fee amendment (5-0)
• Adopted non-resident pool membership increase (5-0)
• Introduced $4,563,000 capital bond ordinance, minus $390,000 for rescue squad ambulance (5-0)
• Introduced $2,725,000 water/sewer utility bond ordinance (5-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Planning Board is holding its regular meeting to approve minutes, discuss a resolution regarding 251 ½ Grove Avenue, and consider a consistency determination for Ordinance 2026-10, which amends zoning code sections. Public participation is scheduled, and the meeting is in person only.

• Memorialization of Resolution 2026-021 for 251 ½ Grove Avenue
• Consistency determination for Ordinance 2026-10 amending Chapter 150 Sections 16.5 & 16.6 C, E
• Approval of minutes from April 23, 2026 regular meeting

Boards and Committees

The Multicultural Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Committee will hold a regular meeting via Zoom to approve minutes from May 27, 2026, and accept public comment. The agenda includes standing updates from the Library, Schools, Recreation, and Township departments, with specific focus on Age-Friendly and Healthy Communities initiatives. New business involves reviewing past events for Older Americans Month and Pride, and planning upcoming events for Hispanic Heritage, Diwali, and Hanukkah.

• Approval of minutes from the May 27, 2026 regular meeting
• Updates on Age-Friendly Communities and Integrated Healthy Communities initiatives
• Review of Q2 events: Older Americans Month, Pride (June 7), and Disability Pride (July)
• Planning for Q3/Q4 events: Hispanic Heritage (VPL partnership), Diwali, and Hanukkah

Township Council

The Verona Township Council is holding a regular meeting with public hearings on two ordinances: one banning the burning of dangerous materials, garbage, and vegetation, and another authorizing a $390,000 bond for an ambulance and equipment. The consent agenda includes contracts with several vendors, acceptance of grants (opioid settlement, Sustainable Jersey, Comcast technology), and liquor license renewals. The council will also discuss an ordinance for municipal parking lots and interview and swear in a new councilmember to fill a vacancy.

• Ordinance No. 2026-25: Creating Ch 168 of Township Code banning burning dangerous material, garbage, and vegetation
• Ordinance No. 2026-26: Bond for ambulance and equipment ($390k)
• Resolution No. 2026-142: Contract with East Coast Emergency Lighting
• Resolution No. 2026-146/147: Accept National Opioid Settlement Grant
• Resolution No. 2026-152/153: 2026-2027 liquor license renewals

The Verona Township Council adopted three ordinances and approved numerous contracts and resolutions. Key actions included a $4.17 million bond ordinance for various capital improvements, a $2.7 million water/sewer utility bond, and a $1.3 million contract for Derwent sanitary sewer repairs. The council also approved a $749,839 contract for the design and replacement of the Franklin Street pedestrian bridge and an emergency contract for wastewater treatment plant repairs. Councilwoman Holland resigned, and the council set a June 22 date to interview candidates for her temporary replacement.

• Adopted $4.17M capital improvements bond ordinance (5-0)
• Adopted $2.7M water/sewer utility bond ordinance (5-0)
• Awarded $1.3M Derwent sanitary sewer repair contract to National Water Main Cleaning (5-0)
• Awarded $749,839 Franklin Street pedestrian bridge design contract to Boswell Engineering (5-0)
• Approved $221,400 emergency wastewater treatment plant repair contract to Spectraserve (5-0)
• Approved $130,849 rock salt purchase from Morton Salt via county co-op (5-0)
• Authorized estimated 2026 tax bills at $78.8M levy, $2.052 rate (5-0)
• Approved $77,350 change order for Linden Avenue improvements, final $813,522 (5-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend on the Centennial Field project, including a presentation on a grass option. The agenda also includes a review of spring programs, summer program updates, and a community pool update with revenue reports.

• Centennial Field Part II: presentation by Sustainable Verona and Environmental Commission on 'Grass Option'
• Community Pool FY 2026 update: membership/revenue report, concert series June 17th (The Nerds), furniture update
• Spring program review and summer program update
• Approval of April and May 2026 minutes

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on June 11, 2026, to consider several applications, including a continuation for an eight-unit apartment building at 257 Pompton Avenue and a new application for condensers at 94 Elmwood Road. The board will also memorialize previously approved resolutions and consider an extension of time for a Wells Fargo ATM facility. The meeting is in-person only.

• 257 Pompton Avenue: renovate 1½-story building into two-story with eight one-bedroom apartments, two affordable, parking, tree removal, signage, HVAC, fence; remove garage and driveways
• 94 Elmwood Road: install two new condensers; requires variances for lot coverage (43.1% vs 40% max) and mechanical equipment setback (17 ft vs 5 ft)
• 553-555 Bloomfield Avenue: extension of time request for Wells Fargo ATM facility (259 sq ft)
• 115 Linden Avenue: memorialize approval for rear two-story addition with full basement, attic, portico, rear landing/steps, two HVAC units
• 725 Bloomfield Avenue: memorialize approval for drive-in teller service, ATM, 25-ft flagpole, freestanding monument sign, temporary window signs

The Verona Board of Adjustment approved four resolutions, including memorializing approvals for a rear addition at 115 Linden Road, a fence at 1 Clover Road, a drive-up teller/ATM and flagpole at 725 Bloomfield Avenue, and an extension of time for a Wells Fargo ATM at 553-555 Bloomfield Avenue. The Board also approved a variance for two AC condensers at 94 Elmwood Road. The application for an eight-unit apartment building at 257 Pompton Avenue was carried to the July 9, 2026 meeting for modified plans.

• Approved memorialization of Resolution 2026-11 for rear addition at 115 Linden Road (motion passed)
• Approved memorialization of Resolution 2026-12 for 3-foot fence at 1 Clover Road (motion passed)
• Approved memorialization of Resolution 2026-13 for drive-up teller, ATM, flagpole, and sign at 725 Bloomfield Avenue (motion passed)
• Approved Resolution 2026-14 extending time for Wells Fargo ATM at 553-555 Bloomfield Avenue (motion passed)
• Approved variance for two AC condensers at 94 Elmwood Road (motion passed)
• Carried application 2026-10 for 257 Pompton Avenue to July 9, 2026 meeting (motion passed)

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will hold a regular meeting with public hearings on three ordinances, including two bond ordinances totaling about $6.9 million for capital improvements and water/sewer utility projects. The council will also introduce two new ordinances, including one banning burning of dangerous materials, and vote on a consent agenda with 20 resolutions covering contracts, tax cancellations, and other administrative items.

• Ordinance 2026-23: Bond for various capital improvements ($4,173,000)
• Ordinance 2026-24: Bond for water sewer utility ($2,725,000)
• Ordinance 2026-25: Prohibiting burning of dangerous material, garbage, and vegetation
• Resolution 2026-125: Cancel taxes for Verona Flats
• Resolution 2026-128: Award contract to Boswell Engineering for Franklin St Bridge and watermain

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is holding its regular meeting to discuss updates on the Community Forestry Management Plan, budget, tree planting plans, and inventory. They will also address new street tree recommendations, a schools project, and health/warranty checks of recently planted trees. Public comment is invited.

• Community Forestry Management Plan updates
• Budget updates (shade tree.pdf, capital budget 2025.pdf)
• Newest Street Tree Recommendations for Verona
• 70 requests for new trees on Linden
• Health/warranty check of trees planted in last 4-5 years

The Verona Shade Tree Commission met and discussed the $3 million Strans streetscape project, raising concerns about tree species, planting locations, and the holiday tree. They approved minutes from March and May meetings. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; most business was discussion and planning.

• Approved minutes of March 9, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed $3M Strans streetscape project, recommending removal of Callery Pears and opposing maple plantings
• Noted 9 dead trees on Balston/Whitney/Windemere, will request replacements under warranty
• Identified pruning needs on Derwent and Lynwood, but STC will not do pruning
• Reported 47 trees removed on Linden Avenue, with ~40 replacement requests to be accommodated

Boards and Committees

Sustainable Verona is meeting to discuss updates on community energy planning, a community solar event, and a Sustainable Jersey grant for residential composting. The agenda also includes reports from member committees and updates on local initiatives like the Verona Sidewalk Sale and Centennial Field.

• Community Solar event on 6/9
• SJ Grant – Residential Compost due 6/15
• Verona Sidewalk Sale on 6/6 & 6/7
• Community Energy Plan update
• VHS Scholarships awarded

The Sustainable Verona committee approved May meeting minutes and reported on various initiatives. Scholarships were awarded to VHS students, a Sustainable Jersey grant for residential composting was received, and plans were discussed for community solar events and a Street Scape tree survey. No formal votes were taken on policy items.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Awarded VHS scholarships
• Received Sustainable Jersey grant for residential compost program
• Scheduled community solar events for June 9 with Solar Simplify
• Planned public input form for Street Scape tree species

Boards and Committees

The Multicultural Inclusion & Accessibility Advisory Committee is holding a regular meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and receiving updates from the library, schools, recreation, and township. New business covers appointing a new secretary and planning upcoming cultural events.

• Approval of minutes from March 25 and April 22, 2026 meetings
• Updates from Library Director, School Superintendent, Recreation Department, and township
• Discussion of need for a new MIAAC secretary
• Planning for Q2 events: Older Americans Month, Pride (6/7), Disability Pride (July)
• Planning for Q3/Q4 events: Hispanic Heritage (VPL partnership), Diwali, Hanukkah

Boards and Committees

The Verona Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee is meeting to hear two turf vendor presentations for Centennial Field, discuss budget timelines and program affordability, and receive updates on summer programs and the community pool. The agenda includes several discussion items and reports, with no formal votes listed.

• Centennial Field turf presentations by Pivot Turf and Field Turf
• Program Affordability Initiative recommendation update
• FY2027 Recreation Budget timeline
• Summer Playground Camp 2026 sub-committee creation
• Community Pool updates: membership revenue, concert series, food service agreement

Township Council

The Verona Township Council will hold a regular meeting on May 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. The agenda includes public hearings on six ordinances, including a redevelopment plan for 251 ½ Grove Avenue, a $100,000 bond for pool facility improvements, and amendments to pool membership fees. The council will also introduce two bond ordinances totaling over $7 million for capital improvements and water sewer utility projects, and consider several resolutions, including contracts and grants. Public comment is scheduled at multiple points during the meeting.

• Ordinance 2026-17: Adopt redevelopment plan for 251 ½ Grove Avenue
• Ordinance 2026-18: Bond for pool facility improvements ($100,000)
• Ordinance 2026-19: Capital improvements ($67,500)
• Ordinance 2026-20: Water sewer improvement fund ($113,000)
• Ordinance 2026-23: Bond for various capital improvements ($4,563,400)

The Verona Township Council held a special meeting solely to enter executive session for contract negotiations and pending litigation. No substantive public decisions were made; the council approved a resolution to exclude the public and then adjourned.

• Approved resolution to enter executive session for contract negotiations and litigation (4-0, Roman absent)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:56 p.m. (5-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting on May 14, 2026, to consider several applications. They will vote on memorializing three previously approved resolutions for residential additions, and hear new applications for a bank drive-in and ATM, a mixed-use apartment building, and a fence variance. The meeting is in-person only.

• Application #2026-09: 725 Bloomfield Avenue – drive-in teller and ATM, 25-ft flagpole, monument sign, temporary signs (variances required)
• Application #2026-10: 257 Pompton Avenue – renovate to 8 one-bedroom apartments (2 affordable), parking, tree removal (15 trees, $9,200 mitigation fee)
• Application #2026-04: 1 Clover Lane – fence variance for corner lot sight triangle
• Memorialize Resolution 2026-08: 18 Martin Road – second story, HVAC, patio
• Memorialize Resolution 2026-09: 5 Meadow Lane – 359 sq ft addition, portico, HVAC

The Verona Board of Adjustment approved a use variance and three C(2) variances for Liberty Bank at 725 Bloomfield Avenue, allowing a drive-thru ATM, a 4-foot monument sign, 50% temporary window signage on two windows, and a single flag on a 25-foot pole, with conditions including a 'No Left Turn' sign and specified hours. The board also memorialized three prior resolutions approving residential additions at 18 Martin Road, 5 Meadow Lane, and 29 Lynwood Road. A new application for eight apartments at 257 Pompton Avenue was carried to the June 11, 2026 meeting without a decision.

• Approved D(1) use variance and three C(2) variances for drive-thru ATM at 725 Bloomfield Ave (8-0)
• Approved memorialization of Resolution 2026-08 for second-story addition at 18 Martin Road
• Approved memorialization of Resolution 2026-09 for addition at 5 Meadow Lane
• Approved memorialization of Resolution 2026-10 for addition at 29 Lynwood Road
• Approved 3-foot fence at 1 Clover Lane with condition to plant shrubbery (7-0)
• Carried application for 8 apartments at 257 Pompton Ave to June 11, 2026 meeting

Boards and Committees

The Neighborhood Traffic & Safety Committee is holding a regular meeting to discuss several traffic and safety topics, including an overnight parking policy overview, a pedestrian crossing at Bloomfield and Brookdale, a Complete and Green policy update, and the Verona Roll & Stroll Wednesday night rides and routes. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom, with a public comment period.

• Overnight parking policy overview
• Bloomfield & Brookdale pedestrian crossing
• Complete and Green policy update
• Verona Roll & Stroll Wednesday night rides and routes
• Approval of minutes from March 10, 2026 meeting

Boards and Committees

The Verona Shade Tree Commission is holding its regular meeting to discuss budget updates, new and unfinished business, and public comment. Key topics include Arbor Day activities, the Community Forestry Management Plan, a grant proposal update, and a planting plan that requires identifying streets for future tree planting.

• Arbor Day activities report
• Community Forestry Management Plan
• NCS grant proposal update
• Planting plan to identify streets for future tree planting
• Compile updated Street Tree Recommendations list

The Verona Shade Tree Commission approved the April 13, 2026 minutes and discussed several tree-related matters. The commission recommended specific tree species for street planting under utility wires and in open spaces, and noted that an NCS grant request was denied. Councilwoman McGrath reported that the town hired an outside contractor and a Field Manager for Everett Field, with costs included in the Everett budget.

• Approved minutes of April 13, 2026 (5-0, Tamasik abstained)
• Recommended Hornbeam, Carolina Silverbell, Ivory Silk Lilac, Maackia, and Redbuds for planting under utility wires
• Recommended Fringetree, Serviceberry, Crabapple, Tulip Tree, and Chokecherry for open spaces, not street trees
• Agreed columnar trees are appropriate for Bloomfield Avenue
• Noted NCS grant request denied; will reapply with engineering plan

Boards and Committees

The Sustainable Verona committee is meeting to discuss several environmental initiatives, including community solar outreach, an energy efficiency program, a residential compost grant, and plans for Centennial Field. The meeting will also include reports from member committees and public participation.

• Community Solar – community outreach for June
• Energy Efficiency Program updates
• SJ Grant – Residential Compost
• Centennial Field
• SJ Certification Plans – Capstone student

The Sustainable Verona committee approved the April meeting minutes and discussed several initiatives, including a community solar outreach campaign for June, a scholarship presentation, and a presentation on artificial turf concerns. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; the meeting was primarily informational and planning-focused.

• Approved April meeting minutes
• Planned community solar outreach with two presentations on 6/8
• Scheduled scholarship assembly for 5/28 with Jack to present
• Discussed creating a presentation on artificial turf risks for Town Council meeting

Boards and Committees

The Verona Board of Adjustment will hold a special meeting to consider a single application for a rear two-story addition at 115 Linden Avenue. The applicant seeks variances for existing non-conforming side yard setbacks, a proposed height exceeding the limit, and a front yard setback for a new portico. The board will decide whether to grant these variances.

• Application #2026-11 for 115 Linden Avenue, Block 902, Lot 8
• Variance for SW side yard setback (existing 6.68 ft, proposed 6.67 ft; required 8 ft)
• Variance for combined side yard setbacks (existing 16.89 ft, proposed 17 ft; required 18 ft)
• Variance for height increase to 32.25 ft (limit 30 ft)
• Variance for front yard setback for 21 sq ft portico (proposed 18.6 ft; required 30 ft with 5 ft allowance)

The Verona Board of Adjustment approved Application #2026-11 for a rear two-story addition at 115 Linden Avenue, granting variances for side yard setback, height, and front yard setback. The approval is subject to conditions including engineering compliance, an as-built survey, and restrictions on basement and attic use. The motion passed by roll call vote.

• Approved Application #2026-11 for 115 Linden Avenue rear addition with variances (vote passed)
• Granted side yard setback variance (existing 16.89 ft, proposed 17 ft vs. required 18 ft)
• Granted height variance (proposed 32.25 ft vs. 30 ft max)
• Granted front yard setback variance for portico (18.6 ft vs. 30 ft required)
• Condition: basement and attic not to be used as bedrooms or additional dwelling units
• Condition: compliance with engineering requirements and as-built survey submission

Township Council

The Township Council is holding a special meeting on May 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes only an executive session (Resolution No. 2026-100) and no other substantive items. Public comment is scheduled, but no decisions or discussions on specific ordinances, contracts, or other matters are listed.

• Executive session via Resolution No. 2026-100

The Verona Township Council adopted two ordinances and introduced two others. Ordinance 2026-13 amends zoning regulations for accessory uses, and Ordinance 2026-14 establishes a cap bank to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits. The council also introduced ordinances on pest control upon demolition and a long-term tax exemption for a redevelopment at 885 Bloomfield Avenue. Additionally, the council designated 251 ½ Grove Avenue as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-13 amending zoning accessory use regulations (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-14 to exceed budget appropriation limits and establish cap bank (4-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-12 establishing pest control requirements upon demolition/moving of buildings (4-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-15 approving long-term tax exemption for A&R Skyline Properties at 885 Bloomfield Avenue (3-1)
• Designated 251 ½ Grove Avenue as non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment (4-0)
• Approved removal of two extraordinary red oak trees at 34 Mountain Road with replacement planting (4-0)
• Approved $35,475.39 tax lien redemption refund to FNA DZ, LLC (4-0)
• Approved $23,071.23 contract with Gallen Construction for ground heater rental (4-0)

Boards and Committees

The Verona Planning Board will hold a regular meeting on April 23, 2026, to consider several items, including a hearing and resolution to amend the Open Space and Recreation Plan, a consistency determination for a redevelopment plan at 251 ½ Grove Avenue, and a resolution to approve a preliminary and final site plan for a four-story mixed-use building with 33 residential units at 383 Bloomfield Avenue. The board will also memorialize updated by-laws and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Resolution 2026-020: Approving preliminary and final site plan for four-story mixed-use building with 33 residential units at 383 Bloomfield Avenue (Block 708, Lot 1)
• Hearing and Resolution 2026-018 to amend and adopt the Open Space and Recreation Plan
• Hearing and Resolution 2026-019: Consistency determination for Redevelopment Plan at 251 ½ Grove Avenue (criteria A, B, D & H)
• Memorialization of Resolution 2026-017: Updated By-laws of the Planning Board
• Approval of minutes from March 26, 2026 regular meeting

The Verona Planning Board approved the redevelopment plan for 251 Grove Avenue, Block 1201, Lot 12, finding it not inconsistent with the Master Plan. The approval includes conditions prohibiting short-term rentals (leases under 3 months), banning basements, and adding flood hazard language. The board also adopted updated bylaws and approved the March 26, 2026 minutes.

• Approved redevelopment plan for 251 Grove Ave with conditions (unanimous)
• Adopted updated Planning Board By-laws (Resolution 2026-017) (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 26, 2026 regular meeting (unanimous, with abstentions)
• Prohibited short-term rentals (leases under 3 months) as condition
• Prohibited basements in redevelopment plan
• Required additional flood hazard and elevation language
• Maintained attic conversion restrictions
• Set garbage pickup no earlier than 5:00 AM