Garwood council adopts resolutions opposing two state housing mandates and advances affordable-housing plan
June 25, 2026 | Garwood, Union County, New Jersey
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Garwood Mayor led the council on Thursday in adopting three resolutions opposing two state bills and clarifying the borough approach to its fourth-round affordable housing obligations.
The mayor asked the council to support Resolution 26-125 and Resolution 26-126, saying Senate Bill S1836 would "allow developers to purchase church or nonprofit property and bypass our zoning code" and impose minimum densities "at least 40 units an acre" and additional stories beyond local limits. She argued the measure "assurps our local planning authority" and undermines the borough's work on an affordable-housing plan.
Why it matters: Council members said the bills would shift land-use decisions from municipalities to the state, limiting local review of traffic, parking, public services and neighborhood compatibility. Those concerns informed roll-call votes that followed.
Councilwoman Biano elaborated that the ADU proposal in Senate Bill S1786 would force towns under 9,000 residents to allow accessory dwelling units regardless of local master plans, increasing density and long-term demands on roads, sewers and emergency services. "These decisions should remain in the hands of the local government," Biano said, asking her colleagues to back the resolutions.
Public comment included support for first responders and questions about municipal spending. John E. Perchard urged the council to "back our police officers, firefighters, and rescue squad personnel," and Bruce Patterson asked for details about two police vehicles and a $29,000 Caterpillar loader listed in the consent agenda.
Staff responded: Police Chief Jonathan Pridey said the department replaced older 2017 patrol cars in 2024 and is replacing 2021 vehicles this year, citing rising maintenance and mileage. Borough Administrator John Arthur said the loader purchase was a Sourcewell cooperative contract that included add-on attachments and that it replaces a backhoe used for snow removal, tree work and material handling.
Affordable-housing details: Arthur and staff said the borough affordable housing obligation remains 80 units. Because the developer in the Paperboard matter will provide 18 units on that site, the borough will reduce its obligations elsewhere. The affordable-housing trust fund can be used for infrastructure improvements, extensions of expiring 30-year deed restrictions and a minimum of $71,000 for affordability assistance; staff said specific projects have not yet been identified.
Votes at a glance: Resolutions 26-125, 26-126 and 26-127 were each adopted by roll call with Councilwoman Annarelli recorded as abstaining and Councilwoman Biano, Councilwoman Noli and Council President Bod recorded as voting in favor.
The council adjourned after the votes and noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The mayor asked the council to support Resolution 26-125 and Resolution 26-126, saying Senate Bill S1836 would "allow developers to purchase church or nonprofit property and bypass our zoning code" and impose minimum densities "at least 40 units an acre" and additional stories beyond local limits. She argued the measure "assurps our local planning authority" and undermines the borough's work on an affordable-housing plan.
Why it matters: Council members said the bills would shift land-use decisions from municipalities to the state, limiting local review of traffic, parking, public services and neighborhood compatibility. Those concerns informed roll-call votes that followed.
Councilwoman Biano elaborated that the ADU proposal in Senate Bill S1786 would force towns under 9,000 residents to allow accessory dwelling units regardless of local master plans, increasing density and long-term demands on roads, sewers and emergency services. "These decisions should remain in the hands of the local government," Biano said, asking her colleagues to back the resolutions.
Public comment included support for first responders and questions about municipal spending. John E. Perchard urged the council to "back our police officers, firefighters, and rescue squad personnel," and Bruce Patterson asked for details about two police vehicles and a $29,000 Caterpillar loader listed in the consent agenda.
Staff responded: Police Chief Jonathan Pridey said the department replaced older 2017 patrol cars in 2024 and is replacing 2021 vehicles this year, citing rising maintenance and mileage. Borough Administrator John Arthur said the loader purchase was a Sourcewell cooperative contract that included add-on attachments and that it replaces a backhoe used for snow removal, tree work and material handling.
Affordable-housing details: Arthur and staff said the borough affordable housing obligation remains 80 units. Because the developer in the Paperboard matter will provide 18 units on that site, the borough will reduce its obligations elsewhere. The affordable-housing trust fund can be used for infrastructure improvements, extensions of expiring 30-year deed restrictions and a minimum of $71,000 for affordability assistance; staff said specific projects have not yet been identified.
Votes at a glance: Resolutions 26-125, 26-126 and 26-127 were each adopted by roll call with Councilwoman Annarelli recorded as abstaining and Councilwoman Biano, Councilwoman Noli and Council President Bod recorded as voting in favor.
The council adjourned after the votes and noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
