Residents ask South Plainfield council to press water utility on fencing plan

A public commenter told the South Plainfield Borough Council she and other neighbors are concerned that a utility facility’s planned automatic gate and industrial‑style fencing will “fundamentally change the characteristics of our street.” The speaker, who did not give her name at the meeting, said nearby homeowners were not consulted and asked the council to encourage the utility company to work with residents on alternatives that preserve landscaping and do not diminish property values.

Council members said they would reach out to Middlesex Water Company and review whether the company was required to appear before any borough board. “We will reach out to Middlesex Water Company regarding that issue,” a council member said during the public‑comment discussion. Officials also asked the police chief to look into safety concerns mentioned by other commenters. The council did not take formal action on the fencing; the public portion was closed and the meeting proceeded to votes on minutes and ordinances.