Berkeley Heights Flood Mitigation Funding and Council Updates

Berkeley Heights and neighboring towns are expected to receive $3 million in federal flood mitigation funding, Mayor Angie Devanney announced at the Tuesday, Oct. 20 Township Council meeting. Union County Life is summarizing the announcements from the meeting.

Devanney thanked Rep. Tom Kean Jr. for helping secure the money, which she said will address flooding along the Passaic River and its tributaries across several communities. She credited Township Administrator Liza Viana with compiling the application, which required gathering information from five towns and their residents. “This funding is an important step towards addressing the flooding across all of our communities,” Devanney said.

Councilman Alvaro Medeiros said he was telling a resident about the effort at the Littell-Lord Farmstead Fall Festival when Kean walked by and confirmed the money is expected sometime in 2027. “Going to hold them to that,” Medeiros said. Earlier TAPinto coverage described the $3 million as part of House funding bills that remained subject to further congressional action.

Councilman Bill Machado addressed social media concerns about the New Year’s Eve fireworks display after he proposed tabling the resolution a few weeks ago. He said he wanted to know who would clean up debris and whether fallout could land on the new Springfield Avenue Park and its playgrounds. He said Chris Santore of Garden State Fireworks has confirmed the company will handle cleanup and move the launch area away from the park. “There was never a question that it wouldn’t happen,” Machado said. “My intention was just to make sure we protected our new park and got the answers we needed before moving forward.” He praised the fire department, which has overseen the displays for years.

Councilman John Foster, who serves on the Historic Preservation Commission, said Saturday’s fall festival at the Littell-Lord Farmstead drew about 1,500 people despite the wind. The festival featured George and Martha Washington reenactors, vendors, and student performers. He said the commission raised about $3,500, with more donations expected, and a 50/50 raffle by the Berkeley Heights Heritage Foundation raised about $750. Councilwoman Susan Poage said the festival builds matching funds for larger grants, including a major state grant due in April.

Poage also said the Planning Board was meeting Wednesday to consider an application for the Lockhart property at 448 Springfield Avenue, known as Terrace II. The proposal calls for a four story, 33 unit mixed use residential building with a garage.

Find more Berkeley Heights government and local news at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Is Berkeley Heights getting $3 million for flood mitigation?
Mayor Angie Devanney announced the funding at the Oct. 20 council meeting and credited Rep. Tom Kean Jr. The money is expected in 2027, according to Councilman Alvaro Medeiros’s account. Earlier reporting said the funding remained subject to further congressional action.

Will the New Year’s Eve fireworks affect Springfield Avenue Park?
Councilman Bill Machado said Garden State Fireworks has confirmed cleanup and a launch area that moves away from the park.

What is the Terrace II application?
A proposal for a four story, 33 unit mixed use residential building with a garage at 448 Springfield Avenue, considered by the Planning Board on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

How much did the fall festival raise?
Councilman John Foster said the Historic Preservation Commission raised about $3,500, and the 50/50 raffle raised about $750.