Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sayreville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in water utilities
Optimum Cable Service Complaints
Comcast wants to build out cable and internet service in the part of town that has only one provider. A public information session is planned for August; the Council signaled support for a right-of-way agreement.
Willow Street Sewer Force Main Work
Well maintenance contract ($586,055 to A.C. Schultes), air filtration at the Eugene Pump Station, and Crossman pump station equipment replacement.
Canal Road flooding after pipe replacement
Since a new drainage pipe was installed under MacArthur Avenue, heavy rains leave Canal Street flooded for long periods; the council asked the engineer to investigate.
Melrose Pump Station flood-resilience rebuild
Sayreville locked in $2.86 million in Hurricane Ida recovery money to reconstruct and upgrade the Melrose Pump Station so it can better handle flooding and coastal storms.
$800,000 Sewer Fee Shortfall
Sewer fees came up $800,000 short this year — a shortfall now being made up through taxes. Novak said a fee ordinance is coming before year's end to shift costs off homeowners.
GoNetSpeed Fiber Broadband Coming
The borough approved a rights-of-way agreement with GoNetSpeed, opening the door to new fiber-optic internet service and more competition for residents.
Aging Water Infrastructure
The borough is planning a $19 million overhaul of its sewer system, including replacing the South River sewer line and pump station. State low-interest loans would cover the cost without new debt service, protecting taxpayers.
JCP&L power outages and infrastructure reliability
Repeated outages — including one that forced a warming center opening during a February cold snap — have residents and council members furious. The BPU has ignored letters from the mayor and council, and residents are demanding escalation to state legislators and possible regulatory action.