Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sayreville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues with medium priority
Cheesequake Road Property Preservation
Councilwoman Novak wants to open talks about acquiring and preserving Peter Marco's 40 acres; the mayor agreed to have the business administrator gauge the owner's interest.
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.
Old Firehouse Repair
A remediation contractor damaged the historic firehouse and is now on the hook for repairs. Permits are being expedited and work should start within a week, with a top masonry expert advising on preserving the brickwork.
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.
Main Street downtown parking and speeding
Residents warned the new bus depot plus Bass Pro traffic will jam Main Street, and demanded actual enforcement of the 25 mph speed limit. Zebrowski asked police to restore officer traffic posts at school arrival and dismissal times.
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.
Senior center pole barn parking loss
A pole barn to shelter senior-center buses, funded with surplus CDBG money, will remove seven parking spaces at the senior center. Councilwoman Novak and residents are upset; the administration says county meal-program vehicles will relocate to an auxiliary lot to offset the loss.
Remote participation (Zoom) in council meetings
A proposal to let the public and council members join meetings by Zoom failed 3-4, with Mayor O'Brien breaking the tie. Supporters called it a democracy and accessibility issue; opponents cited costs, moderation problems, and abuse clerks faced during remote meetings.