Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Woodbridge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues with high priority
Property Tax Relief Deadlines
The township's Division on Aging helped dozens of seniors file PAS-1 property tax relief forms at two events, saving Woodbridge seniors roughly $12 million through the state program this past year.
Superior Officers Association Contract
The Council approved a three-year police supervisors' contract running from January 2027 through the end of 2029, after a brief executive session.
Avenel Street Paving Project
Contractors have started curbing and ADA ramp work on the state-funded Avenel Street paving project; drivers are asked to be patient.
Flock License Plate Camera Surveillance Contract
A resident pressed the council to consider removing the township's 22 Flock license-plate cameras, calling them a privacy danger, and said they'd keep raising the issue. Police Director Niski defended the three-year-old program as key to criminal investigations, stolen-car recovery, and locating missing persons.
$33.4 Million in Sewer and Housing Bonds
The council authorized $25.8 million in sewer utility bonds and $7.5 million in housing bonds, both dated October 1, 2026, to fund utility and housing investments — debt that will be repaid through sewer utility revenues and the housing program.
$1.2 Million Bond for Eminent Domain Acquisition of 73 Main Street
Tom Maris reported the property owner's firm notified the township the Main Street building is not being abandoned, which could undercut the township's May ordinance treating it as abandoned. Mayor McCormac stood firm: the building has been vacant 18+ months and meets abandoned-property criteria, and the township intends to take it by eminent domain.
Vacant 73 Main Street building and former bowling alley site
Commenters flagged the vacant 73 Main Street building and the long-stalled former bowling alley site as eyesores. Mayor McCormac said the vacant Main Street building is worse because it sits in the middle of a growing restaurant district and isn't even on the market.
Alleged developer land grab at 420 Smith Street
Multiple speakers, including the fire district's attorney, alleged that SEI Keasbey Urban Renewal, LLC — which owns sixteen surrounding parcels on Smith Street — wants the firehouse property at 420 Smith Street for warehouse development, and that the Mayor promised it to the developer.
Metropark Childcare Infrastructure Gap
A resident and finance executive argued that roughly 800 new apartments near Metropark are coming without childcare to match — no licensed weekend care exists in Middlesex County, and no universal pre-K serves Iselin families. She asked the township to help find sites and connect her Nova Academy project with redevelopment partners.
Affordable Housing Obligation Rules
The mayor clarified the township's roughly $4.7 million investment in the Sunrise Village property on Florida Grove Road: a closing was scheduled but didn't happen yet. The CDBG money buys rights to 2 units; affordable housing trust funds buy 10 more — 12 of 28 units total, about half the purchase price.
$7.8 Million Bond Ordinance Adoption
The council finalized borrowing for equipment, vehicles, and public improvements across the township. It funds things residents use every day — police cars, DPW machinery, and facility upgrades — paid back over years through the budget.
$7.8 Million Bond Ordinance
A $7.8 million borrowing to cover equipment, machinery, vehicles (including fire apparatus), and public improvements — partially offset by a state grant. First reading passed; the public gets a say August 4.
Storm response, power outages and utility vulnerability
After severe storms knocked out power across town, residents praised first responders and DPW crews but asked whether the township will review how vulnerable its power lines, trees and internet infrastructure are to future storms.
Dissolution of Keasbey Fire District Number Four
The township is moving to dissolve the Keasbey Fire District and fold it into the Fords Fire District, a process that requires state approval from the Local Finance Board. Keasbey fire officials argue the state's report justifying the change is outdated and doesn't reflect the district's current staffing and capabilities. Residents will have a chance to weigh in at a public hearing on July 14.
Adoption of the FY2026 Township budget
The Township's fiscal year 2026 budget was adopted as amended, with total general appropriations of about $219.6 million. Amendments folded roughly $1.5 million in new state and county grants into the budget, including county open space funding and drunk driving enforcement money.
Administrative Leadership Change
Woodbridge just got a new top administrator after booting John Bennett from the job. This major leadership shakeup could seriously change how city policies and daily operations are handled.