The Reporter covered the Historic Preservation plan which failed to get a vote at the Planning Board meeting of September 28, 2026 [See historic plan]. At the meeting it was revealed that a group of stakeholders were assembled by the Township and that these stakeholders met to review and discuss the draft plan.
Council members Astor and Burkus, who were not informed of the stakeholder process, spoke at the Planning Board meeting and asked when they met and who was invited. Township Manager Josh Brown has so far not responded to their questions.
Two members of that stakeholder group have come forward to The Reporter, both telling similar stories about how members were led to believe that multiple meetings would happen. Only one meeting was convened at which some members expressed objections to the Preservation Plan draft and others thought that another meeting was needed to better explore the plan.
The Reporter contacted Township Manager Josh Brown, Mayor Chris Banks and Deputy Mayor Rich DiFolco about the stakeholder process and asked for comment. Speficially, The Reporter said “That stakeholders indicated MH ignored their input. Based on the resident objections, the Board objections and the Stakeholder statements, it appears the Historic Preservation element failed to get a vote because MH mishandled the input it received.”
Niether Brown, Banks or DiFolco have responded to the inquiry.