Issues and Vision

Vision: Maintain the charming, small-town character of Verona by allowing only smart development that reduces the impact on our community and schools.

Four years of progress include:

• Finalizing and implementing the 2022 master plan revision.

• Meeting with professional land-use planners to update the Township zoning code.

• Successfully disputed (lowered) the state-assigned affordable housing obligation number

• Adopted the 2025 fair share housing element and affordable housing spending plan that leverages town center zoning changes and existing senior housing to reduce additional construction.

• Negotiated with developers to reduce the number of units and bedroom counts while still meeting our affordable housing obligation.

• Ensured that the 2025 affordable housing plan will not require an affordable-only housing building to be constructed as required in the prior round.

• Rejected any zoning change that would permit new multi-family structures and accessory dwelling units in existing residential zones that would increase parking issues and traffic while changing neighborhood character

• Established the Bloomfield Avenue corridor as an area in need of rehabilitation

• Filed challenge to improper issuance of state DEP permit to potential developers of the West Orange Watchung Forest bordering Howell Drive.

Plans for continued improvement:

• Continue negotiations with developers and make any possible changes that might further improve our 2025 affordable housing plan

• Update the zoning code for the Bloomfield and Pompton Avenue corridors

• Make zoning changes that eliminate outdated uses and strategically consider the future of Verona

• Continue to resist any changes that would negatively affect our neighborhoods and quality of life of residents

• Analyze and plan for how changes in society, economics, and politics will drive future development trends

• Conduct road reconstruction projects that incorporate best practice traffic-calming measures that meet Verona-specific needs

• Appeal the DEP commissioner’s defense of improper permit given to Watchung Forest developers.

• Work to reduce impact of potential Watchung Forest development on Verona residents and property.

Vision: Secure Verona’s beauty and resident quality of life by preserving green space and preventing future overdevelopment.

Four years of progress include:

• Receiving green acres payments for open space purchases.

• Working with the Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee to identify new tracts to preserve.

• Approved the hiring of a firm to provide concept plans for passive and active recreation on acquired open space.

• Used open space funds to prevent development of land tracts

Plans for continued improvement:

• Approve plans for recreation and open space

• Actively pursue new open space trust fund purchases to limit future overdevelopment

• Use open space purchase to reduce flood risk along the Peckman River

Vision: Maintain an affordable and economically sustainable Verona that attracts and retains residents.

Four years of progress include:

• Keeping operating budget increases within state caps

• Retained a highly-successful grant-writing firm that provides a significant return on investment

• Engaged in a shared court agreement which saved hundreds of thousands of dollars

• Secured millions of dollars in infrastructure grants, community development block grants, green acres funding, and principal-forgiveness loans to offset capital improvement expenses

• Engaging in detailed budget hearings that allow council members to directly engage with department heads

• Moved to address all non-emergency capital projects in one spending plan in order to allow the council to determine priorities and balance needs

• Individually collaborated with administration to remove over $750,000 in capital spending from the 2025 plan.

• Resisted drastic increases fees charged to residents

• Moved the municipal election from May to November, saving $75,000 per year

• Analyzed the costs and benefits of immediate versus deferred purchases

Plans for continued improvement:

• Engage in continued thoughtful budget discussions to identify priorities and reallocate funds

• Regularly review free structure to avoid dramatic increases

• Actively seek new shared services agreements with other municipalities

• Enhance preventative maintenance and strategic planning to minimize future project cost

• Leverage technology to increase government efficiency

• Engage with county, state, and federal partners to bring more tax dollars back to Verona

• Further explore and potentially implement long-term energy savings strategies including solar panels at municipal facilities.

Vision: Ensure the long-term sustainability of the cherished and valuable community pool.

Four years of progress include:

• Making capital improvements to the pool to ensure accessibility by all residents

• Retaining a consulting firm to perform pool member rate study

• Using relief funds to ensure that the pool utility survived the impact of reduced memberships during the COVID pandemic

• Increased overall pool revenue year over year

• Implemented many recommendations from the Recreation Advisory Committee, township administration, consultants, and the public

• Eliminated tax and ratepayer liability pool operations by charging the pool utility for water and maintenance services

• Sought sponsorships for pool activities

• Increased rental income

• Actively listening to diverse resident feedback

• Analyzing and sharing membership, revenue, and expense data.

Plans for continued improvement:

• The pool will not shut down

• Maintain the pool in its existing form as a self-liquidating utility that does not rely on tax dollars.

• Close the anticipated budget 2026 budget gap (currently done with COVID relief funds)

• Keep rate increases manageable for individuals and families to retain pool members

• Expand facility rental and income-producing special programming

• Allow a small number of out-of-town memberships at a premium rate to increase revenue without additional operational cost

• Expand sponsorship program and charge business to rent a revolving demonstration space at the front of the complex.

• Engage families with older middle school students by offering a junior lifeguard program for members only.

• Engage in thorough analysis of staffing levels to allow dynamic allocation of personnel, cutting costs by reducing staff at off-peak times

Vision: Provide a resilient and reliable drinking and wastewater infrastructure.

Four years of progress include:

• Quickly pivoted to securing drinking water from Passaic Valley Water Commission after state regulations on permissible drinking water contaminants forced closure of our supply wells

• Retained expert water engineering firms to redesign water treatment systems

• Received state approval to commence work on two well systems

• Re-opened improved Linn Drive well

• Secured partial principal forgiveness loans for water improvements

• Participated in class action lawsuits against polluters to recoup costs

• Installing updated water mains during road reconstruction to reduce breaks

• Installed leak detection systems

• Commissioned, approved, and implemented an asset management plan to current and future system needs

• Engaged a consulting firm to develop a rate study that made cost recommendations which accounted for long-term improvements to water and sewer infrastructure

• Trained municipal staff to be water operators, saving money spent on consulting firms

Plans for continued improvement:

• Reconstruct and open Fairview Avenue well in order to dramatically reduce reliance on purchased Passaic Valley Water

• Continue to replace aging water main infrastructure, install leak detect systems, and construct shut off valves to stop dramatic main breaks

• Create an interconnection line with Montclair to allow for continued water service without boil water advisories should a significant line or pump failure occur in Verona

• Reassess the asset management plan to ensure it meets current and future needs

• Eliminate reliance on contracted sewer operators by training municipal staff

Vision: Mitigate flood risk in Verona while increasing resilience.

Four years of progress include:

• Creating joint flood control board with Cedar Grove

• Made commonsense changes to the tree ordinance in order to disincentivize cutting down live trees

• Hired a firm to clear storm drains on a rotating basis

• Approved new stormwater ordinances which promote flood mitigation

• Interfaced with Essex County to allow Verona Public Works to reduce Verona lake levels before significant storms

• Increased public education of flood risks and safety

• Updated Emergency Operations Plan

Plans for continued improvement:

• Expand membership on the flood control board to additional municipalities

• Actively seek funding from state sources for flood mitigation

• Identify property acquisition that could reduce flood risks

• Work with New Jersey Blue Acres program to purchase flood-prone properties

• Work with Essex County Public Works to enhance stormwater management on county roads.

Vision: Ensure a secure Verona that allows all residents and guests to live safely and comfortably.

Four years of progress include:

• Invested in law enforcement technology like automated license plate readers to identify stolen cars and investigate crimes

• Allocated funds for police training in de-escalation techniques and other programs that promote positive community interactions and protect against municipal liability

• Invested in next-generation body cameras that allow for real-time monitoring by supervisors and connection to mental health experts.

• Developed concept plans for a public safety facility that replaces critically poor police and fire infrastructure that was identified several decades ago

• Added patrol officers in response to increasing population, traffic, and call volume

• Secured federal grant funding for firefighter turnout gear and equipment

• Replaced critically aging fire-rescue tools with new, improved models

• Supported accreditation efforts of the Verona Police Department

• Expanded pedestrian safety on Grove Avenue with funding from Verona UNICO.

Plans for continued improvement:

• Work with Police and Fire departments to engage in long-range strategic planning

• Expand automated license plate reader network to aid in crime prevention and investigations

• Work with the streetscape firm to enhance pedestrian safety on Bloomfield Avenue

• Construct a police and fire building that meets current and future needs and insulates the Township from higher future construction costs

• Promote the organizational health of our volunteer fire and emergency medical services, who not only serve the community with honor and professionalism, but also prevent millions of dollars in spending on career departments

Vision: Verona will always provide a government that is accessible and responsive to residents.

Four years of progress include:

• Engaging in community meetings with neighborhoods undergoing road reconstruction projects

• Soliciting and analyzing feedback from pool and recreation program users

• Acted on public feedback on ordinances and resolutions

• Added a public information officer to better engage the community

• Engaged in first step to approve platform for digitization and publication of public records

• Encouraged Township administration to engage with residents

• Expanded official Township social media presence to keep residents informed

Plans for continued improvement:

• Expand open access to public records though the Verona website and records management software

• Implement improved videoconferencing services in the council chambers and community center ballroom

• Developing new resident communications and handbook.

• Expand newsletter offerings including news of Township Council actions.

• Provide a Township annual report of developments allocation of public funds

• Develop communication strategy and policy to ensure residents are best informed

Vision: Promote a healthy and active Verona community.

Four years of progress include:

• Replaced dilapidated tennis courts with a new pickleball and tennis facility

• Broke ground on Everett Field renovation after engaging design engineers and stakeholder groups to develop vision for the facility

• Constructed long-delayed accessible playground and adult exercise area on Linn Drive with the help of county and private funding

• Expanded recreation programming for all age groups

• Recognized youth athletes and coaches of championship teams

Plans for continued improvement:

• Ensure the viability of the Verona Community pool utility (see section above)

• Expand recreation programs in music and the arts

• Develop plan for replacement of Centennial Field playing surface.

• Work to reduce heat islands created by existing artificial turf playing surfaces

• Create a plan for the best use of space in the Verona Community Center Annex

Vision: Create a business-friendly environment that attracts merchants and service providers who meet the needs of the community.

Four years of progress include:

• Supporting existing and new local businesses

• Working with the Verona Chamber of Commerce to support business development activities like Restaurant Week

• Selecting a design firm to update the design of the Bloomfield Avenue Streetscape

• Acquired the former OLL parking lot on Lakeside Avenue with the help of a $1 Million state grant to address downtown parking needs

• Worked with Bloomfield Avenue businesses to develop parking fee strategy

Plans for continued improvement:

• Solicit business and public feedback on the Bloomfield Avenue Streetscape project

• Complete the Bloomfield Avenue Streetscape project

• Develop the Lakeside Avenue lot to be a home for permit parking and EV charging stations, which opens parking in Municipal Lot #1 (off of Park Place)

• Engage in public-private partnerships to increase downtown parking by opening underutilized private lots for public use

• Encourage updating of storefront property by offering short-term tax abatements on downtown façade improvements

• Attract businesses to replace vital stores that are closing (Walgreens)

Vision: The Township will continue to partner with civic organizations to strengthen community bonds.

Four years of progress include:

• Supporting and recognizing the work of civic organizations including (but not limited to) the Junior Woman’s Club, Women’s Club of Verona, UNICO, Verona Chamber of Commerce, Verona Lions’ Club, Verona Fire Department, and Verona Rescue Squad, and Scouting

• Support the Friends of the Verona Public Library and the Verona Public Library Foundation in their mission to enhance library offerings

Plans for continued improvement:

• Facilitate volunteer networking events that aim to strengthen community partnership and spirit

• Use Township communication platforms to highlight the positive contributions of civic organization.