(Fanwood, NJ) – The Borough Council approved a resolution in support of funding the Hudson Tunnel Project at Monday’s work session meeting.

“We are doing this (resolution) as work was set to stop because it has run out of money and we are asking President Trump to restore funding to the Hudson River Project. I believe this is America’s most critical infrastructure project in that it has created good paying jobs and it is growing the national economy. More than one billion dollars has already been invested in this project, five major construction sites are active, and the Gateway Development Corp., which is responsible for overseeing the project, has been meeting its milestones on time and on budget,” Mayor Mahr said.

Mayor Colleen Mahr and Borough Council during the Monday, February 2 Council meeting.



As New Jersey prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, the state has brought attention to the issue of human trafficking. In response, the Fanwood Council approved a proclamation designating January as World Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The Borough of Fanwood stands committed to protecting human rights and individual freedoms by raising awareness and we are resolve to observe the month of January as World Human Trafficking Awareness Month,” Mayor Mahr said. He council approved a resolun authorizing the town to apply for a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Recreation Improvement Grant. Councilman Jeff Banks explained that the grant will be used to purchase dugout shelters at Borough baseball fields.

Leslie Krone-Speck, chair of the Environmental Commission, gave a presentation on the group’s annual report. Among the Commission’s goals for 2026 are organizing activities for the next Sustainable New Jersey application in 2028 and educating residents on environmental sustainability practices, working with Scotch Plains on a floodwater study, increasing volunteerism for the commission, and developing activities for a community involvement theme for the Nation’s 250th anniversary. Those activities include a Nature Center Trail Maintenance Day on May 9th, Youth Day on October 3rd, and a rain barrel workshop.

Leslie Krone-Speck, chair of the Environmental Commission, gives a presentation on the group’s annual report.

The commission is also planning to start an Adopt-A-Drain program in Fanwood “to ensure good management and stewardship of stormwater infrastructure.”

Borough Administrator Jesse Moehlman said that the Fanwood Rescue Squad in changing their response model. Due to significant changes in their roster, the Fanwood Rescue Squad will only be dispatched to calls when members call in service with a full crew ahead of time. Union County Emergency Medical Services are now Fanwood’s primary responders for medical calls. Union County Emergency Medical Services was the primary EMS responder during weekday daytime hours, before the Fanwood Rescue Squad requested the response model change. He encouraged residents to join the squad as volunteers.

Councilwoman Gina Berry said that longtime Library Director Dan Weiss has announced that he will retire in June.

During the public comment section of the meeting, former Garwood Councilman Sean Keagan Foley of Scotch Plains addressed algorithm-based rent pricing. He said the practice impacts the cost of living for families, seniors and young people. Foley said the algorithms used by management companies recommend rent levels that maximize revenue rather than competition.

Former Garwood Councilman Sean Keagan Foley comments on algorithm-based rent pricing.

Resident Michael Lewis inquired about the moving of legal notices from newspapers to government websites.

Resident Michael Lewis comments on the moving of legal notices from newspapers to government websites.

Borough Clerk Courtney Agnello said that, per state law, public notices will still be published in newspapers until March 1 at which time all notices will be required to be placed on the Borough’s website, which Fanwood has been doing for almost a year in addition to publishing them in The Leader.

Borough Clerk Courtney Agnello.

Agnello said the Borough has been running advertisements telling readers where to find Fanwood’s legal notices. The Borough Clerk said towns will no longer be required to publish notices in newspapers as of March 1st. She explained towns will still have the option to publish notices in newspapers. She said the state will also have a portal where public notices from all the state’s municipalities and counties will be available for viewing.

Lewis also asked about parking at the Fanwood Post Office building whose property, which includes the Scotchwood Florist building, has changed ownership. He asked if there has been any consideration to relocate the Post Office.

Resident Gary Morris commented on the taxes paid on 40 South Avenue and the SoHo development. He also commented on the lack of available parking spaces for the Post Office.

The next regular Mayor and Council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 pm.