(Fanwood, NJ) – The borough’s governing body heard a presentation from the architect for the renovation of the Fanwood Historic Train Station at Monday night’s Borough Council meeting. The borough has received a $500,000 state grant as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget for the project.

Michael De Biasse of the architectural firm of De Biasse & Seminara discussed the work his firm will do to rehabilitate the train station, which was built in 1874. He said the paint will be stripped off and repainted in its historic colors. De Biasse said the new color of the exterior will be dark gray, similar to the current building’s colors. The attic windows will be replaced as will the second floor windows. In addition, the trim will be taken apart, fixed and reinstalled. The estimated the project will cost $875,000. It was noted that the borough will also be applying for a Preserve 2025 Union County Grant for the train station project.

‘’It’s beautiful. It’s going to look great,” said Mayor Colleen Mahr of what the restored building will look like.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Janik Salazar of First Street questioned if there would be a buffer of trees to shield her home from balconies of SoHo residents. She also inquired about overflow parking from SoHo residents on First Street.

Several residents questioned the Mayor and Council about the sewer utility fee.

Bud Lavin of South Avenue said he installed a sprinkler system two years ago and that his rate went up.

Tom Gordon of Russell Road also questioned the fee structure, noting his water use for a hot tub.

Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker said the borough opted for a tiered system as fairest system for businesses and residents instead of a flat fee. She said a tiered system was viewed as a fairer way to charge those residents and seniors with considerably lower water usage.

Mayor Mahr said utility funds are used to maintain an aging sewer system including repairing and cleaning the sewer lines.

The council introduced an ordinance that revises and codifies the borough’s ordinances. Borough Attorney Russell Huegel explained this was first top-to-bottom review of the code in Fanwood’s history.

The council passed a resolution to hire Adam Sena as the new groundskeeper for the Fanwood Nature Center.

A resolution was approved for a contract with the Bayshore Recycling Corp., the borough’s contractor for disposing of the town’s recyclables at its facility in Keasbey, NJ.

A resolution was approved to submit a grant application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Aid Grant Program to complete improvements on Ashworth Court, Sun Valley Way, and Timberline Drive.

A resolution was approved supporting funding for the Amtrak Northeast Corridor, citing the Trump Administration’s budget proposal for a 25% decrease in funding.

A resolution was approved appointing Tyler Evans of Scotch Plains as a member of the Fanwood Fire Department.

Council President Patricia Walsh reported that the fire department responded to 12 vehicles in water during the July 14th storm and three lighting strikes.

The council’s next regular meeting will be on Monday, August 11th at 7 p.m.