(Fanwood, NJ) — The Mayor and Borough Council held a special meeting Thursday night, August 22nd, via Zoom.

The council adopted an ordinance to replace the existing zoning map with a new map that reflects changes made after December 2008, the last time the map was amended. The new map reflects the creation of a commercial corridor district, adoption of the Old South Avenue Redevelopment Plan, and amendments to the redevelopment plan.

An ordinance was introduced setting fees for use of the Carriage House for residents and nonresidents for arts and cultural events. Municipal organizations and borough-sponsored events will be exempt from the fee requirements.

A resolution was approved to resurface Tillotson Road, North Avenue and Forest Road.

Resolutions were approved for commuter parking permit fees as well as to establish new fees for the bulk waste pick-up program. The new parking permits are $410 for residents and $760 for nonresidents. The new bulk waste fees are $100 for residents under 65 and $85 for those 65 and older. Both take effect in 2025.

During the public discussion portion of the meeting, Gary Morris of South Avenue inquired whether the borough has looked at alternate uses for the proposed La Grande School at 330 South Avenue, such as a senior citizen center, should the referendum be defeated. He also asked if any town board had looked at the school district’s plans.

Mayor Colleen Mahr said the building is privately owned and, if the bond referendum is defeated, would likely be sold by the owner. She also said school officials appeared before the Fanwood Planning Board for a courtesy review of the project. The Mayor called the real estate deal a transaction between the board of education and the property owner, and that the Borough is not involved.

Carol Walczuk of Chetwood Terrace asked if the town could reach out to its state delegation to bring money back in support of the school district.

Mayor Mahr said that would be a good idea, especially if the bond referendum passes.

The next Mayor and Council meeting is a work session on Tuesday, September 3 at 7 pm at Borough Hall.