Shade Tree Board addresses storm damage, permit disputes

Madison Shade Tree Board addresses July rainstorm damage and multiple tree permit violations. The board completed cleanup from the July 3 storm that caused major tree damage, with Department of Public Works handling major concerns. Chair Gene Cracovia and Arborist Rich Wolowicz will address three

Environmental Commission sets July 25 deadline for 3 Giralda redevelopment comments

Environmental Commission sets July 25 deadline for 3 Giralda redevelopment comments. The Madison commission, which met virtually with six members present, learned that Department of Public Works equipment procured through a grant is now in use for the Quiet Summer initiative, and that the YMCA and

Madison plants 90 trees, opposes solar panel removals

Madison Shade Tree Board completes spring plantings and formally opposes tree removal for residential solar panels. The board finished 90 spring tree plantings by June 16 and approved 30 additional trees for fall planting, with Vice Chair Judy Honohan and member George Limbach assigned to site

Madison sustainability projects advance on multiple fronts

Madison sustainability committee charts progress on multiple environmental fronts. The Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee reported that its EV shuttle bus grant project has obtained its NJ Business Registration Certificate, removing a major procurement obstacle and bringing the project closer

Zoning Board approves two variances; carries third application

Madison Zoning Board approves two residential variances; carries third application. The Board unanimously granted applicants Hartnett permission for a pool, patio, retaining walls, and perimeter fence at 11 Harwood, and approved applicants Sullivan for an addition at 53 Knollwood Avenue. The Board

Parks panel backs Peace Pole, renames Rose Park for Coultas

Madison parks panel unanimously backs Peace Pole placement and Rose Park renaming. The Parks Advisory Committee unanimously approved endorsing placement of a Peace Pole in James Park in partnership with the Madison Rotary and unanimously recommended renaming Rose Park in honor of volunteer Cathie

Planning Board approves Angelica Properties mixed-use development

Planning Board approves Angelica Properties mixed-use development at Main Street. The board unanimously memorialized approval of the 213-215 Main Street project after applicant attorney Rosemary Stone Dougherty addressed board concerns through revised site plans that eliminated requested variances.

Board introduces ordinances on chickens and pest control

Madison Board of Health introduces ordinances on chickens and pest control. Board President Dr. Joseph Balwierczak led introduction of Ordinance BH 2026-1 for managed care of chickens and Ordinance BH 2026-2 to strengthen pest-control enforcement, each voted 6 to 0 with one member absent. The pest

Environmental Commission secures plant swap grant, plans summer events

Madison Environmental Commission secures Sustainable Jersey plant swap grant and plans summer community events. Eight commission members gathered virtually on May 28 to confirm the plant-swap grant win and discuss a companion gas leaf blower grant from the funder. The commission launched a "Quiet

Shade Tree Board Approves Spring Planting Status and Quiet Summer Initiative

Shade Tree Board discusses spring planting progress and endorses Quiet Summer Initiative. Chairman Gene Cracovia reported 30 trees planted this spring with plans for watering and alligator bags. Madison marked 41 years as Tree City USA following its May 2 Arbor Day Celebration featuring three

Madison parks committee pursues Rotary peace pole project

Madison Parks Advisory Committee pursues Rotary peace pole project. The Committee, with three members present (Debbie Mantone, Geoffrey Thomas, and Tom Crimmins), determined to pursue the project to install an 8-foot-tall Peace Pole displaying "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in eight languages. Mayor

Planning Board Continues Angelica Properties Apartment Hearing to June 2

Planning Board to continue Angelica Properties apartment hearing at June 2 meeting. The board heard testimony from engineer Andrew Clarke, P.E., and architect John DeSimone on a proposed seven-unit residential building at 213-215 Main Street requiring variances for lot width, height, and buffer

Zoning board approves two residential variances with stormwater conditions

Madison zoning board approves two residential variance applications with stormwater conditions. Chairman Joseph Santoro presided as the board voted 7-0 to approve a variance for John Hartnett at 11 Harwood for an 18-foot by 36-foot in-ground swimming pool, patio, and retaining walls with applicant

Historic Preservation Commission nominates award recipients, reviews sign application process

The Madison Historic Preservation Commission named preservation award nominees and tabled a lighting award. The commission selected the Puddingstone House at 49 Park Avenue for its Residential Preservation Award and Chase Bank at 2 Waverly Place for its Commercial Award at the May 12 meeting, with