=== Turf Field Controversy ===
Private Tour, Public Questions: Does Recreation Department Invite Lead Council & BOE to Violate OPMA?
Date: 2025-04-16
The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) 10:4-7 clearly states:
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/04/16/private-tour-public-questions-does-recreation-department-invite-lead-council-boe-to-violate-opma/
Turf Fields and Tutoring: Who Gets What in NJ’s Broken System?
Date: 2025-04-12
The real tax issue in New Jersey isn’t about funding critical services for underserved communities—it’s about the relentless churn of money between politicians and special interests.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/04/12/turf-fields-and-tutoring-who-gets-what-in-njs-broken-system/
Smiles for the Camera, Silence Behind the Scenes
Date: 2025-04-09
The work of our elected representatives is arguably difficult—and often thankless. But lately, the endless parade of staged photo ops and plastered-on smiles pushed out by the Township feels increasingly out of sync with dysfunction.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/04/09/smiles-for-the-camera-silence-behind-the-scenes/
Turf or Grass? Environmental Concerns for Lower Columbia Field
Date: 2025-04-01
The lease has been approved, but concerns remain about environmental impacts of placing synthetic turf at Lower Columbia field.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/04/01/turf-or-grass-environmental-concerns-for-lower-columbia-field/
Council Passes Lease in Special Meeting as Residents Raise Transparency Concerns
Date: 2025-03-28
The Berkeley Heights Town Council held a special 3:30pm Zoom meeting to pass the CMS lease agreement. Residents questioned the timing and communication of the meeting.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/03/28/council-passes-lease-in-special-meeting-as-residents-raise-transparency-concerns/
BOE Representative Joly's Comments on CMS Lease Agreement
Date: 2025-03-25
Board of Education representative Joly voices concerns over the township's approach to the CMS lease and its implications for school operations.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/03/25/boe-representative-jolys-comments-on-cms-lease-agreement/
A Disturbing Abuse of Power: How the Berkeley Heights Council Circumvented the BOE
Date: 2025-03-21
Describes how the Council moved forward with turf-related agreements without BOE involvement, raising major legal and ethical red flags.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2025/03/21/a-disturbing-abuse-of-power-how-the-berkeley-heights-boe-budget-meeting-became-the-mayors-playground/
Response from BOE Representative Sai Akiri on CMS Field Question
Date: 2024-06-27
Board of Education representative Sai Akiri addresses community inquiries regarding the CMS field, providing insights into the decision-making process and future plans.
Read full article:
https://nj21st.com/2024/06/27/s_akiri_cms/