Edison Township Council Regular Meeting – March 25, 2026

The Edison Township Council held its regular meeting on March 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM (time given in agenda reference). The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (all seven council members present), and a notice of adequate posting. A fire department life‑saving award was presented, followed by approval of minutes, a public hearing on a street vacation ordinance, adoption of resolutions, and an extended public comment period.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes from the March 9, 2025 work session and the March 11, 2025 regular meeting (motion carried unanimously).
• Consent Agenda Adoption: All resolutions listed under Section 9 were adopted as a block; no resolutions were pulled for separate discussion (unanimous seven‑to‑zero vote).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ordinance for Vacation of Thomas Place – Several residents spoke in opposition:
  • Patty Sislack (22 Elmwood Avenue) described severe congestion, parking overflow, and safety concerns, arguing that 66 units would add about 132 cars to an already narrow street. She stated she had received no prior notice.
  • Elizabeth Conway (20 Netherwood Circle) said the proposed four‑story building is out of character with the surrounding single‑family homes and violates the master plan’s intent to preserve residential character. She expressed skepticism that planning board review would adequately consider residents.
  • Joseph Romano (Edison) noted that another nearby street is also slated for multi‑dwelling development and urged the council to reconsider.
  • Janice Casmar (33 Albert Avenue) called the project a “bad idea” due to traffic and aesthetic concerns.
  • Jingboxiao (30 Hour Avenue) stated the old hotel is in his backyard and complained about existing parking, safety, and lack of notification.
• Resolution Comment (Playground Funding): Elizabeth Conway questioned Resolution 1650‑2026 for a $478,000 playground for America 250. Council Vice President Kentos explained it is a skate‑park‑adjacent playground for toddlers, purchased through an educational co‑op. The Business Administrator confirmed it is part of a larger family‑friendly complex.
• Open Public Portion (after resolutions):
  • Michael Karpoff, attorney for Timberline Homeowners Association (129 homes), said the association has received no response to multiple letters since August 18, 2025, regarding flooding from Robinson’s Branch and a 1996 municipal services agreement. He asked for a point of contact. Council President Coyle apologized and promised direct follow‑up.
  • A Timberline board member added that the association spent ~$300,000 cleaning the creek internally but flooding now originates downstream, outside their control.
  • Anthony D’Ameron (Edison) warned of a national trend of copper theft from utility poles and praised the Edison Police Department for responding to his recent carjacking, noting the car was recovered and an arrest made.
  • Elizabeth Conway returned to ask about temporary budget transfers and the mayor’s budget timeline. The Business Administrator stated the 2026 budget is expected to be introduced at the second April meeting. Conway also raised concerns about multiple serious accidents on Inman Avenue and suggested lowering the speed limit from 40 mph. Council President Coyle said the public safety committee would review the issue.
  • “Benz from Edison” supported returning public comment time to six minutes and offered to help observe traffic conditions.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance for Vacation of Thomas Place (Final Adoption): Council President Coyle explained that the street vacation is a procedural step to allow a developer to create a proper turnaround for a redevelopment project on a long‑vacant motel site. He noted the area has been studied as in need of redevelopment since 2020, a redevelopment plan was adopted in 2024, and no application has yet been filed. The vacation itself does not approve any building. Council Vice President Kentos questioned ownership after vacation (reverts to adjoining properties) and confirmed that a deed‑restricted “snack shop” parcel is limited to parking. Councilmember Brusher expressed concern about flood impacts but deferred. The ordinance was adopted on a roll‑call vote: all seven council members voted yes.
• Public Safety and Budget: Council members responded to public comments, promising follow‑up on Timberline flooding (with legal advice not to discuss specifics publicly) and noting that the administration is working on stormwater grants and coordination with the county for Inman Avenue improvements.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Street Vacation Ordinance: Unanimous vote (7‑0) to vacate a portion of Thomas Place; the action reverts the street right‑of‑way to the adjoining property owner, enabling future redevelopment applications.
• Adopted Consent Agenda: All resolutions (including expenditures, refunds, and department spending) approved unanimously.
• Directed Follow‑up on Timberline HOA Issues: Council President Coyle pledged to connect the association with the appropriate administration and legal channels; a closed‑session discussion may be scheduled.
• Budget Timeline Set: The 2026 municipal budget introduction is planned for the second April 2026 meeting. The school board’s preliminary 12% increase was noted as a separate concern.
• Traffic and Public Safety Review: The council’s public safety committee will review speed limits on Inman Avenue and coordinate with the county on planned upgrades.