State Officials To Address Flooding Tonight In Berkeley Heights Meeting

When it pours, it floods. That’s a fact for many homeowners who live in flood plains or near streams and rivers in Berkeley Heights and neighboring towns.  

Mayor Joseph Bruno and members of Berkeley Heights Council are strongly encouraging residents in Berkeley Heights and neighboring municipalities to attend a meeting tonight about stream protection, which will begin at 7 p.m. at .

Sponsored by the Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission, experts from the Passaic River Coalition, Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection will talk about addressing flooding in the Passaic River Basin, enhancing the value of property, conforming to riparian ordinances, and protecting streams.

“Anyone whose property is in the floodplain or is next to a stream or the river should attend this meeting,” said Richard Leister, Chair of the Environmental Commission.  “They are sure to benefit from the expertise of the presenters.”

There has been a flooding problem in town in the last few years, Bruno said at the April 24 council meeting, and residents need to be concerned about having a strong representation at tonight's meeting.

There is a lot of debris in nearby rivers and streams, Bruno said, and the state should treat our waterways the same way they treat our roadways. When it rains, debris in area waterways collects and forms dams, causing additional flooding and problems for residents.

This meeting is a chance for residents from Berkeley Heights, as well as Summit, New Providence, Long Hill Township and Chatham, to learn about how they can protect their homes and urge state officials to help solve the flooding problem that currently exists with the Passaic River.

Michele Bakacs, Rutgers Cooperative Extension County Environmental and Resource Management Agent, will talk about options for homeowners to reduce non-point source pollution.  Cindy Randazzo, Director, Office of Local Government Assistance, NJ DEP, will talk about the Governor’s 15-point program for rivers and streams.  

In addition, representatives from Union County and the Passaic River Coalition will join the panel.