Freehold Borough, NJ – The Freehold Borough Council’s July 13 meeting combined ceremonial recognitions with significant municipal business, including public hearings on nearly $4.6 million in capital improvement ordinances, a presentation on community solar, and updates on several major redevelopment projects.
The evening opened with the council recognizing the Freehold Area Open Door food pantry on its recent grand reopening and honoring the William Findlay Chapter of New Jersey DeMolay for participating in “My Government Day.” Council members also received an update on the borough’s expanding veterans recognition program before turning to redevelopment, infrastructure and energy initiatives.
Open Door recognized for community service
Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer praised Freehold Area Open Door for its role during the COVID-19 pandemic and its continued work serving families facing food insecurity.
“It became very clear that Open Door… took the lead,” Shutzer said, crediting the organization with feeding thousands of residents and coordinating closely with the borough’s Food Safety Net initiative.
Executive Director Gerilyn Drury thanked the borough and community for its continued support following Open Door’s move to a larger facility on Throckmorton Street.
“There is nothing about what we’ve accomplished that we’ve done alone,” Drury said. “This is the reason why we can continue to open our doors and provide dignity and hope to so many.”
Veterans program continues to expand
Resident Dan Xavier provided an update on the borough’s Veterans Recognition Program, which places commemorative street sign toppers honoring local veterans throughout Freehold.
Xavier said the initiative has now honored numerous veterans through Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, with more than 60 additional applicants awaiting recognition.
“Our crowds have gotten bigger and bigger,” Xavier said, adding that neighboring municipalities have expressed interest in creating similar programs. He also outlined plans for an interactive online map featuring biographies and service histories of each honoree.
Community solar presentation highlights potential savings
The council held a workshop presentation on New Jersey’s Community Solar Energy Program, presented by Joe Grillo of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Grillo said the program allows residents to receive electricity generated by shared solar facilities without installing rooftop panels. Subscribers typically save between 20% and 30% on electric bills, with at least a 20% savings required under current program rules.
Councilwoman Margaret Rogers said the presentation was intended to educate residents as utility costs continue rising.
Mayor Kevin Kane emphasized that the workshop was informational only.
“It is important for everybody to understand that this is not something that at this point we are endorsing in any way,” Kane said. “This is informational tonight.”
Administrator outlines redevelopment progress
Business Administrator Stephen Gallo reported progress on several major development projects throughout the borough.
Among the updates:
- The Hometown Redevelopment project is expected to appear before the Land Use Board in August.
- The Victory Court redevelopment is expected to begin construction soon.
- The approved 200 Park Avenue project is being marketed for sale to a new developer.
- The former Nestlé property is expected to be demolished and redeveloped into a new manufacturing facility.
Gallo also announced that the borough intends to amend the Nestlé redevelopment plan to prohibit future data center development on the site.
“We propose a change to the redevelopment plan to prohibit the possibility of data centers at this site,” Gallo told the council.
Capital improvements move forward
The council’s agenda included second readings and public hearings on several bond ordinances totaling approximately $4.58 million for municipal improvements.
The measures include:
- $3.82 million for borough-wide capital improvements and equipment purchases.
- $727,000 for parking improvements and the acquisition of a vehicle.
- $28,000 for water and sewer utility improvements.
Council members also considered amendments involving regional contribution agreement housing rehabilitation programs, street opening regulations, and introduced an ordinance amending the Nestlé Redevelopment Plan.
Why it matters
Monday’s meeting showcased the borough’s continued focus on long-term infrastructure investment while advancing redevelopment projects that could reshape several key properties in Freehold. Officials also highlighted programs intended to improve residents’ quality of life, from recognizing veterans and supporting food security to exploring ways to reduce household utility costs.
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