Council approves South Livingston Avenue developer agreement
A separate vote cleared the legal framework for a 226-unit mixed-use project at 19, 43, and 45 South Livingston Avenue.
Two hosts walk through the week’s edition in conversation — authorizing execution of developers agreement with, two settlement agreements approved, and what’s coming next. Generated by Aware, from this week’s verified summaries.
The agreement gives the township inspection power, stop-work authority, and the ability to withhold permits or certificates of occupancy if the developer falls short.
One recusal reshaped a closely watched council vote. Mayor Klein stepped aside from Resolution 26-257, so the Council pulled it from the consent agenda and took it up separately under the Deputy Mayor’s lead. The measure authorized a developers agreement with 45 Partners Urban Renewal LLC for 19, 43, and 45 South Livingston Avenue.
The Township Manager said the agreement covers a Planning Board-approved redevelopment of two largely vacant commercial buildings into a mixed-use project with 226 residential units and about 19,600 square feet of retail. Of those homes, 17 are affordable units and 14 are reserved for special needs occupants. He said the agreement is meant to make sure the project is built in line with Planning Board approvals, approved plans, the redevelopment plan, and township requirements.
He then walked through what the developer must do: pay construction costs, complete site and infrastructure work, secure permits, address drainage and storm water rules, manage traffic control and construction safety, and fix any damage caused during the work. The developer must post guarantees, cover the township’s inspection, engineering, and legal costs, keep the site and nearby roads clean, and maintain insurance. The township, he said, keeps the right to inspect work, require corrections, stop work when needed, and withhold permits or certificates of occupancy for noncompliance. After brief comment from a Council member, the resolution passed by roll call with Mayor Klein recused.
Two settlement agreements approved
Two settlement agreements moved through the consent agenda with little public detail. The Council approved one involving Bayic Avenue Partners LLC and another involving Mark Gusman.
The agenda summaries did not spell out the terms, dollar amounts, or underlying disputes in either case. That left the public record limited to the names of the parties and the fact of approval.
That kind of vote is common on consent agendas, where routine or previously negotiated matters are grouped together for action in one motion. Here, the practical result is straightforward: both settlements are now authorized, even though the meeting materials did not provide more for residents to review.
Residents push for Bennington path access
Residents pressed the township to preserve or restore access to the Bennington pedestrian path and raised concerns about fencing, maintenance, permits, and possible reroutes near school property. The Mayor and Council said they support walkability, pointed to Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School work, and asked residents to report problems quickly.
The path affects how neighborhood residents, including students and walkers, safely reach nearby destinations without driving.
Council adopts amended mall redevelopment plan
The Council adopted Ordinance 30-2026 amending the Livingston Mall redevelopment plan after opening a public hearing that drew no speakers. The Township Manager said the change adds permitted uses and units and reflects the township’s eminent domain authority, which could give the governing body more control over the process.
land/acquisition
Storm water ordinance heads to hearing
The Council introduced Ordinance 31-2026, described as the 2026 storm water control ordinance, by unanimous roll call vote. Mayor Klein said the public hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 28, giving residents their next formal chance to weigh in.
Introduced the 2026 storm water control ordinance with a public hearing scheduled for September 28.
Single-family zoning ordinance goes to board
The Council introduced Ordinance 32-2026 to establish section 170-00.1R-4A for a single-family zone district. Council members said the ordinance was referred to the Planning Board, which was scheduled to meet the following night, while a clear public hearing date was not established in the source.
Introduced a new single-family zone district ordinance and sent it to Planning Board the next night.
- Livingston Township Council. A resident described severe nighttime lighting and noise from construction equipment near Madonna Field that disrupted sleep for days and questioned oversight and legality. The resident also reported invasive weeds releasing large amounts of seeds into nearby yards and criticized the site’s responsiveness and professionalism.
- Livingston Township Council. Multiple residents urged the township to address the reported closure/obstruction and poor maintenance of a long-used pedestrian path connecting the Bennington neighborhood to the Oval and other destinations. They asked whether permits were issued, requested transparency and safety consideration, and questioned proposed reroutes around school property.
What we didn’t fit in this Sundays edition
Livingston Township had 24 more items this week. Here are sixfour — the rest are on Aware.
- GOVERNANCEPublic comment: Bottle King project construction impacts (lighting, overnight equipment, invasive weeds). A resident described severe nighttime lighting and noise from construction equipment near Madonna Field that disrupted sleep for days and questioned oversight and legality. The resident also reported invasive weeds releasing large amounts of seeds into nearby yards and criticized the site’s responsiveness and professionalism.
- GOVERNANCETownship promotes voter registration deadlines. The Township Clerk said October 13 is the last day to register to vote for the November election. Separately, the Mayor proclaimed National Voter Registration Day, and representatives from the League of Women Voters and TOVA urged residents to register and vote.
- GOVERNANCEOfficials highlight events, 9/11 observance, and ADA grant work. Council members and the Township Manager highlighted recent and upcoming community events, including the 9/11 remembrance, Pet Palooza, Hispanic Heritage Month programming, Youth Appreciation Week, and arts activities. The manager also said the township is finalizing reprogramming of an Essex County CDBG grant for ADA improvements at the community center and thanked staff for summer programming.
- GOVERNANCERecreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant 2026–2027. As part of the consent agenda, the Council approved Resolution 26-256 regarding a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant for 2026–2027.
- GOVERNANCECouncil approves contracts, purchases, and change order. As part of the consent agenda, the Council approved several routine procurement actions, including contract awards to AOR LLC/Safewash Technologies, CORE Main LP, and Bayshore Recycling Corp. It also authorized purchases through two cooperative pricing systems, approved a change order for McDonald LLC, and extended an existing contract with Ryax Contracting Corp. for six months.
- GOVERNANCEProclamation: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Mayor Klein presented a proclamation recognizing Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and highlighted ovarian cancer statistics nationally and in New Jersey. A speaker discussed the lack of a specific screening test, late-stage diagnosis, and encouraged wearing teal in September.
- GOVERNANCEProclamation: 80th anniversary of India’s independence. Mayor Klein recognized the 80th anniversary of India’s independence, referencing Livingston’s cultural diversity and Indian-American community contributions. The proclamation encouraged residents to celebrate India Independence Day (August 15).
- GOVERNANCEAuthorizing adoption and implementation of updated employee handbook. The Council approved Resolution 26-267 adopting and implementing an updated employee handbook. A Council member thanked the HR chairperson/department head, Kathy Baffa, for extensive work on the handbook.
- GOVERNANCETransition to conference meeting; public access note. The Mayor stated the Council would continue with the conference meeting in the adjacent room and that the public could attend to listen. When someone attempted to speak, the Mayor noted the public portion was closed and directed them to come inside to listen.
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