Community Corner

Berkeley Heights Voters to Decide on Aquatic Club Referendum Today

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as residents vote on whether or not to allow the Berkeley Aquatic Center to use the local sewer system.

Residents of Berkeley Heights will head to the polls today to cast their votes on a special referendum to decide the fate of the proposed Berkeley Aquatic Center and it's ability to connect to the township's sewer system.

The proposal calls for the construction of a 51,000-square-foot building in nearby Warren, just over the Berkeley Heights border.

Plans for the new BAC began a few years ago when Aquatic Center owner Jim Wood sought to relocate his facility to expand his business. His proposal would involve the construction of an approximately 51,940-square-foot building on 523,591-square-feet of land. It includes a swimming pool facility containing three pools and including a competitive swim training pool and training facilities, a swimming school pool, an aqua therapy pool, locker rooms and other amenities. The center would be nestled between Hillcrest Road and Emerson Lane.

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Berkeley Heights and Warren Township have an agreement that allows new residential structures in Warren Township to access the Berkeley Heights Sewage Treatment Facility, but not commercial structures. The proposed BAC facility would be a commercial enterprise.

In December 2011, the Berkeley Heights Township Council voted 5-to-1 against allowing any alteration to the original contract with Warren Township. This halted the BAC's plans. In March of this year, attorneys for the Berkeley Aquatic Center filed a motion in Union County Superior Court hoping to force Berkeley Heights into setting a date for a special election.

Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The township was ordered by Union County Superior Court Judge Karen M. Cassidy to set a date for the election so that residents could weigh in on the BAC's request for a sewer connection for the facility.

Residents and local officials who oppose the facility have cited concerns such as  additional traffic the facility could bring to an already dangerous area. The residents said the proposed location already has heavy traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hour, as traffic spills off exit 41 from Interstate 78. Detractors are also concerned about the impact the facility would have on the Berkeley Heights sewer system, which the BAC would use, if constructed.

Those who support the plan, however, such as Councilman Ed Delia, say that the Berkeley Heights sewer plant does, in fact have the capacity to accept 6,000 gallons per day of sewage from the BAC. Supporters also say the township could generate from the deal if the BAC begins using the local sewer system. Tomorrow's special election will specifically ask residents to vote on whether or not to allow the BAC to connect to the Berkeley Heights sewer system.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. We will announce the results as soon as they are available.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from New Providence-Berkeley Heights