August Monthly Message from Mayor Stacey Ewald

Thank you to everyone who called in to our July 23rd special meeting to provide feedback on the Colony Pool construction plans.  I’d also like to thank the Colony Advisory Committee members and the Township Committee members who spent a lot of time getting input on the renovation.  Our work as a Committee is always made better by input from the community and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through this process.

The pool renovation was intended to address the crumbling side walls which are well passed their useful life.  We had a tight timeline in order to begin work in the fall.  Many Colony pool members were not pleased with the initial design draft, so we held a special meeting on July 23 in the hopes we could come to a consensus while meeting requirements.  The Committee was not ready to take a vote at that meeting and requested more time for community input.

Given the delay and the interest of the Committee to get more input, it is not feasible to begin construction in the fall.  There are too many variables that could throw off the timely completion of the work and we would not want to risk the pool opening in the Spring.  The best course of action is to plan for the construction work in the Fall of 2025.  This gives us time to get more input from the community on what they’d like to see done.  Our Township Administrator will coordinate a process to collect input from the community and then, based on that feedback, new design options will be presented for community input. 

Again, I thank the residents for their input.  While our Committee is elected by the community to make decisions on behalf of residents, our outcomes are always better when our residents are engaged in the process.  Residents can reach the committee via email, or we’re happy to schedule a call or meeting. 

I will also resume the Mayors Wellness Committee Walk with the Mayors on  September 21.   Promoting health and wellness in our community is so important.  Exercise and connecting with nature can be a positive factor in maintaining health and wellness.  The Mayors’ Walks are a wonderful way to get exercise while exploring our beautiful trails and talking about events in the Township.  I look forward to connecting with residents, whether on the Mayors’ Walks or otherwise.  Your input and questions are always welcome.

I’m also pleased to announce that this evening we will establish by resolution our Community Events Committee.  We have a talented group of community volunteers who are committed to building a friendly and welcoming community through the coordination of special occasion events. They will work with our municipal staff and community groups to plan, coordinate, promote and implement events.  I want to thank them for their service and I look forward to getting together with residents at their first event in the fall.