Turf Fields, Athletic Upgrades Win Narrow Voter Approval

East Hanover and Florham Park voters turned out in sufficient numbers to overcome Hanover Township's "no" vote and win passage for Tuesday's $9.78 million bond referendum for athletic improvements—including synthetic turf fields and new track ovals—for Hanover Park and Whippany Park high schools.

The final tally was 2,071 in favor; 1,880 against. Town by town, East Hanover voted yes, 596-519; Florham Park passed the measure 556-434 and Hanover Park voted no, 927-919. In all, the referendum passed by a mere 191 votes, according to the Hanover Eagle.

This was the second recent athletic improvement referendum in the area. Last March, voters rejected a plan that included lights for Whippany Park High, field houses for both schools and a more than $16 million price tag. The plan just approved omitted the lights and field houses and about $7 million of the cost.

There will be new property tax rates as part of the plan: East Hanover homeowners will pay $1.288 per $100 taxed valuation. Florham Park's rate will be 66.1 cents. The rate in Hanover Township goes to 96.3 cents.