Holmdel Township Votes to Repeal Turf Fields Ordinance

HOLMDEL, NJ - The Holmdel Township Committee voted Thursday night in favor of an ordinance that would repeal a plan to install artificial turf at Cross Farm Park.

The vote means a controversial idea to install turf at Cross Farms is now off the table, unless it is re-introduced. Many parents, particularly parents of Holmdel's youth soccer and lacrosse teams, wanted the turf there. Hundreds of others in Holmdel objected, saying it would degrade the park.

The vote was 4 to 1: Mayor Greg Buontempo, Deputy Mayor Patrick Impreveduto, Tom Critelli and Michael Nikolis all voted to repeal the ordinance.

Committeeman Eric Hinds was the sole person who voted against repealing the ordinance. Hinds has long been the most vocal supporter of installing turf at Cross Farm. Hinds coaches youth soccer in Holmdel. If the Committee had sided with Hinds, and voted as he did, the question of whether or not to install turf fields would be put to the entire Township to vote in a public referendum on Nov. 7.

"The turf field proposal is not moving forward at this time," said Township Administrator Donna Vieiro.