VERONA, NJ — Changes could be coming to Verona's water and sewer rates, community pool fees and business zoning regulations as township officials prepare to consider several proposals.
According to a Township Council recap, officials discussed the proposals during their Oct. 5 meeting, with potential changes affecting developers, pool members and local businesses.
One proposal would significantly increase water and sewer connection fees for new construction projects using Verona's existing infrastructure.
The township emphasized that the proposed connection fee increases would apply only to developers establishing new connections, not existing utility customers.
Officials are also considering reducing previously adopted annual water and sewer rate increases from 4 percent to 3 percent for 2027 and 2028.
The township cited several factors behind the potential reduction, including anticipated development fees, state funding, grants and PFAS settlement payments.
The proposed fee schedule is expected to be introduced Monday, with adoption anticipated Nov. 9. New rates are expected to take effect Jan. 1.
Beyond utility rates, Verona officials also reviewed the Community Pool's 2026 season and discussed membership recommendations for 2027.
The township said improved financial stability could allow resident membership fees to remain steady next year.
However, nonresident membership fees are expected to increase from $1,000 to $1,200, with memberships remaining capped at 125. Enrollment for the 2027 season is expected to begin in January.
Meanwhile, officials are exploring zoning changes that could expand permitted businesses in the C-2 and ETC zones.
Potential additions include shared kitchens, workshops and textile spaces, specialty food stores, makerspaces, med spas, culinary studios, pottery, ceramic and art studios; medical and dental offices, imaging centers, and experiential retail businesses.
The council also discussed strengthening zoning regulations to explicitly prohibit data centers throughout Verona.
Under existing and proposed regulations, data centers are not permitted without a use variance from the Board of Adjustment.
In another development, the township reported ongoing discussions with Essex County regarding Veterans Field, where a 50-year lease has expired.
Veterans Field will continue operating as usual, with no changes to its current use or programming. Meanwhile, Essex County is seeking bids for design services for the planned renovations, and the township will continue working with the county as the project moves forward.
The township said additional information will be shared as proposals continue.
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