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908.756.0080
15 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
Authority: N.J.S.A. 40:55D-69 et. seq.
Code 28-701
A Zoning Board of Adjustment is created in accordance with State requirements and shall, at least once a year, review its decisions on applications and appeals for variances and prepare and adopt by resolution a report of its findings on zoning ordinance provisions which were the subject of variance requests and its recommendations for zoning ordinance amendment or revision, if any. This board has the powers granted by Municipal Land Use Law N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
Authority: N.J.S.A. 26 :3-1
Code 2-38
The Board of Health of the Borough is authorized to execute an agreement with the Middle Brook Regional Health Commission for the provision of professional health services to the Borough. The Health Inspector shall promptly report to the Board of Health every violation of health ordinances and health laws coming to his view or knowledge. The Board of Health shall designate, from their own membership, one member to serve as Chairman.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Authority: Code 2-45
CERT helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. CERT is a nationwide initiative. CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction. The course includes the following: Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Fire Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and Rescue Operations, Disaster Psychology & Team Organization, Terrorism and a Final Exercise.
Authority: Code 2-39
This Commission exists for the protection, development or use of natural resources located within the Borough, to preserve and enhance the rural residential aspects of life in the Borough of Watchung. They have the power to conduct research into the use and possible use of the open land areas of the Borough and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgment, it deems necessary for its purposes. The Environmental Commission may recommend to the Planning Board plans and programs for inclusion in the Borough Master Plan, and plans and programs for the development and use of open areas. The Environmental Commission shall have the power to study and make recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna. Copies of all applications to the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment shall be forwarded to the Environmental Commission prior to public hearings.
Fire Department
The Watchung Fire Department has roots going back to 1910 and is always looking for new volunteer firefighters. Every person seeking to join the Fire Department shall make application to the Watchung Chemical Engine Co., Inc. and, upon his election to membership in accordance with the bylaws of the company, shall become a member in good standing of the Fire Department, after confirmation by the Mayor and Council. Applications are available online and can be turned into Borough Hall during the day or stop by fire headquarters if the bay doors are open. Download the application here.
Rescue Squad
For over 70 years, this is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 organization has been serving the residents and visitors of Watchung and surrounding communities by providing emergency medical services. As a non-profit, volunteer organization, Watchung Rescue Squad relies heavily on donations through fundraising efforts to help pay for medical supplies, training, and operating expenses. Interested individuals can visit https://watchungems.org/apply-now to apply!
Authority: Established via R8 6/9/2011 & Reauthorized via R3 4/1/2021
The Green Team was established to promote efforts to ensure Watchung is a sustainable community. Sustainable policies and practices seek the long-term viability of the borough by saving tax dollars, conserving energy, reducing the community’s carbon footprint and natural resource consumption, and providing for the health and safety of residents. Members of the team review and recommend eco-friendly, cost-efficient projects designed to improve municipal operations. The team includes residents, a variety of borough officials, including representatives of the Environmental Commission and Finance Department. The team works directly with other borough organizations and seeks public-private partnerships.
Authority: Code 2-43
This Committee seeks to preserve and protect the history of the Borough of Watchung. The Committee maintains the Texier House as a local museum containing all artifacts and material pertaining to the history of the Borough. The Committee shall be dedicated to the maintenance of an accurate history of the Borough and seek to document all information collected. The Historical Committee shall gather current items of future interest and catalog and store such items for the future. The Committee shall provide a yearly summary of Borough activities to provide an ongoing and accurate history for the future. The Committee conducts programs as necessary to educate citizens on the colorful history of this area and to encourage resident participation. The Committee seeks to maintain high interest in historic homes and sites in the Borough to preserve its heritage.
Authority: Code 2-42
This Committee acts as a liaison between the Borough of Watchung and the Somerset County Library Commission and performs such other functions as deemed appropriate for the continuation of a public library within the Borough. They are tasked with making recommendations to the Mayor and Council, the Somerset County Library and the Somerset County Library Commission with regards to the opinion and desires of Borough residents regarding library services and facilities.
Authority: N.J.S.A. 40:55D-23 et. seq.
Code 28-701
The Planning Board is created in accordance with State requirements and has the powers granted to it by Municipal Land Use Law N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. Under New Jersey Law, the Planning Board has rather broad responsibilities beginning with the development of a vision of how the municipality should be developed to offering guidance to the governing body about the merits of proposed ordinances to review of applications for site plans and subdivisions. The planning board may prepare and, after public hearing, adopt or amend a master plan to guide the use of lands within the municipality in a manner which protects public health and safety and promotes the general welfare. The land use element of the master plan will become the basis for local zoning ordinance(s).
Authority: Code 2-40
This Commission is tasked with supervising all public playgrounds and recreation facilities and activities of the Borough, and may cause surveys to be made to be submitted to the Mayor and Council with recommendations for the improvement, maintenance or expansion of recreation facilities in the Borough. The Recreation Commission shall also work with the Environmental Commission, whose responsibilities also include the acquisition of property for open space, environmental or recreational purposes, and the Historical Committee, whose responsibilities also include matters pertaining to historic sites. Before any recommendation is made to the Borough Council, that recommendation will be presented to the Environmental Commission and Historical Committee for their comment, which comment will be forwarded to the Borough Council, with the Recreation Commission's recommendation. The Recreation Commission will also consult with any other committees, commissions or other body it deems appropriate.
Traffic and Beautification Commission
Authority: Code 2-41
This Commission is tasked with rendering advice to the Mayor and Council concerning the planting, care and control of shade and ornamental trees, shrubbery and other landscaping upon and in the public streets, highways, public buildings and parks within the Borough. The Commission shall recruit and direct organizational and individual interest in the aesthetic improvement of the Borough. They may provide a vehicle for the continuity of the efforts of the municipality to maintain the rural atmosphere. They may cause surveys and studies to be made concerning traffic flow and traffic conditions within the Borough and to make recommendations concerning same to the Mayor and Council.
Authority: N.J.S.A. 9:22-1
R2 adopted 12/18/2003
The purpose of this Commission is to bring together community representatives in government, education, law enforcement, recreation and interested citizens to serve as a planning and enabling agency for the development and coordination of youth services to at-risk students in the Borough of Watchung. The Youth Services Commission runs programs such as “Girls on the Run” and “Girls on Track”, both programs are interactive running programs which also include life skills. Other programs run by the Commission included “White Out Against Bullying”, the “Pursuit of Excellence” an after school tutoring program, a “Kid Cops Camp” in conjunction with the Watchung Police department, the “Italian Club” as well as several “Movie Nights”. All programs are funded by available grants offered by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and donations from town organizations.