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There are three main challenges facing Chatham Township: 1. The pressure of rising costs on the budget; 2. Implementing state mandated affordable housing and; 3 implementing the county mandated townwide revaluation.
In dealing with rising costs, I've been aggressive the last 6 years as a Township Committee member to maximize use of grant funding. We secured over $1.5mm in grants from the County to fund 17 acres of open space, development of the Hillside Trail extension, and development of the Loantaka Trail extension. We secured nearly $1mm in federal funds to implement a communications fiber optic loop to enhance public safety. We've secured millions more in grant funding and we're going to continue prioritize this funding source.
For our affordable housing obligation, we've got a sound plan which complies with requirements while minimizing development in town. Our plan is being challenged by Fair Share Housing, but we will continue to prioritize minimizing impact on the community while meeting our state mandated obligation.
For the townwide reval, communication is key. We'll make sure residents understand the process and their rights.
This is my sixth year serving on the Chatham Township Committee, and I've served as Mayor two of those years. In my role as a committee member, I've served on the Planning Board, the Finance Committee, Public Safety, Affordable Housing, and Personnel and Administration. I've also served as a liaison to the Senior Center, the Historical Society, the Colony Pool Club, the Environmental Commission and more.
I've lived in Chatham Township 28 years and spent over two decades of that time in service to the community. In addition to my work with the Township Committee, I supported our public schools as a Trustee and President of the Chatham Education, and as a volunteer and President of the Southern Blvd PTO. Our two children grew up in the Chatham shichool system and I was honored to be a part of helping this great pillar of our community.
Professionally, I'm a Business Control Manager covering the digital channel for a Fortune 50 bank, and I have over 16 years experience in finance and in audit and control management.
While our Township is primarily a bedroom community, we're fortunate we have a vibrant shopping district at Hickory Square. That area is self sustaining, but, as needed, we've leveraged volunteer business advisory committees, and can work with our Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce to support our small businesses.
We're also very privileged to have a strong culture of volunteerism which is a cornerstone of our community's success. Both of our fire departments and our emergency squad are staffed with volunteers. Key Committees such as our Planning Board, Zoning Board, Environmental Commission and Events Committee are staffed with volunteers. We'll continue to honor and support these organizations to ensure their viability and continued success.
As our community is largely residential, the federal immigration policy has not had a big effect on our town. In those situations where our residents or workers are impacted, we will follow State guidance on requirements while leading with humanity.
Over my six years on the Committee, open space, our parks, playgrounds and trails have been a priority. During my time on the Committee, we've replaced the turf at Shunpike and the playground equipment at Mountainview and Nash Fields. We've acquired 17 acres for open space, and we've secured grant funding for trails. We have a refurbishment of the Colony Pool planned for the upcoming year and we've resurfaced our Colony tennis courts and restriped courts for pickleball.
We also have an active and dedicated team of volunteers on our Open Space Advisory Committee and our Environmental Commission. They do a wonderful job caring for our town and making sure our Committee has the information we need to protect our streams, the neighboring Great Swamp, our watershed, sensitive steep slopes, and our amazing wildlife.
At the same time, we've implemented a train station shuttle for our affordable housing residents and will look to leverage that contract to serve other areas of our community.
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