Verona’s Township Council discussed several important items during the October 5th meeting, including water and sewer fees, recommendations for the 2027 Verona Community Pool season, and potential zoning changes designed to expand business opportunities in Verona. The full agenda for the October 5, 2026 meeting can be viewed here and a recording of the meeting can be watched here.

Water & Sewer Rates For New Development
With several new development projects scheduled to move forward in Verona, the Township has proposed significant increases to water and sewer connection fees for new construction projects that rely on the Township’s existing infrastructure. These proposed increases on the connection fees would only apply to developers with new water and sewer connections and would not impact existing water and sewer customers.

The intent is to ensure that developers connecting to Verona’s existing water and sewer infrastructure pay their fair share of the costs associated with the investments made into the infrastructure.

The Township is also evaluating the currently adopted 4% annual water and sewer rate increases for 2027 and 2028, with the goal of reducing those increases to 3%. This is being considered based on several factors, including anticipated revenue from the aforementioned connection fees from new development, the strategic use of state funding and grants, the receipt of PFAS class-action settlement payments, and effective management of Township projects, ensuring they stay within or under budget. The Township is committed to consistently evaluating the sewer rates to determine if the 3% rate increases can be further reduced in the future.

The updated fee schedule is expected to be introduced and adopted on October 19 and November 9, with the new rates expected to take effect January 1, 2027.

2026 Pool Season & 2027 Recommendations
The 2026 Verona Community Pool season was a strong one! The Township reviewed the financial success of the 2026 Verona Community Pool season along with recommendations for 2027. The pool members saw significant added value brought to their 2026 experience and this success will be the building block for continued programming growth in future years at the pool.

The newfound financial stability in the pool utility allows the Township to stabilize our resident pool membership fees in 2027. During the 2026 season, non-resident members had zero rule infractions and helped to contribute to a successful season. Limited non-resident memberships will be welcomed back with fees expected to increase from $1,000 to $1,200. The number of available non-resident memberships will remain capped at 125.

The updated fee schedule is expected to be introduced and adopted on October 19 and November 9. Enrollment for the 2027 pool season will open in January. Stay tuned for more exciting Verona Community Pool news on the way…more events, more activities and more fun is coming your way!

Expanding Business Opportunities Through Zoning
The Township is continuing its work to create additional opportunities for businesses to locate, grow and invest in Verona. Additional zoning recommendations are being explored for the C-2 and ETC zones, which could allow additional uses that are not currently permitted in these areas such as shared kitchen, shared workshop or shared textile space; specialty food store; makerspace; med spa; culinary studios; pottery, ceramic and art studios; medical and dental offices; imaging center; experiential retail.

This work follows action taken earlier this year to expand business opportunities within the Town Center zone and represents the next step in creating more flexibility for commercial areas throughout Verona. For a look at the recent updates to the Town Center zoning regulations, view the adopted ordinance here.

As part of this review, the Township has also evaluated the rising concern surrounding data centers in Verona. Under the current and proposed zoning regulations, a data center is not permitted and would require an application for a use variance from the Township’s Board of Adjustment. The Council discussed their ability to further strengthen the zoning code to directly prohibit data centers throughout the entire Township in an effort to further signify the intent of the code and protect Verona from the consequences of such a project.

For residents and local businesses, the goal is to encourage new businesses to come to Verona while providing existing businesses with more opportunities to grow and expand—supporting the continued revitalization of Bloomfield Avenue and other commercial areas. More information will be shared as these recommendations move through the review and adoption process.

Veterans Field Update
The Township is currently working with Essex County regarding the future of Veterans Field, which is County-owned property that was previously leased to the Township for 50 years. That lease has now expired, and Essex County is considering plans to renovate the field.

At this time, there is no change to the current use or programming of Veterans Field. The County has put the design services for the field renovation project out to bid, and the Township will continue to work with Essex County as plans develop.

The Township is committed to maintaining a strong and collaborative relationship with Essex County throughout this process. The Township will also work closely with the organizations that currently use Veterans Field to better understand their needs and identify any potential impacts to programming as any project moves forward.

Please note: This recap is intended to provide residents with a general overview of key topics discussed at the Township Council meeting. It is not a substitute for the official meeting minutes or resolutions adopted by the Township Council.