Certification Report - Sustainable Jersey

Name:	Caroline Ehrlich
Title/Position:	Chief of Staff / Mayor's Office
Address:	1 Main Street Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Phone:	732-602-6015

Animals in the Community

Animals in the Community Education Retired 12/31/23

10 Points

Program Summary: In 2021 and 2022 with support from Rutgers University including faculty and staff, participants toured the wonders of the Woodbridge Wild at the Ernest Oros Wildlife Preserve in Avenel. the most popular Walk in the Woodbridge Wild was recorded in spring of 2022 whereby over 100 participants gathered for an event centered on reptiles and amphibians. During the event the following fascinating activities took place to better help the public engage with the Woodbridge wildlife: • Guided Walk Station: A 30 minute walking tour around the ponds and wetlands of the preserve, where the group searched for reptiles and amphibians and check out their habitat. • Dip Net Station: Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) provided dip nets to allow children and adults to dip into the edge of the pond in search of frogs, tadpoles, vegetation, and macroinvertebrates • Shed Station: A table was set up featuring inanimate objects related to reptiles and amphibians including field guides, copperhead shed skins, box turtle shells, snapping turtle eggs, and preserved frog specimens. • Live Animal Station: A few live animal specimens (caught on site) were shown and discussed to allow the public to see reptile and amphibians up close • Critter Craft Station: Children were able to create their own ‘toad huts’ out of clay flower pots and decorate them using paint and various decorative stones and gems in order to explain toad habitat and how these techniques mimic the natural toad habitat found in Woodbridge wetlands. In celebration of Earth Day / Arbor Day in 2022 the Township’s Floodplain Administrator / Environmental Specialist led a tour of the Woodbridge River Floodplain and Floodplain Restoration practices. The tour was launched from the Township’s Earth Day / Arbor Day fair at Town Hall whereby participants were led to one of the Township’s most vulnerable and wildly recognized floodplains a few blocks from the fair’s main activities. Over 30 participants joined the tour along the once residentially housed area where over 140 homes have been bought our and demolished by the State of NJ to protect people from flooding and encourage nature-based restoration. Now the are is home to an array of native plant life, passive walking / (non-motorized) biking areas, and floodplain restoration activities. The tour focused on key ecological parameters delivered by partners at Rutgers (i.e. Baseline Ecological Report for the Woodbridge River), native species previously found in the floodplain, and the importance of natural floodplain functions in the face of climate change and community flood resilience. The Township plans to host events annually to help educate the community about the wonders of nature within the Township, and as well as the importance of the humane and respectful manner by which to engage with rural and suburban wildlife within the community.

Pledge Supporting NJ Wildlife Action Plan

10 Points

Program Summary: The Township has embarked on exciting new endeavors to promote biological diversity in order to best support the Wildlife Action Pledge and implementation of ecological restoration activities. The Woodbridge River wetland restoration project Phase 1 began and completed construction in the fall of 2021. The goal of the project is to enhance wetland function and integrity through the restoration of a Phragmites monoculture to a native wetland. The new design increases the flood storage potential of the existing landscape using natural ecological features. This restored habitat will provide improved water quality and biodiversity for state listed wading bird species, such as little blue herons and snowy egret. Projects such as this help communities like Woodbridge protect lives and property by providing improved drainage and food storage with regard to local flood risks which helps in making cost-effective mitigation decisions. When Phase two of the restoration is fully completed in the 2023 this project will be a great benefit to the Township’s holistic floodplain management program. Such resources would provide invaluable view-sheds from passive recreational resources while helping to protect lives and property, especially in areas repetitive to flooding along the Woodbridge River. Woodbridge Township is also proposing the implementation of a coastal resiliency project that will use nature-based solutions to transform a stretch of underutilized and exposed shoreline on the Arthur Kill into a living shoreline demonstration. Through an existing partnership, Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program has developed preliminary engineering designs for the living shoreline project in the Sewaren section of Woodbridge Township. This project includes living shoreline elements that include a reinforced marsh toe and the establishment of salt marsh to act as a buffer to an existing bulkhead . The project also includes recreational elements including pedestrian trails and enhanced access to the shoreline. This project will prevent erosion, and protect the shoreline against inundation due to storm surge and sea level rise. The creation of salt marsh will create microhabitats for birds, pollinators, and tidal marsh fauna. The township sees this new coastal enhancement endeavor as an extension of it's existing partnership with Rutgers Water Resources Program. Together with the RCE Water Resources Program, Township of Woodbridge has established a robust municipal green infrastructure program since 2017. Through working and training with the RCE the Woodbridge Department of Public Works was trained in site assessment and green infrastructure construction and are fully capable of supporting the construction of this innovative project!

Arts & Creative Culture

Establish a Creative Team

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Creative Team is known as the sub-committee of the Woodbridge Arts Alliance, Inc. and was established Feb. 10, 2012, receiving 501(c)(3) certification Feb. 28, 2013. The Alliance and the Creative Team Committee covers all of Woodbridge Township and is organized to provide Arts and Arts Education services to the residents of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, through public programs that develop, expand and promote community interest and appreciation of the Arts. The Alliance Creative Team sub-committee now consists of an array of Arts-Involved Township residents, businesses, and art enthusiasts making art impactful throughout the Township. Said members include, but are not limited to, sculptors, recording studio engineer, dance teachers, ceramicist, painters, digital animators, CD producer, photographer, graphic designer, jewelry maker, singer, poet, restaurant owner/chef and the Mayor’s Chief of Staff. Prospected plans and projects for the 2023 Creative Team include, but are not limited to, developing a local Film Festival, collaboration with surrounding cities/townships to integrate inventories of existing artists therefore enhancing The arts in our community, juried national/international art exhibitions, and a special program tentatively titled: 'To Bee or Not to Bee' which would utilize art based techniques to denote the struggle and importance of the global bee population.

Creative Assets Inventory

10 Points

Program Summary: In 2022 the Township of Woodbridge sought to update its Creative Assets Inventory (CAI). The inventory is already quite sophisticated as a result of comprising the data previously with the help of the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers. The township utilized social media and digital platforms in order to conduct outreach and seek new entities to be added to the township’s CAI. The Township reviewed and sought to update the existing arts inventory to include new participants, community associations, organizations, community gathering spaces, environmental assets, cultural activities, historical assets, arts organizations, festivals and events, and individual artists. New data is entered into the survey, and an email is automatically generated (upon completing the survey) and sent to applicable Twp staff person who then gathers the data and updates the inventory. The survey was designed to gather information for the Creative Assets Inventory, and also to obtain input and direction for overall Township arts projects and programs. The link to the survey was distributed through the Township’s website and Mayor’s Facebook page. The survey was also promoted through presentations during community arts meetings. Additional information about Creative Assets was collected in consultation with the Township’s Creative Team and other community leaders and organizers at meetings with the Mayor’s Arts Advisory Committee.

Creative Placemaking Plan

10 Points

Program Summary: In February 2023 the Township's Creative Team completed the Creative Placemaking 2023 re-examination of the Plan's elements which now functions as an appendix (appendix F) of the updated Creative Placemaking Plan. In addition, the Team completed the attached 2023 Timeline detailing key successes and goals. In April, 2015, the Township of Woodbridge secured support to develop its initial Creative Placemaking Plan (CPP) from the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group in the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Bloustein). Bloustein has experience working on issues related to land use, community participation, economic development, social services, housing, health and brownfields, and has expertise in a variety of research methods and data types, from quantitative to qualitative, including focus group meetings and surveys. Bloustein worked with community leaders and interested citizens to help craft a creative placemaking plan that outlined visions, goals and strategies for taking the next steps towards enhancing Woodbridge's arts and arts-related culture. As the Township closes in on nearly ten years since it began it's incredible creative placemaking journey towards enhancing the arts within Woodbridge, the 2023 CPP updates encapsulate key findings from the Creative Team's meeting in May of 2023 that will ultimately make Woodbridge the most economically viable, diverse, and equitable arts district in the State!

Municipal Commitments to Support Arts and Creative Culture

20 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge has undertaken a wide array of actions that directly support arts and creative cultural growth in the community. In 2021 Woodbridge has undertaken many goals and objectives to support the expansion of arts and cultural offerings throughout the township. Woodbridge has enhanced these areas through programs such as, but not limited to, the establishment of the Gallery on Main, which is dedicated to supporting local art and artists; a Townshipwide educational promotion of the manner by which sustainability and art both influence and enhance community wellbeing; both virtual and in-person methods of connecting the community to art at the Barron Arts Center, expanded shows and performances at the Avenel Performing Arts Center, and; dedicated (Monday through Friday) FREE Mayor's Summer Concert series with every Wednesday showcasing a local artist (Woodbridge Wednesdays). Furthermore, the township continues to revamp and revitalize it's arts districts and examine ways in which to best ensure the continued successful implementation of the Avenel Arts Redevelopment plan. Woodbridge began its creative placemaking process over a decade ago with development of an initial creative assets (arts) inventory and the exploration of converting the former General Dynamics site in Avenel into an arts village (see redevelopment plan). As Woodbridge advances its redevelopment through the arts, it envisions multiple strategies to build its creative community in multiple downtown corridors by the way of investing in local businesses, arts districts and artists, and cultural art planning. Woodbridge is excited to continue to expand arts and art programming through collaborative engagement with residents, business owners, and visitors of the municipality as a community committed to arts!

Utilizing Your Creative Assets

30 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township utilizes many of its creative assets in town over the course of the year. Highlighted below (and attached) are wonderful Barron Arts Center Events, such as but not limited to, the 2022 Art Series and the History and Humanities Exhibits, both of which bolster numerous lectures and events. Gallery on Main, established in the fall of 2021, is a cooperative gallery located in the heart of downtown Woodbridge, supported by Woodbridge Township staff and administration. This gallery was designed to be welcoming space for artists of all disciplines to showcase and ultimately sell their work. What makes Gallery on Main unique, is that member artists can sell their work at no cost to them. Woodbridge Township collects no membership dues and takes no commission on sales. 100% of every sale goes back to the artist. Woodbridge Township strongly believes that art and artists are the lifeblood of a successful downtown and municipal economy. By offering this free space to artists, Woodbridge Township is leading the charge on recognizing the benefits of a strong artistic community to the community at-large. The Mayor’s Summer Concert series helps to connect arts and food security by collecting thousands of pounds of food each year for Township food pantries. The Mayor’s summer concert series is a wonderful free amenity for Township residents and visitors. Concertgoers have the unique opportunity to enjoy local artist’s live-music performances, and folks who attend the free concerts are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to our local food pantries. The Mayor’s Summer Concert Series took the stage every Monday with classic Oldies & Doo-Wop and Rock n’ Roll Tribute Tuesday. The eclectic Woodbridge Wednesday concerts and Local Band Thursday help to directly connect our local artists to the stage at the Woodbridge High School stage! The Country Band Sunday wraps up each summer week with another opportunity to experience diverse FREE concerts with family and friends. BarronFest (https://issuu.com/barronarts/docs/virtual_catalogue_2022) is Woodbridge Township’s annual fine arts festival. Organized by the Barron Arts Center, in collaboration with Woodbridge Township & the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission, BarronFest showcases the gallery, local artists and crafters showing and selling their work free of commission. Woodbridge Township supports BarronFest through its use of staff resources, technical support, and facility operations through the many township departments that help with event logistics. Poets Wednesday (noted on attachment titled Barron Arts Center Events, Overview, & Photos) began at the Barron Arts Center in 1978. It is the oldest poetry reading group in the United States. Poets Wednesday meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Barron Arts Center and features readings from renowned guest poets along with a free hour workshop. At the conclusion of the reading from the featured poet there is an open MIC in which all attendees can participate. Many readings are accompanied by musicians and attract a varied clientele. Poets Wednesday is sponsored through the Township of Woodbridge & the Cultural Arts Commission of Woodbridge.

Brownfields

Brownfields Inventory & Prioritization

15 Points

Program Summary: The Township of Woodbridge prioritized potential brownfield sites to be redeveloped. These sites were utilized for industrial purposes for a number of years and have become environmentally degraded. Therefore, redevelopment and environmental restoration of these brownfields are identified as options for revitalization. The Township Planning Department and green Team assessed over 100 sites (attached) by initially downloading the data from the NJDEP's data miner website and then narrowed that list to a top five priority list based on community health and environmental criteria. The sites were prioritized by focusing on properties from the Township’s designated Brownfield Development Area’s and Redevelopment Areas. One of the most exciting projects that the Township has prioritized for 2022 - 2023 completion is an over 100 acre brownfield to greenfield project within a severely previously contaminated area (Epic Site) along the Raritan River. The completion of this project and anticipated opening of the park will mark the first public access directly to the Raritan River in over a century, provide dedicated environmental stewardship and passive recreation, and long-lasting commitment by the Township to ensure that pollution and site degradation will not stand Woodbridge. No matter how difficult to manage or historical contamination may be, the Township seeks to stand by it's vision that every brownfield will one day be remediated.

Brownfields Reuse Planning

15 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township has completed a Redevelopment Plan titled: "Pennval and Cutters Dock Road Redevelopment Plan". Said Plan was amended March 16, 2021, which includes the current site description, current zoning, access to transportation, land use of adjacent properties, and applicable redevelopment area designations. Said Plan has been publicly discussed at the Town Council meeting on March 2nd, 2021 and March 16th, 2021. The Ordinance proposed to adopt said Plan was published in the Home News Tribune on Friday, March 5, 2021 with Notice of Public Hearing to be held on March 16, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. The Plan was adopted by the Mayor and Council and, the Ordinance authorizing the Plan and the Plan itself are attached.

Brownfields Marketing

10 Points

Program Summary: ****Please see the attached updates. The Township of Woodbridge recently purchased two parcels of property in the Avenel section of town – the 54 acre site of the former Woodbridge Developmental Center ($5 million) and an adjacent nine-acre piece of property from Conrail ($2 million). Recognizing the need for warehouse space in our area, and recognizing that warehouses provide jobs and significant tax revenue without being a burden on our municipal or school budgets, we went through a competitive process to obtain a developer for the site. Sixteen responses were received and the Township is now in negotiations with the selected developer and we expect to close title to the parcels in the very near future. We also said that educational and health care uses would be appropriate with a specific ban on residential development. The selected developer has an option to purchase the Premier Die Casting site in front of the property on Rahway Avenue. This six acre site is a perfect location for a new and larger Avenel School 4/5, which is now one of the oldest schools in the Township with limited amenities for recreational uses by students. The developer has agreed to demolish the Premier building and clean it up to educational standards and donate it to the Township as part of their financial bid package and the Township will then donate the land to the Board of Education for the school site. The developer is also in negotiations to purchase other land near the site where the Township could potentially have a health care facility which would be a tremendous benefit to residents of not just Avenel but the entirety of Woodbridge Township. The Township is paying the debt service on bonds issued to finance this work through our very successful PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program. PILOTs offer a tax discount, not an abatement, of 15-20 percent off the regular tax payments. In exchange, these companies clean up brownfield sites, aesthetically improve the property and offer hundreds of jobs to our residents. An example of our municipal web page with a link to redevelopment opportunities can be found at: http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/266/Woodbridge-Redevelopment-Area-Plans. You may also access additional information by clicking on the “Redevelopment Business Opportunities” to view a list of Woodbridge redevelopment Areas, Plans, and Studies, which are easily accessible from the aforementioned link.

Brownfields Assessment & Investigation

30 Points

Program Summary: The Township of Woodbridge prioritized potential brownfield sites to be redeveloped or recreated as restored conservation areas. These sites were utilized for industrial purposes for a number of years and much of their value was degraded. The redevelopment and restoration of these subject brownfields are critical for revitalization. We denoted the two PA as “No LSRP” which indicates that the DEP Portal submission is not applicable/included/required.

pdf Brownfields Assessment & Investigation - Upload.pdf
pdf New Street RI Submission.pdf
pdf Stern SI Submission.pdf
pdf Stern RI Submission.pdf
pdf 400 Amboy Ave PA - No LSRP.PDF
pdf Pirates Cove Marina PA - No LSRP.PDF

Community Partnership & Outreach

Create Green Team

10 Points

Bronze Required Silver Required

Program Summary: Documentation below denotes the Township of Woodbridge Municipal Council Resolution dated April 5, 2022 codifying the Green Team noted in said resolution. In the past year, the Woodbridge Township Green Team has continued to initiate and sponsor a wide range of sustainability activities spanning our core goal areas and action steps that are prescribed in the Woodbridge Sustainable Community Plan: Energy Conservation and Green Building; Transportation and Circulation; Water Management, Trees and Open Space; Green Purchasing, Recycling and Materials Management; Business Outreach; Resident Outreach. Special focus this past year was placed on planning and designing the Township's first conceptual trail and habitat enhancement plan for Sewaren (uploaded below); completing the final phase of the Fulton Street Rain Gardens (third); contributing to Townshipwide outreach efforts (Sept. 2021) regarding how and why sustainability tips for energy efficiency are important, helped shape and deliver water conservation outreach through rain barrel raffles and the development of outreach tips, and seeking to outline new health and sustainability programs as well as help form the important notion of a Township Health Task Force through fleshing out ideas such as, but not limited to, topics to generate increased awareness about mental health and community wellness. The township's green team continues to expand and create outside the box ideas to help garner interest in sustainability and innovative on-the-ground approaches aimed at improving our Township's quality of life.

Community Education & Outreach

10 Points

Program Summary: All Greenable Woodbridge TV Shows can be found at: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/603/Greenable-Video Said link has also been uploaded as a PDF for ease of access. Sustainability topics include, but are not limited to: Collaboration and Sustainability, Arts and the Environment, Living Shorelines and Restoration, Energy Efficiency, Healthy Communities, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Mental Health, Women within Environmental Careers, Food Waste and Composting. In order to promote the aforementioned informational shows, Woodbridge conducts outreach to all residents through hard copy WB News booklets that are mailed to every address. Woodbridge Township’s Community Outreach and Education activities during 2022 were varied and conducted through digital means, media produced locally by Woodbridge closed circuit television and the Township's Department of Communications, through print hard copy letters and fliers, and delivered through the Mayor's social media platform and the Township's website. The Township and its Green Team popularize a monthly Greenable Woodbridge Television Show hosted by Green Team chair Caroline Ehrlich. She broadcasts on Township public access and with web access. Woodbridge has also initiated specifically designed outreach with regard to those living within areas known to be at risk for flooding (as per FEMA and local knowledge) in order to promote safety within floodplains and tips for what to do before, during, and after a flood event. Said outreach on flood risk was conducted through hard copy mailers, and through tabling outreach at events like the Mayors Senior Summit (May, 2023) and Earth Day (April, 2023).

Green Fair

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission held its 22nd annual Earth Day Fair on April 23rd, 2022 at Town Hall's Parking Lot. Attendees were on hand including members of the Municipal Council, Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission, environmental agencies, “green” businesses and Township residents. The 2022 Earth Day Fair included sustainability displays by environmental companies and local businesses; only sustainable / compostable giveaways were permitted such as native tree seedlings and native flower seeds, and reusable bags; raffles for free 55 gallon rain barrels (tickets were obtained if folks took part in the Township's Local Health Survey). Information on the importance of recycling; and a special “Earth Day” program tour given by the Township's Floodplain Manager which focused on floodplain restoration within Blue Acres buy-out regulated floodplains. In celebration of Arbor Day, the Environmental Commission took charge of the planting of a native tree near the front of Town Hall. Additionally, The New Jersey Forest Service Nursery kindly provided Woodbridge a seedling from the historic Salem Oak. The Salem Oak, a white oak estimated to be more than 500 years old, was one of New Jersey’s most recognized trees. In 2019, this tree monument fell. The NJ Forest Service Nursery grew new seedlings from its acorns, collected before it fell, and they were ready for distribution and plating just in time for the Township's Earth Day Fair. The seedling was three years old, bare-root, 8-26” in length and was distributed to interested municipalities from March until April, 2022. The seedling was planted with help from the Township's DPW staff and the JFK High School Eco-Club in front of Town Hall.

Diversity & Equity

Diversity on Boards & Commissions

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: The Diversity Committee has reconvened in 2022 and updated their diversity report and recommendations for the Township Council in 2023. As of May 9, 2023 The Town Council of Woodbridge passed a resolution (attached) accepting the 2023 report and recommendations (attached) submitted by the Diversity Committee. Originally convened in 2011, the Diversity Committee met again to discuss Woodbridge's diversity profile in relation to its boards and commissions. The final report with strategies, recommendations, list of findings were written and submitted to Woodbridge Mayor, Woodbridge Town Council. Resolution prepared, submitted to Council, passed by Council. The Committee was assembled in order to ensure that the Township continues to become increasingly more diverse on our boards and commissions through ongoing municipal commitment.

Lead Education & Outreach Programs

5 Points

Program Summary: The Township’s home repair program for elderly and disabled, “Tooling Around the Township”, incorporates Lead-Safe practices, especially with regard to weatherization; Tooling Around the Township is a program that enjoys significant corporate support, and these sponsors are encouraged to underwrite improved lead-safe weatherization and repair initiatives in Township housing. Lead Education & Screening Programs currently include free lead-screening clinics as part of the Health Department’s CHCs (Children’s Health Clinics). Outreach also includes creating lead poisoning information flyers such as “Be in the Lead with Lead” published in English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Russian and Polish and various other languages (as needed). In addition, the Township spread word about the Lead-Safe initiative and clinics via Township events, the Township web site, and using social media. Woodbridge Township’s Greenable Woodbridge Local Television Program included a segment with Anthony Ravino, REHS Health Inspector Woodbridge Township Health Department in order to discuss Lead Poisoning awareness (link attached) in relation to high-risk populations who may use sindoor cosmetics or specific homeopathic medicines as they relate to cultural or personal practices. Further, the program highlights NJ State law mandating all children to be tested for an elevated blood lead level at 1 year of age. Said segment has played frequently (as recently as May 2022) on local closed circuit television within the Township.

Emergency Management & Resiliency

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment

20 Points

Program Summary: The Township used the CVA as a stepping stone to shape it's resiliency and floodplain management programs. Our Township Floodplain Management program exceeds the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and has earned the status of a Class 5 within the FEMA - Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS program rewards communities that implement programs and standards that are above the minimum requirements of the NFIP and that meet best practice floodplain management criteria with reductions in individual homeowner flood insurance premiums. FEMA has estimated that nationwide only about seven percent of eligible NFIP communities gain entry to the CRS program – and Woodbridge Township’s efforts correlate to a 25 percent reduction in flood insurance premiums for each policy. Furthermore, in 2020 the Township applied for a nationally competitive grant application to FEMA (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities - BRIC) in order to flood-proofed the Township sanitary pump station located on Woodbridge Avenue. The site was noted as highest propriety during the initial CVA, and as such, the Township has undertaken significant studies to best ensure mitigation. Please see the attached PDF titled: 'Woodbridge Ave. Pump Station Flood Proofing Analysis' which served as a baseline study for said grant application. Specific recommendations associated with CVA helped the Township to carefully analyze and protect lives and property by providing improved drainage and flood storage with regard to local flood risks. The tools and resources within the CVA helped the township to identify making cost-effective mitigation decisions, such as but not limited to, re-zoning efforts focused human safety and floodplain restoration. Great benefit to the Township's holistic floodplain management program were vetted as a result of close examination of fluvial issues which helped develop a GIS-based problem site maintenance program focused on specific rain-fall predictions. CVA resources and suggestions also provided invaluable community outreach ideas to help protect lives and property, especially in areas along the Woodbridge River floodplain. In the Fall of 2021 some of the most exciting elements of flood storage design and ecological uplift projects will be installed in one of the previously most vulnerable areas (the Watson / Crampton Neighborhood). the projects will consist of educational nature trail and forested wetland construction. Additionally, as a result of CVA suggestions with regard to outreach and education, detailed FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) determinations based on a street address which delineate floodways, limits of wave action, state protected natural areas, NOAA sea-level-rise data, historical extents of flood inundation, and flood depths are provided by the the Woodbridge Township Division of Engineering. The township recycling calendar (mailed to every property address in town) includes the website information and phone number to obtain said data for free and in a timely manner. Furthermore, although sea-level rise projections nor structural development dramatically changed since the township's initial CVA, discussions are currently centered on potential ways to make policies and procedures best align with the NJDEP - Protecting Against Climate Threats concepts that use the most up-to-date sea level rise projections. Although these conversations are still preliminary, nuisance flooding during full-moon high tides, heavy rain events, and strong coastal surges during storm seasons have been increasing in velocity, frequency, and intensity. Thus, the Township continuously monitors these climactic shifts to ensure decision making processes are in line with flooding issues and model predictions. The Township consists of approximately 3,000 acres of regulated Special Flood Hazard Areas in tidal and fluvial floodplains. With regard to the coastal floodplain surrounding the Woodbridge River, the Township has been extremely successful in removing people and structures from flood risk through the NJDEP Blue Acres Program, and restoring said areas to best ensure natural floodplain functions. To date over 160 structures have been removed from harm’s way. In addition, the Township, in concert with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension program, has reengineered said Blue Acres buy-out areas through the installation of over 5,000 native trees and shrubs, removed two acres of impervious surface, and eradicated five acres of invasive species. These groundbreaking initiatives have enhanced ecological value and flood storage capacity, and led to the Township being awarded, by the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management, for its outstanding programs focused on reducing flood risk and restoring natural functions. Initial verbiage regarding the establishment of the CVA: After both Hurricane Irene and Superstrom Sandy, Woodbridge was faced with a new set of challenges as sea level continues to rise and the intensity and frequency of storms and precipitation persist. Woodbridge partnered with Sustainable Jersey and the NJ resilient Coastal Communities Initiative to develop a coastal vulnerability assessment (CVA) of Woodbridge. Woodbridge initially identified approximately 400 assets to be included in the vulnerability and consequences assessment, but only those assets shown to be impacted by sea level rise and/or a Category 1 Hurricane in 2050 (52 assets in total) were included in the assessment. The assets were identified under four broad categories of potential community assets: Critical Facilities & Infrastructure Systems, Community Resources & Amenities, Natural Resources & Ecosystems, and Districts, Neighborhoods, & Population Clusters. The information has helped Woodbridge identify short-term and long-term recommendations and helped determine essential planning activities. This report was distributed to our administration, directors, OEM, and environmental commission.

Heat Island Assessment & Mitigation Plan

10 Points

Program Summary: Urban heat Island effects cause serve, environmental and human health concerns. Furthermore, threats continue to intensify as greenhouse gas emissions and previous modifications made to terrestrial environments. But in Woodbridge Township, dedication to ensure mitigation measures are planned and action is taken to combat such issues embody the backbone of the Township’s sustainability initiatives. The newly designed and engineered means by which to contest such disturbances caused by waste heat. This endeavor exemplifies that in Woodbridge we adapt, design, and rebuild with resiliency and community health in mind.The Heat Island Assessment report was adopted by the Woodbridge Township municipal council on 8/21/18.

Ready Set GO! Fire Company

5 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Fire Department - Fire Prevention personnel attended the Township's National Night Out on 8-2-2022 and the Woodbridge Township Health Fair on 12-3-2023. At the events Fire Prevention personnel were able to interact with the public and discuss the Ready, Set, Go program with Township residents. They also distributed educational information pertaining to the importance of fire safety art home and within the community. Woodbridge Fire Department has been approved as Ready Set Go! Fire Company, and they look forward to continuing outreach and engagement throughout 2023 with events upcoming in April 2023 at the Township's Earth Day Fair.

Energy

Energy Efficiency for Municipal Facilities

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) sponsored Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) reports for multiple Woodbridge Township municipal buildings and the reports were finalized as of April 2018 (within five years of submittal deadline). The goal of a LGEA is to provide the township with information on how our facilities use energy, identify energy conservation measures (ECMs) that can reduce our energy use, and put the township in a position to implement the ECMs. The LGEA also sets Woodbridge on the path to receive financial incentives from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) for implementing the ECMs. The studies were conducted by TRC Energy Services, as part of a comprehensive effort to assist New Jersey municipalities in controlling energy costs and protecting our environment by offering a full spectrum of energy management options. Although the Township's LGEA included more facilities than are noted within in the building portfolio, the small sanitary pump stations that were included in the audit were not encapsulated in the portfolio as a result of the Sustainable Jersey standards associated with buildings to be denoted within the portfolio based on square footage. Numerous energy efficiency upgrades have been installed and implemented in accordance to Woodbridge Township's audits. Primary upgrades made over the course of the lookback period include high efficiency tankless water heaters installed at Town Hall saving 4,762 lbs. of carbon emissions (according to the attached TRC Reports). In the middle of 2022, Woodbridge contracted Owen S. Dunigan & Co. Inc. to install a new Hot Water heater in Town Hall, as recommended by the 2018 LGEA conducted by TRC. (Please see the attached documents). In order to satisfy the 12-month data requirements, Woodbridge selected 2019 as a baseline year, when the building was at full capacity prior to COVID-19. Additionally, since the work was conducted in the middle of the 2022 calendar year. Bills and data were used from a 12-month period from 2022-23. As calculated by the spreadsheet, the difference in actual data reflects a 10.07% change in Town Hall’s EUI from May 2022 to July 2022. Based off the the attached, both Town Hall and the Community have achieved at least a 10% reduction in electric usage as a result of the audits since 2018. Many buildings have over a 10% reduction in electric usage since 2008, our baseline year.

Energy Tracking & Management

20 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: A bench-marking report using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager has been created and shared with Sustainable Jersey using said online portal, and applicable recent documentation through 2022 has been added. The municipality has entered into a contracted ongoing tracking and management system in which a third-party has guaranteed they will update said information (attached contract - Scope of Services). In addition, the Township has enrolled each Township electric and natural gas account into the utility’s online information access portal. The Township’s monthly consumption and cost information is downloaded and recorded in the Township’s database and analyzed to identify anomalies and to document improvements to energy efficiency and conservation. The Township uses this data in collaboration with various technical consultants to identify, prioritize and document the success of energy conservation projects as well as assess the potential for new initiatives. Although the Township's LGEA included more facilities than are noted within in the building portfolio, the small sanitary pump stations that were included in the audit were not encapsulated in the portfolio as a result of the Sustainable Jersey standards associated with buildings to be denoted within the portfolio based on square footage.

Municipal Onsite Solar System

10 Points

Program Summary: **Updated narrative (below) in response to comments on October 5th*** Updated letter and calculations attached in response to comments on September 7th*** The Township directly owns and manages four photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. The four solar energy systems that the Township directly owns include: the Woodbridge Community Center, the Woodbridge Public Library, the Health Center and the Evergreen Senior Center. The system types are photovoltaic (PV) solar for electricity behind the meter at each of the facilities. The system interconnection dates are as follows: Woodbridge Community Center: November 5, 2009; the Woodbridge Public Library: February 9, 2010; the Health Center: November 5, 2009; and the Evergreen Senior Center: November 5, 2009. Furthermore, the size of each system and the percentage of each structure’s energy that is offset by the solar system is as follows: Woodbridge Community Center: system size 493.35 kW, energy offset 16%; the Woodbridge Main Library: system size 146.51 kW, energy offset 12%; the Health Center: system size 69.77 kW; and the Evergreen Senior Center: system size 119.6 kW. For the Health Center and Evergreen Senior Center the historical load was unable to be documented as a result of net metering. A summary of the public outreach completed, and applicable links to where said outreach may be viewed is denoted within Mayor McCormac's letter attached below. No new solar systems owned and operated by the municipality have been installed, as of yet.

Make Your Town Solar Friendly

15 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge has taking steps to make permitting processes and zoning rules supportive of solar energy, while balancing the aesthetic and safety concerns of each community. After installing solar panels on the roofs of most Township schools and the Woodbridge Community Center, the Township has worked to encourage greater installation of solar panels by Township residents and businesses. Attached are amendments to the Land Use and Development Ordinance to establish standards for the safe installation of solar panels in appropriate locations. Woodbridge processed over 300 solar permit applications between May 2021 and April 2022. The solar friendly ordinance was adopted by the Woodbridge Municipal Council on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, and adopted and updated ordinance on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in order to outline permitting fees. Said ordinance remains in effect as of May, 2022. Furthermore, the Township has completed cross-department training in relation to site plan review associated with solar permit applications through the Division of Engineering's Environmental Specialist / Floodplain Admin (Thomas Flynn) attending training through the IREC (completion confirmation attached). Fire Captain Paul DeLeo and fire officials from the fire district completed first responder training developed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), the Solar PV Safety for Firefighters Course Solar PV Safety for Firefighters (completion certification attached). Woodbridge continues to maintain it's solar permitting information website and make updates frequently. The solar checklist on the Township's website can be found as a direct link document under the Planning and Development tab making it easy for potential applicants to navigate the process (attached). Found directly at: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/728/Solar-Panel-Installation

Municipally Supported Community Solar

15 Points

Program Summary: The Township of Woodbridge has a long-standing commitment of service to its residents through innovative energy initiatives, policies, and programs that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the Township’s overall carbon footprint. With these goals in mind, we find that The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), through its Community Solar Energy Pilot Program, has created a new and exciting opportunity that aligns with our ongoing endeavors and which serve to meet residents at their energy point of need. The Township’s goal is to support a program structure that ensures customer engagement, efficient communication, technical expertise, environmental justice and beneficial economic elements of community solar projects. As such, Woodbridge has partnered with Solar Landscape, who has recently been awarded projects through the BPU's community solar pilot program within the Township! Woodbridge Township also has strong frameworks in place to include master metered affordable housing communities and individually metered low-moderate income customers through effective public outreach and by connecting Solar Landscape to our Municipal Housing Authority. The Township’s approach represents a pragmatic way to expand the benefits of solar energy to those who cannot normally realize them.

Electric Vehicle Community Outreach

10 Points

Program Summary: Through the dynamic nature of the Township’s new electric vehicle charging infrastructure and electric fleet infrastructure program, inter-connected low-impact travel infrastructure is becoming more readily available. Improving safety and connectivity throughout the Township includes expanding these inclusive community assets in order to enhance public welfare and reduce carbon emissions. As such, concerted efforts focused on said planning mechanisms correlates to an alignment with the Township’s Climate Action Plan in order to ensure successful long term environmental benefits in relation to investing in affordable and accessible electric vehicle transportation systems. The outreach attached highlights how the Township is pursuing these actions in order to help educate residents, businesses and commercial fleet operators. The Township's 2022 recycling calendar (sent as a hardcopy to every home residence by mail) outlines the residential benefits of the Township's shift towards electrification and where to find charging infrastructure. Social media posts, tabling outreach events, the Greenable Woodbridge Talk Show, flyers and outreach highlighting cost savings for residents and businesses, educational brochures, pledges to reduce residential and workplace carbon footprints, and a wonderful EV Charger ribbon cutting event led by Mayor John E. McCormac helped drive our outreach campaign to exciting levels! The Township's electric vehicle community outreach increases community health, and acts as primary mechanisms in order to help link residential neighborhoods with downtown businesses and transportation centers. Furthermore, strategic alignment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure aligns with the Township’s vision of continually seeking to reduce our community carbon footprint while ensuring vitality and growth. Therefore, the outreach techniques in relation to the Township's new public electric vehicle charging infrastructure and purchase of commercial electric garbage trucks electric shuttle buses helps create a zero emission clean and welcoming community. These community enhancements work in conjunction with our Township’s Complete Street Policy to expand travel choice, reduce traffic congestion and community tailpipe emissions from carbon, strengthen our local economy, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve our resident’s quality of life.

Fleet Inventory

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: Attached is our latest and current fleet inventory sheet of the Township’s 491 vehicles. The Township of Woodbridge is dedicated to the concept of utilizing policies like it's anti idling practices to ensure effective fleet management. Said driver training policies have resulted in realizing a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. One specific target: automated sanitation trucks have cut the weekly routes by approximately 30% reduction, consequently saving on fuel. Second specific target: our current Fleet Carbon Footprint as of 2023 is: 847.76 metric tons (CO2e), and through programs to electrify the Township's fleet including heavy duty diesel trucks, the Township envisions a continual decrease in yearly CO2e Sustainable Summary 1. We are continuing to eliminate our 1 yard v-box gasoline salt spreaders and converting them over to electric salt spreaders. 2. We do a monthly tire inflation check along with regular maintenance on vehicles for fuel efficiency. 3. We continue to enforce the no idling policy. 4. All older vehicles are retro fitted to minimize emissions. 5. Fuel additive is being used to help increase fuel mileage and reduce emissions. 6. We have converted to buying smaller SUV’s with 4 cylinder engines that are more economical and better with fuel economy. Future purchases of vehicles of which are more fuel efficient, including by not limited to all electric EV's, are also within the Township's immediate plan. The implementation of Route Smart software is also creating a more efficient method of trash pick-up, which reduces route times, emissions, and fuel consumption. Additionally, our salt spreaders are converting to electric as compared to gasoline, which will also save fuel. Evaluation: There are more exciting changes to the Township's fleet set for the future, as our goal to increase fuel efficiency in all vehicles, and align with the goals associated with the Sustainable Jersey action titled "Meet Targets for Green Fleets" Strategies for improvement: Increase conversion to electric and battery storage and maintain an emissions monitoring program to measure the drop in carbon emissions from vehicles fueled with traditional combustion engines.

excel SJ_Fleet_Inventory_Spreadsheet 2023.xlsx

Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles

10 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township purchased 17 gasoline hybrid vehicles (for pursuit class law enforcement and specialized emergency response vehicles). The Township's new 17 fuel efficient vehicles adds to its already sustainable fleet which includes a hybrid command truck, and idle reduction technology on three of the township's 2016 Ford Utility police vehicles. The idle reduction technology allows for heating, cooling, and electronic device power while significantly reducing the need to run the vehicle's engine. Idling wastes fuel and increases engine wear, so small changes in idling time can lead to noticeable benefits, including cost savings, less pollution, and reduced noise. Please see the attachments below which indicate the specifications and registration associated with one (1 of 17) new hybrid vehicles. Further, the attached excel spreadsheet from our Department of Public Works Division of Equipment Repair indicates that said vehicles are still operational and not retired.

Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

15 Points

Program Summary: Greenable Woodbridge has implemented public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure! The two new charging stations are located at 364 Eleanor Place (1 Dual Port Level 2 Charging Station), and 87 New Street (2 Dual Port Level 2 Charging Stations). Through the planning elements of the NJTPA AFV plan, the Township sought grant funding (NJ DEP It Pays to Plug In) for public electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and in 2022 executed the installation of three dual port level two electric vehicle charging stations by working with said Program. The chargers are located steps from the Woodbridge Train Station on Eleanor Place and New St. Both locations are within the downtown shopping corridor, and aim to help promote the Township's complete street policy. The implementation of these public EV chargers plays a significant role in shaping the Greenable Woodbridge long-term vision for reducing carbon emissions. The program offers a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. On the municipal website, under the Greenable Woodbridge page, residents can see where all electric vehicle charging stations in town. Furthermore, the chargers are easily found on Changepoint's mapping portal and on the Alternative Fuel Data Center mapping website.

Food

Community Food Pantry/Bank & Soup Kitchen

15 Points

Program Summary: The Municipal Food Bank Committee was founded in September 1992. The group meets monthly at the Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services and has community, church, governmental representatives, citizen members and volunteers. In 1994 the committee formally adopted the name "We Feed." Last year (2022), Woodbridge Township businesses, community associations, charitable foundations, educational and school organizations and residents have truly made a difference by donating more than $63,100.00 and 20,000 pounds of food to the Have-A-Heart food drive. On the third Tuesday of each month throughout 2022, “We Feed – Woodbridge” delivered non-perishable and perishable food to approximately 15 homebound seniors. Also, Thanksgiving Day (November 24, 2022) “We Feed” delivered approximately hot meals to 75 homebound seniors as well as on Christmas Day (December 25, 2022.) We conducted 12 drive-thru food drives throughout Woodbridge in 2022. Township websites: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/1265/Have-A-Heart-Food-Drive https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/253/We-Feed-Food-Drive https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/1260/Season-of-Giving-Food-Drive-2022 We Feed Woodbridge Food Pantries: St. James Church, 174 Grove Street, 732-636-4310 Trinity Episcopal Church, Trinity Lane, 732-634-7422 First Congregational Church. Barron Avenue, 732-634-0582 First Presbyterian Church, 600 Rahway Avenue, 732-634-1024 First Presbyterian Church, 1295 Oak Tree Road, 732-283-1188 First Presbyterian Church of Avenel, 621 E. Woodbridge Avenue, 732-634-1631 St. Cecelia Church, 45 Wilus Way, 732-283-0150 Heavens Helper's Pantry, 343 Pearl Street, 732-742-8942 Metro Park Assembly of God, 48 Berkeley Boulevard. 732-710-3663 Fellowship Bible Church Food Pantry, 121 East Prospect Avenue, 732-636-7727 St. Anthony of Padua Food Pantry, 436 Port Reading Avenue, 732-634-1403 The purpose of We Feed Woodbridge is to: To make all community organizations who provide food to needy families and individuals, aware of each other and to allow for networking and organizational linkages. Through the Department of Health and Human Services "We Feed" serves as a clearinghouse for various types of information to local church and synagogue-affiliated food pantries. To encourage further outreach efforts in the community to needy and to provide those in need with assistance. To conduct township-wide food drives periodically in order to replenish the food pantries at the local churches and synagogue.

Community Gardens

20 Points

Program Summary: The DPW’s Division of Parks helped to support the construction of five community gardens (included below). E. Green St Community Garden is a wonderful focal point of the downtown and was primarily constructed as part of an Eagle scout project. Each community garden is sponsored by an organization, and said sponsor works in conjunction with the Township's Division of Health and Human Services in order to ensure policy and procedures are in place, health integrity of the food, and proper food donation of the grown yields to one of the 'We Feed Woodbridge' Food Pantries. - St. Isadore’s Community Garden at St. John Vianney Church (sponsored by parish) - East Green St Park Community Garden - NOTE Tax record denotes park located on adjacent paper St - Garden Ave. (sponsored by Cheesecake Factory) - Mayor Frank Pelzman Memorial Park Community Garden (sponsored by Cheesecake Factory) - Sycamore Senior Center Community Garden (Sponsored by We- Feed) - Woodbridge Township Health Center Community Garden (sponsored by Woodbridge Addiction Services) In 2021, according to Woodbridge Department of Health & Human Services, the total yield of all produce from all five community gardens was approximately 2,000lbs. All harvested produce is donated to “We Feed- Woodbridge” food pantries. The E. Green St community garden produced 200 lbs. of food in 2021, and donated all produced fruit and vegetables to St. James Food Pantry located at 174 Grove St., Woodbridge, 07095. At E Green St Park The community garden beds are approximately 6' x 6' feet in size and 12 inches deep. Fencing was built around the beds to safe gaud production and help sponsor oriented maintenance control access and timely donations. The Township also helps to supply the gardens with 100 percent organic soil and mulch. Furthermore, locally generated compost is collected by volunteers and integrated into the soil amenities of plots at East Green St Park by volunteers from the Cheesecake Factory in Edison and St. James Food Pantry. Sponsor members volunteer their time to grow produce for local food banks, including variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, squash, etc. In 2021 approximately 1,000 pounds of food is estimated to have been collected from all five gardens combined.

Promoting Safe Food Donation for Food Security

15 Points

Program Summary: In January 2023 Woodbridge has launched a Restaurants to the Rescue Program! The mission of Woodbridge Township's Restaurants to the Rescue program is to connect the concept of food rescue with efforts of voluntary collaboration and coordinated best practices in order to best ensure fresh and healthy food reaches those in need. Through the dedication of our Health Department and Food Task Force, the Township as established a means by which to capture food through a donations process from local restaurants that would have otherwise ended up in the waste stream and not reaching those who might be enduring food insecurity (Woodbridge Food Security Policy can be found at: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/595/Greenable-Woodbridge). As of Feb., 2023 over 250 food service businesses within Woodbridge have received outreach correspondence from our Township Health Department during site visit assessments and inspection procedures. The program is off to a phenomenal start with eight (8) restaurants and food service businesses already engaged and participating within less than two months! Woodbridge looks forward to growing the program in 2023 and continuing our success by documenting the approximate pounds of food donated to enhance food security and avoid waste sent to the landfill!

Buy Fresh Buy Local Programs

10 Points

Program Summary: Throughout the year the Township's website has a link to local supermarkets that sell locally grown produce. This listing is located on the Buy Fresh & Local page of our website. The Township highlighted the buy fresh, buy local – jersey produce program and healthy eating through events with the Wellness Committee and in coordination with our Farmers Market. Additionally, at Township events such as, but not limited to, Earth Day and Public Health Day, Wegman's, a local food store that supplies and sells locally grown produce, has a healthy cooking demonstration for the general public.

Farmers Markets

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Farmers Market was in its 17th year beginning in 2022. The market was held in the heart of downtown Woodbridge at Town Hall's Parking Lot every Saturday from 9:00am-1:00 p.m. The municipal government organized, publicized, and provide financial backing and volunteer staff support for the Market. Vendors included: Alstede Farms, Popcorn for the People, LeGrand Coffee, Jersey Pickle, Cloudwell Produds, lndulce Cartering, Christophers Soaps, Crochet Creations, Jeweled Art, Sunflower Meadows Seasoning, Joe's Organic Tea, Little Shoppe of Blankets, Almondy Co. Advertising includes flyers and banners that promote the Woodbridge Farmers Market. What works: The market continues to grow and was partnered with vendors and entertainment. Furthermore, the market is easily accessible by evolving in scope and location. The market’s operational costs are centered on time and labor associated with efforts provided by the Township's Department of Public Works (DPW) Buildings and Grounds support staff. Approximately six hours of time with two to three DPW staff members accounts for the labor and support dedicated to each time the market is hosted in Town Hall's parking lot. Said costs are approximately $500.00 for time and labor of staff. The market does not generate income for the Township, and only functions to help provide access and availability of fresh foods, while aiding in the ability to host a site for regional farmers to sell their products.

Making Farmers Markets Accessible

5 Points

Program Summary: Beginning on June 26, 2021 the Woodbridge Farmer's Market began it's 2021 season with Alstede Farms at Town Hall's Parking Lot which allows for great accessibility to public transportation, enhanced practices focused on economic equity, and increased visibility using digital media platforms. the 2021 Farmers Market is located in the Woodbridge Town Hall Parking Lot and under 1/4 of a mile from the Woodbridge Train Station and an NJ Transit Bus stop located on Main St., Woodbridge (GIS Map uploaded below). Furthermore, the 2021 Farmers Market accepts SNAP, FMNP, and EBT forms of payment in order to ensure equitable access to healthy local produce (confirmation uploaded below). The Township also focused on promoting the Farmers Market through digital media platforms such as a promotional video (run on local closed circuit Twp television stations) and on the Township website; both are uploaded below to document said examples of outreach. The market followed all CDC and Township Health Department guidelines. Tables/vendors were 6 ft apart with 6' markings to remind folks in the market shopping area. The Township is also pleased to report that Alstede Farms has returned The Farmer’s Market in the Woodbridge Town Hall parking lot from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Saturday throughout the 2022 summer beginning on July 2nd!

Green Design

Green Building Training

5 Points

Program Summary: Two Woodbridge Township Planning Department employees, Eric Griffith and Chris Kesici, took Green Building training within the USGB online portal. These two employees meet with developers and builders regularly and their new knowledge will be valuable. The workshop titled 'PEER (Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal)' is a leadership standard that recognizes industry leaders for improving efficiency, day-to-day reliability and overall resiliency. The workshop titled 'LEED Proven Provider' is designed to reward experienced organizations that demonstrate successful and consistent performance in the LEED Project Administrator role in LEED Online by submitting documentation that is high quality and free of errors. The workshop titled 'Sustaining America's Desert Cities' discusses adaption with regard to a changing climate, leading with equity and putting into place long-range plans toward a more sustainable future. The workshop titled 'Race Equity, Public Health and LEED' for Cities focuses on how disparities in public health illuminated by COVID-19 have presented an opportunity for local leaders to issue proclamations and resolutions that address racism more broadly.

Create a Green Development Checklist

10 Points

Program Summary: 2021Green Development Check-list Scorecard and applicable recertification requirements attached.

Green Building Education

5 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Township Department of Planning & Development provides green building and program information to all members of the public, which includes residents, builders and visitors. This has been a priority since 2009 as new information bins were constructed to contain Green Building Educational Materials and still is popular today in 2022. The information is available on the third floor of the Township’s Town Hall at the main desk for the Township’s Building Department. This is an ideal location for information to be provided since this is the where anyone that is applying for or picking up a building/zoning permit will pass through. Staff members are available to assist stakeholders. The education materials covers topics such as energy conservation, green building for homes and businesses, recycling tips, green landscaping ides and various energy efficiency related rebate programs provided by NJ Clean Energy. TheTownship’s Green Sustainability Element document to the Master Plan is also provided. The Township also directs people to the Woodbridge Township website, which has many green links on its “greenable woodbridge” page including resources for green infrastructure implementation for stormwater management. Most recently the Township's Green Building Education program has has expanded to included conversations and materials about the Township's exciting steps toward the potential implementation of a microgrid and it's widely popular FREE bike sharing program that is owned and operated by the municipality. Bike shoring has been increasing in popularity with regard to new development, and the Township uses its successes to explain the benefits of including these green building components into overall complete streets and sustainable building practices. Educational conversations pursuant to the Township's anticipated microgrd (and providing access to materials and reports) regarding how the Township is developing new steps to becoming a more resilient community with its inclusion as one of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Town Center Distributed Energy Resource Microgrid Feasibility Study Incentive Program focus areas. The Township has been working to further develop a microgrid design that will make the community more resilient, while incorporating energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. these exciting infinitives create opportunities to discuss and educate contractors and developers about green building and other innovative sustainable design components. Upload 1 is a copy of a publication the Township makes available to the public: a 142-page Information & Resources Handbook written and published by Woodbridge Township Dept. of Planning & Development that contains “green design” information on the following topics: • Energy Conservation • Fuel Efficiency • General Green Practices • Green Building for Home and Business • Landscaping Ideas • Recycling Tips • Tax Credits • Waster Management • Water Management This publication is available through the Dept. of Planning & Development as well as at the Township’s Building Permit Office as well as on the Township website for free downloading. It is updated frequently. Upload 2 is a copy of the Township’s Green Building Scorecard/Checklist. With updated checklist. Upload 3 is the Township of Woodbridge Town Center Advanced Microgrid Feasibility Study Report Upload 4 is an educational document explaining a Microgrid. Upload 5 is an example of outreach material that the township uses to discuss the importance and expansion of it's free bike sharing program.

Health & Wellness

Anti-Idling Education & Enforcement Program

10 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township Mayor’s Office, Woodbridge Township School District, Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission and Woodbridge Township Health Department have continued to implement an Anti-Idling Campaign. The campaign implemented a “No Idling Zone” education program at elementary, middle and high schools – locations where hundreds of car and bus engines idle daily as children are picked up and/or dropped off. Stopping unnecessary vehicle idling helps improve air quality and respiratory health in our communities, starting with the children who breathe the excess exhaust as they come and go from school. The Woodbridge Township Anti-Idling program is an outgrowth of the several programs initiated over the last decade to encourage children to walk to school, including receiving grants from Keep Middlesex Moving, Middlesex County and State of New Jersey to improve sidewalks and crosswalks near schools. The project has two goals: (1) educate drivers about the state’s anti-idling law and encourage them to comply, especially near schools; (2) teach students how to become actively involved in disseminating information about environmental issues that affect them and their families. The project consists of mounting No Idling Zone signs at the pickup/drop-off locations at each of the Township’s public schools and the printing and distributing / displaying a series of No Idling informational flyers. Woodbridge is excited to continue this important and informative program. The following items denote and document the program : 1) We do not a need a formal resolution, because we follow the state laws: N.J.A.C. 7:27-14 (for diesel vehicles) and N.J.A.C. 7:27-15 (for gasoline vehicles). 2) “No Idling” signs have been posted at priority anti-idling locations. 3) An enforcement plan was created for priority anti-idling locations in the community to reinforce the existing DEP regulations on anti-idling. 4) Educational materials were produced and distribute to residents and businesses via public service announcements, newsletters, websites, educational materials, etc. The Mayor’s Office has worked with others to educate residents about the policy, including school administrators, businesses and the police, who have been tasked with issuing initial warnings and citations for multiple offenders.

Best Practices for Local Boards of Health

5 Points

Program Summary: Our Woodbridge Township Municipal Council possesses and exercises our Township’s Local Board of Health’s legislative powers. Furthermore, all members have completed the NJ Local Boards of Health Association Orientation and Exam as of May 17, 2022 (please see signed letter attached). The Township's Local Board of Health meets quarterly and as such complies with the New Jersey Local Board of Health Association statues and operational manual guidelines. The Local Board of Health meeting held during the first quarter of the year functions as the annual information session whereby specific strategies, outreach, and programs are reviewed by the Township's Health Director and shared with the Local Board of Health. In addition to quarterly meetings, Health Department representatives provide detailed reports at Town Council meetings and deliver briefings to our Township Administration. These less frequent, but important public health overviews are then relayed to residents through announcements made by Mayor John E. McCormac. Said outreach is delivered through local Township operated closed circuit television, You Tube, code red calls to every resident, the Township's email distribution list, and the Mayor's Facebook Page (examples attached). The Optional Municipal Charter Law or Faulkner Act (N.J.S.A 40:69A-1[1], et seq.) provides New Jersey municipalities with a variety of models of local government. This legislation is called the Faulkner Act in honor of the late Bayard H. Faulkner, former mayor of Montclair, New Jersey and chairman of the Commission on Municipal Government. Woodbridge has adopted this type of system. Under this system the Council acts as the Board of Health and has a separate meeting as the BOH. Local governments organized under the Faulkner Act, Walsh Act, 1923 Municipal Manager or Special Charter do NOT have an autonomous board of health, but they can and should have an advisory board of health. The functions of a board of health are divided among various entities: • Budget is enacted by the council as proposed by mayor, manager or administrator. • Ordinances are enacted by council. • Health Officer is nominated by mayor, manager or administrator and confirmed by council. • Programs are developed or reviewed by mayor, manager or administrator • These are the forms of government where advisory boards of health are very useful. Local Board of Public Health Members: Howie Bauer, Council President - Second Ward Gregg M. Ficarra, Council Vice-President, Councilman-at-Large Sharon McAuliffe, Councilwoman - First Ward Cory Spillar, Councilman - Third Ward Virbhadra N. Patel, Councilman - Fourth Ward Debbie Meehan, Councilwoman - Fifth Ward Kyle Anderson, Councilman-at-Large Lizbeth DeJesus, Councilwoman-at-Large Brian Small, Councilman-at-Large

Building Healthier Communities

25 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township received the Healthy Town designation for the second year in a row in 2021. The township is one of the longest standing partners of the Mayor's Wellness Campaign (MWC) and has continued to grow and improve its program over the years. In 2021, in conjunction with the Woodbridge Green Team, the MWC rolled out a free Bikeshare program. This was particularly important because the pandemic pushed many people to engage in more outdoor activities. Riders can take the bikes and return them to any of the eligible racks. The Township’s strategies for providing an inter-connected, inclusive, environmentally conscious, and healthy community through mechanisms like bike sharing seek to enhance long-term mental and physical well-being! in 2022 Woodbridge is excited to expand this initiative with seven more bike sharing locations and would recommend it to any other municipality!

Integrating Health Into Municipal Decision Making

25 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township's Health in all Polices Task Force was developed to recognize that social construct, environment, and behaviors play a serious role in long-term individual and community health. The Township’s health in all policies approach stems from a manner by which to inclusively recognize that the aforementioned impacts significantly influence how a community is able to grow and achieve productive and equitable policy decisions. This framework helps to legitimize and formalize the development of implementing collaborative efforts towards sustained healthy programs and strategies for applying community wellness. The HiAP Task Force Includes the following members: ?Caroline Ehrlich, Woodbridge Township Office of the Mayor, Chief of staff ? Thomas Flynn, Woodbridge Township Division of Engineering, Environmental Specialist ? Appointee from Office of the Business Administrator (Currently Serving on Task Force: Casey Wagner, Deputy Business Administrator) ? Appointee from Department of Health and Human Services (Currently Serving on Task Force: Phil Bujalski, Deputy Health Dept. Director) Said members also seek input and support from the Township’s Health Task Force and Public Health Advisory Committee (Local board of Health).

Local Health Assessment & Action Plan

40 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Health Task Force is made up of local officials from the Mayor’s Office, Engineering Division, the Woodbridge Department of Health and Human Services, volunteers from Healthier Middlesex, medical institutions, the Mayor’s wellness campaign, local high school and college students, and a Board of Health and Town Council member (listed below). Our team worked on a variety of actions through surveys, data procurement and on the ground outreach and education in order to provide for a comprehensive review and action plan associated with the Township's community health. The role of our task force seeks to examine how public health functions in relation to equity, public education, land-use planning and zoning, transportation planning, environmental management, housing, infrastructure investments, recreational programming, provision of open and green spaces, public safety, and economic development. The results have been outstanding and already ignited new resources and procedures for policy and programming tied to mental health, persons without insurance, equitable mobility, and tobacco points of sale enforcement. We are thrilled to announce that the Task Force's action plan has been approved by the local board of health and governing body. Woodbridge is excited to continue the exciting developments from this Task Force well into the future for the sustained growth and wellness of our community. Woodbridge Health Task Force Members: Caroline Ehrlich, Woodbridge Township Office of the Mayor, Chief of staff Diya Nair, Student at Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences Gregg Ficarra, Council Vice-President, Councilman-at-Large, Local Board of Health Public Health Advisory Committee Chair Ashley Ristaino, Woodbridge Township Health Department, Public Health Educator Thomas Flynn, Woodbridge Township Division of Engineering, Environmental Specialist Theo Alan, Woodbridge Township resident Robert Laforgia, Saint Peters University, Healthier Middlesex Coordinator Laurie Mccabe, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor at Senator Joe Vitale Phil Bujalski, Woodbridge Township Health Department, Deputy Director Robin Krippa, Community Outreach & Engagement Hackensack Meridian Health Dennis Green, Woodbridge Township Health Department, Director Mark Zeno, Woodbridge Township Police Department, Community Affairs

Tobacco Free Community

15 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township's ordinances include the prohibition from smoking on municipal grounds, which became effective on July 1, 2008. (Ord. #08-28). Municipal grounds shall mean any property or portion thereof, owned or leased by the Township of Woodbridge which are routinely accessed by the general public, including but not limited to parks, all recreational, senior, and youth facilities, the Township Health Center and the Municipal Complex, and is intended to include the land on which any building is located, including, but not limited to the surrounding surface parking lot, and parking deck, walkways, paths and lands appurtenant. Any person who violates this provision shall pay a fine outlined within the ordinance. Signs denoting said information have also been installed at public parks and buildings. Through data collection in relation to the Local Health Assessment process, the Township's Health Task Force began identifying locations where access to fresh and healthy foods were available. During that exercise, it became apparent that quite frequently vaping establishments or tobacco sales were readily available relatively close nearby. As a result, the Public Health Department began new outreach techniques to best ensure said establishments adhere to age of sale compliance. Outreach programs are also being considered for future expansion in relation to educational poster challenges. The concept will help facilitate understanding about the risks of vaping and tobacco related products, and lend itself toward community-based art competitions. Our Health Department and Township Health Task Force have also helped to enhance functions for tobacco prevention through an "Age of Sale Task Force" and dedicated focus on vaping education and prevention. A new 2023 ordinance which focuses on regulating the proximity of vaping and electronic smoking devices in relation to schools and other other sensitive areas which may lead to members of the youth population more easily engaging in tobacco use. The Township takes a variety of measures to best Enhance the Task Force, and collect metrics for monitoring re-inspections, fines, and if necessary a revocation of license to sell products.

Innovative Projects

Innovative Community Project 1

10 Points

Program Summary: The Township of Woodbridge is over 350 years old, consists of ten unincorporated towns, and encompasses approximately 24 square miles, including approximately 3,000 acres of regulated Special Flood Hazard Areas in tidal and fluvial floodplains. Coastal areas of utmost concern for flood risk and reforestation are located adjacent to the Woodbridge River, its tidal tributaries and the Arthur Kill. Areas of great concern for fluvial flooding and water quality pursuit to the Roots for Rivers 2020 project was located primarily along a tributary of the South Branch Rahway River which crosses western segments of the Township, within the Colonia and Iselin sections. With regard to the coastal floodplain surrounding the Woodbridge River, the Township has been extremely successful in removing people and structures from flood risk through the NJDEP Blue Acres Program, and restoring said areas to best ensure natural floodplain functions. To date over 160 structures have been removed from harm’s way. In addition, the Township, in concert with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension program, has reengineered said Blue Acres buy-out areas through the installation of over 1,000 native trees and shrubs, removed two acres of impervious surface, and eradicated five acres of invasive species. These groundbreaking initiatives have enhanced ecological value and flood storage capacity, and led to the Township being awarded, by the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management, for its outstanding programs focused on reducing flood risk and restoring natural functions. Despite these successful and on-going programs, many remaining degraded stream banks in the Colonia section of Woodbridge still face poor vegetative character, roadway run-off concerns from adjacent heavily traveled thoroughfares, such as, State Rt. 27, and lack the capacity to thrive as a biologically diverse open space. As such the 2020 Roots for Rivers project took place on National Public Lands Day (Saturday, September 26) with help of over 30 volunteers from the public and Scout Troop 53 and sought to reestablish vegetation along a tributary of the South Branch Rahway River (located at Block 450.01 Lot 34). The site is approximately 4.6 acres and located within the Rahway River Watershed it is of utmost priority to reforest. The conservation goals of the project focus on maximizing the use of 125 native trees and shrubs in order to increase the ecosystem services provided by the open space corridor within the project area. Further, the project seeks to enhance stream bank stabilization and flood storage capacity through the strategic establishment of said native plant material. In addition, the site is home to multiple Eagle Scout projects, of which include trail markers, a trailhead, and an insect hotel, etc. The planting initiative will aid in buffering the stream corridor (tributary of the South Branch Rahway River) by providing a sheltered environment for habitat, and better filtration of floodwaters. In addition, the project will help to regulate water temperatures in an area where barren soil and landscaped grasses are currently present. Further, the restoration efforts will take place near the newly installed trails and will help to provide a buffer (for water quality) from the nearby roadway.

Innovative Community Project 2

10 Points

Program Summary: WPD SAFE PLACE is geared to enhance the relationship between the Woodbridge Police Department, the LGBTQ+ community, victims of bias incidents, local businesses, schools and allies. WPD SAFE PLACE will provide decals to local businesses, schools, organizations and allies encouraging those locations and entities to clearly post the signage at the entrance(s) and publicly visible areas in their premise as the symbol of safe haven for victims of LGBTQ+ crime. The WPD SAFE PLACE decals are designed to: Be highly visible, uniform and recognizable to the entire community Provide designated safe locations for community members to seek services Show support for the LGBTQ+ Community Locations displaying the WPD SAFE PLACE decal assume responsibilities that will greatly assist the WPD in protecting LGBTQ+ victims of crimes. The WPD SAFE PLACE symbol of safety will be recognized by residents and visitors and will indicate that your business, school, organization or premise is willing to assist and protect LGBTQ+ victims. To execute this concept effectively, the WPD requests that business owners, managers and community leaders instruct staff, employees, teachers, administrators, volunteers, counselors and/or students, etc. of the following protocol: WPD SAFE PLACE decals (4”x 6”) are provided FREE of charge. These decals are specifically designed for businesses, schools, organizations and allies to post at or near the front entrance to their premise as a symbol of safety for victims of LGBTQ+ related crimes and as a warning to criminal offenders. WPD SAFE PLACE decals are NOT to be displayed in private residences. If interested in participating in The WPD Safe Place Program, businesses, schools, organizations and allies may provide the name of the business, the address, and your contact information by emailing us at the SafePlace@twp.woodbridge.nj.us or call our non-emergency phone number, 732-634-7700, for the Community Affairs Unit. Apply the WPD SAFE PLACE decal outside the front entrance of the establishment, building, room, etc. (approx. 3-5 feet high, if possible). If there is no glass at your front entrance, the WPD SAFE PLACE decal can be placed conspicuously inside your premise; Allow victims to enter and remain at your premise until WPD officers arrive; Call or assist victims in calling: 9-1-1.

Innovative Community Project 3

10 Points

Program Summary: As of March, 2021 Woodbridge is set to see the finish line with regard to planning its microgrid. On December 11, 2015, Woodbridge was awarded the Gardinier Environmental Fund grant through Sustainable Jersey’s Small Grants program focused on projects related to energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. The funding was applied to study a microgrid and identify areas in the town that might be appropriate for distributed generation in the event of a storm or major outage. In 2021 Woodbridge has now been awarded Phase II funding by the BPU, and near completion of the study examining the potential development of an advanced microgrid that will allow Woodbridge to operate critical functions and provide necessary support for the town and surrounding area. Working with a host of stakeholders including police, fire, Public Works and dozens of members of the private community, Woodbridge has developed a robust plan for a microgrid in its downtown train station area. A $30,000 Small Grant Recipients in 2015 has turned into a six year journey and a $269,950.00 award from the BPU in 2021 with regard to providing critical services, and an estimated annual CO2 of reduction of 2,200 tons. the final stage of the process will scrutinize specific engineering concepts, financial methodologies, and produce a project ready to be built!

Land Use & Transportation

Sustainable Land Use Pledge

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: The Sustainable Land Use Pledge was first adopted by the Township in 2009. In 2022 meaningful updates were made by the Sustainable Land Use Pledge & Master Plan Element & Sustainable Community Plan sub-committee of the Woodbridge Township Green Team through a series of meetings with input invited from the public. The Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Environmental Commission have all received a copy of the Sustainable Land Use Pledge and new board members are given notice upon their appointment to the respected board. The updated pledge was publicly discussed and approved via the municipal council on 4/19/2022. All boards have been forwarded a copy of the Sustainable Land Use Pledge resolution for their review and to best ensure the policies and practices set forth in the pledge and adopted resolution are enhanced through municipal public involvement.

Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Improvement Projects

25 Points

Program Summary: Thanks to a 10,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey, the FREE Greenable Woodbridge bicycle share program will launch in June of 2021. Bikes and racks will be situated within the Downtown of Woodbridge Proper and steps away from the Woodbridge Train Station. Bicycles will be equipped with secure locks and appropriate safety features. Bicycling is an important facet of mobility, economic development, public health, social equinity, and environmental sustainability. Balanced transportation choices are important to individual travelers and overall environmental health. The program will focus on reducing carbon emissions from tailpipes, and help build a sustainable zero-emission travel network. The bike share system will be free to the general public and will be owned and operated by the Township. Furthermore, bike routes have been installed directly by the Township, and are denoted on the attached GIS map. the routes are set to expand in 2021, and are indicated as such on the map. Travel strains often occur during the first mile and last mile associated with getting to or from a public transportation network. Free bikable areas are seeking to address this problem in access and equity. Free bike sharing, new bike routes, and safer corridors help solve this age-old problem. Biking incorporates physical activity into daily routines to fight obesity, chronic illness, and to improve mental health and a community sense of wellbeing. Healthy mobility is an important facet of a local economy, public health, social equity, and sustainability. Balanced transportation choices are vital to individual travelers and overall environmental health. Biking networks provide convenient and safe travel routes while reducing the dependency on carbon-emitting vehicles.

Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Plan

10 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township, with the help of a Sustainable Jersey Small grant, hired Sam Schwartz Engineering to study the feasibility of implementing a network of bicycle routes within the township. The proposed bicycle roadway network will provide connections with commercial corridors and downtown business areas, mass transit options including train stations and bus routes, schools, recreational areas and large parks, and local government services. In addition, the proposed bicycle network will work in conjunction with our Complete Street Policy to expand travel choice and reduce traffic congestion, strengthen our local economy, protect our environment, promote healthy lifestyles, and improve our resident’s quality of life. The potential impact of achieving a multi-modal transportation network that is accessible, safe, and convenient is substantial, and can serve as a model for other communities to emulate. The plan will utilize local, low-stress routes and roadways as much as possible. The design options may include, but are not limited to: sharrows, advisory bicycle lanes, standard bicycle lanes, buffered bicycle lanes, and/or cycle tracks. All designs will adhere to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Bike Guide. Furthermore, Woodbridge Township will increase signage, increase roadway and bicycle lane striping, and install additional bicycle racks and other related amenities throughout the proposed bicycle network. Since the plan has been completed, Woodbridge Township has received a NJ Department of Transportation grant to implement the plan and provide safe bicycle connections to our residents. The Plan was approved by the Woodbridge Township Planning Board. The resolution is attached.

pdf Bicycle and or Pedestrian Plan upload 1

Effective Parking Management

10 Points

Program Summary: Attached are two parking studies (parking facility and commuter parking adequacy) as well as two redevelopment plans that have lower parking requirements than set by the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS). Based off of the RSIS for mid-level redevelopment projects, the following standards apply: 1 bedroom (1.8 parking spaces), 2 bedroom (2 parking spaces), and 3 bedroom (2.1 parking spaces). For the Route 27 Area 4 Redevelopment Plan, the parking requirements are 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit. Additionally, the Downtown Woodbridge Area 1 Redevelopment Plan requires 1.25 parking spaces per unit. Both of these redevelopment plans are located within 0.5 miles of a train station, therefore alternative parking requirements from the RSIS apply. The Township requires less parking for new multi-family developments near train stations because of (1) the availability of mass transit, (2) auto ownership is 30 percent less for residents of apartments/condominiums living near transit than residents living in single-family homes (Eliminating Barriers to Transit-Oriented Development, March 2010), and (3) NJ Transit recommends a reduction of parking requirements for dense developments near transit (Planning for Transit-Friendly Land Use: A Handbook for New Jersey Communities, June 1994).

Green Infrastructure Planning

20 Points

Program Summary: What makes the Woodbridge Township green infrastructure team’s approach to traditional techniques unique is a partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program on all rain gardens and bioswales. Local knowledge provided by the Township GI team coupled with Rutgers advanced understanding of these systems aids the innovation of the design and technical construction of functional projects. The short-term goal is to treat storm-water runoff from 20 acres in Woodbridge Township. The long-term goal is to treat storm-water runoff from 80 acres, these goals are steadfast as a result of the Township's impervious cover.

Green Infrastructure Implementation

10 Points

Program Summary: What makes the Woodbridge Township green infrastructure team’s approach to traditional techniques unique is a partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program on all rain gardens and bioswales. Local knowledge provided by the Township GI team coupled with Rutgers advanced understanding of these systems aids the innovation of the design and technical construction of functional projects.The short-term goal is to treat storm-water runoff from 20 acres in Woodbridge Township. The long-term goal is to treat storm-water runoff from 80 acres. - Kennedy Park, located in the Iselin section of the Township is now home to three bioswales which mitigate non-point source pollution, enhance aesthetics, promote native plants and pollinating incents (like butterflies) and help to relieve ponding and/ or drainage issues. - Henry Inman Library located in the Colonia section of the Township (details within Reduction Action Plan). The project seeks to combat fluvial flooding and stormwater run-off form the adjacent library. The project will serve as an educational complement to the library. - Health Center, located next to the Main Library and Woodbridge High School in the Woodbridge Proper section of the Township, was the first municipal rain garden project. In addition to storm water management the project also serves as an educational complement to the library and high school. - Fords Branch Library, located in the Fords section of the Township, is home to two raingardens; one each located in the front and rear if the building. In addition to storm water management the project will also serve as an educational complement to the library.

Transit-Oriented Development Supportive Zoning

20 Points

Program Summary: The Main Street Rehabilitation and Transit Village Plan was adopted by ordinance in 2008. The Plan provided new zoning and design standards for the transit village district, which includes properties one-half mile from the Woodbridge New Jersey Transit Train Station. The vision is for more mixed-use buildings and denser housing options in the Main Street area. The Plan divides the area into different zoning districts. Although the Plan was adopted outside of the 10 year requirement for this action, the Township has been heavily involved in implementing the plan over the past 11 years. These efforts have led to many construction projects, including a mixed-use building with 12,500 square feet of commercial space and 12 residential units; a 10 unit multi-family structure; and a 36 unit residential development. In the past three years the Township adopted two new plans within the Transit Village Area with site specific Zoning: The Downtown Area 1 Plan and the Rahway-Nielson Redevelopment Plan. The Township has already seen these Plans in action with new developments approved by the Planning Board in these areas. In Downtown Area 1, a six-story, 145 unit residential building with a parking deck has been approved. In the Rahway-Nielson Area, a five-story mixed use building was approved, which will consist of 11,700 square feet in retail space, 232 apartments and a parking deck. Both buildings fit well into the Township’s Transit Oriented Development vision as the Township looks forward to the future of its downtown.

Local Economies

Green Business Recognition Program

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: Each year Woodbridge Township challenges our local businesses to take our Green Business Challenge Checklist. The marketing and outreach to participate in the program is through door to door business visits and digital media outreach by our Green Ambassador Team and Mayor's Office of Communications which helps to inform businesses about the challenge and the benefits of being green. Outreach for the program was also dispersed at Township events hosted by the local Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, in 2023 the Township is seeking to recognize restaurants participating the newly rolled out program titled: "Restaurants to the Rescue" that is dedicated to helping address food security within the Township. the Green Checklist will be updated and awards will be given to those participating businesses that meet new checklist categories like food waste reduction, food security donations, and carbon offsets for recycled or donated food that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill!

Green Jobs/Economic Development

10 Points

Program Summary: Engines of economic development such as sustainable job-training platforms help to define the ability for our Township to address workforce growth and civic engagement. Companies like Solar Landscape, which focus on job-training classes in relation to rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar system installation, align with the Township’s green job promotion efforts. Furthermore, Solar Landscape’s free online classes take into account mindful efforts to ensure effective communication methodologies while engaging the public. Advancing career opportunities within the renewable energy sector aids in the Township’s ability to remain a leader in sustainable energy initiatives, as well as keen advocates for our community members in need of local job development.

Buy Local Campaign

10 Points

Program Summary: 2022 Buy Local – WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP - Summary __________________________________________________ As in every year since its establishment in 2009, Buy Local outreach promotional flies and materials have been printed and distributed to retail outlets throughout the Township, Buy Local street banners were prepared and hung in all Township business districts, Buy Local letters were sent to Woodbridge Township merchants informing them of the campaign and suggesting ways in which they might participate, Buy Local Membership Cards were distributed to thousands of people at Township events, PSA announcements were issued on the Township’s TV-35/36 channels, website, newsletter and various resident flyers, and a special portion of the Township website was devoted to Buy Local. The Township conducted special announcements to help support the Buy Local initiatives during the covid-19 pandemic (attached). Holiday Stroll was still held and conducted in a safe manner through all outdoor events to support buying local and the holiday season (attached outreach to support promotion). It was held to kick off the holiday shopping season and bring shoppers to local businesses for a fun, free event promoting the buy local campaign. The Mayor and Chamber of Commerce also attend multiple ribbon cuttings throughout the year to highlight new business coming to Woodbridge Township.

Support Local Businesses

10 Points

Program Summary: To support Township businesses, the Township has produced amazing opportunities through the Office of the Mayor, the Woodbridge Redevelopment Agency and the Woodbridge Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) which represent a unique partnership of government, private sector development, corporate and business leaders, civic and academic entities working together to support smart, knowledge-based economic growth and development strategies designed to advance the future vision of Woodbridge Township and the Central New Jersey region. The focus of steadfast driving determination to see businesses thrive in Woodbridge neighborhoods addresses the matter of implementing sustainable practices through entrepreneurship and enhanced business development. These partnerships help to aid the township’s already business-friendly environment and help seek to enhance organizations dedicated to the well-being of local commerce. Working to attract new businesses, as well as support the area’s already established businesses, said partnerships have designed a number of programs to create successful ventures for area entities. Woodbridge has worked hard to ensure that members of the business community feel appreciated, welcomed, and ready to work with the Township to advance strong economic principals and function as staples of the Woodbridge local business community.

Natural Resources

Natural Resource Inventory

20 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: The Township requires the annual review and maintenance (when applicable) to its Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI). Said document was initially created in 2008, and encompasses a range of parameters detailing the municipality’s critical natural infrastructure and aggregated information in relation to environmental conditions. As such, unvarying principles embedded within the initial description of the Township’s ERI shall likely remain constant, such as, but not limited to, geology, soils, aquifers, topography, etc. Amendments noted within any update to the ERI shall not nullify said original document unless specifically stated, updates may include aspects of the Township’s known resources which have changed as per federal, state, or local data, local innovative programs, and /or more detailed information. Updates to the Township’s ERI provide a synopsis of actions and evidence to best ensure an accurate and well-documented account of locally pertinent information. The goal of each update to the Environmental Resource Inventory is to inclusively examine and revise said ERI (if applicable) to discuss the holistic matter by which the Township manages, restores, and understands its relationship with its environmental resources. The Township will continue to update its Environmental Resource Inventory yearly in relation to new information and methodologies used to produce better data. At said time all updates to the ERI shall be present to the Township Municipal Council for review and voted on for approval. In addition, the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Environmental Commission shall be made aware of any updates made to the inventory.

Environmental Commission

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Township’s Environmental Commission prides itself on taking an active role in our community. The Commission has programs that have showcased our sustainability and environmental leadership such as our annual Earth Day event (May 1, 2021), helps to maintain township Community Gardens and Rain Gardens, and manages a seed library. The Commission consistently looks to see what works and improves on aspects of the community that need work. The Environmental Commission meetings are open to the public and provide a resource for the community to discuss environmental concerns in the neighborhood and community. In accordance with the statute requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act, C.10:4-8 (d), all meetings will be held in the third floor conference room, One Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ, unless publicized to be held at another location. Meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue until adjournment. They are held on the second Thursday of every month on the third floor of Town Hall in the conference room across from the Mayor's office. In 2022 the environmental commission is considering enhancing the Township tree inventory using GIS which includes 2,400 tress with the data listed below. • Common Tree Name • Tree Genus • Tree Species • Diameter (Break Height in Inches) • Trunk Height • Wires Present • Install Date (for new trees) • Condition • Owned By • Managed By • Infrastructure Damage (sidewalk/street/etc.) • Comments • Recommended Removal • Roots Damage • Roots Damage Comments • Trunk Damage • Trunk Damage Comments • Canopy Damage • Canopy Damage Comments • Tree Shape • Tree Removed • Tree Removal Date • Stump Removed/Ground • Stump Removal/Grind Date • Tree Pruned • Pruning Comments • Pruning Date • New Planting • New Planting Date • Physical Location or Address 2021 Members: Members Morgan Jorgensen, Chairperson Term Expires: December 31, 2021 Tammy Rapp DaRocha Term Expires: December 31, 2023 Chantal Greffer Term Expires: December 21, 2022 Danny Charles-Estain Term Expires: November 9, 2024 Jay Ali, Planning Board Representative Term Expires: December 21, 2022 Kyle Morgan Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Antonio Cardona Term Expires: December 31, 2023 Mirly Paul Term Expires: December 31, 2022 Current Members (2022): Tammy Rapp DaRocha, Chairperson Term Expires: December 31, 2023 Chantal Greffer Term Expires: December 21, 2022 Danny Charles-Estain Term Expires: November 9, 2024 Ricardo Viteri Term Expires: May 2, 2025 Kyle Morgan Term Expires: December 31, 2024 Jay Ali, Planning Board Representative Term Expires: December 21, 2022 Antonio Cardona, 1st Alternate Term Expires: December 31, 2023 Thomas C. Flynn Term Expires: June 20, 2025

Municipal Water Story

25 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: Woodbridge, as an older community, has maximized it’s waterfront access for hundreds of years. Though regional industry and adjacent neighborhood suburban development were expanded with waterfront operations in mind, there once was a time when the coast of Woodbridge Township was characterized much differently with respect to utility and waterway tradition. Woodbridge seeks to reimagine, plan, and implement sustainability practices to best ensure waterway access, water quality health, water conservation, human safety, and ecological protection as utmost priority. The Woodbridge Water Story – explains our history with water, our positive steps forward, and continued leadership with regard to progressive approaches to protecting water resources and all life which depends on them. In our water story we convey our understanding of the real and future impacts of climate change, and flood risk, as well as how we are harnessing ecological services, to adapt our community and allocating appropriate resources to best solve known problems. Our resilience is found in how we address issues instead of running from them, and rebounding without collapse. Woodbridge envisions the water story as a unique opportunity to tell how we are promoting resilience, rooted in an understanding of the reality of past devastation caused by water, as well as current mitigation techniques, and the promise of future equitable water resources to benefit the entire community.

Water Conservation Education Program

10 Points

Program Summary: Water conservation encapsulates sustainable management, usage, and procurement of fresh water. Water saving measures can have a huge impact on water demand, and help protect the integrity of natural resources. Woodbridge wholeheartedly understands this notion and sought to promote water conservation through two programs. At the 2022 Earth Day Fair a Water Conservation Program titled: Rain Barrel Education and Raffle, participants were provided reusable water bottles, water conservation tip sheets during a group discussion about out-door water conservation, and also asked to complete the Township’s Water Survey. The participants were also asked to complete the Township’s Local Health Survey. Both surveys were available as hard-copies and via QR code. As a result of completing a survey participants were provide entry to win a free 55 gallon rain barrel. At the 2023 Mayors Senior Summit a Water Conservation Program titled: Group ‘Water Wise Tips’ Discussion, attendees were provided reusable water bottles, water conservation tip sheets, and during group discussions learned about how water is used efficiently in home settings. Attendees were also asked to complete the Township’s Water Survey. The participants were also asked to complete the Township’s Local Health Survey. Both surveys were available as hard-copies and via QR code. As a result of engaging in the group discussion and / or completing a survey participants were provide with reusable bags. The Water Story Survey helps educate residents about the fate and transport of water, recreational aspects of water within and near the community, and outreach in relation to ecology, flood risk, and watersheds. It also invites residents to offer thoughts about the Township’s actions to best address the matters identified in the Water Story. The Woodbridge Community Health Survey was created to help shape our Health Action Plan, and we use current feedback to help shape next steps associated with our Gold Star navigational path items.

Easement Inventory & Outreach

10 Points

Program Summary: ***Please see new upload which answers questions within feedback*** The Township is examining a manner by which to develop it's Conservation Easement Monitoring program through potentially mirroring Land Trust Standards and Practices as guiding principles. The Township is reviewing Land Trust Standards and Practices, first published by the Land Trust Alliance in 1989, and with the most recent revision effective February 3, 2017; and, The Township is actively developing applicable Standards that are ethical and follow technical guidelines for the responsible monitoring of a conservation easement. The Township's inventory was created through Geospacial Information Systems Mapping (screen shot and map uploaded) and may be accessed by way of the following link: http://gis.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/woodbridge/

Habitat Conservation Ordinance

10 Points

Program Summary: On Aug. 7, 2012, Woodbridge Township Council passed a Habitat Conservation Ordinance – see upload 1

pdf Habitat Ordinance-up1
pdf Habitat Ordinance-up2

Tree Protection Ordinance

10 Points

Program Summary: ** no update needed ** Tree Protection ordinance.

pdf Tree Protection ordinance

Community Forestry Management Plan & NJUCF Accreditation

20 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township's fourth 5-year Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) is approved for 2021 - 2026. Woodbridge Township has had a Community Forestry Plan since 2001. We receive annual Approved Status from NJ Community Forestry Plan, and the approved accreditation status documentation is included below. In 2020-2022: DPW in concert with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Program planted over 500 trees and shrubs.

Tree Maintenance Programs

10 Points

Program Summary: During 2020, the Department of Public Works (Sewers and Streets Division) removed 422 trees and trimmed 143 trees. Removals were due to vegetation decay, disease, and/or hazardous conditions. The Department of Public Works (Sewers and Streets Division) planted 186 trees in the Township. he Department of Public Works (Sewers and Streets Division) Annual Budget: Operating $29,975.00; Payroll $896,480.00; Equipment Repairs $32,442.56; Disposal $51,650.00 Total: $1,014,547.56. Tree Maintenance Crew of the aforementioned division consists of ten (10) members including supervisors.

pdf Tree Maintenance Programs 2020.pdf

Tree Planting Programs

10 Points

Program Summary: In 2021, the Woodbridge Township Dept. of Public Works, Parks Division in conjunction with the NJ Tree Foundation planted 126 trees at: South Roberts Park, Captain Carlson Park, Fords Library, Norrth Park Drive, Shaughnessy Park and Prospect Park. Since 2016, Woodbridge Township Dept. of Public Works, Parks Division, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) have planted over 4,000 native trees and shrubs in the Watson-Crampton neighborhood, an 100 acre area bounded on three sides by the Woodbridge River, Heards Brook, and Wedgewood Brook. This area is in the Open Space conservation and Resilience Zone of Woodbridge Township and the definition of floodplain restoration as a matter of mitigation and reduced vulnerability to flooding hazards.

Operations & Maintenance

Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy by Ordinance Retires 12/31/23

10 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township has had a Green Purchasing Policy passed by Council resolution since 2009 – for which we should have already received full credit in earlier SJ submissions. (upload 1) The Resolution and Policy were distributed to all Department and Division heads in 2009 and highlighted in their weekly staff meeting agenda. The Resolution and Policy were posted to the Township website. A reminder memo to Division and Department heads was sent out in Aug. 2011. In July 2012, a Green Purchasing Policy Ordinance was adopted by Council (upload 2) and has been distributed to all Department and Division heads, highlighted in their weekly staff meeting agenda, posted to the Township website. A reminder memo to Division and Department heads was sent out in July 2012. (upload 3)

Green Grounds & Maintenance Policy

10 Points

Program Summary: In August, 2009, a Green Grounds & Maintenance Policy was adopted by Council and has previously been distributed to all Department and Division heads, highlighted in their weekly staff meeting agenda, and posted to the Township website. Current depictions associated with the manner by which the policy is still in effect include the attached examples. The policy can be found on the Greenable Woodbridge Township website located at: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/595/Greenable. Furthermore, on May 3, 2023 a reminder email memorandum noting that the policy is in effect and needs to be adhered to was sent from the Director of Public Works Office to all applicable Department of Public Works Division supervisors, including but not limited to, the Division of Parks, the Division of Roads, the Division of Equipment Repair, and the Division of Sanitation.

Integrated Pest Management Retires 12/31/23

10 Points

Program Summary: The prerequisite Green Grounds and Maintenance Policy has been adopted. The Township of Woodbridge’s Department of Public Works and Parks supports the following practices in Integrated Pest Management: • use only organic fertilizers and pesticides • adhere to a frequent timely schedule for mowing and grounds maintenance • adhere to a seeding and aeration program in the Spring and Fall • provide timely collection of trash at municipal parks and buildings • keep tree branches and shrubbery well maintained and away from buildings • ensure roofs are repaired in a timely manner as to not attract insects to deteriorating wood

Recycled Materials & Composting

10 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township utilizes an in-house asphalt recycler. The recycler uses waste asphalt or milled materials to make new base layers for newly paved municipal roadways. Benefits: Hot asphalt mix available in just 10 minutes – at any time and any place. No need to use asphalt plants when it gets too cold out. We can use hot patch instead of hot patch. - Elimination of material, transport and disposal costs - Avoidance of hazardous waste thanks to 100% recycling - The recycling of 1 ton of asphalt requires just 6 liters of fuel.

pdf Recycled Materials and Composting Documentation.pdf

Public Information & Engagement

Municipal Communications Strategy

10 Points

Program Summary: The Township of Woodbridge municipal communications strategy starts with the Mayor and the Director of Communications and Public Information Officer, Mr. John Hagerty. As the public information officer for Woodbridge, he serves as liaison between Mayor’s Office and residents and Township Council, coordinating publicity efforts that inform residents of Township programs and services. This information includes code red phone calls, TV 35 videos and programming, press releases, Woodbridge E-News blasts, quarterly Woodbridge News publications, Facebook posts, and the maintenance and updating of the municipal website. The maintenance is performed by the Township’s Information Systems Department. The IS Department is responsible for all municipal and school information technology including computer programming, telecommunications and computer network operations. The Township website is (http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/), and it greatly helps our residents to find multiple communication channels to gather township information.

Digitizing Public Information

10 Points

Program Summary: Under the direction of the Township's Communications Director, Woodbridge has been working to put as much information on the township website as possible (http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/). The fully interactive and revamped 2022 website lists all pertinent information and by going digital, it has helped residents find information from their computer or smart phone rather than making a trip town hall. The website titled: https://ecode360.com/WO0861 can be used to research and find general and land use ordinances by selecting the appropriate folder on our Code site. Additionally, on the website titled: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/AgendaCenter/City-Council-5 residents can see all Council meeting agendas, which helps provide information to the public and the action items from each council meeting. Residents can then ask our Clerk's Office for copies of said ordinances and resolutions.

pdf Digitizing Public Information Checklist - 2022.pdf

Sustainability & Climate Planning

Municipal Carbon Footprint

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: Woodbridge has updated its municipal carbon footprint for its 2021 application. The Municipal Carbon Footprint used data from the fleet and building inventory to track fuel and energy usage in order to calculate greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint. This data will be compared to data from prior years to assist with the Energy Tracking and Management analysis.

Community Energy Plan or Climate Action Plan

10 Points

Program Summary: Our Sustainable Community Plan and Climate Action Plan (CAP) was submitted on September 3, 2010 and approved by the Woodbridge Township Town Council. The Plan was last formally revised as of May 2018 and formally adopted by the Town Council of Woodbridge on August 21, 2018. The Township's Green Team understands that the Climate Action Plan currently meets the requirements for Sustainable Jersey points to be awarded for the 2023 certification cycle since less than five years have passed from when the Plan was formally adopted by the governing body in relation to Sustainable Jersey's June submission deadline. However, due to the Plan's expiration at the end of 2023, the Green Team is currently working on a variety updates for the 2024 Sustainable Jersey certification submission. The Township anticipates that the CAP will be fully updated and presented to the governing body by the 2024 Sustainable Jersey certification cycle.

Community Asset Mapping

10 Points

Program Summary: Woodbridge Township’s Community Asset Mapping was updated in 2020 within our GIS system and reflects all ten towns of Woodbridge Township. Said document is uploaded below (Community Asset Mapping - 2020 - NEW), and functions by zooming-in on each feature / area of interest. Furthermore, all residents can utilize the Township's GIS viewer on the Township website. The website is easily accessible from the Engineering Division’s website and can be found directly here: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c75c3be3c2ef42d6b18f7ad828a0c8a3 The Township’s mapping inventory is robust in nature and, has evolved since 2012 to better update internal coordination for projects, events, public health, environmental initiatives, redevelopment, etc. And publicly accessible mapping asset platforms available on our GIS viewer allow for the general public to view important information like: easements, storm water, flood zones and points of interest, etc. The Township’s GIS data base is updated frequently with new data to best ensure access to the best available resources.

Community Visioning

10 Points

Program Summary: On May 25, 2021 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Woodbridge Township Town Hall, the Township Green Team and Environmental Commission took part in pubic community vision exercises whereby sustainability projects were mentioned by members of the community and showcased by the Township. Such projects included bike lanes, bike sharing, and a variety of sustainability actions which have gained success as a result of the last visioning project in 2017. Said work includes, but is not limited to, upland conservation initiatives, entry and continued success in the FEMA Community Rating System, and energy efficiency outreach programs. The event was well attended and safety protocols were were in place which aligned with the State's executive orders and CDC guidelines. Further, visioning boards were generated form the event (attached), and to best ensure that all members of the community can engage in this important activity, the meeting will be continually aired on local Township TV 35 in order to encourage those who feel most safe at home (or who might not have been able to attend) to continue to submit ideas. Members of the community provided wonderful ideas for sustainability projects, and discussions were had about about how existing and proposed environmental incentives promote a healthy ecosystem, community, and lifestyle. During this outreach event, the Township took note of ideas from the general public which centered on ways to fortify sustainability programs within the Township. These proposed projects will work in conjunction with the Township’s goals to expand green incentives, strengthen our local economy, protect our environment and improve our resident’s quality of life. On May 27th the Township Green Team affirmed community visioning statement, and through the support of municipal leadership a notification was sent to all applicable parties which work in conjunction with or for the governing body (after Council adoption). Furthermore, on August 31st 2021, the Woodbridge Township Municipal Council adopted a resolution which approved the visioning statement, and supported the ideas and objectives put forth with regard to next steps for continuing to enhance community sustainability.

Vision Statement & Goals Retires 12/31/23

5 Points

Program Summary: SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLAN – VISION UPDATE 2018 WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP’S SUSTIANABLE COMMUNITY VISION A thriving sustainable economy is one that leads to environmental, social and economic vitality. In a sustainable economy resources are not used up faster than nature renews them. To obtain true sustainability we must “mobilize the entire community” by reaching every resident, business and industry in the Township with the message that individual action matters and is essential to meeting community wide climate control goals. In particular, by taking positive measures toward reducing its own carbon footprint, the Township plays a leadership role by setting an example. Therefore, through this Sustainable Community Plan, Woodbridge Township is committed to growth of an economic and socially sustainable community, and to developing strategies that will reduce our impact on the environment both collectively and individually, so that we might preserve our natural resources for the citizens now and in the future. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION The above Woodbridge Township Sustainable Community vision statement was drafted by the Woodbridge Green Team for Sustainable Jersey initiatives, as well as other stakeholders and with a public visioning meeting and “Best Talks Around” on Thursday, August 16th, 2018 and then finalized and adopted by vote at an open public meeting of the Township Council on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018. Additionally, the Sustainable Woodbridge Plan has been posted for public review and comment on the Township’s Greenable Woodbridge webpage. Additionally, the visioning meeting and “Best Talks Around” were taped by TV 35 and available on our website and YouTube. FORMAL ADOPTION This Sustainable Community Plan (SCP) was formally adopted by a vote of the Township Council on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018. The SCP was originally submitted on September 3rd, 2010; revised on October 1st, 2010; updated on April 10th, 2012; revised on July 2nd, 2015; and newly revised on May 2nd, 2018. The SCP was formally adopted by vote at an open public meeting of the Township Council on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Each year the Woodbridge Township Green Team, under the guidance of the Woodbridge Township administration, will analyze, monitor, and evaluate the SCP. Actions will be tracked to evaluate overall progress. Based on the internal evaluation, Woodbridge will work with our environmental consultant to determine the SCP’s implementation and effectiveness. UPDATING AND REVISION Based on our annual SCP evaluation, which will include consideration of changes in external circumstances and assumptions, Woodbridge and its partners will update and revise the SCP and submit the revised document to the Green Team and then the Township Council for formal adoption. The Best Talks Around: The Arts by Anthony Wilkinson https://youtu.be/9pO_IWcmHzE The Best Talks Around: Infrastructure by Adam Zellnar https://youtu.be/6bhSDsbfV-E The Best Talks Around: Green Transportation by Jeff Mayerowitz https://youtu.be/v4H0lS9tlh8 The Best Talks Around: Local Economy by Nancy Drumm https://youtu.be/Kr-8NPCMYyQ The Best Talks Around: Recycling by Dennis Henry https://youtu.be/ACmSct78lp8 The Best Talks Around: Technology & Sustainability by Michael Esolda https://youtu.be/AYy-Gqy2wYg The Best Talks Around: Green Infrastructure by Christopher Obropta https://youtu.be/FJY8L2X8WjY The Best Talks Around: Transit Villages by Marta Lefsky https://youtu.be/xEevg3e8miA The Best Talks Around: Resiliency by Thomas Flynn https://youtu.be/8F9HPMJmvhY The Best Talks Around: Plastic Straws by Kristen Valendo https://youtu.be/7JtdY08_27o The Best Talks Around: Wellness by Gregg Ficarra https://youtu.be/VBaH_GFVl-Q

Indicators & Targets Retires 12/31/23

10 Points

Program Summary: Sustainability Community Plan-Climate Action Plan (Indicators and Targets) : Woodbridge Year 2018 Introduction: in 2010, Woodbridge developed and published an all encompassing document including a ‘Sustainable Community Plan’ (SCP) and ‘Climate Action Plan’ (CAP). The document covers both sets goals for the future by outlining different, indicators, targets, actions, and strategies and tracking their progress. Woodbridge routinely updates every 2-3 years but inviting stakeholder from the community to review the document and provide their input. Recently the township updated the document in 2018, and in 2019 reassessed their current Indicators and Targets as seen in Appendix A. While not all information is readily available, Woodbridge is collecting and benchmarking current indicators and targets, while redefining and setting new benchmarks for others. Transportation: Woodbridge is collecting data from New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit to track the Vehicle Miles Traveled and ridership within the bounds of the township. In regards to the municipal fleet, the township has achieved 25% alternative fuel/high efficiency vehicles, with 30% of the fleet comprised of 2015 vehicles or newer. Energy Conservation and Green Buildings: Woodbridge has completed municipal energy audit last year and is implementing the recommendations this year. Currently, Woodbridge continues its green building guidance and is compiling the results along with the energy star participants. Recently, Woodbridge enrolled in a green energy purchasing aggregation for its residents and is looking to enroll in the upcoming community solar program. While updating the carbon footprint, Woodbridge has seen a 10% reduction in energy usage by the municipality over the last 10 years, but may reassess it 20% reduction by 2020. Water Management, Trees, and Open Space: The township is gathering current water usage information and seeking different strategies in order to benchmark and meet its reduction goals. In terms of other projects, Woodbridge has completed it wetland inventory and restored 12 acres of wetlands and flood prone areas. The township is compiling a list of completed trails and will project an update on upcoming projects. Green Purchasing, Recycling, and Materials Management: Woodbridge continues to track it current waste and recycling rates, while continuing the goal of waste reduction. Business Outreach: Woodbridge continues to promote its green challenge initiative through its website and other media, while also spinning off a new program for green restaurants in 2019. The township is compiling the current enrollees and pledges, while also reevaluating better targets and indicators Resident Outreach: Similarly, Woodbridge continues the green challenge among its residents, but will likely scale back the number of events and sessions for more realistic goals. At the same time, the township will update targets and indicators to reflect better goals for the Greenable Woodbridge website, the Buy Local app, and related digital outreach.

Action Plans Retires 12/31/23

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Township SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLAN AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN was drafted by the Woodbridge Green Team for Sustainable Jersey initiatives. To develop the action plans to achieve our goals, Woodbridge Township hosted a public visioning meeting and “Best Talks Around” on Thursday, August 16th, 2018. The full plan was then finalized and adopted by vote at an open public meeting of the Township Council on Tuesday, August 21st, 2018. Additionally, the SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLAN AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN has been posted for public review and comment on the Township’s Greenable Woodbridge webpage. Additionally, the visioning meeting and “Best Talks Around” were taped by TV 35 and available on our website and YouTube. The Best Talks Around: The Arts by Anthony Wilkinson https://youtu.be/9pO_IWcmHzE The Best Talks Around: Infrastructure by Adam Zellnar https://youtu.be/6bhSDsbfV-E The Best Talks Around: Green Transportation by Jeff Mayerowitz https://youtu.be/v4H0lS9tlh8 The Best Talks Around: Local Economy by Nancy Drumm https://youtu.be/Kr-8NPCMYyQ The Best Talks Around: Recycling by Dennis Henry https://youtu.be/ACmSct78lp8 The Best Talks Around: Technology & Sustainability by Michael Esolda https://youtu.be/AYy-Gqy2wYg The Best Talks Around: Green Infrastructure by Christopher Obropta https://youtu.be/FJY8L2X8WjY The Best Talks Around: Transit Villages by Marta Lefsky https://youtu.be/xEevg3e8miA The Best Talks Around: Resiliency by Thomas Flynn https://youtu.be/8F9HPMJmvhY The Best Talks Around: Plastic Straws by Kristen Valendo https://youtu.be/7JtdY08_27o The Best Talks Around: Wellness by Gregg Ficarra https://youtu.be/VBaH_GFVl-Q

pdf Action Plans Documentation 3
pdf Action Plans Documentation
image Action Plans Documentation (green talks)

Waste Management

Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

10 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: **Township link for Prescription Drug Take-Back Program denoted herein (also attached as PDF): https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/237/Take-Back **Permanent location of drop-off box: 01 Main St., Woodbridge, NJ, 07095, Box located on Lower Level in the Police Dept. Lobby. HOURS: 24 hrs a day 7 days a week (also attached as PDF). On December 1, 2014, the Woodbridge Police Department began participating in the state sponsored “Project Medicine Drop” program. This program has evolved since then but uses the same paradigm. Thus, instead of a singular event, the Township allows any person to safely and anonymously surrender any and all prescription and over the counter drugs at our location 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The drugs are then safely stored in the evidence unit and disposed of by incineration. Furthermore, through a formal extensive outreach event, the Woodbridge Police Department hosts "Operation Prescription Drug Take Back." “Operation Prescription Drug Take Back Day” is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - New Jersey Division program that encourages Woodbridge Township residents to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs and medicines (attached as a PDF). On April 30, 2022 and October 29, 2022 the Woodbridge Township Police participated in said DEA Pharmaceutical Take Back Initiative. The Woodbridge Police Department set up in the parking area of Woodbridge Town Hall under a tent provided by the Woodbridge Community Center. Pharmaceuticals were collected in the parking lot totaled 142 lbs. On 5/2/2022 and 10/31/2022, respectively, the pharmaceuticals were escorted to the Middlesex County Training Center by the Woodbridge Township Police Dept. Patrol Division and were turned over to the DEA. There were many comments of appreciation to the Township of Woodbridge and the Police Department from the community for this terrific effort.

Recycling & Waste Reduction Education & Compliance

20 Points

Bronze Priority Silver Priority

Program Summary: RECYCLING AND WASTE REDUCTION EDUCATION AND COMPLIANCE STRATEGY FOR WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP Waste and recycling collection is performed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works in Woodbridge Township. Woodbridge Township began the conversion to the Automated Trash Collection Program and Single Stream Recycling in 2009 and it was fully completed by the end of 2010. Single stream recycling provides a much more efficient collection system because it gives us the ability to collect all recyclables every week. This helps tremendously to improve resident participation because residents do not have to wait every other week to put either their paper or commingled out according to schedule. Very simple…everything goes out once every week in one container. Our Municipal Recycling Coordinator, who works in the Department of Public Works, is responsible for inspecting curbside and business recycling collection. The Coordinator’s office staff works with our sanitation drivers to identify problem households or businesses. Additionally, the office staff responds to all inquiries from the general public. One issue that arose was the overwhelming amount of bulk waste picked up during our spring cleaning. To rectify this issue, Woodbridge changed the annual Spring Clean-Up & Bulk Waste curbside collection program – instead of the complicated curbside pick-up schedule that ran from April through June, we’re now offering every residential household a one-time per year bulk waste pick-up. The revised bulk waste collection system is more convenient for resident homeowners and allows the Department of Public Works to better manage bulk waste collection. Bulk waste items that we will collect at the scheduled curbside pick-up include: Furniture, Mattresses, Carpeting, Appliances, Electronics (computers, TV’s, etc.) and Mixed Metals. (No Hazardous Waste, Tires, Paint, or Chemicals will be accepted.) Additionally, if a resident has 3 items or less, the Sanitation Division will collect them for FREE (up to four times a year, but they need to call for the service.) If you have large amount of bulk waste, you can schedule a paid pick-up ($50.00 per pick-up with limitations on the size and amount of the bulk waste). Plastic bags are also an issue. Some residents have been recycling them while they should be thrown in the solid waste collection. To combat this, residents can bring their plastic bags to the recycling center, town hall, township senior centers, and the community center to drop off and recycle their plastic bags. In 2018 1.48 tons of plastic bags were collected from these sites. Additionally, Woodbridge residents can bring their plastic bags to local super markets such as ShopRite to recycle them. Another issue Woodbridge currently sees is food contamination. We are currently doing research to see if food waste collection is feasible in our community. At the present time (since 2019), Food Waste recycling also occurs at all 35 Township schools and the Woodbridge Community Center. Woodbridge is extremely pleased with its single stream recycling, current solid waste schedule and policy, and food waste recycling. It has been a win for both the township and our residents. Food waste recycling is even expanding into a voluntary program pertaining to our restaurants within the Township. As of April 2023 currently two restaurants are being serviced by our food waste haulers in order divert additional solid waste from the landfill and create biofuels through processing. To be successful, Woodbridge has been diligent in our marketing outreach and education of the policy. When the single stream recycling policy was first enacted, the Mayor and staff held community meetings to fully discuss the program and schedule in all 10 towns in Woodbridge. Since then, Woodbridge has developed a recycling calendar that is both mailed to all households and available online. This document highlights all relevant information regarding pickups, dos and don’ts, and important phone numbers. The 2023 calendar is accompanied by the MyWaste APP (became known as Recycle Coach in May, 2019) – a FREE mobile APP that puts all of the information about our trash, recycling and special collection events right at your fingertips. The MyWaste APP provides “up-to-the-minute” information about trash and recycling collection, special collection services, and so much more... keeping you connected with just one touch. The MyWaste APP download is FREE and is available by going to: www.my-waste.mobi. Select the icon link either to the iPhone/iPad or Android APP store. The attached PDF denotes an "OOP's" tag which is used for residential inspections and education. Said tag has been included as an additional PDF which focuses on no plastic bags in recycling cans, and other items to be left out of the residential curbside recycling to ensure a clean recycling stream. Said "OOP's" tag also includes the phone number for Twp recycling services, and the Twp's website in order to best ensure that once the materials to be removed have been corrected, the can will be picked up. First time if folks are not in compliance an oops tag is attached with an additional sticker on it saying ‘if it is not corrected and in compliance the next time it will not be picked’. Second time if not in compliance, the cart is tagged again, turned around and not picked. Third time the same thing, and an NOV (notice of violation) is sent to that resident. Cart is then checked for compliance according to the NOV. The tag does state, that if the resident corrects the problem and calls the Twp will pick it before next scheduled pickup date. Other avenues where Woodbridge disperses information is on TV 35, the Woodbridge News, the Woodbridge ENews, and at public events such as the farmers market, earth day, summer concert series, and composting and grass-cycling events at our local libraries. Information is also posted on our website: http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/239/Public-Works Furthermore, sustainability tips are developed each month with a primary focus on different key issues. These tips (example attached) are promoted through digitally media by way of the Mayor's facbook and social media outlets. The 'tips' are also posted on the Township website within the Greenable Woodbridge tab found at: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/595/Greenable-Woodbridge In 2020 through 2022 additional outreached focused on the importance of recycling materials from households and properly disposing of personal protective equipment (PPE), with regard to the the Coronavirus public health emergency. Township outreach helped to make folks aware of recycling as an important facet of our daily lives that occurred before the pandemic, and one that will outlive the covid-19 virus. Additional outreach was placed on ensuring PPE materials were not discarded inappropriately through streams of the waste system not designed to handle and treat their compounds. In 2022 through 2023 the Township will be increasing the number of the inspections within known areas of troublesome non-compliance and conducting additional outreach measures through the Woodbridge News (hardcopy delivered to every address within the Township) digital media platforms, as well as focusing on ways to enhance the program at events centered on sustainability, including but not limited to, the upcoming June 2023 Bioblitz along the Woodbridge River. Recycling Division staff will present workshops about the litter found during the event, the lifecycle of some of the litter found (plastics, etc.). Furthermore, the Recycling Division looks forward to enhancing educational components by working with the Township's Creative Team to find ways that artistically demonstrate the importance of recycling by showcasing waste reduction through township-wide art events.

Community Paper Shredding Day

5 Points

Program Summary: Community Paper Shredding Day was held at the Department of Public Works on June 12, 2021. At the event, 270 participants attended and 13,370 lbs. of paper was shredded. The event is advertised on our web site, recycle coach, via our Township calendar which is delivered to every residential home, and through County online resources and flyers. It is part of a program presented by Middlesex County Division of Solid Waste Management, and the event is held at Woodbridge Township Public Works annually.

Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling

15 Points

Program Summary: ** This IS the Policy as included in the larger Ordinance. Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Policy as Included in the Land Use and Development Ordinance of the Township of Woodbridge, Adopted February 22, 2011 (16.2) Use of Class B recycled materials encouraged. (a) The Township encourages the use of Class B recycled materials from a local, approved Class B recycling facility in private, nonresidential projects and public works projects undertaken by the Township, provided that said materials meet applicable engineering specifications and are acceptable to the NJDEP for said materials’ intended end use. (b) The Township shall further encourage the use of Class B recycled materials in any construction, development, redevelopment or renovation project by any party by including with all building, Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment applications information regarding the benefits of using recycled materials, along with a statement that the Township is committed to the use of recycled materials as a way to improve the environment and preserve natural resources. (16.3) In connection with the application for any nonresidential project approval under Subsection A(16), utilizing Class B recycled materials, the applicant shall provide documentation of the proposed source of the intended Class B recycled material, and the provider of such material shall certify its suitability for the intended use. With respect to proposed public works projects, the Municipal Engineer shall determine the appropriateness of using the Class B recycled materials for such projects, and the provider of such material shall certify to the Township its suitability for the intended use. The provider shall supply the Township with adequate assurance that, in the event that NJDEP at some future date declares the use of such material inappropriate for a public works project, the provider shall indemnify the Township for the costs of the removal of the material and its replacement with a suitable substitute. (16.4) Class B recycled materials is defined as processed concrete, asphalt, brick, block, glass cullet, nonhazardous soils and any nonvirgin, environmentally clean construction soils and/or overburden from jobsites, either screened or unscreened, that is accepted and processed by a Class B recycling facility approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. (16.5) a) All Class-B recycled materials as defined in Section 150-24 (16.4) of this Land Use Ordinance; created by or resulting from demolition of any structure or portion of a structure within the Township, shall be disposed of at a local New Jersey Department Of Environmental Protection approved Class-B Facility. b) Upon the request of the Township, the person or entity to whom a demolition permit was issued shall within 2 business days of the request, provide proof reasonably satisfactory to the Township that all Class-B recycled materials as defined herein, were disposed of in accordance with this ordinance. --------------------------------- FULL SUMMARY is contained in the attached file C&D Ordinance.pdf Zoning Permit Application attached with required information for construction/demolition waste recycling.

Food Waste

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Township Food Waste Program has now expanded to include all Township schools and the Woodbridge Community Center Snack Bar. The Perkins Satellite Lifter to handle food waste was mounted to a Ford F250 pickup truck, and food waste was first collected through a pilot program of six locations beginning May 8, 2019. 2022's tonnage has already reached over 75,000 pound of food waste collected ! Woodbridge Township is currently exploring ways in which the program may be expanded into residential or commercial setting, and looks forward to researching how the program might be enhanced in the future!

Household Hazardous Waste

15 Points

Program Summary: At the Woodbridge Township Municipal Recycling Center we always accept year-round: - Anti-Freeze - Motor Oil - Rechargeable & Car Batteries - Consumer Electronics - Paint - Propane Tanks Woodbridge advertises this information to our constituents via handouts, yearly recycling calendar, website, My Waste App, & newspapers.

Non-Mandated Materials Recycling

30 Points

Program Summary: Bulky rigid plastics- Woodbridge has a 30 yd. container in the Convenience Center for collecting it. We also offer FREE curbside pick-up. 71.73 tons was recycled in 2021. Plastic Bags/Shrink Wrap- Woodbridge has drop off containers at the Recycling Center, Town Hall, Community Center (new), Sycamore, Evergreen, & DPW building. We send bags/film to TREX and received a bench made from TREX material every year. In 2021 we collected 1,360 lbs. Plastics #3-7- These are picked up with our curbside recycling, we take all plastics #1-#7. Textiles- Woodbridge has drop off clothing bins at the Recycling Center. There are also bins at the local libraries, schools, and churches. From these locations we took in 403.44 tons. This does not include clothing drives. Cooking Oil- Woodbridge has a container for residents to drop off their cooking oil at the Recycling Center. We also supply free containers for them to bring their cooking oil in (courtesy of Middlesex County Recycling). Woodbridge Township, Division of Recycling has a monofilament (fishing line) recycling program at the Sewaren Boat Launch and the Woodbridge Township Marina. Folks are encouraged to put their unwanted fishing line into the labeled white pvc, monofilament recycling container. These containers are serviced by the Division of Recycling. The monofilament line will be collected, sent to a recycler, melted down into plastic pellets, and then made into other plastic products. Fishing line that is discarded in our waterways and on land, is responsible for many wildlife deaths due to entanglement, and for fouling boat propellers. Fishing line that is thrown out in the garbage can end up in the environment; either by blowing out of garbage cans or a landfill, or by being taken out by birds or animals. Monofilament line is non-biodegradable and can last hundreds of years. By using these recycling containers and recycling the fishing line, we can make sure that it is removed from the environment. The township's newest addition to it's non-mandated materials recycling program is the ability to recycle styrofoam! highlighted in the 2022 Recycling calendar as an acceptable material to recycle the Township looks forward to this new ability to utilize the Foamcycle! For information on the launch of the Foamcycle product please see the Township recycling calendar attached and: https://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/1016/Styrofoam-Recycling-Program The 2022 Recycling Calendar is available here: http://twp.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/18828/2022-Sanitation-and-Recycling-Calendar

Recycling Depot

10 Points

Program Summary: The Woodbridge Township Convenience Center opened in April of 2007 at 225 Smith Street, Keasbey, next to the existing Township Public Works Recycling Drop off Depot for Township residents who choose to drop off their bulky recyclable and waste items rather than have them picked up at the curb for a fee. The Township expanded its Recycling Drop Off Depot, which has been in existence since 1990, by opening up a Convenience Center next to the depot to allow residents to drop off additional items that were in the past normally collected at the curb. 2022-2023 Drop-Off Hours: Monday- Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. Residents who choose to bring their items to the facility can do so for free and because of the free service the need for special pick ups has dropped by almost half of what it used to be. The materials accepted at the facility include Appliances, Mixed Metal, Concrete, Asphalt, Brick, Brush, Leaves, Old Propane Tanks, Electronics, Bulk Waste, Paint, Stains, Lacquers, Varnishes, Thinners, Aerosol Paints, Tires Household Batteries, Motor Oil, Anti Freeze, Glass Bottles and Jars, Aluminum and Tin Cans, Plastic Bottles, Newspapers, Mixed Papers, Cardboard, Textiles, Books, Cooking Oil, Plastic Bags/Film, Shredded Paper, and now offering foam cycling!

Backyard Composting Program

5 Points

Program Summary: Backyard Composting: Educational outreach held on April 23, 2022, and conducted at the Township Earth Day Fair where compost bins and rain barrels were also raffled-off. We advertised the event in handouts, calendar, website, and App. And, at the event we had free additional outreach covering topics such as planning and starting a garden, vegetable and herb growing, rain barrels (and a rain barrel raffle), container gardening, and harvesting and composting. The history of our backyard composting program dates back to 2016, and workshops and educational programs began in 2017. The Township has estimated participation of approximately 15-30 people per program. Our program has been promoted at local Township events (free Mayor's summer concerts and farmers markets), on the Township's website, flyers at our Township public access buildings, and through our annual Recycling calendar (which is sent to every Township mailing address). Furthermore, in 2022 the Township's Green Team Chair and Chief of Staff, Ms. Caroline Ehrlich, specially focused a Greenable Woodbridge television show on a discussion with experts about composting and food waste education. This segment was played throughout 2022 and will air through 2023.

Grass - Cut It and Leave It Program

5 Points

Program Summary: Grasscycling, the natural way to have a green, healthy lawn while spending less time and money, builds a healthier, more natural lawn and helps manage grass clippings instead of hauling them to a landfill. A typical lawn of 5,000 square feet generates about 75 pounds of clippings per mowing. In fact, the Woodbridge Township Department of Public Works collects more than 6,000 tons of grass clippings each year which costs over $375,000 in additional landfill fees. Years of research have shown that by mowing frequently (5-6 times a month) and not bagging those clippings, lawn owners can save up to 40% of the time they spend on routine lawn care! Woodbridge Township is now providing educational outreach in regards to grasscycling through monthly tips during seasons of frequent grass maintenance. Information has been on display on our Township website, E-news blasts, social media, our recycling calendar, local TV 35 shows, and at public events such as the 2021 and 2022 Earth Day Fair, America Recycles Day, and National Public Lands Day.

Materials Reuse Program

10 Points

Program Summary: In Woodbridge we are proud that that our Reuse it Center has been operational since 2018! Since 2018 we have diverted over 10,000 pounds of waste from the landfill! As we continue to navigate the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodbridge Township Department of Public Works and the Office of Recycling worked to provide outstanding service to Township residents. In fact, it’s important to note that last year (2022), the Office of Recycling earned $220,660.00 from the New Jersey Recycling Tonnage Grant which is based on the amount/tonnage of materials collected and recycled along with $181,095.00 from the New Jersey Clean Communities Grant and $6,000.00 from the Middlesex County Recycling Enhancement Grant. The grant funding allowed for the expansion of the ReUse It Center at the Public Works facility in Keasbey. We believe that a good recycling program should incorporate the ideas of reusing and reducing along with recycling. When working on improving your recycling rate, you must also have a plan in place to reduce the amount of waste going into the landfill. We work on capturing items from our Convenience & Recycling Center Drop Off that are ‘too good to go to waste.’ Many of the items that are dropped off at our Convenience & Recycling Center for disposal, are in good shape and can be used again ‘as it’, or be repurposed. When using our Convenience & Recycling Center, residents are ‘logged in’ by our guard, what they are dropping off is electronically recorded. The guard checks each drop off to make sure the residents have items that we accept. Residents will be asked if they have anything they feel is in good condition and can be used again. The guard will then proceed to check those items and more, removing what is usable for the center. In order to record the volume of goods diverted from the landfill, items are recorded and sorted. Items are placed into categories such as Building Materials, Housewares, Tools, Toys, etc. and then put in their proper location in the ReUse It Center. The ReUse It Center is a converted 40 ft shipping container with two 10 ft steel roll up doors and interior shelving. This container houses all items that need to be kept dry and out of the weather. An adjacent fenced in area measuring 18 ft x 24 ft with a double gate 12 ft wide, holds items that can be kept outside. The ReUse It Center is staffed by DPW and/or seasonally as needed. These workers are responsible for logging items that go into and out of the Center. Residents will only be able to visit the Center when staff is present. The Center is open five days a week from 8am to 4pm. Items in the ReUse It Center is available to Woodbridge Township residents only, FREE of charge. The ReUse It Center staff reserves the right to limit quantities taken and time spent in the Center if needed. This will be done in order to ensure that everyone will have a chance to utilize the Center. Yuo can access the Woodbridge Township website highlighting the ReUse It Center by copying the following URL: //www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us/799/ReUse-It-Center The Goals of the ReUse It Center are: 1. To divert as many re-usable goods as possible from the landfill in order to extend the life of the landfill. 2. To serve as many people as possible who can make use of re-used goods. 3. To promote the practice of the ‘three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Reusable Bag Education Program

5 Points

Program Summary: Disposable shopping bags have long been found everywhere. From department stores to gas stations, they were the way we toted our purchases. These lightweight containers were introduced in the 1970s as a means of making shopping easier for consumers. The average American goes through six shopping bags per week. That means over 1.8 billion bags are used and discarded in America every week, and all of that trash adds up. As part of our outreach, Woodbridge compiled and created education about the harmful impacts of plastic bags and the benefits of reusables bags. The Woodbridge Green Team distributed the attached flyers pledges and outreach material in relation to the State's Plastic Bag Ban. Reusable bags and outreach materials were given to residents at events such as, but not limited to, public concerts, the Township's farmers market, the 2022 Earth Day Fair, and at the Mayor's 2022 Mayor's Senior Summit and Health Expo. Additionally, reusable bags were also distributed at public events when event participants completed a pledge to pass on plastic bags. Short Term Goals: - continue to educate the public about the harmful effects of plastic bags - continue to distribute reusable bags and fact sheets at public events -continue to enhance educational knowledge about the State's Plastic Bag Ban & and how residents and business owners can comply Long Term Goals: - Encourage reusable bags instead of plastic bags at local stores where the State's mandate permits paper bags - Encourage residents to use reusable bags instead of using plastic or paper bags permanently when deemed healthy and suitable.

Waste Audit of Municipal Buildings or Schools

10 Points

Program Summary: The waste audit on Wednesday April 19, 2023 was incredible at Colonia Middle School! It was conducted with support from Woodbridge Township and Mr. Gary Sondermeyer, Vice President of Operations at Bayshore Recycling! The event was set up and enthusiastically supported by Mayor McCormac and CMS principal Joe Short. Teacher's at Colonia Middle School were tremendously helpful and supportive with regard to ensuring that all students were engaged in the activities and learned valuable hands on lessons about the importance of recycling right! About 40 students helped to pour out the solid waste container onto large tarp arranged in the cafeteria and source separated 2.24 pounds of office paper (25% of the total), .5 pounds of cardboard/chipboard (5%) and 1.1 pounds of plastic beverage containers (12%) found inside the solid waste container. After separating the items that could have been recycled, about 5.3 pounds of solid waste was found to be appropriately placed in the solid waste container. The process then followed in the same manner with regard to the recyclable material container. The students separated the recyclables into piles. From this procedure: 5.6 pounds (49%) was found to be office paper, 3.15 pounds (28%) plastic beverage containers, 1.64 pounds (14%) cardboard and .9 pounds (8%). .4 pounds (3%) of solid waste was found mixed into the recycling receptacles (full report and recommendations attached). Although Colonia Middle School surpassed the New Jersey established municipal recycling rate goal of 50%, the school is eager to take in to consideration additional recommendations centered on enhancing the recycling program through continued shifts toward less paper and more digital learning, refillable water bottle education, and phenomenal plans to expand there court yard into an outdoor learning space dedicated to sustainability initiatives like composting, pollinator gardens, a rain garden, and so much more! Colonia Middle School is already achieving amazing sustainability success, and the Township looks forward to continuing our partnership with the school in order to bring even greater environmental transformation!

Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

Contact Information

Actions Implemented

Animals in the Community

Animals in the Community Education *Retired 12/31/23*

Pledge Supporting NJ Wildlife Action Plan

Arts & Creative Culture

Establish a Creative Team

Creative Assets Inventory

Creative Placemaking Plan

Municipal Commitments to Support Arts and Creative Culture

Utilizing Your Creative Assets

Brownfields

Brownfields Inventory & Prioritization

Brownfields Reuse Planning

Brownfields Marketing

Brownfields Assessment & Investigation

Community Partnership & Outreach

Create Green Team

Community Education & Outreach

Green Fair

Diversity & Equity

Diversity on Boards & Commissions

Lead Education & Outreach Programs

Emergency Management & Resiliency

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment

Heat Island Assessment & Mitigation Plan

Ready Set GO! Fire Company

Energy

Energy Efficiency for Municipal Facilities

Energy Tracking & Management

Municipal Onsite Solar System

Make Your Town Solar Friendly

Municipally Supported Community Solar

Electric Vehicle Community Outreach

Fleet Inventory

Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Food

Community Food Pantry/Bank & Soup Kitchen

Community Gardens

Promoting Safe Food Donation for Food Security

Buy Fresh Buy Local Programs

Farmers Markets

Making Farmers Markets Accessible

Green Design

Green Building Training

Create a Green Development Checklist

Green Building Education

Health & Wellness

Anti-Idling Education & Enforcement Program

Best Practices for Local Boards of Health

Building Healthier Communities

Integrating Health Into Municipal Decision Making

Local Health Assessment & Action Plan

Tobacco Free Community

Innovative Projects

Innovative Community Project 1

Innovative Community Project 2

Innovative Community Project 3

Land Use & Transportation

Sustainable Land Use Pledge

Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Improvement Projects

Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Plan

Effective Parking Management

Green Infrastructure Planning

Green Infrastructure Implementation

Transit-Oriented Development Supportive Zoning

Local Economies

Green Business Recognition Program

Green Jobs/Economic Development

Buy Local Campaign

Support Local Businesses

Natural Resources

Natural Resource Inventory

Environmental Commission

Municipal Water Story

Water Conservation Education Program

Easement Inventory & Outreach

Habitat Conservation Ordinance

Animals in the Community Education Retired 12/31/23

Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy by Ordinance Retires 12/31/23

Integrated Pest Management Retires 12/31/23

Vision Statement & Goals Retires 12/31/23

Indicators & Targets Retires 12/31/23

Action Plans Retires 12/31/23