New Providence Roundup: Council to Vote on $1M HVAC Contract and Police Chief Transition; Boards Take Up Lantern Hill and Buffalo Wild Wings
The New Providence Borough Council's July 14 agenda included a vote on a $1,027,560 HVAC upgrade for the municipal building and the appointment of a new police chief, while the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board have major hearings scheduled for this week on the Lantern Hill senior living project and a proposed Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.
All recent meeting summaries below are drawn from agendas only; minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes of votes and discussions are not yet confirmed.
Borough Council — July 14
The council's agenda listed 25 consent resolutions and four ordinance introductions. The largest dollar item was Resolution 2026-253, authorizing HVAC upgrades at the Municipal Building for up to $1,027,560.
Resolutions 2026-261 through 2026-264 addressed the retirement of Police Chief Daniel Henn and the appointment of Donald Sretenovic as the new chief.
Resolutions 2026-242 through 2026-246 covered affordable housing matters, including a mediation agreement, plan amendments, and an administrative agent contract.
Resolution 2026-266 would authorize 2026 road paving with Schifano Construction Corp. for up to $477,116.73.
Ordinance 2026-06 was scheduled for introduction as an amendment to Chapter 310, "Zoning."
Board of Adjustment — July 6
The board's agenda included a continued public hearing for a gas station redevelopment with a convenience store at 1778 Springfield Avenue, filed by Ranbir Thakur.
Lantern Hill New Providence, LLC was scheduled to request an extension of time and amended approval at 535 and 603 Mountain Avenue, proposing to reduce independent living units from 554 to 444 and add 85 health care units, with variances for lighting and building length.
Four residential variance applications were also listed: 21 Sterling, LLC at 31 Commonwealth Avenue (front, rear, side setbacks, driveway setback, and fence height); Nicholas and Catherine Alessi at 141 Maple Street (rear and side setbacks and building coverage); Eleanor Elizabeth McCabe at 305 Runnymede Parkway (rear setback); and the Thakur gas station item.
Planning Board — July 7
The board was set to hold a public hearing on an amended site plan from New Providence Wings LLC at 1275 Springfield Avenue, requesting a change of use from a gym to a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. The agenda noted adjournment at 10:30 p.m. with no new testimony allowed after 10:00 p.m. The board also planned to approve April 21, 2026 minutes and review miscellaneous business.
Board of Health — July 8
The board was scheduled to discuss a proposed ordinance banning pet stores from selling animals sourced from out-of-state puppy mills. The agenda also included Animal Control Solutions reports for April through June 2026, health inspector reports for the same months, a public health nurse report for May/June 2026, and financial reports from the secretary for May and June. Old business included a recap of the May Health Fair.
Coming Up
Board of Adjustment — Monday, July 20: Public hearings include the Lantern Hill New Providence LLC request to reduce independent living units to 444 and convert 45 units to 85 health care units, with variances for illumination (1.8 fc versus 0.5 fc at the property line) and building length (311 ft versus 200 ft, though 340 ft is allowed with a parking deck). Also on the agenda: Jessica and Scott Pocaro seek a front porch variance at 30 Fairmount Road, with a proposed setback of 35 ft against a 40 ft minimum and impervious coverage of 44.4% against a 40% maximum. The board will also review applications for an August 17 hearing.
Planning Board — Tuesday, July 21: The board will review the Buffalo Wild Wings site plan at 1275 Springfield Avenue and hold a public hearing on amendments to the Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan.