2006 in review

Mansfield wrestles with legislative issues

By: Stephanie Prokop
   MANSFIELD — From legislation on portable housing storage units to road repairs, to hopes of completing a new Municipal Building shortly, Mayor Arthur Puglia of Mansfield said the township has covered a lot of ground in 2006.
   Optimistic about the new year, Mayor Puglia said this week that while he hopes no unexpected issues come up, Mansfield will look to keep taxes down and remain true to the town’s character.
   Another item that Mayor Puglia and the rest of the council hope to make progress with in 2007 is continuing to provide affordable housing to the senior citizens in the area.
   Recent legislative issues that have made headlines in the township include an ordinance that would allow 60- to 90-foot billboards in certain areas of the township, including along I-295 and the N.J. Turnpike. That ordinance was up for public hearing on Wednesday night, but the Planning Board last week advised against its approval.
   An ordinance prohibiting portable storage units, intended to keep the aesthetic character of Mansfield also was approved this year, amending how long homeowners can keep portable storage containers outside of their home, unless they hold a specific license allowing them to do so.
   A new municipal building on 28.8 acres Route 206 near Hedding Road, which Mayor Puglia referred to as the "Millennium Building" is also in the works for the new year.
   Mayor Puglia said the township has purchased the building and hopes to have renovations completed shortly.
   Mayor Puglia said he is confident that with the people who work for the township, positive things will come about.
   "We have good people working for us from the bottom to the top," he said.