News & Noteworthy
DRAFT - Township of Byram Lakes and Watersheds Management Plan
Posted: August 29, 2024
Byram Township received grant approval for a Lake and Watershed Management Program for 10 of the township’s waterbodies. The grant was provided by the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (Highlands Council), a regional planning agency that works in partnership with both municipalities and counties in the Highlands region.
The waterbodies included in Byram’s Lake and Watershed Management Program are: Cranberry Lake, Lake Lackawanna, Johnson Lake, Forest Lake, Panther Lake, Wolf Lake, Wright Pond, Jefferson Lake, Stag Pond, and Kofferls Pond.
Byram Township chose to engage the services of Princeton Hydro, an ecological and engineering consulting firm, to support the project work.
For the first phase of the Lake and Watershed Management Program, Princeton Hydro conducted several analyses, including watershed modeling; hydrologic and pollutant loading analysis; watershed-based and in-lake water quality assessments; and tropic state assessments. Now that all the lab data has been processed, the watershed modeling being completed, and historical data reviewed, Princeton Hydro created a General Assessment Report summarizing the data/observations and identifying which watershed management techniques and measures are best suited for immediate or long-term implementation.
See Links below for the DRAFT = Township of Byram Lakes and Watershed Management Plan and supporting Appendices.
Click for Updated Draft (8/30/2024) - DRAFT - Lakes and Watershed Management Plan
Clicke for Updated Appendices (9/1/2024) - Final Draft Appendices
Click for: DRAFT - Lakes and Watershed Management Plan
Click for: Appendices
Flu Vaccine Clinic 2025 - Byram Township Firehouse
Posted: August 27, 2024
Click here for registration information.
Recreation Department Fall/Winter 2024/25 Brochure
Posted: July 31, 2024
Free Radon Kits Available to Byram Township Residents
Posted: February 11, 2024
Byram Township
A limited supply of free radon test kits will be available to Byram Township homeowners, based on a first come, first serve basis. Come to the Township Board of Health office, Monday-Friday during the hours of 8:30-4:30 or on Saturday, April 13th between the hours of 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Rabies Clinic Day). Residents are encouraged to contact the Township Health Department at 973-347-2500 x 125 between the hours of 8:30-1:30, to check availability.
RADON: THE BASICS
- Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when uranium and radium break down in the soil and in rock formations. Radon gas moves up through the soil and finds its way into homes through cracks in the foundation and openings around pumps, pipes, and drains.
- Radon is invisible and odorless.
- Radon can be a serious health risk.
- Radon testing is easy, recommended, and inexpensive.
- If levels are elevated, homes can be mitigated to reduce radon levels.
COJ Park Completely Inclusive Playground - Public Information
Posted: January 04, 2024
The Byram Township Mayor and Council has unanimously authorized the installation of a Completely Inclusive Playground at the COJ Park to replace the playground equipment that is beyond end of life.
A Completely Inclusive Playground provides opportunities for play that are not available at most playgrounds for children and adults with disabilities. Completely Inclusive Playgrounds provide opportunities that expand upon playgrounds that Americans with Disability Act compliant and provide proper wheelchair accessibility to the playground equipment.
Governor Murphy Signs "Jakes Law" - (Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Signs "Jake’s Law" (nj.gov):
Build Jake's Place - Playgrounds for Everybody
Byram Township will be submitting an application under the 2024 Green Acres Program for a Jake's Law Playground Funding Grant.
See Link for Information on the Green Acres Program: Green Acres Program
How do I express support for this project?
The Township is collecting letters of supports from residents. The purpose of this is to indicate to the Green Acres Program that this project has strong community support. CLICK FOR SUPPORT
Public Information/Outreach Sessions:
- Byram Township Council Meeting - Tuesday, January 2, 2024 - 7:30 PM
- Byram Township Recreation Committee Meeting - Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - 8:00 PM
- Byram Township Council Meeting - Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - 7:30 PM
- Public Hearing - Special Meeting of the Mayor and Council - Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - 7:30 PM
Byram Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, Public Hearing Announcement:
Byram Township is seeking funding through the State of NJ Green Acres Program for improvements at C.O. Johnson Park Playground located on Roseville Road in Byram.
PROJECT SCOPE: Byram Township proposes to create the following new facilities at C.O. Johnson Park, located on Roseville Road in Byram Township, Sussex County, NJ. A concept plan showing the proposed changes, a preliminary cost estimate, and an environmental impact assessment for the project can be found at: Byram Township | COJ Park Completely Inclusive Playground - Public Information (byramtwp.org)
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION: The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on January 30, 2024 at 7:30 pm, at the Byram Township Municipal Building, 10 Mansfield Drive, Byram NJ or by Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82117363001, or by calling any of the following number’s US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 267 831 0333 to participate. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID Number: 821 1736 3001.
Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Cynthia Church, Byram Township Clerk, 10 Mansfield Drive, Stanhope NJ 07874 or emailed to cchurch@byramtwp.org
- Byram Township Council Meeting - Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - 7:30 PM
APPLICATION INFORMATION for GRANT:
- Full Application Package (FINAL SUBMITTED: 02/07/2024)
- Environmental Impact Assessment
New Municipal Building - Resource Page
Posted: October 17, 2023
Enroll for Nixle notifications to receive updates on this topic.
October 18, 2023 – Project Information Mailer sent to the public
Byram Township's governing body has working hard to balance all the necessary requirements, confirm scope and minimize costs on the new Police and Administration Buildings. This project has been year's in the making and the public will have the opportunity to support at November 2023 election.
April 2023 Update
At the April 4, 2023 meeting of the Mayor and Council a motion was passed to include the Municipal Building Project on the November Election as a binding referendum.
April 16, 2019 - Recommendation Report from Municipal Building Subcommittee
07/21/2023 - MJA Construction Services FINAL Project Estimate Summary
AUGUST 4, 2023 - SPECIFICATIONS, SITE PLAN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Construction Documents - Police Building
Construction Documents - Administration/Public Building
Click for: Archive Information
C.O. Johnson Park Improvements
Posted: October 09, 2023
2023 Update - COJ Park Improvements
French & Parrello Associates (FPA) has been authorized to provide Engineering and Landscape Architecture services for the development of a dog park and improvements to COJ Park. Also, the Mayor and Council have started to authorize improvements that are independent of the larger project being developed by FPA.
Byram Township has been fortunate to receive a grant from the Highlands Council in the amount of $137,790 to cover the engineering work that is being completed by FPA.
Following are key documents related to the work and activities that have been authorized at COJ Park.
- Click For: Information regarding $137,790 Highlands Grant (September 5, 2023)
- Click For: Award to FPA to complete Engineering and Landscape Architecture Services (September 5, 2023)
- Click For: Award to FPA for improvements to Field 8 at COJ Park (October 3, 2023)
- Click For: Awards from COJ Park Basketball Court Improvements (August 2023)
Historical Files: French & Parrello Associates was authorized to prepare a conceptual design and master development plan for CO Johnson Park.
Engineer's Opinion of Preliminary Budgetary Costs - March 15, 2023
Click for: FPA Resolution and Proposal
Click for: CO Johnson Park Conceptual Plan - Alternative 1
Click for: CO Johnson Park Conceptual Plan - Alternative 2
Click for: CO Johnson Park Cost Estimates (Note: Preliminary budget numbers to only support conversation.)
Click for: CO Johnson Park Final Concept Plan and Budget Estimate
Volunteer Openings
Posted: February 03, 2021
Byram Township currently has the following volunteer openings available:
Environmental Commission
The Byram Township Environmental Commission (EC) is looking to fill two alternate seats.
The Environmental Commission meets the fourth Thursday of each month. This active committee takes the lead in natural resources planning to conserve the natural resources of the Township. The committee holds several environmentally related events such as trail clean-ups, annual Arbor Day event as well as actively seeks grants. In addition, the committee reviews Planning Board applications.
Recreation Committee:
The Byram Township Recreation Committee is looking to fill one alternate seat.
The committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m. at the Municipal Building
Board of Health:
The Byram township Board of Health is looking to fill one set. The Board of Health meets the 4th Tuesday of every other month at 7:30pm.
Open Space Committee:
The Open Space Committee is looking to fill one public member seat. The Open Space Committee meets via zoom the 2nd Monday of every other month at 7:30pm
Trails Advisory Committee:
NEWLY created committee. Looking for a few more volunteers that have already answered the call to contribute their time and talents towards completing and maintaining Byram's trail network. The committee was established as an advisory board to the Township Council on the use, development, and maintenance of the Township trail system as well as the implementation of the Trails Master Plan.
IF INTERESTED, please send a letter of interest and resume to the Byram Township Clerk, Cindy Church at cchurch@byramtwp.org.
Byram Township Senior Citizen Transportation Update
Posted: November 03, 2020
The Byram Township senior bus is available for Senior Club members who are in need of transportation on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month to attend the Senior Club meeting.
The senior bus is also available on the alternate Thursdays to any group of seniors who are in need of transportation for local shopping or dining at local restaurants.
The hours of operation are 10:30am-3:30pm, including drop off and pick up.
This is not a dial-a-ride service for individuals, but intended for Byram Township seniors to have a day out with other seniors while
meeting some of their shopping needs.
For additional information, please contact Catherine Biancone at 973-347-2500 x160 or cbiancone@byramtwp.org
Additionally, Byram Township seniors may utilize the Sussex County Skylands Ride service for their transportation needs.
- Skylands Ride Transportation service is provided for a requested $1.50 donation each way.
- Seniors are encouraged to call Skylands Ride and preregister for their service prior to scheduling their first trip.
- Reservations for transportation must be made at least 2 business days in advance of your appointment.
- Skylands Ride goes to Byram Shop-Rite on Thursdays and will usually pick up seniors around 9:30 am and then return them home around 12:00 pm
Skylands On-Request Service
Senior citizens, veterans, people with disabilities and members of the general public going to work, school or training.
Days: Monday-Friday
Times: 5:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
For reservations and fare information call (973) 579-0480.
Additional information about the program can be found on the Sussex County website at the following web address: https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?tpid=1565
Nixle - Community Alert Notification System
Posted: September 06, 2019
Community Alert Notification System
The Township of Byram will be embarking on our new primary community notification system beginning in September 2019. We are pleased to offer the Nixle Community Alert System to the members of our community. This free system allows community members to register to receive email and/or text notifications directly from the Township of Byram and can get instant notices about everything from gas leaks to missing persons, traffic accidents, road closures and local community events and activities.
Nixle, LLC developed this secure messaging technology to open trustworthy, reliable communications between governmental agencies and the communities they serve. Only authenticated agencies and organizations are permitted to use Nixle, which prevents false messages and impersonations. These alerts are provided through the secure Nixle site, which is used by over 3000 public safety agencies around the U.S.A. and is dedicated to providing verified public safety and community information to those who live, work and commute through our town.
With Nixle, the user can choose to have messages sent to their text capable phone, email, both or simply log on to Nixle and view the messages. Levels of messages sent can also be chosen to lessen the amount of texts sent or increase the connection to the Township of Byram.
Nixle users can also set unlimited locations, such as home, work and school, to stay informed about area incidents as well as widespread notifications. Just as our messages are secure, so is your information. Nixle does not track users and does not allow advertising on their site. No third party will be contacting you or spamming you after you submit your registration information.
The Township of Byram endeavors to send alert and advisory messages only when alerting the public is necessary. If you choose to receive community messages, you may also receive an occasional message regarding important events such as upcoming community events and activities. Frivolous messages will not be sent, and your email and text boxes will not be filled with spam by these messages. We want you, the community, to know that when you receive a message from us, it is important. Nixle is just one more way the Township of Byram is working with the community to keep residents safe and informed.
The Township of Byram encourages every citizen to sign up today to receive these messages and begin connecting with the Township of Byram. Nixle will become your primary source for accurate, up to date information from the Township of Byram so don’t delay, sign up today!
Remember, if we can’t reach you, we can’t inform you so please take a moment to sign up using one of the following options.
SIGN UP OPTIONS:
1) CLICK AND ENTER CONTACT INFORMATION: Nixle Community Notifications
2) Text the keyword Byram to 888-777. Then when prompted, follow the directions to enter your current e-mail address and you’ll be signed up to receive important alerts, advisories and community notifications from Byram Township.
CLICK: Nixle Implementation Plan
Municipal Building Project Information
Posted: October 12, 2018
July 2022 - Final DRAFT Construction Documents, Site Plan and Specifications:
CLICK FOR: Site Plan
CLICK FOR: Police Dept
CLICK FOR: Administration
CLICK FOR: Specifications
May 2022 - DRAFT Construction Documents and Site Plan:
CLICK FOR: Site Plan
CLICK FOR: Police Dept
CLICK FOR: Administration
December 21, 2021 Council Meeting - Supporting Documents for Council Discussion:
CLICK FOR: July 15, 2021 - NADER Extra Work Proposal
CLICK FOR: Administrative Offices - revised floor plan based on complete demolition.
CLICK FOR: July 1, 2021 - Planning Board Courtesy Review of Municipal Building Site Plan
May 2021 - Municipal Building Site Plan
CLICK FOR: Municipal Building Site Plan
CLICK FOR: 02/16/21 - The Nader Group Authorization for Phase 1B - Site Planning & Permitting
CLICK FOR: 03/02/21 - MJA Construction Services - Cost Estimating and Construction Services Proposal
November 2020 - DESIGN DOCUMENTS from the The Nader Group:
Click For: Design Documents - Proposed Addition & Renovation to Existing Office Building
Click For: Design Documents - Proposed New Construction Police Station
Click For: Subsurface Soil Investigation & Foundation Recommendation Report
PROPOSAL FOR BYRAM PLAZA MUNICIPAL OFFICES:
November 23, 2019 - Executive Summary: Lease Option Byram Plaza
November 29, 2109 - Byram Plaza - Proposed plans, elevations, and budgets
January 6, 2020 - Byram Plaza - Revised Sale Alternative at Byram Plaza
January 14, 2020 - Clarification of January 6, 2020 Proposal with Updated Byram Plaza Present Value of CAM and Taxes spreadsheet
January 21, 2020 - ANALYSIS – Comparison of Proposed Condominium to Municipal Build Project
January 24, 2020 - Anlaysis Workbook
February 4, 2020 - Byram Plaza Condo Handouts
February 28, 2020 - Letter from Chief Kenneth Burke
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
August 9, 2019 - The Nader Group Phase 1A Report - UPDATED 11/12/19
June 2019 - The Nader Group New Municipal Complex Proposal
April 16, 2019 Recommendation Report from Municipal Building Subcommittee
2019 - DRAFT: March 2019 - Analysis Report Byram Municipal Project - The Nader Group
2018 - Additional Documents:
Board of Education Open Space:
1972 - Open Space Building Plans
2018 Roofing Project:
May 3, 2018 - Open Space Re-Roofing Project Addendum
2018 Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Permit Review for Intermediate School Parking Area Options:
November 2, 2018 - Perliminary Engineering and Environmental Report
November 2, 2018 - Environmental Plan
November 2, 2018 - Parking Concept Plan
Existing Municipal Building Plans and Documents:
1971 Plans of Existing Township Municipal Front Building
Pictures of Foundation Construction for Trailers
MAY 2017 - NEW MUNICIPAL BUILDING:
CLICK LINK: General Information regarding MJA Construction Services
MAY 2017 - NEW MUNICIPAL BUILDING FAQs
2017 Summary of Employees with Core Hours. The Township has 33 Full-time and 12 Part-time employees. The page titled, Main Building, are the list of employees that are in the municipal buidling daily.
Click Here: Summary of Employees
2017 Information:
At the November 1, 2016 meeting of the Mayor and Council, Resolution No. 184-2016 was approved Authorizing FKA Architects to Provide Preliminary Planning & Presentations for New Municipal Building in an amount Not to Exceed $7500. As the result of these efforts, the various Floor Plan Options dated March 16, 2017 were developed. Floor Plan Option 5 (14,395 sqft) is presented with a preliminary cost estimate of $8,225,431.
Architect Scope of Work (Authorized November 1, 2016): 10/26/2016 FKA Proposal
Floor Plan Options: March 16, 2017- Floor Plan Options
Site Plan Options: March 16, 2017 - Site Plan Options
Summary of Spaces: March 17, 2017 - Summary Spaces Including Option 5
Summary of Space Comparisons (Current to Option 5): March 23, 2017 - Summary of Space Comparison
2015 - 2016 Information:
Municipal Building Program Document (Dated 8/26/15) - Based on input from Department Members: Municipal Building Programming Document
Building Assessment Report (Dated 9/11/15) - Report of Assessment of the Existing Municipal Buildings: Building Assessment Report
Initial Draft Master Plan (Dated 10/12/15): October 12, 2015 - Initial DRAFT Master Plan
Revised Summary of Program Spaces (Modification #1 - Dated 11/9/15): Summary of Program Space
Master Plan Options Presented: March 8, 2016 - Master Plan Options
Environmental Options Presented: March 8, 2016 - Environmental Analysis
At the March 16, 2016 Special Meeting of Mayor and Council - Determined the Preferred Design was Option 1.5:
March 16, 2016 - 1.5 Site Plan
Additional Documents (2013 - 2014):
Bulding Roof Assessment - January 2013
Building Mechanical Systems Evaluation - October 2014
Project Timeline:
- March 2015 – Publicly advertised Request for Proposals for Architectural Services
- May 27, 2015 – Special Public Meeting to conduct interviews with prospective Architectural firms.
- July 7, 2015 – Appointed FKA Architects – Resolution 100-2015.
- October 20, 2015 – Special Presentation by Tom Kosten of FKA Architects Municipal Building Assessment.
- November 16, 2015 – Public Discussion – Municipal Complex Programming Report.
- December 15, 2015 – Authorized FKA Architects for Lakeland Bank Assessment – Resolution 190-2015.
- February 2, 2016 – Authorized Harold Pellow & Associates – Environmental Assessment – Resolution 41-2016.
- March 16, 2016 – Special Public Workshop – Review Environmental Analysis, Cost Analysis and Building Options.
- April 5, 2016 – Authorized Harold Pellow & Associates – Preconstruction meeting with NJDEP – Resolution 64-2016.
- June 6, 2016 – Public Discussion – Capital Projects Committee – Municipal Facility.
- June 21, 2016 – Special Public Presentation of Municipal Complex Master Plan.
- July 5, 2016 – Introduction of Bond Ordinance (#24-2016).
- July 19, 2016 – Public Hearing and Adoption of Bond Ordinance (#24-2016).
- August 8, 2016 - a Petition to Repeal Township Ordinance #24-2016 was filed with the office of the Township Municipal Clerk.
- August 10, 2016 - Township Clerk certified petition and determined that it is sufficient.
- August 16, 2016 – Public Hearing and Adoption of Ordinance 25-2016 - Initiative Ordinance of the Mayor and Council Repealing Ordinance # 24-2016.
- November 1, 2016 – Authorized FKA Architects to provide preliminary planning and presentations for new building.
2004 - LAN Associates Report - This report presents a summary of cost estimates developed by LAN Associates for three distinct options related to the Municipal Building and Consolidated School additions and renovations.
