Councilman Dan Weiss, West Windsor NJ

07/30/2026

What’s on the agenda for Monday’s Council meeting?

The West Windsor Township Council will meet on Monday, August 3 at 7:00 PM at the Municipal Building. The meeting will also be livestreamed. I will not be in attendance, as I will be out of town on vacation.

The meeting includes public comment, administration and Council updates, one public hearing, several resolutions, and the introduction of a proposed bamboo ordinance.

The public hearing is for the re-adoption of Bond Ordinance 2026-01, related to the replacement of the fire sprinkler system at West Windsor Fire Station #43. This ordinance appropriates $231,000 and authorizes up to $220,000 in bonds or notes. The re-adoption is being done to meet legal advertising requirements for bond ordinances.

Other items on the agenda include:

• A refund of an overstated non-residential development fee to Princeton Junction Storage
• A reimbursement agreement with the Enclave at Princeton Junction HOA for street lighting and snow removal
• An easement modification agreement for 24 Cartwright Drive
• Renewing a shared services agreement with Hamilton Township for West Windsor to drop off collected leaves, brush, and tree stumps, and to receive mulch and wood chips for Township use
• A professional services agreement for Township Attorney services
• Acceptance of an ANJEC grant to help fund a pollinator garden in West Windsor Community Park
• Engineering services for the Penn Lyle and New Village Road pedestrian safety improvements project
• Professional inspection services for Grover Mill Dam
• Repairs to Fire-EMS Station #45
• Police, technology, network, and Fire & Emergency Services equipment purchases

Council is also scheduled to introduce a proposed bamboo ordinance, which would add a new chapter to the Township Code regulating the prohibition, existence, and removal of bamboo. The public hearing on that ordinance is scheduled for August 24.

As always, there will be opportunities for public comment near the beginning of the meeting and again later in the agenda.

07/27/2026

Some of the most meaningful community projects begin with a simple question: What can I do to help?

For his Eagle Scout project, West Windsor student Arnav Anand built and installed two Little Free Food Pantries at the West Windsor Senior Center and West Windsor Arts Center, expanding access to food for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

His project is a great example of youth leadership, community service and the impact of turning concern into action.

These pantries only work when the community helps keep them stocked. Residents are encouraged to donate unexpired, non-perishable food such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter and shelf-stable milk.

Take what you need. Leave what you can.

Congratulations to Arnav, and thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible.

Follow the link to learn more.

For his Eagle Scout project, West Windsor student Arnav Anand built and installed two Little Free Food Pantries to help neighbors facing food insecurity. His work is a powerful example of youth leadership, community service and the impact of turning concern into action. Learn how residents can help....

07/21/2026

West Windsor is moving forward with a proposed ordinance to regulate bamboo, prevent new infestations, and address existing growth that spreads onto neighboring properties or threatens public infrastructure and protected areas.

The proposal has been shaped through the work of the Shade Tree Commission, Township administration, Mayor, Council, professional staff, legal counsel, and residents. It has been a detailed and iterative process, focused on creating rules that are clear, practical, fair, and enforceable.

The ordinance is expected to prohibit new bamboo plantings, establish buffer and containment requirements for existing bamboo, and create a complaint, inspection, remediation, and enforcement process.

A final draft is expected to be introduced at an August Council business meeting, followed by a public hearing at the following meeting before final adoption.

Read the full update here:

West Windsor is developing a new ordinance to regulate bamboo, prevent future infestations, and address existing growth that threatens neighboring properties, public infrastructure, and protected areas. The proposal is being refined through input from the Shade Tree Commission, Township administrati...

07/10/2026

What’s on the agenda for Monday’s Council meeting?

The West Windsor Township Council will meet on Monday, July 13 at 7:00 PM at the Municipal Building. This is the only Council meeting during the month of July.

The meeting will begin with a Disability Pride Month Proclamation, followed by public comment, administration and Council updates, public hearings, and several resolutions.

Two major capital ordinances are up for public hearing:

Open Space Funding: Council will consider appropriating $465,000 from the Open Space Tax Trust Fund for parks and preserve maintenance and development.

General Capital Improvements: Council will also consider a larger capital ordinance totaling about $12.88 million, including funding for roads, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, drainage and sewer work, public safety vehicles and equipment, municipal building improvements, technology upgrades, Public Works equipment, and improvements to WaterWorks and the splash park.

Other items on the agenda include:

• Establishing the 2026 sewer rate
• Pedestrian safety improvements at several locations, including Penn Lyle Road, New Village Road, Alexander Road, Harris Road, Dutch Neck School, and Southfield Road
• Improvements to the skate park and basketball courts at Community Park and tennis courts at the Hendrickson Drive Tennis Complex
• WaterWorks bathroom and kitchen renovation updates
• Police uniform purchases and a proposed five-year agreement for a CJIS-compliant AI platform (Criminal Justice Information Services)
• A developer’s agreement related to a prior Planning Board approval (for the lots where the QuickChek and Car Wash will be built)
• Discussion of a bamboo ordinance

There will be two opportunities for public comment: one near the beginning of the meeting and another later in the agenda.

Residents may attend in person or watch the livestream.

06/27/2026

West Windsor resident Cynthia Yoder recently reached out to share a deeply personal and meaningful community event connected to her family’s story, LGBTQ+ history, faith, and the power of honest storytelling.

On Saturday, July 11, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, the community is invited to a reading, conversation, book signing, and social gathering for Search for a Blessing: A Gay Man’s Journey from a Mennonite Missionary Childhood to the Streets of AIDS Activism, a new LGBTQ+ memoir co-authored by Daniel Shenk and Joyce Maxwell.

Daniel Shenk’s story brings together a Mennonite missionary childhood, the complicated work of family and faith, the courage of living truthfully as a gay man, and the history of AIDS activism in New York City during one of the most painful chapters in modern LGBTQ+ history.

At a time when LGBTQ+ stories, books, and histories continue to face attacks, opportunities like this matter. They give us a chance to listen, to learn, to make room for stories that may challenge and move us, to honor the courage of those who lived through difficult chapters of our history, and to recognize the families and communities still working through what acceptance, love, and belonging truly require.

The event will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Dutch Neck, Social Hall Building, 154 South Mill Road, West Windsor.

Read the full story on my website.

West Windsor resident Cynthia Yoder invites the community to a reading, conversation, and book signing for Search for a Blessing, a new LGBTQ+ memoir by her uncle Daniel Shenk and Joyce Maxwell. Daniel’s story traces his journey from a Mennonite missionary childhood in East Africa to his life as a...

06/26/2026

I am deeply honored to be included in InsiderNJ’s 2026 LGBT OUT 100 Power List.

Recognition like this is meaningful, but for me, it is also a reminder of responsibility. Visibility matters. Engagement matters. Using your voice matters.

I am especially grateful to be recognized alongside so many leaders, advocates, organizers, educators, artists, public servants, and community members who are helping move New Jersey forward. And I know that for every person named on a list like this, there are many more doing the work quietly, consistently, and often without recognition.

That work matters too.

I am also grateful that this recognition highlights my support for HiTOPS and the incredible work they do to empower LGBTQ+ youth with education, resources, care, and community. Supporting young people is not symbolic. It is essential.

When LGBTQ+ young people see adults in public life who are open, present, and willing to stand with them, it sends a message: you belong here. You are valued. Your future matters.

At a time when LGBTQ+ rights, health, safety, and dignity continue to be challenged, showing up for our youth is one of the most important things we can do.

I am grateful for this recognition, grateful for everyone included on this year’s list, and deeply grateful for all those who continue to do the work every day to build a safer, more welcoming, and more affirming community for all.

https://www.insidernj.com/2026-lgbt-out-100/
HiTOPS

06/23/2026

West Windsor residents are being asked to provide feedback on proposed changes to the Township’s brush and leaf collection policy.

This is exactly the kind of issue where public input matters. Brush and leaf collection may not be the most dramatic topic in local government, but it is a real service that affects daily life for many residents.

The proposal would shift leaf collection from the current March-through-December schedule to April-through-January. Leaf collection would remain a ten-month service.

Brush collection would see a larger change. Scheduled curbside brush collection would be reduced from ten months per year to five months: April, May, June, September, and October. Brush collection would no longer be scheduled in March, July, August, November, or December, although residents would still be able to drop off brush at the DPW facility throughout the year.

The Township has explained that these changes are intended to help DPW stay closer to the published schedule and allow crews to handle other important responsibilities, including street tree maintenance, pothole repair, roadside mowing, litter collection, street sweeping, and other public works needs.

That is a real issue worth discussing.

But the conversation should not simply be about whether people are “for” or “against” the proposed change.

It should be a broader conversation about what level of service residents reasonably expect, what our Department of Public Works can reliably deliver, and what rules are needed to make the program fair, practical, and sustainable.

Residents may want to share feedback about how often they use brush collection, which months matter most to their household, how storm cleanup should be handled, whether the drop-off option is practical, and what limits or rules should apply to curbside brush collection.

The most helpful comments will be the ones that explain how the proposed changes would affect your household, what parts of the proposal make sense, what concerns you, and what alternatives or adjustments you think should be considered.

Residents can submit feedback to the Township by July 15 at:

[email protected]

I wrote more about the proposal, the Township’s stated rationale, and the broader policy questions residents may want to consider here:

West Windsor is reviewing proposed changes to brush and leaf collection. Residents are encouraged to review the proposal and share feedback before July 15. This is an opportunity to have a constructive conversation about a valued municipal service and develop a policy that works for residents, suppo...

06/16/2026

Yesterday evening, I had the honor of speaking at the Mercer County Pride Flag Raising ceremony at Mercer County Park, right here in West Windsor.

It was a beautiful and meaningful way to close out several days of Pride celebrations across our region.

At the flag raising, I spoke about how a flag raising may seem like a simple act: a few words, a few moments, and then a flag lifted into the sky. But for many people, that symbol carries deep meaning.

It says: you are seen.

It says: you belong.

It says: your community is not asking you to hide, shrink, or apologize for who you are.

And that matters.

There was a time, not very long ago, when public displays of support for LGBTQ+ people were far less common. For many of us, growing up meant learning how much of ourselves felt safe to bring into a room. Too often, acceptance had to be assumed, hoped for, or quietly searched for. It was rarely proclaimed publicly by the institutions and communities around us.

That is why moments like yesterday matter.

When county leaders, local officials, community organizations, families, friends, and neighbors gather together in public support of the LGBTQ+ community, it is not just ceremonial. It is a message.

It is a message to the young person who is still figuring out who they are.

It is a message to the adult who spent years wondering whether they could be fully themselves.

It is a message to families who want their children to grow up in a community rooted in love, dignity, and respect.

And it is a message to anyone who has ever felt pushed to the margins: you are part of this community, and this community is stronger because you are in it.

I am deeply grateful to Mercer County for hosting yesterday’s flag raising, and to everyone who came out to stand together for dignity, inclusion, and love.

I am also grateful for the many Pride events that took place across our region this past week, including Princeton Pride, Lawrence PrideFest, and the wonderful family Pride celebration on Sunday afternoon hosted by the Democratic Clubs of Robbinsville, West Windsor, East Windsor, and Hamilton.

Earlier in the week, I also had the honor of attending the Governor’s Pride Reception at Drumthwacket, hosted by Governor Mikie Sherrill. Being in that space, surrounded by advocates, public officials, community leaders, and LGBTQ+ residents from across New Jersey, was another reminder of why public support matters. From the Governor’s residence to our county parks to local community gatherings, these moments send a message that LGBTQ+ people belong in every part of our public life.

At Sunday’s family Pride celebration, I had the opportunity to speak about the importance of drag, and to introduce the incredibly talented Lexie Legato.

Drag is a powerful art form. It brings together gender, expression, fashion, music, comedy, dance, and storytelling. It is joyful, glamorous, funny, bold, theatrical, and larger than life. It also challenges the idea that there is only one way to be seen, one way to be beautiful, one way to be strong, or one way to belong.

And in this moment, that visibility matters deeply.

In parts of our country, drag performances have been targeted, restricted, and even treated as something dangerous or unlawful. But drag reminds us why visibility matters. It shows us that joy, creativity, and self-expression can be powerful, especially when people are told to hide who they are.

Joy itself is an act of resistance.

At a family Pride event, especially, it matters that young people see joy. It matters that families see artistry. It matters that our community sees LGBTQ+ culture not as something hidden away, but as something worthy of applause, respect, and celebration.

That is what this past week has been about for me: visibility, belonging, celebration, and community.

A Pride flag does not erase discrimination. A proclamation does not end bullying. A ceremony does not remove every barrier that LGBTQ+ people still face.

But these things do matter.

They matter because culture is shaped by what we choose to honor publicly. They matter because belonging is not built only through policy or programs, but also through the everyday signals we send one another about whose lives are valued and whose presence is welcomed.

This week, across Mercer County and across New Jersey, those signals were clear.

Pride belongs here.

In our parks.

In our towns.

In our schools.

In our families.

In our houses of worship.

In our public institutions.

And in the full story of who we are as a community.

Thank you to everyone who organized, volunteered, performed, attended, supported, and showed up this week.

Happy Pride. 🏳️‍🌈

https://www.danweissnj.com/post/pride-belongs-here

06/05/2026

What’s on the agenda for Monday’s Township Council meeting (June 8th)?

If you don't regularly follow Township Council meetings, this is a great meeting to attend. The evening begins with several ceremonial presentations and community recognitions that highlight some of the things that make West Windsor special.

*Pride Month Proclamation
Council will issue West Windsor's annual Pride Month Proclamation, now the third consecutive year that West Windsor has recognized Pride Month with an official proclamation.

The proclamation reaffirms our community's commitment to dignity, inclusion, equality, and respect for LGBTQ+ residents. It recognizes both the progress that has been made and the ongoing importance of ensuring that every resident feels safe, valued, and welcome.

As someone who grew up at a time when LGBTQ+ people were rarely visible in public leadership, I do not take these moments for granted. Visibility matters. Representation matters. And creating a community where people can live openly and authentically benefits all of us.

Community members are welcome to attend and show their support.

*Recognition of West Windsor Robotics Teams
Council will recognize several West Windsor-Plainsboro robotics teams for their accomplishments during the 2025-2026 season. These students continue a long tradition of excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, representing our community at regional, state, national, and international competitions.

The recognition celebrates not only competitive success, but also the dedication, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills these students demonstrate throughout the year.

This is a recognition I always look forward to. Over the past several years, I've had the opportunity to support many of the students and programs that make up our local robotics community, including serving as a mentor to FTC Team 14481, Don't Blink, and supporting the broader work of the Princeton STEM Academy. Last year, I attended the FTC World Championship and came away even more impressed by the talent, determination, and professionalism these students bring to everything they do.

While a few teams may receive the spotlight on any given day, this recognition reflects something much larger: a community that invests in STEM education, mentorship, innovation, and student achievement. West Windsor and Plainsboro have built something truly special, and we have every reason to be proud of these students and their accomplishments.

As an added bonus, several robotics teams will be showcasing their robots and sharing information about their programs beginning at 6:00 PM in the Municipal Building before the meeting starts. It's a great opportunity for families, parents, and students to learn more about these programs and meet some truly remarkable young people.

*2026 State of the Township Address
Mayor Hemant Marathe will deliver his annual State of the Township Address, providing an overview of Township accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and priorities for the year ahead.

*Shade Tree Commission Presentation
The Township's Shade Tree Commission will provide an update on its work to preserve and enhance West Windsor's tree canopy and natural environment.

*Other Business
Following the ceremonial presentations, Council will move into public comment and regular business. Agenda items include annual liquor license renewals, fireworks permits for community events at Mercer County Park, and several routine administrative matters.

As always, residents are encouraged to attend, participate, or watch the meeting livestream.

West Windsor Township Council Meeting
Monday, June 8, 2026
Robotics Showcase: 6:00 PM
Council Meeting: 7:00 PM
West Windsor Municipal Building

At the June 8 West Windsor Township Council meeting, we will recognize outstanding local robotics teams, issue our annual Pride Month Proclamation, hear the Mayor's State of the Township Address, and receive an update from the Shade Tree Commission. The evening will also highlight the remarkable wor...

05/29/2026

Earlier this week I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the West Windsor-Plainsboro School Climate & Culture Summit.

The event brought together educators, counselors, administrators, and student leaders from across the district to focus on something that matters deeply: creating school environments where students feel safe, respected, supported, and like they truly belong.

In my remarks, I spoke about vulnerability, resilience, identity, empathy, and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel safe being themselves. I also reflected on some very personal experiences from my own life and how those experiences shaped the way I think about belonging and community.

I was deeply moved by the response and incredibly grateful for the thoughtful conversations that followed throughout the day.

At a time when the world can often feel loud, divided, and uncertain, I continue to believe that kindness, empathy, and human connection matter more than ever.

I shared some reflections from the event on my website:

Supporting School Climate, Belonging, and Student Well-Being: Reflections on the West Windsor-Plainsboro School Climate & Culture Summit, where educators, counselors, administrators, and student leaders came together to strengthen school climate, inclusion, and student well-being. The event highligh...