Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

126 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 Hardyston. We’ve seen an increase in residential property development since Covid, making Hardyston an attractive place to be,” she notes. Hardyston’s appeal extends beyond its natural charm and burgeoning remote work culture. It is also an economically prudent choice for new and existing residents. “For two years in a row now, we’ve maintained a zero dollar-tax increase for our taxpayers, which is a significant positive,” announces Mayor Kaminski. Community Investment: Evidence of Forward-Thinking Leadership A distinct feature of Hardyston is its modern municipal complex, rec center, and middle school - all approximately 17 years old, but well-maintained and modern in appearance. The middle school, completed in 2006, is still a prominent feature of the township. “There was a significant capital investment made at the same time that three separate residential developments were being built pre-recession,” Piccolo-Kaufer notes. Through a capital improvement plan adopted in 2018, the township set a path for improving and repairing nearly all municipally owned roads over seven years, from 2018 to 2024. This strategic move happened while still maintaining the low tax rate, showing the township’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure. Piccolo-Kaufer elaborates on how Hardyston sustains these developments without increasing the tax burden on its residents. “We actively seek-out means to support the municipal budget outside of property tax revenues. That includes shared service agreements where we partner with surrounding communities to offset our operational costs.” Strengthening Infrastructure and Broadening Connectivity Infrastructure development remains an active area of focus for Hardyston. According to Township Manager Piccolo-Kaufer, the township has embarked on various projects