Council Meeting Notes: How 49 Acres Became 61.3

While Monday night's borough council meeting at focused on amendments to the 2011 municipal budget, there was other, noteworthy news from around the borough. Here's a roundup:

49 Acres Gets Bigger: Council members approved an ordinance officially annexing the land acquired from Florham Park that up to now has been known as the 49 Acres. In the process, the parcel has grown to 61.3 acres, including extra property that lies in Florham Park, in front of the 49 acres. It is not new land, but was always part of the 49 Acres [acquisition], meaning the property did not add to the cost of the acquisition, said borough attorney Joseph Mezzacca.

Vacancy Rate Falls: New businesses opening in Madison have helped push the downtown vacancy rate from 11% three years ago to below 3%. New openings include childrens' boutique Doodlebugz at 55 Main St., and Madison Vacuum Centers at 81 Main St. Officials credited the resurgence to the Downtown Development Commission's Shop Madison campaign, and the promotional efforts of the Chamber of Commerce.

Borough Tests Automated Meters: Madison has begun deploying automated electrical meters for testing purposes at a number of residences. Four meters have been in place for a few days, said Borough Council President Vincent Esposito. The meters self-report electric power usage, are more accurate and resistant to tampering than conventional meters.