During his time on the Raritan Borough Council, Adam Armahizer has consistently raised concerns about high-density housing projects that put profit ahead of residents and place long-term strain on the Borough's existing infrastructure. He understands that Raritan is a small community with limited roadways and aging utilities, and that oversized or irresponsible new development brings real consequences- such as higher local taxes, increased traffic congestion, overcrowded schools, and the gradual loss of neighborhood character. Adam was one of the only councilmembers to oppose the proposed 276-unit Raritan Mall redevelopment, the initial 60-unit First Avenue and Burns Street redevelopment proposal, and the initial 75-unit Agway redevelopment proposal due to excessive residential density, infrastructure limitations, and insufficient long-term planning. In addition, Adam was the only councilmember to vote NO on designating Raritan Borough's entire downtown as an “Area in Need of Rehabilitation,” citing concerns that such a sweeping designation could open the door to unchecked development incentives and permanently alter the Borough's historic core. While Adam recognizes Raritan's legal obligation to meet its affordable housing requirements, he believes those obligations should be met through carefully planned, lower-impact affordable housing initiatives - particularly housing initiatives targeted towards senior citizens and military veterans - similar to successful approaches used in nearby communities like Branchburg and Bridgewater. As Mayor, he would focus on responsible, resident-first planning that respects Raritan's capacity, protects existing neighborhoods, and ensures residential growth is transparent, carefully evaluated, and genuinely in the best interest of the people who already call the Borough home.
Adam Armahizer believes Raritan cannot continue operating on autopilot when it comes to its budget. Over time, expenses accumulate, programs expand, and line items roll over without a full or thorough review- even as residents face higher taxes and rising costs of living. During his time on the Borough Council, Adam has repeatedly emphasized the need to step back and take a hard look at how municipal dollars are being spent. He believes a comprehensive, line-by-line budget reevaluation is necessary to identify outdated expenses, inefficiencies, and opportunities to manage resources more responsibly. As Mayor, Adam will prioritize this process to ensure the budget reflects current needs, clear priorities, and long-term sustainability- so taxpayers can have confidence that every dollar is being used wisely.
Adam Armahizer sees prioritizing smart local business growth as one of the keys to Raritan's long-term economic stability. He has consistently supported small businesses and thoughtful commercial development that bring real benefits to residents- jobs, services, and a stronger local economy- without changing the character of the Borough. Adam believes Main Street and the Route 202/206 corridors should be treated as priorities, and that the right businesses can help revitalize these spaces. As Mayor, he will work to attract well-planned, community-oriented businesses that build on what already exists, encourage walkable commercial areas, and keep local dollars circulating in Raritan. Done the right way, expanding the commercial tax base helps stabilize municipal finances and eases the tax burden on everyday homeowners.
Adam Armahizer knows firsthand how important strong recreation programs are because he grew up in them. As a kid, he spent more than six years playing Raritan Recreation Baseball and several years playing Raritan Recreation Basketball. Those programs weren't just about sports- they were about mentorship, friendships, and giving kids something positive to be apart of. Over time, many of these recreational sports programs have sadly fallen apart or simply disappeared in Raritan, and Adam Armahizer believes that's a real loss for the community. As Mayor, he will work to bring back and strengthen Raritan's recreational sports programs so today's kids can have the same experiences he did growing up. He also believes recreation should extend beyond youth sports, with more activities for families/adults, seniors, and community volunteers that bring people together and make better use of the Boroughs parks / public spaces.
Adam Armahizer believes Raritan's riverfront should be something residents actually get to enjoy- not just drive past. The Borough sits along a river and canal that has real potential to be a gathering place for community events, recreation, and outdoor activities- yet it remains largely underused. Adam has consistently supported efforts that promote environmental stewardship and smarter use of public spaces along the riverfront, and he believes the riverfront can play a bigger role in bringing the community together. As Mayor, he will focus on practical, commonsense improvements that will allow the riverfront to be used for more community events, walking paths, designated clean-up days, and more educational activities.
Adam Armahizer believes Raritan residents have reached a breaking point when it comes to rising taxes and additional municipal service costs. Homeowners, renters, veterans and seniors are all feeling the pressure- and simply raising taxes year after year or charging new sewer usage fee's is not a real solution. During his time on Borough Council, Adam has consistently pushed for greater financial accountability before asking residents to pay more. He believes tax increases should be a last resort - not the default. As Mayor, Adam will focus on controlling costs, improving oversight, and stabilizing the budget in order to ensure the Borough operates within its means so that families can afford to stay in Raritan, and seniors can remain in the community they helped build.
Adam Armahizer believes that local government only works when residents can reach their Mayor, understand how decisions are made, and trust that public funds are being handled responsibly. Adam will make accessibility a priority by being available to residents, responding to concerns directly, and ensuring that communication between Borough Hall and the community is clear and consistent. Adam believes transparency must be more than a talking point- especially when it comes to the municipal budget. Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent, why costs increase, and what steps are being taken to manage expenses responsibly. He supports open, understandable budgeting, clear public explanations of major spending decisions, and stronger oversight to ensure accountability at every level. As Mayor, Adam will work to foster a culture of openness and responsibility where residents feel informed, heard, and confident that their local government is working in their best interest.