Historic Windmill Relocation and Business Praise Highlight Township Correspondence

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY — The Township Committee’s correspondence segment at the Dec. 4 meeting featured two very different but equally community-centered messages: support for relocating a long-standing windmill to enhance a local historic site, and a note of praise from a new business commending township staff for responsive code enforcement and inspection support.

Committees support potential move of windmill
Township officials reported receiving emails from the Landmarks Commission and the Open Space Committee regarding a windmill located on preserved land along Dead Tree Run Road. The correspondence relates to a proposal by the Van Harlingen Historical Society to relocate the windmill — at the society’s expense — to the area surrounding the Gulick House, a historic property at the intersection of Route 601 and Dutchtown-Harlingen Road.

Township staff explained that the Historical Society has long been working to expand the Gulick House site beyond a single structure, with plans to assemble a small collection of historic barns and architectural pieces that have been in storage for years. Recent progress, officials said, has been aided by grant funding from Somerset County and past land acquisitions supporting the broader vision.

The windmill, owned by the township and currently sitting quietly in the interior of a field near the Mill Pond soccer fields and River Road corridor, has been identified as a potential addition to that historic complex.

According to the administrator’s summary, Historical Society President Jim Irish consulted both advisory bodies earlier this fall, and each provided memos supporting the concept. Township officials indicated that Irish is expected to attend the Dec. 18 meeting to present more detail on the society’s plans and how the windmill relocation would fit into the evolving site vision.

Committee members responded positively to the update and expressed interest in hearing a fuller presentation.

Anytime Fitness commends township inspection and code staff
The committee also acknowledged an email from Anytime Fitness, which is preparing to open a new location at Montgomery Place — the retail center that includes CVS and Kasia Market.

The business owner’s message praised township staff for their accessibility and professionalism during the past three months of construction. The owner specifically recognized Marisol Perez and Tina Ivanov in the construction department for promptly scheduling inspections and answering questions throughout the project, along with support from the building and fire inspectors as issues arose.

The owner also relayed feedback from the project’s general contracting team, who reportedly described Montgomery as one of the best townships they have worked with over decades in the construction field — citing both efficiency and a focus on ensuring retail space is safe and compliant.

Committee members welcomed the recognition and requested that staff receive the township’s appreciation and best wishes in response.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com