Township Committee Highlights Lenape Marker, Youth Wellness Program, Kenvue Site Clarification

Nicholas Mistretta

Montgomery Township committee members delivered a wide-ranging set of updates at the Feb. 5 Township Committee meeting, highlighting efforts ranging from historic recognition and volunteer board staffing to youth mental-health programming, public health initiatives and a clarification of the development review process involving the former Kenvue property.

Lenni Lenape acknowledgment marker and Shade Tree Committee update
Committeeman Martin opened the committee reports with an update from the Environmental Commission on a long-planned proposal to install a boulder and plaque recognizing Lenni Lenape settlement and residency on the land now known as Montgomery Township. Martin said the commission has been working on the project for roughly three and a half years and emphasized continued support to see it completed.

As part of his remarks, Martin read the Environmental Commission’s land acknowledgment, noting it is used to open commission meetings and is intended as a statement of respect for Indigenous caretakers of the land and waters.

Martin also reported progress in filling seats on the Shade Tree Committee, saying the board now has a quorum of seven members. He added a note of remembrance for Sheridan Hotung, a Shade Tree Committee member who recently passed away, extending condolences to her family and noting she will be missed.

Economic development and community observances
Committee member Ahn reported on the Somerset County Business Partnership annual meeting, describing it as a forum that spotlighted business resources and “positive things” the county offers. The same remarks included community observances, extending Lunar New Year greetings and noting the timing of Ramadan on the lunar calendar for families who observe it.

Local history recognition and community congratulations
A separate report focused on local recognitions tied to Black History Month and township milestones. Committee member Taylor-Todd said she looks forward each year to the township’s Black History Month proclamation and announced that Elaine Buck and Beverly Mills, co-founders of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), have been selected for the Richard J. Hughes Award by the New Jersey Historical Commission, with a presentation scheduled for March 18.

She also congratulated township employee Debbie Axtt for her public service.

Youth mental health, community programming, and public health updates
Mayor Singh used her committee report to highlight several community initiatives, beginning with the launch of Hope Squad at Montgomery’s Lower Middle School. Singh said the peer-to-peer program—supported through a collaboration involving the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, the Health Department and the Montgomery school district—aims to build a culture of kindness and connection and to strengthen student mental-health supports. She said the high school and upper middle school are also expected to establish Hope Squad programs.

Singh also described recent visits with local youth organizations, including Cub Scout Pack 185 and a Girl Scout troop, and praised the students’ engagement and questions.

She then recapped several township health and wellness efforts, including the annual “Beat the Winter Blues” event, which featured workshops such as yoga, personal balance discussions and a session focused on teens. Singh credited the Municipal Alliance and the Health Department with coordinating the program.

Public health updates included results from a recent rabies clinic—township staff reported about 125 cats and dogs vaccinated and nearly 80 pets licensed. Another free rabies clinic is scheduled for Feb. 21 at Otto Kaufmann, from 9 a.m. to noon, officials said.

Singh also reported on two sessions of the Age-Friendly Montgomery initiative, an effort to assess the needs of residents age 55 and older, covering topics such as housing, transportation, health care, social inclusion and communication.

The mayor closed that portion of her report by welcoming two new businesses to town: Anytime Fitness and Jersey Family Health.

Planning Board clarification on former Kenvue property review
Singh also delivered a detailed Planning Board update addressing the status of the former Kenvue property and a recent board action involving an application from EKAHN Development.

According to the mayor’s report, EKAHN Development sought General Development Plan (GDP) approval in fall 2025. The Planning Board, advised by its counsel, determined Montgomery Township does not have a local enabling ordinance authorizing the board to accept or review a GDP application. The board discussed the issue at a public meeting on Nov. 10, 2025, and concluded that, without an authorizing ordinance, it lacked the local standards and completeness requirements needed to process the application.

As a result, Singh said, the GDP application was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. She emphasized that the dismissal does not prevent the developer from pursuing development through the township’s established processes for site plan and subdivision approvals under existing zoning regulations.

Singh added that, as of the meeting date, EKAHN Development had not submitted a site plan or subdivision application consistent with the property’s current zoning, and she said it was “inaccurate reporting” to suggest the Planning Board refused to accept a conforming development application.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com