Residents Raise Development, Communication, and Fee Concerns During Public Comment at Montgomery Meeting

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Residents voiced a range of concerns during the public comment portion of the March 31 Township Committee meeting, addressing topics that included land use planning, communication with seniors, election reform, and long-standing questions about septic system fees.

The public comment period, which allows residents up to three minutes to address the governing body, featured both policy-focused advocacy and local quality-of-life concerns.

Concerns Over Potential Development Near Skillman Park
Resident Reed Chapman raised concerns about conceptual redevelopment plans for state-owned land near Skillman Park, particularly along Burnt Hill Road.

While acknowledging the need for efficient land use and the value of public amenities such as public works facilities and recreational spaces, the resident cautioned against concentrating development along the roadway opposite the park. The speaker argued that doing so could impact the character of the area and limit flexibility for future planning decisions.

The resident suggested alternative locations for certain uses, including siting municipal facilities closer to existing infrastructure such as railroad corridors, and urged the township to carefully consider long-term implications before designating land for specific purposes.

Township officials responded by emphasizing that current plans remain preliminary and conceptual, noting that the township does not yet own the land in question and that additional public input and committee review will be part of the process moving forward.

Advocacy for Ranked-Choice Voting
Oliver Tenney of Skillman addressed the Committee on behalf of a nonpartisan organization advocating for ranked-choice voting in New Jersey municipal and school board elections.

Tenney outlined pending state legislation that would allow municipalities to adopt ranked-choice voting through a public referendum. Under such a system, voters would rank candidates in order of preference, with votes redistributed in rounds until a candidate achieves a majority.

He requested an opportunity for the organization to meet with township officials to provide additional information and answer questions about how the system would function at the local level.

Committee members expressed interest in learning more, with one official asking for a brief explanation of the concept for the benefit of attendees.

Resident Questions Fairness of Septic System Fees
A significant portion of the public comment period focused on concerns about the township’s septic system inspection and reporting fee, which Skillman resident Michel Parise described as inconsistent and lacking transparency.

Parise argued that the fee—currently $60 every three years—is applied unevenly, with some homeowners paying while others with similar septic systems are not. According to township officials, the discrepancy stems from a longstanding ordinance that “grandfathered” certain properties into the system, meaning only properties added after the ordinance’s adoption are subject to the fee unless ownership changes.

She questioned both the fairness of the policy and the justification for the fee, which is described as administrative. She also raised concerns that homeowners who comply with reporting requirements may be disproportionately bearing the cost, while others remain outside the system.

Township officials acknowledged the issue and indicated that the matter may warrant further review. They noted that the ordinance falls under the jurisdiction of the Board of Health and suggested the topic be revisited at an upcoming meeting.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com