Administrator Lori Savron Updates Committee on Loop Road Feedback, Master Plan Outreach and Community Garden Interest

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Township Administrator Lori Savron provided updates on the recent Montgomery Meadows emergency response, newly opened loop roads, public engagement for the township’s Master Plan update, a permit process survey and growing resident interest in a proposed community garden during her Sept. 3 report to the Montgomery Township Committee.

Savron began by following up on Mayor Neena Singh’s report regarding the recent lightning-related fire and smoke incident at the Montgomery Meadows apartment complex.

In addition to the fire and emergency medical personnel who responded, Savron said the township’s fire official, fire inspector, construction official and electrical inspector were also at the property assisting with the response and follow-up work.

She said residents who had been displaced were able to be relocated within the same apartment complex because vacant units were available.

“The residents have all been able to be rehomed within the building itself,” Savron said, adding that the property owner was involved in coordinating those arrangements.

Township Gathering Feedback on Newly Opened Loop Roads
Savron also addressed the township’s recently opened loop road network, saying officials are actively gathering feedback as motorists begin using the new roadways.

She said residents have raised questions and observations involving signage and other conditions along the roads.

The township’s Traffic Advisory Committee met earlier that day, Savron said, with members discussing the road network with Township Engineer and Traffic Engineer Joe Fissinger.

Savron said she has personally spoken with residents and passed along their feedback.

The township is working through its Engineering Department to determine which concerns may be addressed immediately through the developer and which may require involvement from Somerset County or the state.

“We’re actively receiving any feedback that any of the residents have,” Savron said.

Public Meetings Planned for Master Plan Update
Savron announced two upcoming public engagement sessions related to the township’s Master Plan update.

A virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, with the township advertising information on how residents can participate.

An in-person session is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Township Committee chambers.

Savron described the in-person meeting as more of a listening-session format that will allow dialogue among residents who attend.

A corresponding survey will also be distributed to gather additional public feedback for the Master Plan update.

Permit Process Survey Continues
The township is also seeking public input through a separate survey focused on its permitting process.

Savron said approximately 22 responses had been received as of the Sept. 3 meeting and that the township would continue promoting the survey.

Reminders have been sent to individuals whose email addresses are available through the township’s GovPilot permitting system, she said, and the survey has also been promoted through the township’s Thursday electronic bulletin.

Residents Express Interest in Community Garden
Savron concluded her report with an update on the proposed community garden, which is expected to be the subject of an upcoming presentation to the Township Committee.

She said she had already heard from approximately seven residents interested in participating in different ways.

Some expressed interest in obtaining a garden plot, while others indicated they would like to assist with organizing the initiative.

Savron said the township plans to engage with those residents as the proposal moves forward and that additional information will be presented at an upcoming meeting.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com