Public Comment Brings Accusations, History Debate and Pedestrian Safety Concerns to Montgomery Committee

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, NJ — Public comment at the Montgomery Township Committee’s Sept. 3 meeting ranged from a former mayor’s call for Mayor Neena Singh to resign over allegations of anti-Muslim bias — allegations Singh forcefully denied — to concerns about the township’s presentation of local history, the placement of commemorative markers and pedestrian safety along Princeton Avenue.

Jaffer Calls for Singh’s Resignation; Mayor Rejects Allegations
Former Montgomery Mayor and former state Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer addressed the committee and called for Singh to resign, alleging a history of anti-Muslim harassment and recounting what she said occurred during a January 2025 meeting involving herself, Singh and former Deputy Mayor Vince Barragan.

Jaffer said that during the January 2025 meeting she was told Montgomery Township was losing access to county or state funding because of her public criticism of U.S. policy toward Gaza. According to the account she presented Sept. 3, she questioned whether government funding could be withheld because of one individual’s political speech and said she had never received an apology or satisfactory explanation regarding the alleged comments. 

She further argued that residents deserved to know whether any county or state officials had threatened to withhold municipal funding because of her views and accused Singh of acquiescing in an effort to suppress her speech. Jaffer concluded by saying Singh should resign.

Singh, who is currently serving as Montgomery’s mayor, rejected Jaffer’s account after the public-comment period.

“Everything she said was a lie,” Singh said, adding that she was “done with listening to lies.” Singh said Jaffer could request a meeting to discuss the matter directly but said she did not want a public meeting used to advance claims she considered untrue. Singh also defended Barragan’s service to the township, saying the former deputy mayor had given significant time to Montgomery and had done a good job in that role. 

Residents Question Township’s Presentation of Local History
Candi Willis of Belle Mead questioned whether the township’s America 250-related commemorations were giving sufficient attention to Montgomery’s own documented history.

Willis cited several local historic resources, including the Montgomery Farm Museum, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse and the Gulick House, and argued that the township should place greater emphasis on people and events with direct ties to Montgomery.

She specifically questioned a commemorative sign associated with a French General in a 1781 Revolutionary War-era march and challenged statements she said had overstated the Montgomery connections of individuals highlighted in recent township presentations.

Willis devoted particular attention to William Stives, a Black fifer who served during the Revolutionary War. She told the committee that Stives was documented as being from Hunterdon County and said that, while he may have passed through the Montgomery area during his military service, she did not believe the historical record supported describing him as a Montgomery resident. 

Willis also objected to what she said had been a characterization of the fifer during a previous Township Committee meeting as George Washington’s “right-hand man.” She argued that such descriptions went beyond what she believed the historical record supported.

“I applaud both these men’s contributions,” Willis said of the individuals being commemorated, but added that she believed their connections to Montgomery were being overstated. She urged township officials to distinguish between honoring someone’s role in American history and establishing a documented connection to Montgomery itself.

Willis said Montgomery has its own lesser-known residents who contributed to the Revolutionary War effort and suggested the township’s 250th anniversary programming provide greater recognition to those with direct local ties.

“Montgomery’s history is loaded with unsung boys and men who have made contributions to the Revolutionary War effort,” Willis said. “Why not show them a little love?”

Willis said she supported recognizing contributions to the Revolutionary War but argued that the township should be careful not to exaggerate local connections.

“Montgomery is a special place,” Willis said, noting that she has lived in the township for 40 years. She urged officials to protect the accuracy of the town’s historical record while also expressing concern about future development.

Willis also used her remarks to call for public comment to be moved earlier in Township Committee meetings, along with more direct communication to residents regarding Planning Board and Zoning Board agendas, schedule changes and public hearings.

Havens Questions Location of Historical Marker
Jessie Havens also addressed the committee about local history, focusing specifically on the placement of a historical marker near the municipal complex.

Havens said she supported efforts to educate residents about Montgomery history but questioned why the sign had been installed along a road she said had no direct connection to the event being commemorated.

“The road wasn’t even here when that event took place,” Havens said.

She said historical markers should, whenever possible, have some geographic relationship to the event or person they describe.

Singh responded that the township’s 250th committee had developed the marker as part of its commemorative work. She said her understanding was that the chosen location was intended to make the sign accessible to residents, particularly families who could stop and read it, rather than placing it along a historic route where motorists might simply drive past.

Singh said she understood Havens’ concern and would make sure it was communicated to those involved.

Princeton Avenue Resident Raises Pedestrian Safety Concerns
Pedestrian safety was also raised by Lynn Blydenburgh, a Princeton Avenue resident who told the committee she has become increasingly concerned about speeding and growing traffic along the road.

Blydenburgh said motorists appear to use Princeton Avenue as a way to avoid traffic on Route 206 and described conditions as increasingly difficult for pedestrians. 

She said there is no sidewalk on her side of Princeton Avenue, requiring her to cross the roadway to reach sidewalks near Blue Spring Road when she walks.

Blydenburgh told officials she has experienced close calls while crossing and asked whether a relatively simple measure, such as a painted crosswalk, could be considered.

“I’m not looking for anything elaborate,” she said, explaining that she primarily wanted a safer way to cross from her side of Princeton Avenue to the sidewalk network. 

Township officials told Blydenburgh they would look into the concern and make sure someone, including the township administrator, followed up with her. 

The public-comment portion concluded after the discussions on history, pedestrian safety and the exchange involving Jaffer and Singh, with the committee then returning to its regular agenda.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com