Savron Updates Township Committee
Nicholas Mistretta
MONTGOMERY, NJ — Montgomery Township Administrator Lori Savron provided updates on a wide range of municipal projects during the Aug. 6 Township Committee meeting.
Residents Asked to Help Identify Roads, Sidewalk and Park Concerns
The township’s Plan for Health team is continuing its community outreach as Montgomery prepares for an eventual reexamination of its Master Plan.
Savron said a map-based survey is available through the end of August allowing residents to identify locations where they have concerns involving roads, parks, sidewalks, missing sidewalk connections and similar issues. The information collected is expected to help inform the Master Plan update.
The volunteer group is also developing a broader community engagement plan and an additional survey, while reviewing transportation issues within the township.
Savron also reported that a new permit satisfaction survey had been distributed to 1,023 email addresses through the township’s GovPilot system. The survey was also included in the township’s electronic bulletin and will be promoted through additional municipal communication channels.
Restaurant Week Set for September
Montgomery’s Restaurant Week is scheduled for Sept. 14 through Sept. 20, with six restaurants confirmed at the time of Savron’s report.
Members of the township’s new Youth Leadership Committee will work with the Economic Development Commission and township staff on the event.
Detention Basin Retrofit Underway
Savron also highlighted work underway on the first of two planned detention basin retrofit projects, funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
The first project involves the Cap/Brier and Boysenberry area off River Road near Belle Mead-Griggstown Road. Savron said the township identified aging municipal basins that were no longer functioning at the desired level for water quality and water quantity management.
The retrofit is one component of Montgomery’s broader effort to address flooding and stormwater management. Residents in the affected neighborhood were notified, and township staff previously held a community meeting about the project.
Harlingen Village Sewer Discussions Continue
Township officials also continue to meet with residents of Harlingen Village regarding the possibility of connecting the neighborhood to public sewer service.
Savron said a second meeting with residents was held July 15. The township supports exploring a sewer connection because of the neighborhood’s smaller residential lots and existing septic systems.
Officials are seeking grant funding that could help pay for a study needed to determine how a sewer connection could be accomplished. Savron said the township plans to continue meeting with residents regularly as the effort moves forward.
Pilot Program to Address Sidewalk Obstructions
As part of Montgomery’s pedestrian safety efforts, the township is also launching a pilot program aimed at identifying and addressing obstructions along sidewalks.
Savron cited low-hanging tree branches as one example, noting that pedestrians can sometimes be forced around the obstruction and into the roadway. Summer interns and members of the Youth Leadership Committee are expected to assist with the initiative.
The project will also be used to promote GovAlert, a mobile application available through the township’s GovPilot system. The app allows residents to report concerns from locations throughout Montgomery, including potholes, sidewalk problems, tree-related issues and conditions in township parks.
Savron described the reporting tool as a service the township would like to make more residents aware of.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com