Singh Highlights School Opening, Sept. 11 Remembrances, New Businesses and First Responder Response
Nicholas Mistretta
MONTGOMERY, NJ — Mayor Neena Singh used her Sept. 3 report to the Montgomery Township Committee to welcome students back for the new school year, highlight recent community events and development activity, preview several upcoming ceremonies and business openings, and recognize first responders for their response to a recent lightning-related incident at a residential building.
Singh opened by noting that Sept. 3 marked the first day of school in Montgomery and urged motorists to use additional caution as students return to classrooms.
She reminded residents to expect increased traffic near schools and bus stops during the early morning and late afternoon hours and encouraged drivers to slow down, remain alert and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Whole Foods Opening and Landing at Skillman
Looking back at recent events, Singh highlighted the Aug. 21 grand opening of Whole Foods Market, describing the long-awaited opening as another amenity for the community.
She also reported attending an Aug. 23 fellowship hall dedication ceremony at Mother of God Orthodox Church, where the township was recognized for its partnership during completion of the project.
Singh said Father Peter specifically praised the work of Montgomery staff involved in the process, including employees responsible for permitting and code-related matters.
The mayor also reported participating in a walkthrough of The Landing at Skillman, the 55-and-over residential community at 200 Community Drive adjacent to the municipal complex.
Singh described the development as a 100-percent affordable housing building and said it represented a commitment made by the township as part of its third-round affordable housing obligations.
Montgomery Plans Two Sept. 11 Remembrances
Singh devoted part of her report to events marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The township will hold a remembrance ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11, at 8:46 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in the upper parking lot of Veterans Park.
Singh said the ceremony will honor those who lost their lives, recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders and service members, and remember the strength and unity demonstrated by communities in the aftermath of the attacks.
She noted that three Montgomery residents and one Rocky Hill resident were among those who died on Sept. 11.
A second remembrance ceremony will be held by Montgomery Township Fire Company No. 2 at 6 p.m. at 529 Route 518.
Singh said the evening program will honor those who lost their lives and recognize the sacrifices associated with that day. The Montgomery High School Marching Band is scheduled to perform, and firefighters from neighboring departments are expected to participate. The event is open to the public, with light refreshments to be served.
Liberty Tree Mosaic to Be Recognized Sept. 18
Another upcoming event will recognize the Liberty Tree Mosaic Mural, a community art project tied to Montgomery’s America 250 observance.
The recognition ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 18 at Veterans Park.
Singh said the project was created through a collaboration between the township and the school district, particularly the Lower Middle School, with students and residents painting individual tiles representing what America means to them.
The completed Liberty Tree mosaic will be displayed on the barn at Veterans Park.
New Businesses and Recreation Improvements
Singh also announced several upcoming ribbon cuttings for businesses in Montgomery.
Nail Boutique is scheduled for a ribbon cutting Sept. 10, followed by PJ’s Pancake House on Sept. 15 and Deluxe Dentistry on Sept. 19.
“We are always very grateful when we see new businesses coming in town,” Singh said, adding that businesses contribute to the community and that the township, in turn, wants to support them.
The Recreation Department is also scheduled to hold a Sept. 10 ribbon cutting at the Woods Edge tennis courts, Singh said. Fall recreation program registration is now open.
Singh Thanks First Responders Following Lightning Incident
Singh closed her report by thanking Montgomery’s first responders for their response to a recent lightning-related incident at Montgomery Meadows, a residential building she said houses 96 residents.
According to Singh, a lightning strike resulted in what she described as a fire and smoke incident at the building.
The mayor said Montgomery EMS and fire companies, along with firefighters from neighboring communities, responded quickly and remained at the property until they were satisfied that no remaining condition posed a danger.
Singh, who said she was at the scene, told the committee that residents expressed appreciation for the work of the responding emergency personnel.
She said three families were displaced as a result of the incident but had since been relocated to housing.
Singh concluded her report by again recognizing the first responders for their work during the emergency.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com