Township Administrator Updates Committee on Land Preservation, Rev250 Plans, Facility Repairs and Services for Seniors

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP — Business Administrator Lori Savron used her report at the Jan. 22 Township Committee meeting to highlight new open space preservation, an historic-commemoration event change, ongoing infrastructure challenges at township facilities, and continuing services for local seniors.

Township Preserves Additional Woodland at Tucker Property
Savron began by calling attention to an item on the consent agenda involving the township’s open space program.

The committee authorized the preservation of nearly six additional acres of woodland on the Tucker property, she said. Most of the site has already been preserved through the farmland preservation program, but this action formally protects the remaining wooded portion under township open space.

General Montgomery Event Canceled Pending Further Historical Research
Savron also provided an update on planning related to Revolutionary War–era commemorations and the broader America 250 effort.

On the recommendation of the Montgomery Revolution 250 Committee, the township has canceled the Jan. 31 “General Montgomery” event, she said. The committee requested more time to conduct research to confirm whether Richard Montgomery is accurately recognized as the township’s namesake.

“There will be announcements on the township’s website, social media and e-bulletins” regarding other upcoming America 250 events throughout 2026, Savron noted, emphasizing that commemorative programming will continue even as historical research proceeds.

Savron said the Rev250 Committee has been engaging local historical organizations. The Van Harlingen Historical Society was invited to a recent meeting but was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. Representatives from the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) did attend, she said, and held what she described as a “very, very great discussion” with the Rev250 Committee.

Savron said the township expects the groups will work collaboratively as discussions about the town’s history and namesake continue.

A more detailed Rev250 parade and event planning update is expected at one of the Township Committee’s February meetings, she added.

Comcast Internet Issues at Community Center Prompt FCC Complaint
Turning to township facilities, Savron reported that the Otto Kaufman Community Center has been experiencing intermittent internet outages tied to its Comcast service.

She said the township’s IT department has repeatedly been on site trying to diagnose and mitigate the problem, but efforts to resolve the issue directly with Comcast have been “very unsuccessful,” with the provider “moving the ball around in terms of what the problem could be.”

As a result, Savron said, the township has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the service issues.

“It’s been a persistent and ongoing problem, and we can’t have that continue,” she told the committee, noting that Comcast effectively operates as the sole provider in that area, which complicates any effort to switch to another vendor. Officials said they would continue exploring options for more reliable service delivery.

Structural Plumbing Issue Found at Municipal Building
Savron also briefed the committee on recurring bathroom closures in the lobby area of the municipal building.

She said staff and outside contractors had tried multiple approaches to resolve clogging and backup issues, including snaking lines, sending cameras into the pipes and investigating potential misuse of the facilities. Those efforts indicated that a pipe running under part of the lobby has “sagged,” creating a low spot that is causing blockages.

For now, she said, the problem is being managed by periodically flushing large volumes of water from upstairs bathrooms to clear debris — a workaround she emphasized is not sustainable.

Savron noted that the township did not build or oversee the original construction of the facility; the project was managed by the Somerset County Improvement Authority, and there were documented issues with the contractor near the end of that project, which led to a settlement agreement. As part of that settlement, the township retained funds to address unfinished or defective items, such as missing window shades and, now, the pipe repair.

“There is money available to make the repair,” she said, but warned that fixing the problem will require breaking through the lobby floor, and will likely cause disruption to the lobby and bathrooms.

The administration is now seeking quotes for the repair work and will bring a more detailed plan back to the committee, Savron said. She added that the goal is to complete the work “sooner rather than later,” before warmer weather and the nearby playground draw more families and increase building traffic.

Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors Continues
Finally, Savron reminded residents that AARP’s free income tax filing assistance for seniors will once again be available at the community center.

She said AARP has been coming to the center for “many, many years” to provide no-cost tax preparation for our senior citizens. Volunteers use one of the back conference rooms at the Otto Kaufman Community Center to meet with clients.

The township promotes the program on its website, social media channels and e-bulletins, Savron noted, but she said it was important to highlight it publicly for residents who are new to town or may not be aware of the service.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com