Play It Again Sports To Close
Big sale on sporting goods
Play It Again Sports in Raritan, which has served the sporting goods needs of the surrounding communities for 18 years is closing its doors this coming Spring.
Owners Wayne and Debbie Krout have lived and worked in Montgomery for over 25 years. They were active in the local recreational baseball and soccer leagues having served as officers,coaches and volunteers. Wayne was a founding officer of the original Montgomery Baseball League. Play It Again Sports has also been a past sponsor and supplier for both the soccer and baseball leagues. Their three sons, Brad, Kevin and Derrick were actively involved in sports at the recreational and high school level.
Due to the present economic conditions facing many small businesses the owners have decided to close their business this spring. Sports equipment both new and used is discounted up to 70% off. Baseball, Lacrosse, hockey, golf, exercise, and soccer equipment can be found at great discounts. The store is open 7 days a week. For hours of operation you can call 908-725-2232.
Wayne and Debbie are grateful to the community for their support over the years and want to thank all of their past and prenet loyal customers.
MHS Charity Fashion Show March 12
The fourth annual charity fashion show at Montgomery High School is sure to be a great success again this year. The students will be raising funds to help Greg Mortenson’s human rights efforts to provide education for girls and promote peace in Central Asia. It will take place on March 12, 2010 at 7:00 PM in the Montgomery High School Center for the Performing Arts in Skillman, NJ
The students will be modeling their own designs, as well as the latest prom fashions from A Beautiful Bride in Hillsborough and KiKi D Dresses in Montgomery. The boys will be modeling the latest tuxes from Dante Zellers in Hillsborough and Men’s Warehouse Tuxedos in the Quakerbridge Mall. There will also be music performances by highly talented students, a silent auction full of great choices, and an “Eco-Chic” environmentally friendly apparel design contest with a prom package for the first place winner! Anyone can enter the contest and it’s not too late – for more information please contact Mrs. Milner at MHS (609)466-7602 or email smilner@mtsd.us
Last year, successful designer and Project Runway finalist Jonathan Kayne attended the show and exhibited some of his latest prom and evening dress designs. With a great cause and fun entertaining activities at this year’s show, it is sure to be a must-see event.
MTSD Support Property Tax Relief in S945, But Caution State to Consider Long-term Implications
The Montgomery Township Schools support State efforts to address its revenue shortfall in the current year and recognizes that bill S 945 may, in the short term, offer some limited tax relief to NJ residents. Montgomery Township is prepared to work with the State to make additional sacrifices in the near term, however, cautions the State to consider the long-term implications of this bill and sister legislation.
The long-term goal must be for the State to fulfill it funding obligations to NJ schools and to create a sustainable New Jersey. The fact remains that bill S 945, and its sister initiatives, if enacted, will continue to drive up the local property tax levy and will serve to shift the State's obligation for school funding to the local property tax MORE THAN offsetting the short-term savings. The local property tax can no longer be used to fund the State’s budget gap. Long-term local property tax relief needs to be a priority.
In Montgomery Township, we have worked very hard over the years to be one of the most cost-efficient school systems in the state while still delivering an excellent educational experience for our students. While the full impact of S945 on our school district is yet to be determined, Montgomery Township is already so fiscally conservative that some of the bill’s proposed limits to carry-over sick and vacation day compensation will result in no savings to us.
We urge our legislators to recognize the rising cost of healthcare as the critical issue it is. Adjusting teachers' benefits should not be sole "fix" to the system. Price-controls on the demand side are not enough. Those who set insurance prices and supply medical services also need to be part of the solution. The Montgomery Board of Education believes in the collective bargaining process and encourages the administration to work with all constituents to craft a sustainable and agreeable solution for all of New Jersey.
We remind the State that XS Surplus is not “extra cash" lying around, but managed savings in anticipation of future revenue shortfalls. Tapping XS surplus to fill a current-year State Aid reduction creates a local revenue shortfall in the next budget year that can only be managed through program cuts or increases in local levies. If done on a permanent basis, a decrease in fund balance will likely affect our bond rating and thus our borrowing costs. This is not acceptable to our residents. We urge the State to acknowledge these facts and to make local taxpayers whole again by refunding State Aid cuts in subsequent years.
Going forward, the one sure way to restore financial stability and reduce local tax levies is for the State to meet its statutory obligation under the school funding formula. As revenues start to rise, as they already have since bottoming out earlier this fiscal year, the Montgomery Schools expect that the State will make good on its annual $10-15 million dollar promissory note to the district. This kind of statutory compliance would result in local tax levy REDUCTIONS even with increasing enrollments.
Montgomery Township School District stands ready to work with the State in any capacity necessary to achieve both a balanced budget and balanced funding to each school district.
Skillman Village Negotiations with County Moving Forward
Both Montgomery Township and Somerset County officials are working on the details of selling Skillman Village to the County. Village Elementary School would receive some of the land surrounding it. While Maplewood, the old Superintendent’s house, will be sold, the status of other buildings in the Village is yet to be determined. Montgomery Township Administrator Donato Nieman hopes to close on a deal with the County by midyear, whereby the Village would become a County park.
According to Somerset County Attorney Tom Miller, “We plan to carve out an additional amount of land around Village School that would be adequate to facilitate their parking and traffic needs. Input from the school will be considered.”
Maplewood, which sits on roughly six acres Southeast of Main Boulevard and Village School, will be subdivided and sold. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Attorneys for the County were confirming demolition estimates for the remaining buildings which include Smalley Theater.
Presbyterian Homes Among Potential Buyers of 1860 House
Since Montgomery Township officials have been marketing the 1860 House, both individuals and Presbyterian Homes have expressed interest in purchasing it. Presbyterian Homes owns Stonebridge, which is situated behind the house. Township officials have been giving tours to these potential buyers over the last few weeks, with Presbyterian Homes touring the site on January 29.
The nearly seven acres on which the house sits will be subdivided from the Green Acres around it and deed restrictions will be put in place to assure proper restoration. According to Township Administrator Donato Nieman, “We are in the process of preparing to subdivide the property. We are working out the details with interested parties such as the Van Harlingen Society.” The Society maintains Montgomery’s Barn Museum located near the house. Regarding deed restrictions, Nieman says “We are very much concerned and want to ensure that the house’s architectural and historic integrity are maintained.” He believes the house will probably be sold via auction.
MHS Robotics Compete March 6, 7 In Trenton
The 60 members of the MHS Robotics Team will compete again this year in the FIRST Robotics Competition in Trenton at Sun National Bank Center, 81 Hamilton Avenue on March 6, starting at 8 am, and March 7, starting at 9 am.
Established by renowned inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST, "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," is intended to spark an appreciation of science and technology in young people. This global initiative is bringing kids together from places like North America, Israel, Brazil and Turkey. At the Trenton competition there will be teams from Brazil, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virginia competing, as well as teams from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
Internationally, the 2010 season will include more than 1,800 teams, and 45,000 high-school students participating in 50 regional and district events and culminating in a national championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, April 15 - 17th.
"Breakaway" is the theme for this year's FIRST Robotics Competition. Two alliances of three teams each will compete on a playing field with bumps, attempting to earn points by collecting soccer balls in goals. Six weeks ahead of competition, registered teams receive kits containing parts needed to construct the machines, but no instructions. Working alongside professional engineers and/or FIRST alumni, the high school students design, build and program their robots to meet the game's engineering challenge. They learn how to collaborate, focus on tasks and turn out an effective product. Teams are judged on design, team spirit, professionalism and ability to overcome obstacles.
Photos are up on our Facebook Page!
News From the Township Administrator - March 2010
When a snow storm hits a township like Montgomery more than just plowing the roads needs to be done. I thought I would use my column to explain some of the other tasks that must be completed to insure safety.
The two February snowstorms dumped over thirty inches of snow on the Township making snow plowing difficult. All township roads were pretreated with brine prior to the storm. Township road crews began plowing the latest storm at 3 a.m. on Wednesday the tenth. They continued to plow with intermittent rest periods for sleep and meals until Friday the twelfth, when they were sent home for some well deserved sleep. The heavy wet snow which came during the first part of the storm created a hard packed snow cover on roadways that was very difficult to remove. These above freezing daytime temperatures combined with evening temperatures in the mid to low twenties exacerbated the problem. Crews worked through the weekend to get roads ready for the work week.
Once roads were at least passable, our road crews went to work clearing roads from curb to curb. At the same time sight triangles at intersections were obscured due to the depth of the snow piles created by Township plows additional employees were assigned to the task of clearing those intersections to improve traffic safety. Once that work was completed, storm basins were cleaned to insure that melting snow would not flood roadways. Equipment was being repaired during the storm to insure the maximum number of vehicles were in operation during the storm.
There will be a lot road repair work will have to be done as soon as the weather permits it. Pothole repair had to commence while at the same time supplies of salt and sand need to be re-stocked. A significant amount of the 2010 Snow Removal budget has already been expended. It is my hope that we have a mild December. I hope that everyone can appreciate the amount of effort that is expended to deal with snowstorms like the ones we had in February. I'd like to thank our Public Works department for their hard work during the heavy February snow storms.
Twp Economic Development Commission Meets Mar 16
Getting it Right This Time: Recovering from the Great Recession
The Montgomery Township Economic Development Commission will present their semi-annual business forum at the Princeton Elks on Rt. 518 in Skillman on March 16, 2010. The program will start at 6:00pm and end at 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. Mr. David Sandahl, management consultant and former economist, will be the principal speaker. The program is free to all. The event is sponsored by Fox Rothschild LLP.
"The EDC is working hard to bring informative discussions to Montgomery," said Thom Carter, Montgomery Township Committeeman and Liaison to the Economic Development Commission. "During these difficult economic times if we work together we can hopefully find solutions for our great community."
Mr. Sandahl's talk entitled "Getting it Right This Time: Recovering from the Great Recession" will give perspective on where we are in the current economy and how we got here, and point out some of the actions needed to promote healthy recovery. Encouraging small business growth, investing in innovation, and accelerating the growth of sustainable businesses are crucial to job creation. The talk should be of general interest to most people, and of particular interest to business owners, both large and small in the Township. There will be a short question and answer period and discussion after the presentation.
Mr. Ernest Willson, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission added "We believe we have put together an enjoyable, and enlightening program which the
audience will find useful. The EDC is extremely grateful to Mr. Sandahl, the Law firm of Fox Rothschild LLC and the Princeton Elks for supporting us in this effort."
Mr. Sandahl is the Managing Partner of Decision Consulting, LLC (www.decisionconsult.com) and an organizer of the Princeton Job Creation Forum (www.pjcf.org). A fiscal economist at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget from 1978 to 1984, Sandahl has been in the private sector ever since, forming his own firm in 2004. He is a member of the Recovery Accountability Task Force, which oversees New Jersey use of Federal stimulus resources, Chairman of the Board of the Princeton Family YMCA, and the former Deputy Mayor of Hopewell Township. Sandahl holds a master's degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor's degree in economics from Bowdoin College. Most recently, he attended the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth.
H1N1 Flu Clinics Continue Through March
The Greater Somerset Public Health Partnership (GSPHP), a coalition of local health departments in the greater Somerset area, is providing additional 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics through February and into March. These clinics are open to anyone who wishes to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. "It is particularly important that families with children 9 years of age and under who are still in need of the 2nd dose of vaccine, take advantage of these remaining clinics," said Cinthia Weaver, Branchburg Health Officer and Chair of the GSPHP. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children 9 and under require two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected.
The group has sponsored nearly 50 clinics throughout the region since the vaccine became available, in early November. The following dates remain for February and March:
- Tuesday, February 16, West Morris Mendham High School, 4 - 6 pm
- Thursday, February 18, Hillsborough Municipal Building, 4 - 7 pm
- Monday, February 22, Middlesex High School, 4 - 7 pm
- Monday, March 1, Ridge High School, 4 - 6 pm
- Tuesday, March 16, Somerville Middle School, 4 - 7 pm
- Thursday, March 18, Manville High School, 4 - 7 pm
Appointments are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins will be accepted, as vaccine supplies are available. To help facilitate the vaccination process, the GSPHP is using a web-based scheduling system, which provides the locations and schedule of the clinics, as well as information regarding which form of the vaccine will be available. In addition, the group established the Greater Somerset H1N1 Shot Line, which individuals can call to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, and to identify which vaccine form will be available, visit http://www.greatersomerseth1n1.org or call 908-533-9330. Lastly, up to the minute information can be followed via Twitter, at http://twitter.com/Somerset H1N1. Readers are advised to check the scheduling website often, as clinics will continue to be added as vaccine is available.
The Greater Somerset Public Health Partnership is a collaborative effort of local health departments within Somerset County, working to provide cost-effective public health services to the greater Somerset area. The Partnership includes the Bernards Township Health Department, Branchburg Health Department, Bridgewater Health Department, Hillsborough Health Department, Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission, Montgomery Health Department, Somerset County Health Department and the Somerville Health Department. Collectively, these departments serve all of Somerset County, and parts of Middlesex and Morris Counties.
Report From Rocky Hill - March 2010
Rocky Hill may join a growing list of municipalities, companies and private citizens converting to solar electric. Somerset County has a grant program to give money to municipalities to install the panels, which will convert sunlight to electricity. The electric generated will go into the electric grid serving Rocky Hill, but the affect will be to turn the electric meter backward.
Any panels installed will need a shade free are facing south. Although many installations have been on building roofs, solar panels could also be installed on the ground, as was done at Montgomery High School. A similar “solar farm” is in the works at Carrier Clinic. Whether it can be installed on Borough Hall roof depends on a number of things, including the structural strength of the roof of a more than century old building.
Any savings in electric will benefit Rocky Hill taxpayers in the form of lower electric bills for Borough Hall. The panels can be installed on any Borough building or property, such as at the water tower, according to Mayor Zimmerman.
The water tower continues to be a Borough moneymaker. A new antenna is being installed by Metro PCS, complete with a new power supply, at the tower, which looks more and more like a wedding cake. “We just got a check from them,” Mayor Zimmerman said. Metro PCS will; be paying the Borough approximately $39,000 a year of the some $200,000 total raised from cell phone antenna fees for Borough taxpayers. Some residents have come to think of the water tower as a thing of beauty.
State Senator Ray Lezniak (R) has introduced a bill in the Legislature to end the Council On Affordable Housing, which is an autonomous authority, and replace it with a state-run agency. Mayor Zimmerman and others on Council suggest that whatever it is couldn’t be any worse than COAH, which has had many Borough officials scratching their heads trying to figure out their latest directives and requirements. Mayor Zimmerman said, “It could raise as much as $100 million for municipalities.” Mayor Lonegan of Bogata, NJ, a Tea Party candidate for who-knows-what, is against Lezniak’s bill, so it must be a pretty good thing.
Meanwhile, the Governor has suspended COAH; COAH has responded with a suit saying that the Governor cannot summarily suspend COAH, which was authorized by the Legislature. We’ll see.
Speaking of taxes, the State has returned Rocky Hill’s tax map for corrections. There were a number of small issues, such as Reeve Rd., which is also listed on some maps as “Church Street.” Another issue is a number of small, oddly shaped tracts of land, “orphans,” which had to be sorted out and ownership determined. The corrected map has been returned to the State, according to Mayor Zimmerman.
The actual revaluation of property, to be performed by Appraisal Systems, is due in October, but the work can’t be done without the state-approved map. “Now is the time to do it,” says Mayor Zimmerman. “Property values are lower than they were a few years ago.”
Appraisal Systems, Inc., which has the Borough contract for revaluation, has gotten a lot of flack in Princeton because of their recent revaluation. Reportedly, some properties with similar footprints in the same neighborhood were valued at $11.50 a square foot, and others at as much as $83.40 a square foot. According to a Feb. 5 story in the Trenton Times, lower priced property was increased at a rate 20% higher than that of more expensive properties.
Council has received a draft copy of an agreement between the Township and Rocky Hill regarding the joint management of the Van Horne Park. In the past, the Borough has agreed to pay 20% of costs related to managing the park, which is mostly on Borough land, but is jointly operated by the Township as well. The Township has picked up 80% of costs.
The issue has been that the Borough is required by State law to have a contract for services before paying fees. A second issue has been that the Township has been charging athletic groups to use the ball fields but hasn’t been sharing fees with the Borough. As a result, the Borough has been receiving bills for services from the Township but has not under law, been able to pay them. The hold-up had been on the Township side. However, after the Montgomery News published a story on this in the February issue, a draft contract was sent to Borough Attorney Albert Cruz. It is now going back and forth between negotiating attorneys and may be ready for approval in March.
The Borough has also received a draft of a contract between Rocky Hill and the Township for the Recreation Committee. Generally, Rocky Hill residents have been able to use Township facilities without fee. There has been some question of fair price the Boroguh should pay for this, as the number of school-age Rocky Hill children participating in Township activities has grown from approximately 26 in 2003, to 94 in 2010.
Borough Engineer Bill Tanner reports that the latest round of the sidewalk improvements is complete, although the Borough is still waiting for money from the County. Sidewalks along Washington Street are the only remaining project awaiting funding.
He also says that there is money available for a bike path connecting Van Horne Park with the Canal. Right-of-way may be an issue. Councilwoman Goldman said, “Better get the money from the State while they still have it because they might not have it in a few weeks.”
The Rocky Hill School Board surplus returned by Montgomery was $3,480 short, Council reports, and after numerous calls to the State and County, the State ordered MTSB to return the missing funds.
Meanwhile, the Borough filed an additional brief in the Borough’s suit against the State dissolving the Board of Ed. Council hopes to hear a decision before the April school vote.
Speaking of bikes, although Borough Council has yet to hear a formal proposal from the organizer of the annual Rocky Hill bike races, Mayor Zimmerman says he expects to hear from him soon, and for the races to be held again in June. This time, Mayor Zimmerman says he would like to see the organizers do the fund raising instead of Borough volunteers as in the past, and pay Borough fire and rescue services out of fees and guarantee money to the Borough.
Meanwhile, the Borough has been crunching numbers for this year’s budget (including a public session on Feb. 22 as we go to the printer). This could get ugly. The State is broke, so any budget has to have a possibility of little or no state aid, and also must factor in the budget cap, which limits increases in property taxes to 4%. Council approved the Cap at the Feb. 1 meeting. This permits the Borough to meet unusual or unbudgeted items by raiding the surplus. Mayor Zimmerman explained that voting to approve the Cap has been done every year, “But in all the years I’ve been involved, we never needed to do it.”
Mayor Zimmerman says that they have a list of things that get done every year no matter what, and are trying to determine what else should go into the new budget. He notes that there is “no budget money for new sidewalks or new buildings and ground projects. It’ll be maintenance only. There is $400,000 less in this budget because there’s no new grant money available.”
Borough Council noted the fine job done clearing the roads during the February snowstorms, which dropped a tree on Crescent Ave., and the contrast between Borough streets and Township streets. “The County did a nice job on the main roads,” Mayor Zimmerman said. “The plow operator takes pride in doing a good job in Rocky Hill and having the best roads around.” This is a big improvement, long-term residents may have noticed, between now and previous years, when Princeton Avenue was something of a skating rink after snowstorms.
Perhaps this is why Rocky Hill has moved up the list from 102 to #61 in New Jersey Magazine’s “Best Places in New Jersey To Live” list.
Mayor Zimmerman asked the Borough Attorney to look at the ordinance regulating parking on the streets, which is forbidden during snowstorms. Apparently, it’s not just Washington Street, but all Rocky Hill streets that should be car-free during snowfalls for the plows to work. The problem is that some Montgomery Ave. residents have been parking in the Borough Hall parking lot during snowstorms and the plows are unable to clear it properly. The Mayor would like the ordinance to include the parking lot as well.
During January, there were 89 moving violations, and 23 cases disposed of during Court. There was a total of #3,311 collected, of which the Borough’s share was $525.
Council met in Executive Session on Feb. 17 to discuss, among other things (Van Horne Park), a new contract with South Bound Brook Police Dept. The current contract ends at the end of March. Mayor Zimmerman is confident that the contract will be extended for a year.
South Brunswick billed the Borough $1,218 for eight animal control calls during 2009.
The Borough is trying to fix a date for the Rabies Clinic, which will be either April 10 or 17. It will be free, by law, to all New Jersey residents.
The Borough website showed an increase of 16% in the number of hits.
The Rocky Hill Community Group secured permission from Council for dates for 2010 events, including Spring Egg Hunt on April 3, the Earth Day Park Cleanup on April 24, the town-wide Garage Sale on May 8, and the Independence Day picnic and parade on July 3.
Rocky Hill Borough Council normally meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 pm at Borough Hall on Montgomery Avenue. For more information online, www.rockyhill-nj.gov.
Obituary - David L. Hackler
David L. Hackler, 80, of Montgomery Township, died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, after a long battle with dementia and heart disease.
Born in Amarillo, TX, he relocated to Chicago, IL, at the age of 13. Mr. Hackler served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 as a navigator of B-29 bombers. He graduated from Loyola Chicago with a B.A. in English and attended the University of Chicago's M.B.A. program. A resident of Montgomery Township since 1965, Mr. Hackler worked for Worthington Diagnostics Corporation in Freehold, NJ, as a professional writer. Mr. Hackler published two textbooks for children entitled, "How Maps and Globes Help Us" and "How Charts and Drawings Help Us," as well as articles for Mercator's World Magazine.
He served on the Montgomery Township School Board, and the Montgomery Township Municipal Alliance, as well as being an active member of the Board of Crawford House and the 24 Club of Princeton. Mr. Hackler was also a dedicated member of AA for the last 39 years.
A lover of music since his first trombone lesson at the age of nine, Mr. Hackler played trombone with The Blawenburg Band and the Blawenburg Dixieland Band. He played tuba for Marshall's Dixieland Band. He also enjoyed watercolor painting and has several pieces on display at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, NJ.
David was the son of the late James P. Hackler and Bertha Belle McClendon, brother of the late James Hackler and Roger Hackler, husband of the late Noretta Miller and Mary McNamara, father of the late Jane Elizabeth Hackler and grandfather of the late Andrew T. Baker.
He is survived by his seven children, Nora Kelly of Schertz, TX, Ellen Hackler of Manassas,VA, Anne Kief of Red Hook, NY, James Hackler of Coral Springs, FL, Joseph Hackler of Hatchville, MA, Jean Weakliem of Skillman, NJ, and Jennifer Hackler of Silver Spring, MD. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy McConnell of Greenwich, CT; a brother, Thomas Hackler of Sarasota, FL; 15 grandchildren and one grand-dog, Addie.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 pm Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 22 Sycamore Lane, Skillman, NJ 08558. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 24 Club of Princeton, 1225 State Road (rear), Princeton, NJ 08540 (www.24-club.org) or Crawford House, P.O. Box 255, Skillman, New Jersey 08558.
Please visit www.thekimblefuneralhome.com to extend private condolences or share memories in the guest book
School Board Presents Preliminary Budget; Activity Fee Eliminated
The Montgomery Township School Board made a preliminary 2010-2011budget presentation to the public on February 9 following its initial presentation on January 25. Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim announced that the $9.5 M in matching aid for capital projects has been received from the State of New Jersey. As a result, $122,250 in capital spending has been taken out of the budget. A new development that will be welcome to many parents is the Board’s plan to discontinue the mandatory $75 co-curricular activity fee for middle and high school students.
The Board noted the importance of providing social and emotional character development and the least restrictive environment to enable special education students to remain in-district and succeed. In addition, the importance of attracting, retaining, and developing world-class faculty was reiterated. To accommodate the decrease in elementary enrollment and the enrollment ‘bubble’ at the Middle and High Schools, one kindergarten, one third grade, and two fifth grade teachers will be eliminated while one High School science and one Upper Middle School physical education teacher will be added. Overall, this results in a $139,000 decrease in salary and benefits.
Requests for carpet replacement at Orchard Hill Elementary School and the Lower Middle School were denied.
General education salaries for the year are projected to be $31.8M, while special education salaries and programs are projected at $11.8M; a roughly 3% increase for both. Kim notes that the District’s spending is above the mean for 24 comparative districts in four out of 15 areas: co-curricular programs; benefits; operations and maintenance; and classroom purchased services (ranging from therapists for autistic students to lease purchases for equipment). Benefits expenditures are expected to be $13.1M - a 9% increase - since medical insurance premiums may rise up to 20%. Operations and maintenance and debt service are both estimated to be around $7M. The Board has been focusing on reduction of the operations and maintenance budget. A 50% decrease in custodial overtime and initiatives such as energy efficiency and the High School’s solar panels have netted $200,000 in savings. Debt service is rising with the approval of December’s referendum.
The District hopes to receive the full $10M in aid due from the State. Firm numbers on State aid are expected on or about March 18 - a month later than usual. This compresses the Board’s timetable. The Board must submit a budget to the State on March 22; a public hearing on the budget is scheduled for March 30 (this may change due to Spring Break); and Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill residents will vote on it on April 20. Kim notes that both the outgoing and incoming governors have proposed usurping New Jersey school districts’ excess surplus (above 2%) to fund the State’s budget shortfall.
Meanwhile, Montgomery Township residents’ school taxes may increase 3.7%; this could mean an increase of $332 on average. This is due to a decrease in assessments coupled with the first payment toward funds approved by the referendum. Rocky Hill residents - who will be paying school taxes to Montgomery for the first time - have seen an increase in home values, and would only see a $3 increase on average. Board Secretary Thomas Venanzi notes that Montgomery school taxes are calculated based on the school year whereas Rocky Hill uses the calendar year. If Rocky Hill based its taxes on the school year, the average increase would be $112.
The Board is facing several budget unknowns: State aid could be the same or decrease by 10%; the State may reduce the tax levy cap from 4% to 2.5%; the State could take 10% of excess surplus – or $500,000 - away; and benefits expenditures are expected to increase from 10 to 20%. All of these factors may require the Board to reduce the proposed budget by as much as $3.8M; Venanzi says his “best guess” is that the reduction will be around $1.5M.
Kim explains “We’re presenting contingency plans if State aid comes in lower. Our benefits number is unknown until March 1, as we are presently getting a new insurance broker.” The Board is considering reductions in staff, increases in class size, elimination of non-mandated programs, cuts to co-curricular offerings, or applying more surplus money to offset costs. Kim notes that the District is “efficient and under-funded. In the absence of State aid, we need to make difficult choices.” Board Members Charles Jacey and Yiping Wang both noted that with all of the uncertainties, this year's budget development situation is the most difficult one they have encountered in their years on the Board.
Public budget discussions will be held at the Board's February 23 and March 9 meetings at 7:30 at UMS.
Information on the 2010-2011 School Budget can be found at www.mtsd.k12.nj.us/montgomerytsd/site/default.asp.
Zoning Board Considers Cell Tower Application
The Montgomery Township Zoning Board heard testimony on a proposed 120 foot monopole cellular phone antenna tower during its February 16 meeting. Naeem Asghar, radio frequency engineer for T-Mobile (formerly Omnipoint Communications), Constantine Stamos, attorney for T-Mobile, and several residents who live in the vicinity of 139 Green Avenue in Belle Mead – the site for the proposed tower – spoke. T-Mobile is seeking a use variance since the antennas would not be on an existing structure and Township ordinance currently does not permit a cell tower in a residential area. According to Stamos, “we have a gap in service and this facility will close the gap.”
Asghar presented a map showing five locations with T-Mobile cell antennas in the area: a monopole at 209 Homestead Road in Hillsborough (150 feet tall); a lattice tower at 43 Old Georgetown Road in Franklin (116 feet); a water tower at Washington Road and Youngs Drive in Rocky Hill (83 feet); a water tank at 125 Kildee Road in Belle Mead (106 feet); and a monopole west of Route 206 in Belle Mead and across from Pike Run (98 feet). The map also showed “reliable” coverage areas from these towers, both in home and in vehicle. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), coverage is reliable when a cell call goes through 99% of the time. In home, or ‘very good’, coverage requires a signal strength of -76 dBm (negative decibels), while in vehicle, or ‘good’, coverage requires a signal strength of -84 dBm.
The map showed little in home or in vehicle coverage in the Belle Mead section of Montgomery east of Route 206 and west of River Road. This implied that the area had primarily ‘fair’ or no coverage, meaning signal strength ranges at or above -95 dBm. Charles Hecht, a radio frequency expert hired by the Board for the meeting, said that at -95 dBm, calls “probably could” go through. Emergency 911 calls could not be guaranteed to go through. The Board asked the firm to submit a map showing areas with signal strengths of -76 dBm, -84 dBm, and -95 dBm.
T-Mobile states that in order to provide “ubiquitous, reliable coverage” for its customers, another cell tower is needed in the northwest section of town. T-Mobile also hopes to install a cell tower by the Nassau Tennis Club on Route 206 in the future. Asghar said that 120 feet is the minimum height needed for the proposed Green Avenue tower. When the Board asked if a 100 foot tower would be sufficient, Asghar said this height would reduce coverage by 15 to 20%.
He noted that T-Mobile was unable to find existing structures in the area that were high enough. Although the steeple of the Montgomery Free Evangelical Church on Griggstown Road was proposed, its 35 foot height is not sufficient, since cell antennas must be above the tree line to function properly. Richard Coppola, Township Planner asked Stamos and Asghar why T-Mobile had chosen 139 Green Avenue as the proposed site. He also asked them if the tower could be placed at a different location that would provide better coverage. They answered that the site was at a higher elevation for the area, and the owner was amenable to having a cell tower installed on the property.
Jonathon Drill, attorney for the Board, asked T-Mobile to submit an exhibit of their search ring for future discussion. This would show all the sites that the firm had considered. When asked how many T-Mobile customers were in the area, Stamos objected, saying it was “proprietary information.” He later said “We will take the request under consideration.”
Asghar said that T-Mobile transmits signals at a band width of 1800, like AT&T and Cingular. Sprint, Nextel, and Verizon transmit at 800. The FCC assigns these frequencies. Lower frequencies are more desirable; since they are stronger, towers don’t need to be as tall. He said that there are no competitors’ monopoles to attach to in the area.
With “No Cell Tower” cards pinned to their clothing, many homeowners who live near Green Avenue came to the meeting, some questioning Asghar. George Youreneff, who lives across from the proposed site, said that he is a T-Mobile customer and asked, “Would you be surprised to hear that I’m happy with the current level of service?” Matt Rosenthal, who lives near the proposed site and is on the Board of Trustees of Congregation Kehilat Shalom at 253 Griggstown Road, noted that the congregation was amenable to having a cell tower installed in 17 treed acres behind the temple. When he said that a tower would “blend in” with the trees there, Board members voiced their concern that a tower would still be quite visible in this area.
Drill asked a resident who recommended putting antennas on area silos to submit a list of their locations to the Board for future consideration. Asghar noted that T-Mobile does not have a “roaming” agreement (where they could use other carriers’ coverage) from the FCC for this area. Stamos said he believes the “branches”, or antenna arrays, on the proposed tower would start at 70 feet and be about 10 feet apart.
Discussion of the cell tower and its application will continue at future Zoning Board meetings.
Voters OK Fire District Budgets
Montgomery Fire District #1 voters approved an increase from 3.7 to 3.8 cents per $100 for homeowners. The total budget will be $809,194, of which $726,750 will be raised directly by taxation. The average fire tax per home for this district will be $192.70, up $4.19 from last year. The two candidates running unopposed, incumbents Richard F. Kennedy and William Spohn, were elected as Fire Commissioners. The average fire tax (to be added to the Municipal tax bill) will be $192.70 per home.
In Fire District #2, voters approved a $1,033,244 budget, of which $826,800 will be raised by taxation. Their rate holds steady at 4.5 cents per $100. The fire tax for an average home (estimated at $507,100) will be $228.19 per home, up $4.01 from last year. Incumbent Claude Lewis and newcomer Debbis Cummings were elected as Fire Commissioners.
Montgomery & Hillsborough To Look At Shared Court Services
Hillsborough and Montgomery Townships will authorize a feasibility study to determine the potential benefit of sharing Municipal Court services between the two communities, Mayors Frank DelCore and Mark Caliguire have announced.
The two communities will contract with Jersey Professional Management to provide a comprehensive analysis of Municipal Court case volumes, the staffing, equipment and facility requirements and operating costs of providing Court services to both Townships, in a feasibility study, at a total cost of $5000.
Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore said, “I stated at January’s Re-organization meeting, that we are going to be looking at any and all opportunities for regionalization, consolidation, merging, or sharing services with other communities and other levels of government. I said that everything is on the table and nothing is off limits, in order to hold down the cost of government for our property taxpayers.”
Montgomery Mayor Mark Caliguire stated, “A business as usual approach to government in New Jersey will simply no longer work for taxpayers. Montgomery will seriously consider any shared or regionalized municipal services that make sense and do not in any way compromise the health or safety of our residents or take away our control over land use or planning. I am happy that Hillsborough’s township committee has agreed to join us in this effort – it simply makes good sense.”
Jersey Professional Management has conducted numerous shared services in municipalities throughout New Jersey and in Somerset County.
DelCore added, “Hillsborough is going to be extremely diligent in examining this and all other potential sharing opportunities. The Township Committee has a philosophy of taking a business like approach to government administration and the proper first step is a thorough examination of any major sharing opportunity.”
Caliguire noted, “The property tax crisis in New Jersey has created a need to accomplish things that only a couple of years ago would have been unachievable. I am committed to aggressively pursuing this and other innovative solutions.”
Jersey Professional Management is expected to issue a report within 60 days.
MTSD Credit Rating Upgraded to AA+
Standard and Poor's, the nation's leading watchdog of financial stability, has upgraded Montgomery Township Board of Education's credit rating on its general obligation debt to "AA+" from "AA" . S & P lists the district's "strong economic and financial profile" as well as "sound financial performance and position that has been maintained over the past several years" as reasons for this upgrade.
As a result of the upgrade to AA+, the school district was able to secure a more favorable interest rate at their recent bond sale, resulting in a $100K/year savings over the next 15 years on the costs associated with the referendum projects.
"The results of the school district's bond sale were extraordinary," says Dave Thompson of Phoenix Advisors, the district's financial advisor. "The Board's conservative budgeting and financial operations served well in the analysis of the School District's credit condition", he goes on to say.
Superintendent Earl T. Kim is thrilled that the "...upgraded credit rating will bring the district well over $1 million in savings over the next 15 years." The Montgomery Township Board of Education is also thrilled with this upgrade to AA+ and commends School Business Administrator, Thomas Venanzi, for his unparalleled dedication to the district's fiscal stability.
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
In the wake of the New Year's Eve morning snowstorm, my car slipped on the ice and into the back of a car. I was given a ticket for careless driving. I could understand the reasoning completely. After all, I was carelessly proceeding at a rate much slower than my normal speed. When I questioned the ticket, I was told that 90 % of the rear-end collisions have a person at fault. At this I thought, well of course they would- since the insurance companies won't pay unless the officer gives a ticket.
I had some crazy idea that because I was not driving fast or carelessly, I should plead not guilty. So I went to the court armed with facts about the weather- secure in my belief no “right-thinking” judge would hold me accountable. I was wrong. I was told that it was my fault, and the state of the road makes no difference. My ever-creative brain considered how his logic would affect the headlines, “Hundreds of careless drivers cause accidents on roads of New Jersey... And By the Way There Was a Snowstorm.” I wondered if the article would sell.
The judge told me I was driving too fast for the conditions. Since no one saw the accident, I wondered how he had come to this conclusion. "Because you slid on the ice and hit the car" he said."
At this, my crazy defiant brain thought Ah, so it is just speed that makes one slip. I'll be sure to tell the nursing home nearby to stop buying rock salt. I was also careless by default because I had hit the person from behind. Now I thought, If only I had the reflexes to swerve as the judge had suggested, thereby hitting a car from the side. It might have been fatal, but I would be car-fully, dead instead of care-lessly. Newton would be happy to hear that his Laws of Motion had been re-instated.
The judge banged the gavel, saying “guilty as charged.” He gave me points and doubled the price. I guess this is the court's way of telling you to plead guilty. For the thousandth time, I wished I were among the affluent Montgomery masses. I could then dispute the ruling, pay $350 dollars plus legal fees, and win. Lawyers know better how to argue insanity, while laymen are painfully tied to logic and common sense.
If only I had taken the $250 deal that the prosecutor had originally offered. (The one that came before his smugly knowing face as he told me to go ahead and try to win the case.) I would then admit to driving too fast, and no points would be given. I considered the fact that I could have actually changed the way I had been driving that day in one, after-the-fact instant. Like the movie Back to the Future, our court systems had created a time machine. Only this one was made out of a check-book, instead of a DeLorean.
Well, our insurance and money driven justice system had over-ridden all laws of reason, why not shift the laws of time and space as well.
Lorelei Fenton
Belle Mead
To the Editor:
Last Fall I answered a unique ad in your newspaper for Minda's Cleaning Service. I am a senior citizen with some health problems and need help taking care of my home. I contacted Minda and she came to estimate the job and quoted a very fair price. We agreed to biweekly cleaning and she assigned to me a very warm, efficient and thorough cleaner who usually brings a helper with her. It is a pleasure to deal with Minda and her staff and I highly recommend them.
Joan Zapf
Norton Nightmare for Comcast Users
Like most Comcast subscribers, I received a notice from them by email recently, saying that one of their free offerings, McAfee internet virus protection, was ending on May 12. In its place they offered Norton Security Suite, which they said would be faster, and provide “speed, performance, industry-leading protection, and ease of use with security.” Since it was free, it would save $160. Perhaps it does, but then, you get what you pay for.
What I found when I clicked on the site was a download from Norton, which offered the ability to remove all traces of McAfee. It did. Unfortunately, it didn’t then install itself, or anything like it. Nor did it install the handy desktop icon, which, it insured me, would allow me to install it by merely clicking on the icon. I was reduced to calling the listed phone number. There, I reached a Norton help desk person in India, who may have been new on the job. I had to allow her to install some software by which she took control of my computer and then proceeded to install Norton. An hour and a half later, it was done. Except for the part where I had to activate Norton online, and install updates and so on, which took another 20 minutes or so.
In the middle of this process, when it was downloading at a rate of 1 Meg per minute, I asked in frustration, how big the file was, and received no answer, other than, that it takes what it takes. A call, midway through the installation process to Comcast told me that the Comcast help desk had no idea how big it was either, disavowed any installation or download problems, and hewed to the party line, which was that it was for free and probably good for me. They did allow that it was possibly because Norton made them a better deal than McAfee, but would not be so bold as to actually say it.
Figure on losing two hours of your life if you remove McAfee and install Norton instead. And later, if you should decide to remove Norton and replace it with something inexpensive and reliable, like Computer Associates internet protection (I’ve used it: it works just fine), then you have a real nightmare removing Norton, a job which sometimes requires the help of an expert. Good luck with that. As for me, next time, I’ll just pay CA.
Township Residents Line Up For H1N1 Shots
On Jan.3, more than 250 Township residents reserved a spot in line for the latest round of H1N1 vaccinations at MHS. This brings to more than 3,000 innoculated against this unusual flu so far since fall, according to Township Health Officer Stephanie Carey, who was on hand.
“Historically, there are three waves during a flu epidemic,” she said. “We had the first two already. It’s the first time public health professionals have a chance to stop the third wave.”
Health experts are now recommending that residents of all ages get the injections, which are free, and will be given in the future at other sites within Somerset County.
For more information, visit www.greatersomerseth1n1.
Girl’s Night Out - Friends, fun, food, March 12
Enjoy the ultimate night out with your girlfriends on Friday, March 12 at the Princeton Elks Lodge, Route 518, Blawenburg from 7:30-11 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
Hosted by the OHES PTA, this annual event features exhibitors whose services encompass every aspect of a woman’s life. Categories represented include food, health, leisure, fashion, beauty, style, home, entertaining, children and families, non-profit organizations, fitness and more. Amazing bargains will be found at the auction as well as the return of the always-popular teacher auction, where you could bid on events like after school parties with their teacher, private art lessons, or principal for the day! Monies raised with will help support teacher grants and special children's programs.
Whether you stop to enjoy a free manicure, massage or makeover, or you just want to taste some amazing food and drink, there is something for every woman at Girl’s Night Out. You won’t want to miss this year’s event!
For more information please email Tiffani Shovlin at tiffanishovlin@yahoo.com.
Proposed Cell Tower to Go Before Planning Board
Omnipoint Communication’s application for a cell tower near Green Avenue in Belle Mead is scheduled to be reviewed by the Montgomery Township Planning Board on February 16. A crane test, to illustrate the height of the tower, was finally held on November 7 of last year after several postponements due to wind or rain. Residents in the area such as Michelle Blane oppose the structure because it “towers over the tree line by at least 30feet, and can be seen from most streets around the site.”
Blane and 275 other residents in the area who oppose the tower have formed a group, Montgomery Residents ACT (Against Cell Tower). They have been working together to inform people about the proposed tower, research laws concerning such structures, and contact other groups who have successfully fought their construction. Blane notes that Montgomery is “a town that strives to preserve its rural character and limit commercial structures.”
According to Omnipoint, “the homeowner is amenable” to a tower at this “infill site.” But Blane says “The tower is not intended to fill in significant gaps, only decrease interference in the lines and dropped calls mainly placed from inside the home.”
When asked about the tower, Township Committee Member Louise Wilson said “Picture a very large toilet brush. Our ordinance does not permit a cell tower at the proposed location. Still, the zoning board needs to give the application a full hearing and render its decision.” Blane adds” In Hopewell Omnipoint ended up working together with the residents and the township engineer to find a location that was amenable to all. I hope that this situation will be resolved in that manner.”
Residents’ Concerns Halt Installation of Taller Electric Poles
PSE&G has been installing taller utility poles in Montgomery Township along Route 601, from its northern terminus at Route 206 down to Johnson & Johnson’s Skillman plant. The utility company planned to continue installing the poles westward on Grandview Road; south on Fairview Road; west on Camp Meeting Avenue; south on Hollow Road; and then west on Route 518 to Province Line Road. But due to complaints from residents and Township officials, PSE&G has temporarily stopped work between Grandview and Hollow Roads.
The taller poles support electrical wires that can carry loads of up to 69 kilovolts. Typical residential poles carry from four to thirteen kilovolts. PSE&G plans to upgrade the power grid by supplying more power to the area. These poles will run from the Mount Rose area of Hopewell to Bennetts Lane in Franklin Township.
But the poles’ substantial 55 to 60 foot height –15 to 20 feet higher than typical ones - makes them more visible, especially in rural areas. When residents of the area saw trees along the aforementioned roads being trimmed to install “higher poles” according to PSE&G workers, they contacted Township officials regarding PSE&G’s intentions. The utility had informed the Township that they would be installing “slightly higher” poles in the Township.
Outgoing Mayor Louise Wilson, Township Administrator Donato Nieman, and Township Engineer Gail Smith met with PSE&G on December 16 to voice residents’ concerns and seek an alternate route for the poles. They recommended that the utility place the poles along the CSX railroad, rather than along rural roads. In a December 17 letter to Wilson, the utility promised to “investigate the possibility of relocating this section of the pole line route to the railroad property” and “temporarily stop work in the area.”
The letter then stated the utility’s concerns about “potentially serious accessibility constraints as coordination with the rail company is required. This is a highly active rail line and worker safety is the primary concern of both PSE&G and the railroad. Restoration of electric service along the railroad due to storm damage has taken as long as two weeks.” In contrast, “PSE&G aggressively works to restore circuit failures within hours.”
According to Township Administrator Donato Nieman, PSE&G has been “working laboriously” since the meeting to identify alternatives. At press time, PSE&G says locating the poles along the railroad is feasible pending an agreement with the railroad. However, PSE&G wants to hold off on scheduling a meeting with residents until they have information to share about their talks with CSX. The utility says in late January it will be distributing answers to residents’ questions from the December 16 Township Committee meeting. Installation of poles continues on Routes 601 and 518, and on Hollow Road south of the CSX railroad crossing.
Residents with concerns or questions about this electric utility upgrade can call PSE&G at (856) 778-6983.
Plans for First COAH Projects Underway
Two projects in Montgomery Township’s 2008 COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) plan, outlined to meet COAH’s ‘third round’ of mandates, are in the planning stages. Allies Inc. plans to utilize a farmhouse on Burnt Hill Road to provide a group home for autistic or developmentally disabled individuals. Concurrently, JER Herring plans to build 160 housing units – 40 of these affordable - adjacent to the 23 Orchard Road office complex owned by the firm. Meanwhile, many New Jersey municipal officials hope incoming New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will bring changes to COAH and their complicated and – as many government officials have argued - unfair mandates.
Allies, in partnership with Global Communities of Support, will refurbish an existing farmhouse on Burnt Hill Road across from the Skillman Dairy to house six low or very low income autistic individuals. Montgomery’s COAH plan provides for a total of 22 bedrooms situated in supportive group homes. Although the housing is situated on the edge of Skillman Village, it will not hinder the Township’s negotiations with Somerset County regarding a county park, as County officials stated in writing that they have no objections to it.
Coppola and Coppola Associates, Planners for Montgomery Township, presented a plan for JER Herring’s ‘inclusionary’ residential housing near the corner of Orchard Hill Road and Route 206 to the Planning Board. The development will consist of 40 affordable family rental units and 120 market rate townhomes for sale on 24 acres. An existing 239,000 square foot office bldg on 45 acres adjoins this property.
JER Herring has long expressed its interest in combining an office complex with housing, allowing employees to literally walk to work. The location was chosen as a COAH site because of its proximity to office complexes and the northernmost stop on the New Jersey Transit 605 bus route. JER Herring has also agreed to provide a right of way through its property for the proposed connecting road between Orchard Road and Route 518.
The League of Municipalities - which includes Montgomery - is one of many government entities who have long noted the flawed data used by COAH to calculate housing mandates for towns as well as its disregard for changing economic conditions and State Court direction. The legal challenge that the League filed against COAH was heard in Appellate Court in December, but has not yet been decided.
Van Horne Park Finance Issues Unresolved
Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill Borough have been splitting maintenance costs for Van Horne Park in Rocky Hill, with Montgomery paying 80% and Rocky Hill paying 20%. However, Rocky Hill has been balking at paying its share because the agreement is verbal, not written. Rocky Hill Mayor Ed Zimmerman explains “Without a contract, I can’t generate a purchase order. I can’t spend money until I receive a voucher or bill. This is a small issue, but we need a contract, and we want to share revenues from park groups.”
Montgomery’s Recreation Department has been charging fees for groups using the park since last summer. According to Director Karen Zimmernan, the permit fee for parties is $25 to cover administrative costs. For larger parties, Montgomery Parks Department employees are provided to cleanup. For nighttime or weekend parties, groups of 50 to 100 people pay an additional $50 per hour cleanup fee for one employee, while parties over 100 people pay an additional $100 per hour for two employees. These fees cover the employees’ overtime pay. No cleanup fees are charged to parties held during workdays, since personnel who clean up at these times are not paid overtime. Montgomery or Rocky Hill sports organizations pay $10 per field per event to cover maintenance costs; sports organizations from other towns pay $20 per field per event.
Rocky Hill wants the fees to be shared with the Borough at the same 80/20 ratio as the maintenance costs since it owns the park. Mayor Zimmerman compares this to Montgomery charging a tax in Rocky Hill. Recently, Rocky Hill passed an ordinance allowing Montgomery to collect permit and cleanup fees for Van Horne Park.
Originally, Van Horne Park was maintained by a third party. A year ago, Montgomery decided to have its Parks personnel maintain the park because it was cheaper. The Parks Department bills Rocky Hill for 20% of the maintenance costs. Rocky Hill officials think the amount charged by the Montgomery Parks Department is reasonable, and note that Somerset County does similar work for Rocky Hill at about the same rate. Mayor Zimmerman says “We don’t have problem with it, we just want to get the paperwork done.”
Letters to the Editor Feb 2010
To the Editor:
Twelve years ago my family and I left Livingston where I had not only grown up, but also where my wife Fran and I decided to live after after we got married. Livingston was a wonderful town to live in and raise a family as is Skillman.
Over fifty years ago when my parents bought their first home in Livingston it was very similar to Skillman when my wife and I moved here in 1997.
Livingston's farms were being developed for housing and the population was growing by leaps and bounds. At that time Livingston put into place a Master Plan that they thought covered most everything. A top rated school system would be developed, our own high school would be built as would a number of other schools, a police station, court and municipal building would also be erected, no buildings would be over two stories, an industrial area was designated for light industry plus other zoning restrictions to make it a better family town, etc.
Livingston did a great job and they felt they had planned for everything or things could be "adjusted" in the future when necessary. Then, in the blink of an eye, they realized they hadn't planned for one important thing and could do nothing about it. THEY RAN OUT OF LAND!
Today Livingston needs more facilities for its residents. However, they can't do what Skillman did a number of years ago-- build a state of the art High School with all the amenities on a very large plot of land. Instead, they are doing a more costly, major redesign and addition to the High School at a cost of about $75,000,000 that further congests the small plot of land it sits on. Currently the Town Hall, police station and court are simultaneously being torn down and being rebuilt to better utilize their small site. A few years ago they did manage to develop a Town Center that had been dreamed about for over a decade, but that required purchasing and tearing down over a dozen businesses and a theater.
We, the residents of Montgomery, have a one time only unique opportunity to avoid Livingston and other towns' above noted problems in the future. We already have the perfect piece of property for a future Town Center, police and fire station, court, Town Hall, schools, etc. I can't believe Mark Caliguire, the new Mayor, and others want to give up the whole property to become yet another piece of "future Somerset County parkland" in our community. Minimally we should retain a majority of Skillman Village for our future and that of our children.
Paul Bagoon
Skillman
To the Editor:
From the Montgomery News, January 2010, Looking Ahead - Mark Caliguire Anticipated to be Montgomery's Next Mayor, Page 1: "…he has already asked Montgomery officials to start working on the budget. Often we wait for preliminary State aid numbers at beginning of year and then the final numbers come in differently. Caliguire wants to be aggressive in working on the budget."
From the Montgomery News, January 2010, Notes From the Township Administrator - Donato Nieman Page 15: "In the weeks that follow the Township Committee in concert with staff will commence on crafting the 2010 budget."
Donato Nieman sending his message to the committee already that the township runs on his timetable.
Good Luck Mr. Caliguire, you are standing the wake of a tsunami of historically bad township management.
Kurt Lehmann
Belle Mead, NJ
To the Editor:
Thank you for the photo of the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro (UMCPP) Topping Out ceremony. We welcome the opportunity to inform Montgomery residents that we are making excellent progress (on schedule, on budget) in the construction of a fabulous replacement hospital, scheduled for completion at the end of 2011.
The photo caption raised an important topic that is on the minds of many residents - access and transportation to the new hospital. We have done a great deal of work on this, and I would like to share a status update.
Harrison Street and Route One, which is the most oft-cited bottleneck, is being improved. The section of Route One between Harrison Street and Plainboro Road is being widened with shoulders - thus allowing for easy passage of emergency vehicles - which will have their own exclusive entrance to the emergency room off of Route one. Also, NJ DOT has plans to add a left-hand turning lane on Harrison Street onto Route One, which will reduce rush-hour wait times on Harrison from nine cycles to 1.5 cycles. This improvement will be completed by the time the new hospital opens. New traffic signals are being installed to allow the rescue vehicles the ability to change the lights from red to green, allowing immediate access to Route One. Princeton HealthCare will pay for the remote control equipment that the rescue vehicles will need for changing the lights.
For many Montgomery residents the new hospital location if not closer in actual distance is far more quickly accessed than the current location in the center of Princeton. The preferred route would be to go Route 518, River Road, Mapleton Road, College Road overpass, College Road exiting onto Scudders Mill Road to the Scudders/Campus Road entrance of the hospital.
Princeton HealthCare System CEO and President Barry Rabner, who lives west of Route 206 in Montgomery Township, notes that driving distance is not the only issue involved in speed of accessibility. Since the patient and visitor parking at the new hospital will be very plentiful and convenient to the entrance - unlike the current situation in Princeton - it is expected to shave approximately 10 minutes off the "travel time." Emergency Room parking will be adjacent to that unit. In addition, patients can pre-register electronically. Therefore, the added minutes of travel time due to a slightly increased distance (less than three miles) will be more than compensated by the much more convenient parking situation and registration which will allow a very speedy transition from the parking lot to care.
The vast majority of patients having a medical emergency will come to the hospital by ambulance, which will get the patient to the hospital expeditiously. The first aid vehicles - and patients in their own vehicles - can use several other ways to cross route one, including Alexander Road, Washington Road, College Road overpass (to the Scudders Mill entrance to the hospital). The hospital has two access points for non-emergency patient visits: Plainsboro Road and Scudders Mill Road. Three access points exist for emergency vehicles: Plainsboro Road, Scudders Mill Road and a dedicated driveway off of Route One.
Finally, let me emphasize that we are very sensitive to the needs of Montgomery residents. When it became clear that we could no longer have a future at our current location and would have to move, we consulted with Montgomery residents and elected officials who understood that the need for quality medicine more than compensated for a location only slightly further away for some. Montgomery supported our Certificate of Need application, supported our new location, because we committed to working on transportation solutions. We have done so by working to attain Harrison Street/Route One improvements even in this very fiscally challenging environment, and by working on arranging for senior citizen transportation and other mass transit options to the hospital.
We look forward to welcoming our Montgomery neighbors to our outstanding new facility.
Pam Hersh
Vice President for Government and Community Affairs
Princeton HealthCare System
Jessie Havens Honored Among “Outstanding Women of Somerset County"
Montgomery’s Jessie Havens Honored Among “Outstanding Women of Somerset County”
Reserve by March 12th for Awards Dinner
Nineteen Outstanding Women in Somerset County will be honored by the county Commission on the Status of Women at the group's 18th annual awards dinner Friday, March 26th (reservation required). Honorees this year include Montgomery resident Jessie Havens, who will receive the award for Journalism.
Ms. Havens will also be honored by a Montgomery Township Committee resolution to be presented at the municipal courtroom the evening of Thursday March 18th. All are welcome to attend.
“Jessie’s tireless dedication to preserving local history through her writing has made a significant impact on the quality of life in our town, as well as for the entire County. She is a treasured resource,” said Montgomery Mayor Mark Caliguire.
For 25 years, Jessie Havens chronicled the history of Somerville and Somerset County through her weekly column, “Hindsight,” in the Somerset Messenger-Gazette. She has lived in the Belle Mead section of Montgomery since 1974 and is ranked as an authority on local history. She is a mainstay of the board of the Van Harlingen Historical Society and is also currently serving on the Montgomery Township Landmarks Commission. She spearheaded the now-annual celebration of the Battle of Bound Brook and currently is involved in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. In addition to her newspaper column, she co-authored “Somerset County: 1688-1938” published by Somerset Press in 1976 and wrote “Somerset County: 300 Years of Progress” in 1990.
“I am one of so many women, as well as men, who work to bring out the richness of our local culture and history here in Somerset County. I really appreciate this acknowledgement and thank those who nominated and selected me,” Ms. Havens stated.
The Commission on the Status of Women presents these awards annually in celebration of Women's History Month in March. This year there are 19 winners in 13 categories. Honorees are women who reside in Somerset County.
“On a daily basis, thousands of women who live in Somerset County enhance our quality of life by contributing to our communities in so many different and critically important ways,” said Freeholder Director Jack M. Ciattarelli, commission liaison. "It is our pleasure each year, on behalf of the many thousands, to honor a select few for their extraordinary contributions.”
YOUTH SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS SLATED AT RVCC
The Corporate & Continuing Education (CCE) division at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in Branchburg will be offering daytime classes for school-age children ages 6-17 during Spring Break, Monday-Thursday, March 29 to April 1.
The following classes will be offered: Multi-Media Painting; Fun Making Sculpture; Shiny, Bumpy & Rough; Wearable Art; Portrait Art; Food for Thought; Kiln Krafts for Kids; Laser-Galaxies and Then Some; Maglev Cars; Chemical Magic Plus; Lego Star Wars; Sensational Science I & II; Chess I & II; Rev Up Your Thinking with Puzzles & Games; Creating Effective Reports with PowerPoint; Young Author’s Workshop; Think Win Win; Robotics Fun with Mathematics; Hazmat Robotic Adventure; Video Game Creation; The Money Camp; and Martial Arts & Safety-Sense.
In addition, Intro to Robotic Engineering with C Programming will be offered Monday-Thursday, April 5-8.
For specific course dates and times, or for additional information about registering for Spring Break or summer youth programs, call 908-526-1200, ext. 8404; e-mail cce@raritanval.edu; or visit www.raritanval.edu/cce and click on Youth Programs. Youth program brochures also may be picked up at the CCE office, located in the lower level of RVCC’s College Center, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RVCC, located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ, and serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 40 years, offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates. In addition, customized training programs and non-credit courses are available for those seeking personal and professional development.
The College is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
Pack 181 Hold Crossing Over Ceremony
Montgomery Township Cub Scout Pack 181 held its 2nd Annual Blue and Gold Brunch & Crossing Over Ceremony at the Elks Club on Route 518. The Blue and Gold is a celebration of Cub Scouting and Cub Scouts‹this year emphasizing the historic 100th Anniversary of Scouting in the US. It was a time to give awards and to have some fun. Many of the dens chose to perform skits for their parents and well-wishers. It was also a time to reflect back on accomplishments, and to look forward to the future.
Travis Anderson, the 3rd Base Coach with the Somerset Patriots gave the Key Note Address on ³Words to Live By² the 100th Anniversary theme of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Anderson spoke in terms of the parallels between Packs, Dens and Teams. "I think it is great what the Cub Scouts teach. The kids are learning to work together as a team, as well as important leadership skills that they will need for the future. Just like I have my team around me, this is their team. I encourage everyone involved to continue to work hard to achieve their goals," said Anderson.
The Crossing Over Ceremony is the culmination of the Cub Scout experience.
Scouts who might have started as Tiger Cubs in the first grade have advanced through the Wolf, Bear, Webelos I and Webelos II ranks to be ready to cross over to Boy Scouts. During their Weblelos years, each boy must complete a series of achievements, some with his den, others on his own to earn The Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout Badge that may be worn on a Boy Scout Uniform because it signifies that they have not only completed the Webelos Badge requirements and earned eight activity badges but they have learned and committed to living the Boy Scout Promise and the Boy Scout Law.
The boys of Webelos II Den 5, who were blindfolded and led by their Den Leader, Sarah Pipher to the front of the room where they joined their parents. The blindfolds were removed and the Scouts and their parents re-committed themselves to the principals of Scouting during a face painting and candle lighting ritual. The Arrow of Light Badge was conferred on each
scout and he was given his Ceremonial Arrow. The parents accompanied their
son half way across the Pack 181 Bridge, a symbol of the transition between Cub and Boy Scouting. They crossed the rest of the way on their own where representatives of Boy Scout Troops 46 and 850 were waiting to receive them.
Crossing Over this year were: Max Urbanski, Michael Moubarak, Preston Wilmot, Dillan Spector, Gregory Pipher, Logan Geddes, Raymond Wang.
Township To Cut Newsletter
In a cost cutting measure, Montgomery Township officials say they will stop printing and mailing the Township newsletter. The newsletter, not to be confuesed with the Montgomery News, had been mailed monthly until about a year ago, when it went quarterly.
According to Township Administrator Donato Nieman, this move will save some $30,000 a year from the municipal budget. “Township Committee is looking for every opportunity to save money. I have to look at every way to mitigate the loss of state aid. It costs us $5,000 to mail it each quarter. These are the realities.”
Instead, officials note, the newsletter will be sent by email quarterly on March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1. The information will also be available on the Town ship website, www.twp.montgomery.nj.us, and by e-bulletins sent out as needed by the Township to those on their email list.
This may prove difficult to those who lack internet access, but most of the same information will continue to be available to readers of the Montgomery News, which is also available online at www.montynews.com. Some print copies of the newsletter may be available at the Senior Center
Grass Roots Effort Starts To Save the Montgomery Cinema
Robin Schoen, a Montgomery Cinema visitor from Newtown, PA, wrote us to ask that we help try to save the Montgomery Cinema. The theater is owned by the Hillsborough Metroplex and has shown “art” films of the sort that normally aren’t shown at big theatres.
One concern is the negative impact it may have on restaurants in the area of Rts. 518 and 206.Stay tuned.
Getting it Right This Time: Recovering from the Great Recession
The Montgomery Township Economic Development Commission (EDC) will present their semi-annual business forum on March 16. David Sandahl, management consultant and former economist, will speak on actions needed for economic recovery. The program, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., is free to all. Mayor Mark Caliguire will give opening remarks after the EDC Chairman’s greeting. It will be held at the Princeton Elks on Rt. 518 in Blawenburg section of Montgomery. The event is sponsored by Fox Rothschild LLP.
“The EDC is working hard to bring informative discussions to Montgomery,” said Thom Carter, Montgomery Township Committeeman and Liaison to the Economic Development Commission. “During these difficult economic times if we work together we can hopefully find solutions for our great community.”
Mr. Sandahl’s talk will give perspective on where we are in the current economy, how we got here, and point out some of the actions needed to promote healthy recovery. Encouraging small business growth, investing in innovation, and accelerating the growth of sustainable businesses are crucial to job creation. The talk should be of general interest to most people, and of particular interest to business owners, both large and small in the Township. There will be a short question and answer period and discussion after the presentation.
"We believe we have put together an enjoyable and enlightening program which the
audience will find useful,” said Ernest Willson, Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, “The EDC is extremely grateful to Mr. Sandahl, the Law firm of Fox Rothschild LLC and the Princeton Elks for supporting us in this effort."
Speaker David Sandahl is the Managing Partner of Decision Consulting, LLC (www.decisionconsult.com) and an organizer of the Princeton Job Creation Forum (www.pjcf.org). A fiscal economist at the U.S. Office of Management and Budget from 1978 to 1984, Sandahl has been in the private sector ever since, forming his own firm in 2004. He is a member of the Recovery Accountability Task Force, which oversees New Jersey use of Federal stimulus resources, Chairman of the Board of the Princeton Family YMCA, and the former Deputy Mayor of Hopewell Township. Sandahl holds a master’s degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bowdoin College. Most recently, he attended the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth.
Refreshments will be served. Please contact Ernie Willson, EDC Chairman, at 908-359-9718 or edc@twp.montgomery.nj.us to indicate your interest in attending the event by March 10th or with any questions.
Free Help With Income Taxes
Free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs in many communities for those who qualify. Volunteer return preparation programs provided through the IRS and its partners offer free help in preparing simple tax returns. The volunteer sites help prepare basic tax returns for older taxpayers (60 years or older), people with disabilities, non-English speaking individuals and other people who cannot afford professional assistance (total income less than $49,000). Call 800-906-9887 to find the VITA or TCE site nearest you. You may also call AARP — the largest TCE participant — at 888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW) or access www.aarp.org to find the nearest Tax-Aide site.
Gymnasts Club Raises $5K for Haiti
Five area residents helped their gymnastics club raise more than $5,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation as part the 2010 Robin Cone Memorial Classic, a meet held in January at The College of Staten Island Sports and Recreation Center.
Montgomery’s Ali Bloom, Emily Campeas, Julia Saltsman, Jacqueline Violette and Zoe Zyvith all competed for American Gymnastics Academy based in Edison, N.J.
The girls earned a combined total of more than 12 medals, including several gold, silver and bronze. As part of the fundraising to benefit breast cancer, the teammates received pledges for every time they “stuck” a routine meaning they didn’t have a fall. More than 250 USAG and JOGA gymnasts from the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area attended the two-day competition. Olympic Silver Medalist Chelsie Memmel was on hand to greet and sign autographs for the gymnasts.
Bloom’s USAG level 9 team and the JOGA 4 team including Zyvith and Saltsman also copped first place team honors at the meet which honored the memory of Robin Cone. Cone, the sister of American Gymnastics’ owner Jason Bauer, succumbed to breast cancer after a brave battle late in 2009.
In addition to competing for American Gymnastics Academy, which has USAG, JOGA and now USAIGC competitive teams, the five girls are involved with Montgomery High School and Middle School Gymnastics programs.
Food For Thought - In the Nick of Thyme- April 2010
Years ago I was sharing a bottle of Tuscan wine with a date as I pondered what to write for that week’s edition of my column. I was only a few days away from my deadline and deep in the throes of writer’s block. “Why not something on herbs or spices?” queried my sultry wine-loving companion. Her suggestion, pardon the pun, arrived in the nick of “thyme.”
Given my source of inspiration, thyme was an apropos choice. Thyme was regarded as an aphrodisiac by the ancient Greeks. In the Middle Ages women embroidered sprigs of thyme on their knight’s clothing as a symbol of courage. Thyme has been employed by man since at least 3,000 BC; initially for incense, decorations, and medicinal purposes. The ancient Egyptians even utilized it in their mummification process. It wasn’t until the Roman Empire that it was used for culinary purposes, namely to flavor cheese and liqueurs.
Thyme is a perennial herb from the mint family native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. There are over 100 varieties of thyme. The most widely used is common thyme, also known as garden thyme. There is also lemon thyme which, as its name implies, harbors a notable lemon scent. Bees love thyme and thyme honey is a pungent and highly regarded honey.
Thyme is a perennial and will withstand the winter. Nevertheless, I plant my thyme in large pots which I bring indoors for the winter. I place them on a sunny windowsill and thus induce year long growth. Come spring I return the pot outdoors. Thyme needs considerable sun so plant it accordingly. To harvest the leaves run your thumb and forefinger down the stem toward the base.
Thyme is quite versatile and has a wide range of culinary applications. It goes well with all types of meat, fowl, some fish recipes, and most vegetables. It is an indispensable commodity in soups, stews, and braised dishes. Although all herbs taste freshest when added at or near the end of cooking, thyme is fairly hardy and can withstand extended cooking. Sometimes the leaves are chopped and added while other times the cook will add whole sprigs of thyme and retrieve the stems before serving. Although fresh is always best, thyme is one of the few herbs that is palatable in dried form. Like all dried herbs and spices, store in a cool dark place for no more than six months.
Thyme is one of the ingredients in the classic “bouquet garni,” a tied batch of thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. The bundle is then used to flavor stocks, soups, stews, etc. Thyme is also one of the “herbes de Provence,” an assortment of herbs indigenous to the Provence region of France.
Thyme can be used to make an herb infused oil. Take a bottle of olive oil and insert sprigs of thyme and other herbs if you wish, through the top. Allow it to rest for a week and it will have a wonderful herb scent. Use it in salad dressings or to coat or sauté other herb flavored foods.
Try this for homemade croutons. Cut up a loaf of French or Italian bread into cubes. Pour a generous amount of olive oil into a preheated skillet. Add garlic and a batch of untrimmed thyme. Sauté for a few minutes until the oil becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Remove the thyme and garlic; add the croutons, salt and pepper, and sauté until crisp, periodically stirring to evenly coat the croutons in the oil.
For a tasty variation on marinara sauce, sauté garlic and a batch of thyme in olive oil just like the croutons above. Add a pinch of hot pepper flakes if you like. Remove the thyme and garlic, add red wine, bring to a boil and then simmer until the wine is reduced by at least half. Then add your tomatoes, salt and pepper and simmer to the desired consistency.
Thyme works well with all meats but I particularly like it with red meat. I almost always coat any type of roast I make with either fresh or dried thyme. I wouldn’t think of making roast beef, pot roast, beef stew, or osso buco without thyme. I also use it on steaks and chops as in the below recipe for lamb, which in my opinion, has the best affinity for thyme.
LAMB CHOPS WITH THYME & RED WINE
4 lamb rib chops
Olive oil as needed
Dried thyme as needed
Salt and pepper to taste
Half cup red wine
2 tablespoons cold butter
I never measure the thyme for this dish but simply “eyeball” it. Brush the chops with olive oil and sprinkle them with dried thyme, salt and pepper. Heat up a sauté pan, add olive oil, and when it just starts to smoke add the chops. Sear them on each side and set aside. Pour out the excess oil if desired and deglaze the pan with the red wine. Sprinkle the wine with more dried thyme. Reduce the wine by half. Return the chops to the pan and add the butter. Serve the chops as soon as the butter has melted into the sauce.
foodforthoughtonline.net
More Montgomery History: What’s in a Name? Camp Meeting Avenue
Camp Meeting Avenue is famous for the religious yearly event known as ‘Camp Meeting,’ of which the street is named. It is also home to the former Skillman train station, Skillman’s first two post offices and a general store.
The original Camp Meetings, also known as quarterlies and revival meetings held by the Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, began around 1850 while still in the Rock Mill district (Zion). Unfortunately those early meetings stopped all together as the church, more often than not, would fall prey to the vices of drunkenness that led to fights, rowdy behavior, and loud conversations during worship. Sometime in the1890s after the church’s relocation into Skillman the camp meetings resumed with the assistance of the Mount Bethel AME Church in Pennington this time with a more civilized congregation.
News of the yearly event was advertised by way of posters, announcements in churches and perhaps the most reliable method of all - word of mouth. They came by train, horse and wagon and on foot from as far away as Pennsylvania and New York, as nearby as Somerville, Belle Mead, Hopewell, Pennington, and Trenton as well as other places in between.
The religious social was held on the last two Sundays in July. In time the event would be expanded to the first two Sundays in August.
Once word of camp meeting spread much care was taken in its preparation. Boys and girls were dressed in their Sunday best. The women wore wide petticoats beneath fancy dresses, they put on their Sunday hair, or fancy wigs, and wore big hats while the men made sure their horses were well groomed and their buggies shined to perfection.
The morning of the camp meeting also meant hard work and serious preparation as the land, a cow pasture owned by Skillman farmer, Tom Brophy was cleared of debris so that the pulpit, organ, choir stand, seating, tables and food service stations could be set up.
Camp Meeting was a place where old friends who hadn’t seen each other in some time relaxed and shared memories, enjoyed the singing, and listened to some great preaching from visiting preachers – a different one each Sunday – who enthralled them with their fiery sermons. And of course there were the two well-known singers; George ‘Uncle Pete’ Blackwell and Archibald Campbell Seruby known as ‘Spader’ captivated them with several gospel songs – one favorite in particular called ‘They stole my Mother Away.’ In the words of that era, a ‘big time’ was had by all who attended.
With the advent of the automobile the need for transportation by train, horse and buggy, and that of walking great distances would quickly become a thing of the past as people now drove and were now being charged a parking fee. And the preparation that traditionally went into camp meeting had scaled down considerably; instead of hot home – cooked meals; sandwiches were now being served. Sadly by the 1930s people lost interest and the Skillman camp meetings ceased to exist.
In later years former AME church member and Skillman resident, Bessie Grover spearheaded an event called ‘Cousins’ Day’ because families and friends were getting together only for sad occasions. In the spirit and tradition of camp meeting everyone brings their favorite dish, hot or cold. Though the Skillman camp meetings bear a different name, and there is no preaching or singing old memories continue to be shared while new memories are made, and the stories of the past continue to be told even today.
PET NUTRITION EVENT AT UTOPIA FOR PETS
Michael Growney, owner of Princeton’s newest pet boutique, Utopia For Pets is hosting a Pet Nutrition event to educate pet parents about improving their pet’s nutrition – and subsequently their health and longevity at Utopia For Pets in the Princeton North Shopping Center, 1225 State Road in Princeton on Sunday March 14, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
C.C. Cartier, Pet Nutrition Consultant, Trainer and owner of Maverick Pet Partners of Skillman/Montgomery, New Jersey will be at Utopia For Pets educating customers about how to make better choices in pet food and treats.” Many pet diet decisions are made with the powerful influence of advertising by the food conglomerates who produce the best selling but least nutritious foods for our pets. Diet is the foundation of your pets’ good health and longevity. Simple changes in your pets’ nutrition can promote optimum pet health, minimize or eliminate pet health problems and maximize life span.” says Cartier. Utopia For Pets is the area’s newest store for pets. They are a source for natural, true superpremium pet food, treats and toys. All of their foods are natural and contain no by-products, corn or glutens.
Montgomery Police Say Crime Dropped in 2009
Montgomery Township Police Department Director Robert Palmer informed the Montgomery Township Committee in January that crime in the Township was lower last year than in 2008. Decreases – some large - occurred in nine out of thirteen categories, with little or no increase in the remaining four categories. According to Lieutenant James Curry, the Police Department’s efforts to increase their visibility helped bring these reductions about.
Robberies showed the biggest decrease, declining 100% (from four in 2008 to zero in 2009). Burglaries followed with a 68% drop (44 to 14). Curry notes that in 2008, there was a rash of motor vehicle burglaries – sometimes as many as twelve per night – that was resolved. There were 38% (324 to 201) less arrests (uniformed crime reports; not from warrants); this correlates to the drop in robberies and burglaries. Domestic violence went down 37% (87 to 55); theft decreased 21% (160 to 126); and assault declined 5% (57 to 54).
Curry attributes much of the decrease in crime to the Police Department’s emphasis on their patrol bureau. By making their presence known, especially on the highways, they achieved the desired effect of deterring crime. As a result, the Department received 7% fewer calls for service (15,881 to 14,764).
The only categories that showed increases were motor vehicle accidents (7%; 726 to 779) and summonses (2%; 2,275 to 2,314). Six traffic checkpoints, as well as the “Click it or ticket” campaign, were held in 2009. These resulted in more summonses being issued, despite an 11% drop in motor vehicle stops (5,579 to 4,948). Rape (none) and arson (one) did not change.
The decrease in crime is welcome news, especially given the current financial situation. Curry points out “whereas you would hypothesize crime would increase with the economic downturn, the national trend has been a decrease in crime rates.”
Montgomery Unites Against Idling
Montgomery Against Idling (MAI), a group that hopes to reduce automobile idling in the Township, was endorsed by the Montgomery Township Board of Education last September. While efforts to reduce emissions have been sponsored at national, state, and local levels, MAI is rolling out an Anti-Idling campaign at all of Montgomery’s schools. Jackie Barth, Chair of MAI explains “Our goals are to raise awareness of the effects of idling by educating parents and children and to encourage drivers to embrace an idle-free way of life.”
New Jersey State law limits idling to three minutes for all gasoline and diesel vehicles. Idling occurs mostly while waiting at bus stops or schools to pick up children; running errands such as going to the bank; or listening to the radio, talking on the phone or watching a video. MAI is asking families to register their pledge not to idle their cars on the Montgomery Township School District website. The BOE and MAI will track the number of families from each school that register between March 22 and April 9. MAI plans to award the school with the highest registration a prize.
Why turn off your vehicle? MAI notes that it’s more economical and better for it. In just ten seconds, idling uses more gasoline than restarting a car. Also, engines only need 30 seconds to warm up. When an engine is idle, fuel combustion is incomplete and fuel residues condense on cylinder walls. This can contaminate oil, damage engine components, and lead to corrosion.
Idling effects air quality and health too. An idling automobile engine produces twice as many exhaust emissions as one in motion. These emissions include carcinogens and other toxins, smog-forming chemicals, and greenhouse gases. They can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory problems and allergies. And more exposure to air pollutants occurs inside an idling vehicle than at the side of the road. The greatest exposure occurs when idling vehicles are lined up, including sitting in traffic or during afterschool pick up.
Children are also more vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe faster than adults and inhale more air for each pound of body weight. Air quality is often worse in the afternoon, when children are dismissed from school. Idling contributes to this situation.
MAI asks Montgomery residents to join its anti-idling campaign by pledging to “Turn the Key – Be Idle-Free” on the Montgomery Township School District website, www.mtsd.k12.nj.us. The group notes that “turning off your engine while waiting to pick up your child is a simple step to help everyone breathe cleaner air, save money on gas, and reduce emissions.”
CALLING ALL CHOCOLATE LOVERS
What is the best kept secret in Montgomery? Where can I go for great gift ideas that express the quality and thoughtfulness I desire but allow me to stay within my budget? Where can I open the doors to a small family owned business, be greeted with the wonderful aromas of chocolate being made with nothing but quality ingredients and at the same time feel the “small town appeal” of Montgomery that I know and love? Where can I get the best tasting chocolate in town?
The answer is Robinson’s Candies in the Montgomery Shopping Center (5 doors up from Friendly’s)
Robinson’s Fine Candies or Robinson’s for the locals was officially opened in January of 1978. Robinson’s Chocolates are made on the premises by Master Chocolatier Jim Robinson (The Candy Man). Jim uses his special blend of chocolate along with his father’s recipes to produce the best chocolate you will ever have. Nancy Robinson has been the face of Robinson’s since day one and her dynamic personality and attention to detail has been the reason for Robinson’s long-standing success.
Robinson’s has over 100 different selections that range from creams, caramels, nuts, fruits and novelties such as pretzels, graham crackers and oreos all in either milk or dark chocolate. They also offer dietetic chocolate that has no sugar or salt (also made the old fashioned way, so there is no bitter aftertaste). Special occasion? You can also choose from the various gift selections or specialty chocolate molds that range from sports to business themes (computer, fire engine etc.). Holiday? How about pumpkin caramels at Halloween, melt in your mouth Christmas mints, Irish potatoes for St. Patrick’s day and of course a wide selection of hearts for Valentine’s Day and chocolate bunnies and homemade butter cream, coconut or peanut butter eggs for Easter. Don’t worry; Robinson’s has Chanukah and Passover covered as well.
Come in and visit the family, you won’t be disappointed! You might be lucky enough and visit on a day when the machine is running and actually see the homemade chocolates coming off the conveyor belt (yes, just like the I Love Lucy episode!).
Summer Plans Just A Click Away For Montgomery Enrichment Program
While the weather may be chilly outside, the Montgomery Township Summer Enrichment Program ("MTSE") is warming up plans for its fifth summer of exciting educational programs. On-line registration for MTSE is open, and it's just a click away! Simply go to www.mtsd.k12.nj.us/se to see all the exciting course offerings and register for classes. Once registered, students entering grades 1-12 will have the opportunity to design, write, create, cook, sing, dance, and learn through a variety of course offerings.
Montgomery Township teachers have designed interactive and fun programs intended to delight the students, all the while teaching a variety of topics. "Secret Agent Lab", for example, allows a student to take a fascinating journey into the world of spies, detection and classified information. "Kids in the Kitchen" has students whipping up tasty treats and "Rocket Design Blast Off" tests the limits of student imagination and design. Looking to prepare for the SAT? There are courses prepared to help your child ace both the Verbal and Math sections.
"Amazing courses are being offered this summer. Each year the teachers provide innovative courses that the students find educational and fun", says Meredith Quick, the Summer Enrichment Program Coordinator.
The Summer Enrichment Program is offered at Montgomery Lower Middle School, but it should be noted that the program is not exclusively for Montgomery students. Any student from the local area can take a Summer Enrichment Course.
Registration is available online for the Summer Enrichment courses right now. Space is limited, so sign up early and join in the fun!
Libraries Celebrate 80 Years of Service
Many readers may recall that the Mary Jacobs Library celebrated its 35th year last spring. This year, the Somerset County Library System is celebrating 80 years of serving community members. Each branch library in the system will be marking this milestone during National Library Week, April 11-17.
Visit the Mary Jacobs Library during this week for a blast from the past as we re-create our original reading room from 1974 in the adult services area. Take a look at what was ‘hot’ then and see how far we’ve come in a generation.
The children’s programs will highlight the library’s membership in the wider community. On Wednesday, April 14 at 1:30pm children (ages 3-6) can hear stories about our world and help recycle library materials into room decorations. At the Thursday morning storytimes on April 15 at 10 and 11am (ages 2-6) the theme will be community helpers.
Finally, help us celebrate the SCLS 80th anniversary by visiting during National Library Week to cast your vote for your favorite bookmark design. Area children from preschool through grade 5 submitted designs for bookmarks in March. The favorites in each category, Preschool & Kindergarten, Grades 1-2 and Grades 3-5, will be made into Summer Reading Club bookmarks to be distributed this summer.
Event information for all branches of the Somerset County Library System is available online at http://www.somerset.lib.nj.us/. For more information about programs at the Mary Jacobs Library, visit us at 64 Washington St. in Rocky Hill or call 609-924-7073.
The $88 Question
Now that the elections are over, we won’t have to see campaign signs for another year. However, the issues that dominated the battle haven’t gone away. I think these some of these issues deserve a hard look in the cold light of day.
It all comes down to money, “the mother’s milk of politics,” said the late great Senator Everett Dirckson – a Republican, if memory serves me. And how can I forget my old Latin teacher Frank Clarke, formerly of Rocky Hill, who used to tell us students, “You can pay now or you can pay later?”
The money in question is the property tax bill, an issue that has dominated every local and statewide election in recent years. The total tax bill for a Montgomery Township taxpayer owning an average priced property ($509,000) was $13,267.38. Of that, only $1,528.50 was the municipal portion. The county tax is actually slightly larger than the municipal portion, and the rest was overwhelmingly the school tax. Fixated as we are on that staggering five-figure total tax bill, somehow, taxpayers universally see the municipal portion as the culprit. These days, one can imagine any tax bill above $0 would bring howls of anguish from some quarters.
In recent campaigns, candidates on both sides of the aisle have said that they will reduce municipal taxes. Every year some voters believe them. But there isn’t a lot of wiggle room in a $1,528.50 municipal tax bill. Especially not with a cap of 4%, a number below the inflation rate.
The result has been that the 2005 Skillman Village purchase has gotten a lot of attention, most of it concentrated lately on cost of ownership. About a third of the total Township debt went toward the $22.3 million earmarked to purchase this 256-acre tract and clean it up for later development. A portion of the purchase price included the sewer plant used originally for the hospital. Now used by Village Elementary School, this plant is critical to future development on the site and is scheduled for an upgrade with grants from the State.
The Skillman Village purchase was the result of some ten long, hard years of negotiations with the State by a bipartisan Township negotiating team, ably led by former mayor Don Matthews, Republican, who deserves high praise for keeping this process in play. Hundreds of Township citizens took part in dozens of open meetings to determine the outcome of this wonderful site. The consensus has been to keep it a mix of open space, to maintain ownership a few select buildings, such as the Smalley Theatre, and to recover costs by selling the remaining land to developers whose vision would be to use the land for low-impact, long-term projects, as yet to be determined.
Its purchase wasn’t Democrat or Republican. It was a join effort by taxpayers of every stripe who approved the deal and thought it was a good idea.
Even though the purchase and development process took place during boom times, according to Township Administrator Donato Nieman, the debt was structured to minimize the impact for taxpayers, no matter what was happening in the economy.
Responding to a suggestion of then candidate Kasey Dyer, the Somerset County Freeholders offered to purchase the site from the Township during the 2008 election. Township Committee responded and began negotiating with the Freeholders to sell a portion of the tract to the County, to be used as parkland. These negotiations have been on hold for some time.
The County wants the entire tract. The current lame-duck Township Committee (Democrats 3 to 2) wants to keep a portion of it; some of it is to be sold to developers for mixed COAH and other residential use, including age-restricted housing, some to be used for the future.
The incoming Township Committee (Republican 3 to 2) has declared their interest in selling the entire tract, presumably, even the sewer plant and the soil under the Village Elementary School.
So what is the real cost to taxpayers for Skillman Village, described by some as “huge,” “unmanageable,” and “the results of poor planning by a Democratic controlled Committee?”
$88 a year in 2009 for the owner of an average priced home, and scheduled to decline a few dollars during 2010.
$88 is less than my monthly cable TV bill. Its less than my monthly cell phone bill. And unless I’m missing something, the $88 amount on our municipal tax portion will be shifted to the county portion, which is already larger than the municipal portion of the tax bill, resulting in no savings whatsoever.
Some voters have been under the amiable illusion that Skillman Village would become a kind of affordable-living Ghetto, with “outsiders” trucked in from who knows where, carless, presumably on welfare. In the patronizing words of one thoughtful correspondent, it’s, “Just not fair to the people who would live in that COAH housing. Doing so would be shoving them out of the way of services and is not right when there are alternatives such as near 206. How is someone living in COAH housing without a car in the proposed park going to buy food? Walk to ShopRite?”
Good question, so lets start with a few facts. First of all, “COAH is a court-ordered, constitutional mandate that we have to fill one way or the other,” says Mayor Louise Wilson, who notes that the Township is already party to two court cases objecting to COAH numbers.
Second, the term “affordable housing,” according to real estate experts, means any housing that costs less than 30% of total household income, no matter what the income level.
In COAH terms, to qualify for COAH housing, total household income is between “35% and 50% of the Regional Median Income where they reside or where they wish to rent or purchase a COAH qualified unit.” Since the median Montgomery Township family income is $155,000, depending on family size and so on, someone earning between $54,250 and $85,250 could qualify under that definition of “COAH qualified.” Presumably, someone making $54,250 or more will own a car. Maybe two.
Currently, the Township outsources COAH management to Community Group Planning, a Princeton firm. Township Manager Donato Nieman says, “We switched to them a couple of years ago. Their fees are less than we were paying. We’ve been doing some more management ourselves also, because of the cost savings.” He notes that over 100 COAH units are scattered around the Rt. 206 corridor already, some in Pike Run, some in Montgomery Woods, and “It could be your neighbor and you wouldn’t know it unless he told you. Look,” he said, “Let’s face it: most municipal employees make less than $40,00 a year. These are the kinds of people who could use COAH housing.”
Another issue getting a lot of attention is whether the COAH numbers would change if the Township sold Skillman Village to the County.
The COAH obligation is for 274 “new” units out of a total of 501 units by 2018. The rest would be met by converting “52 existing dwellings for low and moderate income households, with the remainder of the obligation met through bonus credits, which are provided by COAH for certain types of affordable housing,” according to the Township website.
The requirement for 274 new units would not change just because the Township transferred ownership of Skillman Village, according to Township Planning Officer Laurie Savron. However, the Township would lose the ability to develop a portion of Skillman Village if ownership of the entire tract were transferred to the county.
Complicating matters, a developer, Country Club Meadows, LLC, is currently objecting to the Township COAH plan. That objection is in mediation, according the Ms. Savron. If Country Club Meadows doesn’t get their way in the mediation process, they would the be free to sue the Township to force it to approve their plans to develop a massive “commuter village” in a location near Pike Run and the old Belle Mead train station.
While it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to build such a development in a few years time, especially if the State brought commuter trains back on line, the immediate effect would be that it would increase the Township COAH obligation, bringing higher property tax rates and an even higher school tax bill.
That’s why it would be such a bad idea to transfer all ownership of Skillman Village to the County. It could cost a lot more than $88 a year in the long run.
Like Mr. Clarke used to say, “You can pay now or you can pay later.” Taxpayers (and I’m one of them) should step back and take a deep breath before contemplating turning over this entire tract of land to the County.
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