Neena Singh to join Louise Wilson on Democratic Ticket for Montgomery Township Committee
Montgomery Township, NJ … Committeewoman and former mayor Louise Wilson will run for re-election to the Montgomery Township Committee. Joining Wilson on the Democratic ticket is Montgomery resident Neena Singh. Committeeman Brad Fay will not seek re-election.
Wilson is running for a fourth three-year term on the Committee. She was first elected in 2001 and served six years as mayor and one as deputy mayor between 2002 and 2009, during which time her party held a majority on the five-member Township Committee, Montgomery’s local governing body. She is a member of the State Planning Commission, serves on the League of Municipalities executive board and is president of the League’s Educational Foundation.
During her eight years on the Township Committee, Wilson has championed ethics reform, environmental best practices, open space preservation, innovative land use planning, volunteerism and fiscal discipline.
Among other accomplishments, as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Wilson shepherded the 256-acre NPDC/Skillman Village property through the acquisition and environmental clean-up process.
Wilson also led Montgomery’s successful fight against an old design of the Hillsborough Bypass that would have bisected the Pike Run neighborhoods and vastly increased traffic volume on Rt. 206 and side-roads through Montgomery.
“People expect and deserve local leaders who listen carefully, work hard, put people before politics and deliver results,” said Wilson. “That’s what we’re about.”
“I’m just delighted to be running with Neena Singh,” Wilson continued. “Neena is all about community. She’s one of the most service-oriented people I know. With her unique blend of warmth, energy and intelligence, she will make an outstanding committeewoman.”
Singh, mother of three children, all Montgomery school attendees (past and present), is a senior partner at Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty in Montgomery. She is a founding member and past President of MILAN -- the Montgomery International Ladies Association -- an organization of women dedicated to community service, outreach and cultural enrichment. Neena is also active in the PTA and has co-chaired the publicity and grants committees as well as volunteers at numerous PTA events. Neena serves on the Multicultural Outreach Committee, a joint committee among the PTAs to promote awareness of the rich cultural diversity in the Montgomery Township school district.
In 2009 Neena Singh received the Wynona M. Lipman Synergy Award, which recognizes an individual or organization for making distinct and definitive positive change in their community.
“I have always believed in giving back to the neighborhood and promoting community service and I appreciate this opportunity to make a difference,” said Singh. “Montgomery is a great town and has provided our family with great opportunities. I can’t wait to work for its progress and bright future.”
“I could not be more proud of our candidates,” said Montgomery Democratic Chairwoman Nickole Forbes. “Louise has given so much to Montgomery and was a driving force behind a great many achievements in her years of leadership. Neena Singh shares that same commitment to the community, and has proven a very capable leader in her own right. Montgomery needs people like Louise and Neena on Township Committee -- people who have proven records of service and success.”
Election Day is November 2.
Montgomery Township Republican Organization Announces 2010 Candidates
The Montgomery Township Republican Organization has announced that the Republican candidates for the two open Montgomery Township Committee Seats this year are Ed Trzaska and Pat Graham, both of Belle Mead. In the 2009 election, the Republican party gained a majority of the Montgomery Township Committee seats with the election of Mayor Mark Caliguire and Township Committee member Thom Carter. Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer was elected in 2008. A key issue in both the 2008 and 2009 elections was the Republican plan to sell the Skillman Village property to Somerset County for use as a county park. In addition to working toward this sale, since their swearing-in last January, Caliguire, Dyer and Carter have devoted substantial effort to Montgomery’s budget issues, working to hold down taxes and spending in very difficult economic times.
“I am completely on-board with the Republican plan for Montgomery. We need to sell Skillman Village to the county and create Skillman Park. We also need to reduce township debt, and make the necessary, if sometimes difficult, choices to cut spending and hold down taxes in order to make and keep Montgomery affordable,” said Ed Trzaska.
Ed and his wife, Jaci, have lived in Montgomery for 6 years. They reside in the Greens section of Pike Run and are members of St. Charles Borromeo. Ed and Jaci are avid hikers at the Sourland Mountain Preserve and recently completed an energy efficiency renovation of their townhouse – reducing their energy consumption by more than 40%.
Ed is currently an advisor to Montgomery’s Planning Board and a member of the Pike Run Homeowners Association. He holds a BS in chemical engineering and an MBA from Rutgers University. Ed works in the pharmaceutical industry and has significant experience managing large budgets. He is running to protect and improve our quality of life and believes in Mayor Caliguire’s vision for Montgomery: create Skillman Park, reduce township debt, and do more with less regarding the township’s budget.
Pat Graham lives in Belle Mead with her husband Frank Pontillo and their two children. A practicing attorney and commercial litigator for over 20 years, she would bring to the Township Committee her substantial experience in commercial, litigation, real estate and employment matters. As a member of the Montgomery Township Republican Committee, Pat has been active in local politics for several years, having strongly supported the Republican plan to sell Skillman Village to Somerset County. She also serves on the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee and believes strongly in the preservation of open space throughout Somerset County as well as Montgomery.
Pat also views Montgomery’s taxes and finances as key issues for the campaign. “In these tough economic times, Montgomery’s high taxes and enormous debt load are simply unsustainable. I want to be able to retire in Montgomery, and to have my children be able to afford to live here. There will be substantial work to make that happen, but now, under the direction of Mayor Caliguire, the Township Committee is finally working to address those problems. I fully support, and would continue, those efforts.”
Contribute To The Mary Jacobs Library Community Holiday Cookbook
Throughout September and October the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library will be accepting submissions of favorite family holiday recipes along with family photos or drawings to compile a community cookbook filled with delicious holiday recipes. The cookbook will be published in time for the Thanksgiving holiday! Pick up a flyer at the library with all the details on how to submit a recipe! For more information about any of our programs, visit us at 64 Washington Street in Rocky Hill or call 609-924-7073 x4. Our full calendar of events is online at www.somerset.lib.nj.us
DRUNK DRIVING ENFORCEMENT CRACKDOWN TO BE CONDUCTED LOCALLY
Law enforcement officers from Montgomery Township will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the summer 2010 “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign. Beginning August 20 and running through September 6, local and state law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
A concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs. Launched nationally in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the summer months. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign.
“There is simply no excuse to drink and drive,” said Pam Fischer, Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, creating a potentially dangerous situation not only for yourself, but everyone on the road.”
Last year in New Jersey, 185 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes. That number represents 31 percent of the 583 traffic fatalities reported in the state in 2009. In addition, 67 of those alcohol-related fatalities occurred during the summer travel season.
“One life lost is one too many,” Fischer added. “Through public education and law enforcement efforts, we will continue our commitment to protecting all New Jersey motorists from the senseless tragedies associated with drunk driving.”
Dem Candidates Look to Engage With Voters
Dem candidates look to engage with votersIn the 2010 local elections there are two seats up on the Township Committee, Montgomery’s five-member local governing council. Louise Wilson and Neena Singh, two candidates running for Township Committee, are talking to residents about issues that affect our community.
Not surprisingly, Louise and Neena report that the issues on residents minds are high property taxes, unwanted development, and education – specifically, our public schools.
“People are mad about taxes and mad about hundreds of additional houses in the new housing plan, as they have every right to be,” noted Wilson. “And a lot of folks are worried about what happens to our schools if these trends continue. They’re unsustainable.”
“The anger and worry is totally understandable,” added Singh. “I’m concerned about these exact things myself, which is why I’m running for township committee. But we can’t just be angry or afraid, and leave it at that. We have to take action – and we will, as a community. If we do this, I firmly believe that Montgomery’s best days are ahead of us.”
Wilson, former mayor of Montgomery, has served in a wide variety of local, regional and statewide volunteer leadership roles and is credited with stopping a long-planned highway through the Pike Run neighborhoods that threatened to overwhelm Rt. 206 and side streets with traffic. Also during Wilson’s time as mayor, Montgomery acquired the NPDC/Skillman Park property from the state in a deal facilitated by former mayor John Warms, and began environmental clean-up that was continued under the stewardship of Mayor Cecilia Birge.
Wilson’s running mate, Neena Singh, is a senior partner at Keller Williams Realty, founding members and past President of Milan a women’s community service organization, co-chair on PTA grants and publicity committees, served on the Multicultural Outreach Committee and is a recipient of the Wynona M. Lipman Synergy Award, a NJ state award for generating positive community change.
Louise Wilson and Neena Singh have been meeting and conversing with Montgomery residents in informal neighborhood parties and teas, and walking door to door. Wilson and Singh will continue a public schedule throughout the fall, attending neighborhood events when invited and talking to residents about their concerns.
Neena and Louise will be available for informal questions and conversation at Bagel Barn in Princeton North shopping center on Route 206 on Saturdays from 10 to 11 am and Thomas Sweets at 1330, Route 206 from 11 to noon, starting September 25th and through October.
If you would like Louise and Neena to attend a get-together in your home or neighborhood in September or October, contact them at ForMontgomery@gmail.com, or call 609-466-4874 (Louise) or 908-904-9388 (Neena). For information on community issues, the candidates’ opinions and positions, biographical information, or to volunteer visit the Wilson & Singh campaign web site at www.ForMontgomery.org.
Township Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinic October 20
Free for Senior Citizens with Medicare; Pre-Registration starts September 1!
This year, the Centers for Disease Control recommends universal vaccination against influenza, for all people over 6 months of age. CDC expects ample vaccine supplies to be available for all people who want it. This year’s flu shot includes both H1N1 and other Seasonal strains.
Montgomery Township’s Seasonal Flu Vaccination Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20 at the Otto Kaufman Community Center on Skillman Road. Both morning and evening appointments will be available for people age 18 and up. Shots will be available by reservation. Walk-ins will be accommodated if extra vaccine is available.
The flu shot will be offered Free to Seniors with Medicare. The flu shot will cost $30 for adults without Medicare. If you can’t afford the flu shot, you may request a hardship fee waiver by e-mailing health@twp.montgomery.nj.us . A hardship is defined as loss of job; or uninsured with household income less than $90,000.
To reserve your shot: email health@twp.montgomery.nj.us with your name, address, age and phone number, or call the Health Department at 908-359-8211 x 227. More info at www.montgomery.nj.us/depts/health/seniorimmunizations.asp
Pneumonia vaccine will also be available for at-risk people who have not had the shot in at least five years. Pneumonia shots are recommended all people over 65, and for younger adults that have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or other disorders. This shot is free for seniors with Medicare, or $50 for adults without Medicare. Hardship fee waivers are available.
We do not offer vaccine for under age 18 at this clinic. If you do not have health insurance for your children, contact the Health Department for a referral to our Child Health Clinic.
Need a ride to the clinic? Contact Somerset County transportation at 908-231-7115 or 1-800-246-0527.
COAH Law Changes Still Not Settled
Both Montgomery Mayor Mark Caliguire and Township Committee Member Louise Wilson have referred to the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) as a “moving target,” and for good reason. Bill S-1, sponsored by New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak of Middlesex County, was purported to abolish the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and its convoluted rules for compliance. Wilson describes the bill as “originally outrageously builder friendly.” She notes, “The League of Municipalities, which includes Montgomery, was successful in bringing about changes to the bill.”
In S-1’s current form, a town can meet the criteria for inclusionary housing three ways: if 7.5% of its housing is income-restricted; 33% of its housing is multi-family and not luxury; or 10% of remaining developable land is zoned for affordable housing. In a case of no good deed going unpunished, towns that have neither submitted a plan nor complied in the past are granted complete amnesty from compliance.
While the Senate of the New Jersey Legislature approved the bill on June 10, the Assembly did not vote on the bill before they went on summer break. If S-1 were approved by the Assembly and Governor, COAH would exist for another six months afterward.
Meanwhile, Judge Skillman of the New Jersey Appellate Court has not yet rendered a decision on COAH hearings held on December 1, which included testimony from the League of Municipalities. It was hoped that an answer would be announced by March.
Wilson echoes the sentiments of many when she says, “When we have relied on people in Trenton to do the right thing, we’ve been disappointed time and time again.”
MTSD Board Finalizes Budget and Changes for September
Appeals Tax Levy Reduction
At a July 6 special meeting, the Montgomery Township Board of Education adopted its final budget for the 2010-2011 school year. It first accepted a $2M tax levy reduction - initially recommended by Executive County Superintendent (ECS) Trudy Doyle and later New Jersey State Commissioner of Education Bret Schundler - but ultimately decided to appeal at its July 27 meeting. Superintendent of Schools Earl Kim notes that the appeal will be a lengthy process, and will not affect the upcoming school year. The average Montgomery homeowner will see a $271 tax increase while Rocky Hill taxes will go up $49 on average. Triple tier bussing will be researched this year but not implemented until the 2011-2012 school year. The Upper Middle School will not have a sports program this year.
Montgomery High School (MHS) students will pay a one-time $100 activity fee to participate in sports and clubs for the year, up from $75. Upper Middle School (UMS) students who participate in clubs will also pay this fee. The fees are expected to raise an additional $26K. UMS will not have a sports program; instead the Recreation Department and MHS Athletic Office will coordinate parent-run clubs and teams. The School Administration sought a low-cost alternative to the sports program that would not require funding from the District. The Board had initially proposed that UMS students who wish to play sports cover the full cost of these activities, but later scrapped this idea due to concerns that prohibitive costs would prevent students from playing. The parking fee for MHS seniors will rise from $30 (used for student activities) to $200, with the additional $170 going to the Board's general fund.
At MHS, popular electives will offer limited enrollment and class size for world languages will be raised. The Italian language program will be phased out over the next three years due to lower enrollment, starting with the elimination of Italian I in September. While the Supervisor of Guidance position has been eliminated, Tina Renga, who previously held this position, will return in the fall as a guidance counselor. Reduction of child study team and counselors' summer hours will save $27.6K. Fourth graders at Village Elementary School will once again have a Spanish teacher due to savings from the retirement of a Lower Middle School physical education teacher. Two custodians and two groundskeeper positions have been eliminated ($176K), since Township employees will now mow the schools' lawns.
Cuts to transportation will total $171K. These include special education transportation contracted services ($65K), a proposed new route and its driver ($60K), a transportation aide, and not purchasing a new vehicle through lease purchase ($36K). The Board will no longer publish printed newsletters ($10K) or videotape their meetings ($2.4K). (Reporter's note: the Montgomery Township Committee also ceased videotaping of their meetings in July.)
According to Board Member Andrea Bradley, Doyle has a conflict of interest since she promoted a joint health insurance fund program and sits on the Board of transportation provider Somerset County Educational Services Commission (ESC).. "She wants to be the health insurance and bus provider for the county." Bradley added that Doyle is up for reappointment in February and said, "Our County Superintendent is politically motivated." Referring to the Board's request of ESC to accept $125K less in payment, Member Christine Ross quipped, "Tell ESC that Doyle has their check."
The Board discussed whether to go ahead with triple tier bussing in September, but Board Secretary Thomas Venanzi pointed out, "It will have a very dramatic effect on families. You will have chaos if you do this at the eleventh hour." He added that transportation bidding occurs early in the spring. By summer, companies that are still available charge more, ultimately raising the cost per route. He noted that Doyle directed Montgomery to implement triple tier bussing and study efficiency despite having one of the lowest administrative spending costs in the County. He asked, "Are other Districts getting these directives?" Bradley commented, "Montgomery has been singled out for unduly harsh treatment." Kim noted that the $500K in cuts to benefits and wages made by the Board saved almost as much as the $700K savings that triple tier promises.
Venanzi said that he received the final budget number from Schundler's officer on June 25. "I asked for 40 days [to finalize a budget] like other districts had; Doyle said, 'No, you have 15 days.'" He noted the District would not receive $350K in State aid for extraordinary special education until August 2011. Doyle and Schundler had included this money in this school year's budget.
Doyle and Schundler directed the District to apply $900K in excess surplus toward the 2010-2011 school year despite the Board's contention that it will increase the budget shortfall for the 2011-2012 year. Board Member Charles Jacey asked, "What if an unanticipated situation occurs?" The mold problem that occurred at Orchard Hill Elementary School a few years ago and cost $1M to remediate was cited as an example. Board Secretary Thomas Venanzi answered, "It would create an unstable financial situation for us." Venanzi noted that he worked at the State's Finance department in the past, and that he told Doyle, "The so-called experts in Trenton are wrong" regarding the District's budget numbers.
It seems State Education officials have acknowledged the frustration voiced by the Board. During August, Kim and 15 other New Jersey superintendents were selected to participate in a Professional Judgment Panel with Schundler to review the State's "adequacy model," which determines funding for schools. Districts that showed "the highest achievement with the lowest spending" were asked to be on the panel, according to Assistant Commissioner of Education Willa Spicer.
Following the District's appeal of the tax levy certification, Schundler has 45 days to gather all relevant documents, which will then be reviewed by both sides. If a settlement cannot be reached, the process will continue with oral arguments in State Appellate court.
Township Seeks Revisions to COAH Plan
Skillman Village removed; Sharbell development expanded
The Montgomery Township Committee has been revising its Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) plan, which was approved in December of 2008, since January. Major changes include the removal of 71 COAH units slated for Skillman Village (one-third in existing buildings) and the addition of 90 COAH units and 241 market rate units - mostly multi-family - plus 20,000 square feet of commercial space, by Tapestry developer Sharbell on 98 acres north of Route 518 off Research Road. The first public hearing on the plan – originally scheduled for June 14 but postponed several times during the summer – will be held in September.
The new plan calls for more market rate housing. Sharbell would build 353 market rate units – double the 152 originally planned – and 130 COAH units (originally 40) on three parcels of land. First, 153 market rate for sale units, including 71 detached single family homes and 82 townhomes, would be built on 67 acres. Twelve of these units would be age-restricted and 36 would be age-targeted. Housing is defined as age-targeted if the bedrooms are on the first floor, since senior citizens are more likely to inhabit it than families with children. Previously, 112 age-restricted homes were to be built there. Also, Sharbell would construct 80 age-restricted for sale COAH apartments in a three-story building on four acres; originally half of these were to be market rate and half affordable.
Sharbell would also build 250 attached townhouses and condominiums - 50 of them COAH - and 20,000 square feet of commercial space on a 27 acre parcel of land adjoining Tapestry. Sharbell plans to purchase this third parcel, which was not part of the original plan, from current owner Kepner-Tregoe. Twenty-two of the COAH units would be rentals; all of the other units would be for sale.
Why is the plan being revisited? According to the June 3 amendment to the plan, “changed circumstances have occurred.” It cites, “Sharbell requested that Phase II of its Tapestry age-restricted development be converted to non-age-restricted units in accordance with [New Jersey’s July 2,] 2009 ‘conversion law’”. Secondly, “Sharbell has been negotiating to purchase the Kepner-Tregoe property.” Lastly, “Although attempts were made by the Township to reserve acreage for the development of 55 affordable units included in the 2008 ‘fair share’ plan, the County has steadfastly declined to purchase the property with any other development on it.” In October of last year, the Freeholders sent a letter to the Committee saying they would only buy Skillman Village in its entirety.
According to Township Committee Member Louise Wilson, “The new Township Committee majority will say the County Freeholders wouldn't buy the Skillman Village property if any portion of it were included in the fair share housing plan. This is not true; they know it, and I know it. A majority of the Freeholders were prepared to do a deal last year for 85 or 90 percent of the Skillman Village property, leaving the balance for municipal uses including the possibility of 50 affordable units in a few historic buildings. Mark [Caliguire] made clear, and explicitly stated, that he did not want COAH housing anywhere in Skillman.”
Caliguire replies, “Wilson is just misrepresenting. The voters in Montgomery have made it clear that they want Skillman Village preserved and that they do not want affordable housing built there. The Freeholders have put it in writing: they will not use open space money to buy land that has affordable housing on it. Louise Wilson’s COAH plan means we kiss 15 to16 million in county open space funds for debt reduction good-bye.”
Originally, Skillman Village was to have 55 family units – half in four existing buildings – and 22 bedrooms for developmentally disabled individuals; now, the only COAH housing in the Village would be a six bedroom group home in an existing house across from the Skillman Dairy Farm. Other changes to the plan are the construction of 45 - down from 66 – age-restricted COAH rental units by Presbyterian Homes on five acres adjoining Stonebridge. Crawford House, which has 22 bedrooms, no longer meets COAH’s criteria for affordable housing and so was removed from the plan.
In a June 17 letter to the editor of the Princeton Packet, Wilson stated, “The new housing plan, developed at the behest of Mayor Caliguire, and supported by Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer and Thom Carter, calls for removing senior housing and adding several hundred more houses for families. This new plan, if adopted, will bring hundreds more school children than the township’s 2008 housing plan. Shoehorning more than 400 new, unrestricted houses into the most congested area of town without any dollars set aside for road improvements, sidewalks or public space is irresponsible. The new plan is a gift to housing developers. It’s no secret that I object to the substance of this housing plan – it is not in the best interests of Montgomery.”
Caliguire responds, “It is unfortunate that Louise Wilson continues to fight the will of the voters and push for low-income housing in Skillman Village. It is clear that Mrs. Wilson has decided to abandon the facts and resort to over-the-top politically charged rhetoric.”
If New Jersey Bill S-1 – designed to supplant COAH - were passed by December 31 and the result was a lower affordable housing obligation for Montgomery, it is possible the Township would remove the changes to the plan. Caliguire believes S-1 will be passed. He notes, “I think it will be a priority for the governor and Assembly; there is bipartisan pressure for passage of this bill.” Wilson remains skeptical, saying, “If all goes the way the Mayor wants - if S-1 is signed by the governor and has all the amendments we want to see - Montgomery will dodge a bullet.” The contention surrounding COAH is summed up in Wilson’s comment, “COAH has created deep divisions. The politics have been destructive.”
Regarding the County’s purchase of Skillman Village, Caliguire says, “The Freeholders have an agreement in their hands. I’m hopeful that the purchase will happen soon.” COAH has given the Township a ‘final extension’ deadline of September 30 for revisions to its plan. (Reporter’s note: See related story on CCOAH law changes.)
Auditions for Sourland Hills Actors Guild's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
Sourland Hills Actors Guild announces their fall production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Director, Bob Meola; Musical Director, Kristen Acker; and Choreographer, Kelly McDermott. Music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams and Ray Roderick. Based on the MGM Motion Picture.
Through an exclusive licensing agreement of the Broadway production through Music Theatre International (MTI), NY. This will be the only area performances of this show and includes roles for males and females ages10-88. Join the cast for this magical adventure.
Please prepare 16 bars from a Broadway musical and come prepared to to dance in a movement audition. Audition dates are Tuesday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 15 from 6-8 pm at the Otto Kaufmann Community Center, 356 Skillman Rd, Skillman.
Mark your calendar, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be performed on November 19, 20 and 21, in the Montgomery High School Performing Arts Center.
Sourland Hills Actors Guild is a volunteer-run, non-profit community theater group, not affiliated with Montgomery schools. Young and old alike work together to bring the experience of live music and theater to our community.
Come join the fun! For more information e-mail: info@sourlandhills.org.
Meet Eric Bulger - Retired PATH policeman, 911 survivor, and Township resident
This September marks the 9th anniversary of the fatal airborne attacks on the World Trade Center, those twin towers that loomed over the city and people of New York, and westward to the banks of the Hudson River towards neighboring New Jersey. Depending upon who you ask, memories of the event vary from blurry to denial, to never-to-be-forgotten anguish.
It is certainly unforgettable for Eric Bulger, then a PATH (Port Authority) policeman working in the Exchange Place Path station in Jersey City when the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center.
Bulger shared his memories of this terrible day with me over an iced coffee at Thomas Sweets in Montgomery. Outside it was a blistering summer day, temperatures over 100, and we spoke for more than two hours as his story unfolded.
Bulger notes in his written report that after the first plane hit one of the towers, his partner, Police Officer Dave Lemange shouted that he had observed an airplane fly into the north tower and cause a fire. Bulger immediately called the police desk.
Bulger says, "We thought, like everyone else that it was an accident - Davy saw the first plane go into Building One - then the second plane came into the harbor, banked around, and crashed into Building Two."
Since his partner, Lemange was a paramedic and knew he would be needed at the scene, Bulger continues, "we shut down the Exchange Place station - had a car and went right through the Holland Tunnel."
Once at the site, the two officers parked their car near the Barclay Street ramp where it was later crushed by falling debris. Bulger notes in his report of the day, "...we observed the buildings top section on fire and debris and what appeared to be people fall from the building." His recalls of those events are daunting. He says, "I remember asking the Battalion Chief what the loud noise was every few minutes and he stated that it was the people jumping out of the windows from the upper floors."
Bulger says, "I immediately checked the trunk for the Scott air pack, (a safety breathing device), and helmets - and found that there was none in the vehicle. We had to respond with no safety equipment..."At another point he finds an available Scott Air Pack, puts it only to realize that it was missing the mask, which made it useless as protection.
In the course of the hour, Bulger attempted to rescue people who had been trapped, and assist a number of heart attack victims towards ambulances where they could be found. He notes, "During this time, we heard a tremendous roar as Building Two started falling down and we ran for our lives into a nearby building carrying a very large man just as the debris hit against the windows. "At one point, as he seeks a reporting location, and observes that "No one appeared to be in charge and everyone appeared to be running from location to location as additional reports came in on building collapses, shootings, etc. Complete confusion appeared to prevail."
At the end of the day, Bulger says, "Thirty seven Port Authority (PATH) policemen had been killed." He was one of only three who had survived that day.
Now in 2010, Eric Bulger is retired from the PATH police department some five years and continues to reflect upon his experiences as he also memorializes the event. He says, "The volunteers who helped us afterwards never got enough credit." There were volunteers who offered crisis counseling mostly from a group called, CISM. This he sees as the positive that came from the negative. Bulger seemed to think that people, at least for a while, were more united and caring.
This retired policeman was inspired to enter law enforcement as a young boy by his best friend's father. This role model had been a secret service agent who had guarded President's Kennedy, Eisenhower and probably Johnson. So Bulger earned a BA in Public Safety and Business from William Paterson College, and an M.S. in Education from Seton Hall.
When he's not volunteering at the Rocky Hill Library or repairing the homes of friends, Eric Bulger has helped create a memorial park in Jersey City and fashioned recovered beams from the Trade Center for museums. Finally, he says, "I go hunting and fishing a lot - and I go bike riding on the Canal."
Cell Tower Hearings Continue
At the June 22 meeting of the Montgomery Township Zoning Board, Fahit Kananeh, the radio frequency engineer hired by T-Mobile, presented a new base map which showed cell phone coverage from existing sites in the area and the proposed 120 foot towers at 139 Green Avenue in Belle Mead and Nassau Racquet Club on Route 206 in Skillman. A second map showed coverage which would be provided from an alternate site, the Kehalit Shalom Synagogue. According to Kananeh, this site does not provide reliable in vehicle coverage to about a mile along River Road and so “does not meet our main objective.” On a third map, which showed coverage if the Synagogue had a 150 foot tower, River Road appeared to have ‘islands’ of coverage. Zoning Board Member Michael Gamache asked Kananeh to ascertain that “dead areas” of cell coverage were primarily in Hillsborough.
A fourth map showed the Green Avenue, Synagogue, and Nassau Racquet Club sites. Kananeh stated, “We would need the proposed site (at 139 Green Avenue) to provide coverage, even with the Synagogue site.” Kananeh explained that T-Mobile, along with other cell phone companies like AT&T, seek a standard of -84 dBm to reliable coverage. Gamache noted, “I thought the synagogue site would be in lieu of the proposed site. You surprised us that three towers are now on the table.”
Kananeh then showed a graph showing percentage of dropped calls versus completed calls during two weeks in May from the five existing cell antenna sites in the area. The calls were dropped from lack of a radio frequency signal, not interference or a ‘dead’ phone battery. When Charles Hecht, the radio frequency engineer hired by the Township, asked Kananeh for clarification on what percentage of calls are actually made from one of the sites, Kananeh said, “Are you listening to my answer, Mr. Hecht?” At that point, Jonathan Drill, the Township’s attorney, called a break in the meeting. When the meeting resumed, Mr. Kananeh said, “I’m sorry if I lost my temper.”
Upon further questioning, Kananeh explained that the graph shows erlangs, or 60 minute increments, of calls, not the number of calls. He said this was the industry standard. Another map from the T-Mobile website, which showed outdoor, or ‘on street’ coverage for the area with existing antennas, was displayed. It showed two small areas along River Road and a stretch of Township Line Road that had no coverage. When asked about the map, Kananeh said, “It is sales puffery” since outdoor coverage requires a weaker signal than in vehicle coverage.
Board Member Mark Petraske questioned why the map showing coverage with the proposed site indicated less coverage west of the Millstone River in Franklin Township than the map which did not have the proposed site. He also asked whether T-Mobile has asked Hillsborough Township officials about putting a tower in the southwestern corner of their township, which shows no coverage. Constantine Stamos, attorney for T-Mobile, pointed out that this area was not in the search ring. Kananeh said they had looked at two silos on Willow Road and noted that all the areas in the search ring were residential. Stamos added that there was “no existing structure there than can provide us with a location for our site.”
Coppola pointed out, “There are locations outside of your search area that could have a tower to fill this gap.” Kananeh admitted, “There might be.” Coppola then asked, “When existing structures didn’t pan out, you looked elsewhere?” Kananeh replied, “Yes. That [southwestern] area is outside of my search ring.” Board Member Jerry Walker noted, “It seems to me a site in the area (of the search ring) would provide overlap.” Kananeh replied, “We can get the most from the location we are proposing; we must have a willing landlord.”
When Board Member Sarah Roberts asked whether T-Mobile would be looking to add more sites to the areas that have gaps in the future, Kananeh said, “I’m not aware of future plans for more sites at this point.” When one resident questioned the accuracy November’s crane simulation, since it was held 80 feet from the proposed site, Kananeh answered that it was “within 95%” accurate. River Road resident Elizabeth Palius noted,”The place where you seem to need coverage is in Hillsborough. Are you proposing more sites?” Kananeh again replied, “Not to my knowledge.”
At the July 27 meeting of the Zoning Board, civil engineer Jason Lang testified for T-Mobile. Lang said the proposed site at 139 Green Avenue is a 2.87 acre flag lot. There would be a 500 foot gravel driveway to the tower, and it would be enclosed by a board fence with a locked gate. A 20 to 25 foot deep concrete foundation with six to seven foot caissons would be laid for the tower. A 30 by 70 foot bioretention basin, one foot in depth, would be installed next to the driveway to allow water drainage and to offset the footprint of the tower.
Lang said T-Mobile has not submitted a structural engineering report and soil test yet, although the Board noted that they were required, and Drill noted that other phone companies have submitted them. An environmental impact statement for the site was done. Lang noted that although the 120 foot tower would be 70 feet from an existing house, it is designed to fold in half in case wind or ice load exceeds its design limitations. When Drill asked if anchor bolts securing the tower to the foundation could fail, Stamos said he would check on this. Drill noted that this would be moot if the tower was 120 feet from the house.
T-Mobile would lease 1,600 square feet for the tower, excluding the bioretention basin and driveway. An 11,000 square foot area would be disturbed, including 9,000 square feet of trees. 41 trees six inches or more in diameter – up to 24 inches - would be removed in addition to smaller trees. A trench would be dug under the driveway for electrical power, as all power in the area is underground.
Lang said the monopole “will look like a tree.” Coppola asked for confirmation that the color and foliage can vary by manufacturer. Richard Bartolone, Landscape Architect for the Township, noted that the monopole will be visible from a distance. When Stamos answered that trees will buffer the view of the monopole, Bartolone said the area had cedars and evergreens which grow up to 50 feet. Roberts noted that ‘evergreen tree’ towers lose their ‘needles’ over time. Stamos agreed to maintain the appearance of the tower. Board Chairman Jerry Walker noted that the lot T-Mobile selected does not allow it to comply with a 75 foot rear yard setback requirement.
Lang noted that the equipment cabinets T-Mobile would install have 90 minute power backup from self-contained gel cell batteries. If there were an extended power outage, T-Mobile would decide whether to temporarily bring in gas-powered generators. Township Engineering Consultant Kevin Becica noted the noise from generators has caused problems in other townships. Township ordinance allows 50 decibels at night and 65 decibels during the day. The only lighting for the tower would be two 100 watt floodlights mounted eight feet high and turned on and off with a switch. Lang noted that the retention basin would be mowed and maintained by T-Mobile.
The Board wondered whether removal of trees would make the trunk of the monopole more visible. Drill said a landscape architect could answer this by determining line of sight. He then asked T-Mobile to submit a simulation of the tower in the lot with trees removed as seen from Green Avenue. When a resident raised concerns about the tower rusting, Drill suggested that T-Mobile submit plans specifying the use of galvanized steel.
One area resident asked about co-location, where other carriers would install their antennas on the pole. Stamos said each carrier would have to come before the Board for approval, and that they would install additional cabinets. Coppola added that the landowner would have to agree to lease additional land for the cabinets. Board Member Jane Griesinger asked whether additional retention basins would be needed, and Stamos confirmed this. The Board also asked how many trees would have to be removed for each additional carrier. Stamos objected, but Drill said, “They need a realistic picture of what this tower will look like.”
The cell tower application has been extended until October 31.
Prevent Identity Theft by Shredding Documents - Sept 18
Somerset County residents are invited to have personal documents shredded at a free, on-site, mobile paper-shredding event Saturday, September 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Shredding will take place in Montgomery Fire Company #1's rear parking lot (behind the firehouse) at 35 Griggstown Road, Belle Mead, rain or shine.
Documents will be commercially shredded safely, privately and properly by trained, licensed and bonded document-destruction specialists. Staples and paperclips do not have to be removed. Residents may bring documents in any type of container, which will be returned after papers have been dumped. Participants may stay and watch the process, if they wish.
"Operation Secure Shred" is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and is a courtesy of the Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection.
For further information, contact the Somerset County Division of Consumer Protection at (908) 203-6080 or consumerprotection@co.somerset.nj.us.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE, VOTE BY MAIL Nov 2
November 2 is Election Day. The last day to register to vote or change voting address is October 12. Deadline for mailed application for a vote by mail ballot to the County Clerk is October 26. Contact the Somerset County Board of Elections at (908) 231-7085 for voter registration information and forms and the County Clerk’s Office at (908) 231-7006 for vote-by-mail information and forms. For link to forms, go to Voter Info page of Montgomery Twp. website at http://www.montgomery.nj.us/twpcommittee/voterinfo.asp
Report From Rocky Hill - Sept 2010
After much discussion over the years and a fair number of pedestrian-car accidents, the Borough may be closer to getting proper signage as a way of slowing traffic at crosswalks in the Borough.
At the August 16 Council meeting, Mayor Zimmerman announced that the Borough has applied to the NJ State DOT for a $106,000 grant to pay for a total of 24 solar-powered, flashing crosswalks devices.
These devices will be installed at each corner at Washington and Montgomery, Washington and Princeton, Washington and Crescent at both ends, Washington and Merritt, at the Princeton crossing for Van Horne Park, and Crescent at Panicaro Park. The signs will consist of a push button on a light post or pole at each appropriate corner, and 12” diameter radio-controlled flashing signs visible to drivers coming from either direction. The devices will be installed The signs will be year-round, rather than seasonal, and installed road-side so that they will not be likely to be damaged by wide trucks. Pressing a button starts the devices flashing as a warning to drivers that a pedestrian is about to cross at the walkway. Currently, despite new laws to the contrary, pedestrians crossing at any of these corners take their lives in their own hands.
Mayor Zimmerman says of the chances for funding, “We have a good record at getting grants because we act quickly on them.”
If the State rejects the application, he says the Borough “will consider putting them in in stages, starting with one intersection at a time.”
The Borough is also in line for a grant of up to $16,000 from FEMA to pay for damage from several storms this spring, tree removal, and so on. The grant will only pay for actual costs, which may only amount to $12,000. Additionally, the Borough has applied for a $65,000 Local Aid Grant from the State.
Meanwhile, the schools issue remains unresolved. However, the mayor reports having numerous discussions with with representatives from Millstone and an increasingly nervous County Schools Superintendent Trudy Doyle during the summer. Millstone and Rocky Hill have both sued the State for closing out their school boards and merging their districts. The mayor says that the longer the suit - which was filed in early July 2009 - remains unresolved, the less likely the State is to prevail. There were 93 Borough students in Township schools last year, and this year there may be even more.
However, the damage has been done: at this date it would be impossible, the mayor says, to restore a school board in time for school to open, and to restore it’s ability to raise funds to pay for the school levy.
Instead, the mayor says that if the judge fails to resolve the suit in a timely manner he proposes a settlement in which the Borough has a permanent seat on the Montgomery School Board, and the County Superintendent uses a common-sense solution to the Borough taxpayers school tax levy. Using her formula has resulted in Borough taxpayers subsidizing Township schools at a rate of some $2,500 per child more than Township taxpayers. That works out to some $890 per Borough home in tax overcharges.
The result has been that Rocky Hill, which has 1.7% of the total school population, pays 2.7% of the Township school levy. The mayor has proposed that the Superintendent instead takes the total school levy, less capital expenses from before July 2009, and divide that number by the number of Rocky Hill students. This has not been they way they have been doing it in the past, and the result has been that Borough taxpayers have been paying more and more each year than actual cost.
Borough Council voted to use up to $2,000 from the school reserves for additional legal work on this matter.
The Rocky Hill Community group application to hold a campout in the Greenacres behind Borough Hall was rejected once again because of a number of issues, such as insurance, and use of Borough Hall bathrooms. But the key issue, according to Mayor Zimmerman, is the precedent of allowing any activity in the Greenacres after sunset, something which is currently against the law, although honored in the breach. There is also the potential issue that Bneighbors of Borough Hall may object to having kids running around at night behind their homes.
The event would have been held on Sept. 18, which the mayor noted, is Yom Kippur. A representative from the Community Group thanked Council for their time and said that they would reconsider having it next year instead, probably during July, and more likely, at Van Horne Park, which has a bathroom facility.
Borough Engineer Bill Tanner reports there was a misunderstanding when the contractor repainted the speed humps on Merritt. A number of them have the word “HUMP” painted on the street far more often than they need to be. He also says that the paint used to mark other speed humps is ordinary spray paint rather than the reflective paint.
The Borough is considering hiring a third constable, part time, to be responsible for security atVan Horne Park.
Borough Court resolved eight parking violations and 21 moving violations during July, with $2,380 in fines, of which the Borough received $674.97.
PSEG, which has finally completed rewiring Borough power lines, will be installing solar panels on some of the utility polls along Washington Street soon.
Borough residents drew 2.85 million gallons from the Borough well during July, a higher than normal number, but probably due to the heat and lack of rain.
The Borough cat and dog census – no, really – revealed nine unlicensed cats and 13 unlicensed dogs, all eligible for fines for not being licensed. There was some discussion in Council that the Borough consider permitting pet owners with animals registered in other municipalities to be licensed in the Borough once their old out-of-town license expires. The current law allows 90 days residency before a license is required.
Borough Zoning Officer Toby Whitlock would like to remind homeowners that despite what their contractors tell them, roof work requires a building permit. Also, if the roof in question is on a home in the historic district, a certificate of appropriateness is also required. A map with the historic district area is on the Borough website, along with information about applying for permits. He says that the contractors all know this but have been telling homeowners that it isn’t necessary.
There was also much discussion about site lines at intersections, especially the intersection of Montgomery and Washington. There is a shrub in front of the home on the corner that blocks the view to the left for drivers attempting to enter Washington from Montgomery. The Borough would like this cut away to extend the field of visions for drivers and will be considering an ordinance during September. The homeowners, currently away, have been reluctant to remove the row of shrubs.
A question arose concerning the property revaluation currently underway. There are several person inspecting homes. However, they are merely collecting data. Once they have assembled all of the data, a single person will due the actual appraisal, a process which will guarantee a uniform standard.
Shredding day was so popular, it will return again on September 18. Anyone with too much to shred at home can bring it to Montgomery Fire Company #1, at 35 Griggstown Rd., from 9 to 1 pm
Rocky Hill Borough Council next meets on September 20 at 7:30 pm at Borough Hall on Montgomery Avenue. For more information online, www.rockyhill-nj.gov.
NJDOT breaks ground on Route 206 Bypass in Hillsborough
Project is designed to improve safety and promote economic development
(Hillsborough) - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today joined Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore and others to break ground on the long-awaited Route 206 Bypass in Hillsborough Township, Somerset County.
The bypass will shift through traffic onto a new 3.6-mile section of Route 206 to the east of the existing highway between Mountain View Road and Old Somerville Road, creating opportunities for the development of a town center along the current Route 206.
“The bypass will improve safety and reduce congestion by shifting traffic away from a corridor that is well-suited for local economic development plans,” NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson said. “Local and regional residents will benefit.”
Officials broke ground today on what will be the middle section of the bypass, between Hillsborough Road and Amwell Road. Another contract will be awarded to connect the new roadway to Route 206 near Mountain View Road at the southern limit of the project and near Old Somerville Road to the north.
“We are very happy to see the Route 206 Bypass project come to fruition. The bypass is an integral part of our Economic Development and Town Center Plan, as it will help establish a “downtown” economic area and boost local business. It is also a vital road for those who commute in and out of town,” said Mayor DelCore.
NJDOT’s contractor, Carbro Inc., has already established a staging area along Hillsborough Road, deploying advance construction warning signs, clearing the site, and installing fencing along the alignment of the new highway. All lanes on Route 206 within the project limits will remain open during construction.
Access to residential properties will be maintained at all times. Access to commercial properties will be maintained during normal business hours.
This project will also replace the existing Hillsborough and Homestead Road bridge decks over the CSX railroad. The bridge deck repair work will require closures of Hillsborough Road and Homestead Road over CSX for approximately 6 months. The closures on Hillsborough Road and Homestead Road will not occur at the same time. Traffic for both the Homestead and Hillsborough Roads closures will be detoured along the existing Route 206, Amwell Road and Willow Road. Advance notification will be provided before each closure.
The $43 million “Contract A’ will construct the center portion of the new bypass between the Amwell Road and Hillsborough Road intersections in Hillsborough Township. This portion of the bypass will feature one travel lane in each direction. NJDOT anticipates completion of ‘Contract A’ by the end of 2012.
The second contract, ‘Contract B’, is currently in design. NJDOT anticipates beginning construction in 2012.
The completed bypass will be a limited-access highway, which means that there will be no driveways to or from the adjoining properties. All access to the highway will be from the intersecting local roadways.
NJDOT anticipates opening the bypass to traffic in late 2015.
Variable message signs will be installed around the site to inform motorists of pending construction and temporary lane closures necessary for night time intersection work. Hillsborough Township police will be utilized as necessary to assist with traffic control. Real time travel and construction information is available online at www.511nj.org
Cell Phone Numbers to Go Public?
So, you thought your cell phone number was private? There has been a rumor going around that all cell numbers will be going public in September. However, the Federal Trade Commission says that telemarketers are still restricted from calling all cell phones.
You can - just to be safe - register your cell phone, or your home number, too, by calling the Do Not Call Registry at 888-382-1222.
The automatic answering device will direct you to enter your cell phone number manually. You will then be told that the number entered will be blocked within 30 days for a five-year period. For the next 30 days you may receive telemarketing calls, but after that, you’re blocked.
Iraq and Afghanistan War Dead
Since March 19, 2003, when the second Iraq War began, there have been 4415 American military personnel killed in Iraq, and 31,907 wounded, as of August 19, 2010.
In Afghanistan, 1,230 have been killed, and 3,420 wounded since Sept. 11, 2001.
For more information, www.antiwar.com/casualties.
Letters to the Editor - Sept 2010
Editor,
I am shocked that Louise Wilson and the local Democrats are once again trying to prevent the sale of Skillman Village/NPDC to the county. The Republican vision for the past few years has been to create Skillman Park, a 250-acre oasis in the heart of Montgomery. In 2008, Wilson and the Democrats tried to develop the land both commercially and residentially. They lost this debate and the 2008 election. In 2009, they tried to develop Skillman Village with high-density COAH housing. On Election Day, the Democrats lost this debate again and their majority on the Township Committee.
Wilson and the Democrats are now inaccurately claiming that if we sell the Skillman Village property, it will result in hundreds and hundreds of more housing units in town. Nothing can be further from the truth. Here's the real story. A town's Fair Share Housing Plan, which is the plan for state mandated affordable housing units, is extremely complicated and fluid. It is constantly evolving.
As we speak, the state legislature is working on a bill to radically change this entire process. So, at the end of the day, if - as the voters already have mandated in two prior elections - we sell Skillman Village to the county, it is likely to increase the township's mandated affordable housing units by only three units. Yes, that's right, three units. Do you think preserving 250-acres for a beautiful park is worth this? You bet it is. And with the passage of this legislation, it is very plausible that our housing mandate will actually be reduced.
And let's not forget what happened last election. In 2009, Wilson and the Democrats stated that if Skillman Village was sold it would increase our housing mandate by a ridiculous 3,000 units. What happened to this claim? They keep changing their minds. What will they say next? I have no idea. Montgomery deserves better than this type of political gamesmanship.
It's amazing that Louise Wilson and the Democrats continue to refuse to listen to Montgomery's residents.
The results of the last two elections were clear - sell the land, reduce township debt, and create Skillman Park. The Republicans in town have heard everyone loud and clear. Please remember this come November. It's time to vote Louise Wilson out of office!
Janet Linnus
Belle Mead
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the Montgomery Rocky Hill Rotary Club. The Montgomery food pantry was the beneficiary of the first Prize winnings of the 50/50 Raffle. The ticket was purchased by an anonymous participant who indicated on the ticket stub that they wanted the winnings to go to the Montgomery food pantry. This will help support our food pantry operation and the mission of the food Pantry.
Denise Crowley
Community Resource Manager
To the Editor:
For the first time in years I have spent my personal time carefully reading your newspaper articles on the school budget discussions and am shocked that the Township Committee was not able to effectively react to the will of the voters without the intercession of the County Superintendent, Trudy Doyle. It is an embarrassment that our elected officials could not amongst themselves do their job without having to report to the “principal’s office” (Trudy Doyle). We all know the easy way out of budget constraints is levying increased taxes and student fees in whatever amount is deemed to solve the budget problem at hand. So it seems to me that if Louise Wilson and Brad Fay worked as hard at cutting costs as they do at justifying increased taxes and student fees, the will of the voters would have already been brought to bear on our budget and this effort would have been resolved long ago.
Dave Clark
Belle Mead
To the Editor:
Four years ago some creative people put up birdhouses in Skillman’s open space area, which surrounds Stonebridge. They provided homes for a number of different birds. Watching them was a delight for us “oldsters”.
Over the ensuing years the houses fell into disrepair. The birds abandoned their homes for the woods nearby. Most of the housed fell to the ground. The few that remain are stuffed with old nesting material and are unfit for living.
I would like to suggest that as a community project, some organization in Montgomery Township might build new houses and poles. If the houses were built, they should have a hinged floor or face. Thus, we at Stonebridge might clean them out each year and make them ready for new occupants come spring.
Watching the new families nest and grow would bring joy to all the Stonebridge and town watchers each season.
Mary A. Lessing Evans
Skillman
To Owner, Montgomery Theater
I am a special feature writer for US1, The Packet and several other publications. A film lover who often writes about movies, I have attended your theater for more than two decades. I do appreciate that you show art films and that you obtain them early in their release. However, I am appalled at the deteriorating condition of your theater – despite crowds and full houses whenever I go. It is outrageous that one of your ladies rooms has been out of order for at least six months – maybe a lot longer. The carpet in the lobby is filthy and the air conditioning the evening I attended the Tilda Swinton film was poor. When I complained, your staff member said they’d “pump it up.” But it made little difference.
My friends and I will avoid your theater in the future until I see some evidence of attention to these and other matters.
Phyllis Spiegel
Plainsboro, N.J
To the Editor,
My husband and I moved to Montgomery over 6 years ago and we instantly fell in love with our new hometown. We quickly became avid hikers of the Sourland Mountain Preserve and bike riders on the Delaware-Raritan Canal.
Over the years, my husband has gotten more and more involved in community service in our Pike Run neighborhood and throughout town. Ed currently serves on Montgomery’s Planning Board as an advisor and is a member of the Pike Run Homeowners Association.
Ed is now running for Township Committee. This probably won’t surprise anyone reading this, but I truly believe that he would be a perfect addition for many reasons. He has an engineering background with an MBA and is always looking for ways to improve things. For example, last fall we completed an energy efficiency renovation of our home and reduced our energy consumption by 40%.
But most importantly, Ed understands the challenges facing many Montgomery residents. He knows that Montgomery is becoming more and more unaffordable to many. In the past, our elected officials have raised taxes and increased township debt without any consideration to the damage this causes. Like all of you, we watched helplessly over the past few years as municipals taxes were increased by 30% and township debt skyrocketed to $60 million.
This is why Ed is running. He will help Mayor Mark Caliguire get our financial house in order. He will hold the line on municipal taxes by doing more with less, he will reduce township debt, and he will respect the will of the people when it comes to school budget votes.
On November 2nd, please vote for my husband, Ed Trzaska, and his running mate, Patricia Graham. They will make Montgomery more affordable.
Jaci Trzaska
Belle Mead
To the Editor,
In response to the letter published in the July/August issue of the Montgomery News, I would like to clarify the Mary Jacobs Library’s (MJL) practice regarding book donations. When a public library considers which books to accept for donation it must consider the value of the books to the entire collection, the needs of the community, physical space limitations and staff resources required to process the donation.
Thus, MJL accepts newer books that are in excellent condition that we can include in our collection or in our ongoing book sale. We are unable to accept textbooks, encyclopedias or magazines. We also accept donations of CD’s and DVD’s. The proceeds of the book sale go to the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation, the private organization that owns and maintains the library building.
If you wish to donate items to the library we ask that you call (609-924-7073) ahead so that a staff member is available to review the materials you wish to donate. If we are unable to accept the materials, we can offer you a list of alternative donation sites.
Cindy Mangel
Branch Director
Mary Jacobs Memorial Library
To the Editor:
I write to respectfully ask for your vote for Montgomery Township Committee. I am a long-time Montgomery resident, having lived here with my husband and two children for the past 17 years. I am also a commercial litigation attorney with over 20 years experience handling contract, real estate, land use, employment, insurance, business, and many other disputes. I hope to bring those legal skills and a common sense approach to municipal government.
The Township Committee must work diligently to get Montgomery's fiscal house in order, to reduce the enormous debt (once as high as $63 million) incurred under Democratic control, to control spending and to reduce Montgomery's high taxes. Together with my running mate, Ed Trzaska, I strongly support Mayor Mark Caliguire and his Republican team who, when faced with substantial cuts in State aid this year, nevertheless cut spending and passed a municipal budget with NO tax increase for Montgomery residents. In these tough economic times, our residents face unemployment, underemployment, lost income and the challenge of making ends meet. The Township Committee must be sensitive to those needs and responsive to the voters who have repeatedly demanded lower taxes.
Montgomery is a wonderful town and community and I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place. As a member of the Somerset County Open Space Committee, I work to preserve open space throughout Somerset County. I will bring those values with me to the Township Committee as well, working to control development and preserve Montgomery's beautiful rural character. Indeed, from its inception, I have been a proponent of the Republican Plan to sell the "Skillman Village" site to Somerset County for use as a park. Despite fierce resistance from Democrats, who sought to build an ill-advised "village" with commercial and hundreds of high density residential units on the site, Mayor Caliguire and the Republican team are bringing their plan to fruition, and will thereby receive millions to reduce the township debt and deliver a beautiful county part for all Montgomery residents to enjoy. That is the type of smart planning and common-sense leadership of which Ed Trzaska and I hope to be a part.
Service on the Montgomery Township Committee is a privilege and an honor; Township Committee members must serve the public by listening to the voters and acting responsibly with taxpayer dollars and Township resources. Ed and I would be honored to serve as your Township Committee representatives. On Election Day, vote for Ed Trzaska and Pat Graham for Montgomery Township Committee. Thank you.
Pat Graham
Belle Mead
To the Editor:
Soon, Montgomery is going to make a tragic decision that will harm our taxpayers, our schools, our history, and our future. That vote will be to sell all 250 acres of land at Skillman Village for a county park without holding onto 25 acres for township use.
We all agree on having a county park in Skillman. However, our new mayor and his 3-2 governing majority came into power determined to stop the conversion of several historic buildings in the northeast corner of the property into moderate income housing in accordance with a mandatory state housing plan. Many residents have been receptive to his position, but without full knowledge of the huge costs his plan brings:
1. For the opportunity to move roughly 55 units at Skillman Village to another part of town, the mayor's plan will add 341 new family units to Montgomery's housing plan.
2. Those 341 new family homes will produce 300 or more additional schoolchildren requiring the construction of about 15 extra classrooms-indeed, a new school, driving up school taxes by many millions of dollars.
3. Already under stress from draconian state funding cuts, our schools will be forced to cut programs, and increase class sizes, in order to accommodate the influx of new students.
4. The mayor's plan will condemn a small cluster of reusable brick buildings that are important to the history of our town, despite the fact that we have an agreement with a nonprofit group eager to convert them to moderate income residences.
5. Montgomery will lose forever the opportunity to land-bank centrally located property for use by future generations.
And the costs are not just in the future: The mayor has already spent some $300,000 on lawyers and consultants on his misguided plan.
And for what? To build 55 affordable units in a different part of town. Of the five members of our Township Committee, I live the closest to Skillman Village. In fact, my house is among the 20 homes closest to the project. I can assure my neighbors that converting these historic buildings would be positive for our neighborhood, while preventing a very big hit to everybody's taxes.
The mayor says he has no choice because the county will only buy the land for a park if it is "all or nothing." This is debatable. Before this issue became a partisan football, individual Freeholders indicated they didn't need more than 200 acres for a park, and believed Montgomery should make its own land use decisions.
It is late, but not too late, to reverse course. The mayor and a closely divided planning board need to hear from residents that our town doesn't want to drive up school taxes just so he can move housing units from one part of town to another. It's the total number of units that matters more than the location.
Whether you care most about taxes, our schools, our history, or our future, a change in direction is in order.
Sincerely,
Brad Fay
Township Committeeman
BOATING SAFETY COURSE OFFERED BY LOCAL POWER SQUADRON
“Boating Is Fun . . . We’ll Show You How” Is Squadron Motto
In the interest of promoting boating safety, the Somerset Sail and Power Squadron (SSPS), a unit of the United States Power Squadrons, is offering a public boating class this fall. Classes will be held at the PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesday evenings: September 21, September 28 and October 5 (review and examination).
Attendance is required at all three sessions, and preregistration is required. The cost is $85.
Successful test completion meets certification for powerboat operations in all 50 states. In addition, the New Jersey State Police certificate may qualify boaters for a marine insurance reduction.
Those who take this public boating course may also wish to join SSPS and take advantage of all the other benefits of squadron membership.
For more information and to register for the course, contact George Jorda, squadron education officer, at 908-303-6064 or at gon2blzs@gmail.com. For information on joining SSPS, contact Don Roeske, membership chair, at 732-828-8632 or at droeske15@aol.com.
Lance Mobile Office Wednesday, September 8 in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, NJ -- Congressman Leonard Lance and his staff will host a mobile office on Wednesday, September 8 in Montgomery Township in an effort to bring the services of his congressional office directly to you.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a federal agency or would like to offer a comment about any issue pending before the Congress, please stop by Lance’s mobile office so that representatives from Lance’s staff may assist you.
Specifically, the mobile office will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 8 at the Montgomery Township Senior Center located at 356 Skillman Road in Skillman.
The mobile office is free and open to the public.
Residents with questions should call 908-518-7733.
Free Yoga Week
Princeton Center for Yoga & Health will be hosting Free Yoga Week September 13-19! New students can try any of our regularly scheduled yoga classes for FREE! Existing students can bring a new student with them to class and also attend for free! Some of the classes that can be sampled include:
County To Replace Belle Mead Bridge
Three other bridge repairs to affect local traffic patterns with total closure of Cherry Valley Rd. east of the Great Road (Rt. 601) until November.
Construction crews will be replacing the bridge over the Bedens Brook on Cherry Valley Rd. at the “Jefferson Curve” until sometime in November, according to Township officials. They will also be straightening out part of the curve on both sides of the culvert.
Consequently, Cherry Valley Road will be closed completely between Birchwood Drive and George Drive for up to four months.
Also, two bridges over Rt. 601 will be worked on, a Somerset County project, which will also begin in August, including a 100-foot length of culvert on Rt. 601, a bridge over Back Brook, just south of the intersection of Sunset Rd., and the bridge over Cruser Brook, north of the intersection of Dutchtown-Harlingen Rd.
The Back Brook Bridge will be repaired from approximately August 10 through Aug. 18. The Cruser Brook Bridge will be repaired from August 19 through August 24. For some period afterward, the road may only be open for alternate side traffic.
And finally, Somerset County will begin to replace the infamous Rt. 206 Belle Meade Railroad Bridge starting in August as well . The project, long overdue, will build a new bridge and realign the intersection of Rt. 601 and Rt. 206, and will leave the old bridge in place until the new is ready.
Township officials say that traffic patterns will not be disrupted at the Belle Mead B ridge project at first. The Belle Mead Bridge project is expected to take 15 months, and will start sometime this month.
NJDEP Recommends Limiting Water Use
NJDEP is recommending voluntary water conservation measures due to the exceptionally dry weather, but has not yet imposed formal drought restrictions. The current conditions are starting to offset plentiful water reserves generated by a wet winter and spring.
While reservoir levels are still relatively high, statewide reservoirs have begun to decline due to sparse rainfall and high demand. High water demand already has led to some restrictions in other parts of New Jersey. (If drought restrictions are imposed, an ebulletin and website posting will be released by our Health Dept.)
To avoid this, residents are being asked to use water wisely and efficiently, particularly as outdoor consumption increases due to lawn and landscape irrigation, agricultural needs and other outdoor water use activities.Here are some suggested water conservation tips:
* Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in morning or late evening typically is sufficient. Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs. Consider drip irrigation for gardens.
* To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes.
* Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving.
* Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
* Do not wash cars in the driveway, go to a commercial car wash.
* Install high-efficiency, water saving toilets, faucets and shower heads.
More information on water conservation and water supply status can be found at www.njdrought.org/ideas.html and www.njdrought.org/status.html
Notes From the Township Administrator - July/August 2010
As we enter the summer season the Township Public Works Department will be gearing up for road repair. Some work will be done in-house and some will be bid out. A significant portion of Orchard Road has been designated for reconstruction. A joint project between Montgomery, Princeton Township, and Mercer County will improve the area of Cherry Valley Road identified as the Jefferson Curve. The Township is also proposing to reconstruct Cherry Valley Road from Rutgers Road to Rt. 206. Public Works will also chip seal roads as needed.
The Engineering Department will be overseeing the upgrade of the Skillman Village and the upgrade and expansion of the Pike Brook wastewater treatment plants. At the same time this department will be working very closely with Public Works on the road reconstruction projects. Staff will also be working on inspecting public improvements constructed by developers to insure proper construction, compliance with applicable codes, and comportment with Planning Board and/or Zoning Board approvals.
As residents spend more time outdoors during the summer they become more aware of their surroundings and issues that affect their quality of life. Our police department sees an increase in the number of calls received involving complaints about noise and related nuisances. Please be considerate of your neighbors loud parties or events lasting late into the evening can be problematic. Turn the volume down after 10 p.m. sound travels a great distance on warm summer evening and can disturb someone trying to relax or go to bed early on a summer evening. If you are having an outdoor event with amplified music/sound please contact the Township Clerks Office for an Amplification Permit as Township regulations require a prior approval before the event. More details can be found on the Townships web site.
From time to time we notice homeowners dumping grass clippings and/or brush into drainage swales, conservation easements, and open space. Not only is that environmentally irresponsible, it is a violation of local ordinances and other applicable regulations. Furthermore, it creates drainage problems and pollutes groundwater and storm water run-off. Please be environmentally sensitive and dispose of this vegetative waste appropriately. Please have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Letters to the Editor - July/August 2010
To the Editor:
Last fall, my wife and I completed an energy efficiency renovation of our Pike Run townhouse via the state’s Home Performance with Energy Star Program. The results have been amazing - a 40% reduction in our energy consumption and utility bills!
The program started with a comprehensive energy audit of our home. We were very surprised to find out that our biggest problem was improper air sealing and insulation, especially in the attic. This is a common problem with many homes. Most of the work that we had done focused on this problem, but we also installed a new 98%-efficiency furnace and direct-vent water heater. Our home is so much more comfortable now. The few drafty rooms we once had are now perfectly controlled.
Based on the winter months alone, we have already saved about $800 on our utility bills. And the best part of our experience is that we only paid for about 50% of the work. The Home Performance program offers very generous rebates and we also took advantage of the $1500 federal energy efficiency tax credit.
Whenever I speak about the program with my neighbors, I always receive great feedback and interest. It is important for society to reduce energy consumption and Montgomery should lead the way! I believe that some of the program’s features have changed, but the core format of it remains the same.
Thanks!
Ed Trzaska
Belle Mead
Dear Editor:
I am preparing a move to Barnegat, NJ and we have been engaged in the typical home clean up and packing that all people go through to prepare to move. We assembled a number of books into a box. The box of books weighs about 50 pounds. I brought the box of books to the Mary Jacobs Library this afternoon to donate the books to the library. The Mary Jacobs Library refused receipt saying that they could not take the books because some were too old. They also started to tell me that some books need special clearance to be accepted by them. What! I said. Do you mean to tell me that you cannot take possession of these books that are being donated? No, they said that they understand my frustration but that they could not accept the books. Instead, they were better prepared to provide instructions to me as to how to tear the books apart so that I could prepare the books better for recycling. Recycling books this way doe not make sense to me!
So, some one needs to explain to me that a box of books that consumed valuable resources (i.e., consumption of paper and trees, the time expended to be written by some authors, printed, bound, distributed and sold to us over the years) is better placed into recycling than for some disadvantaged person to have and read! It seems that the best way to recycle books is to get used books into the hands of PEOPLE that can make good use for them, PEOPLE that cannot afford to buy books otherwise.
So, I came back home with my 50 pound box of used books, very upset and irate that my efforts to do the right thing resulted in such a fiasco. I cannot believe the experience I just went through and I would appreciate you getting the word to your readership that the Mary Jacobs Library is not a depot for good conditioned used books. They are just merely a center that destroys used books for recycling purposes!
Michael A. Dimino,
Princeton
To the Editor:
The Mary Jacobs Library is in serious financial trouble, and she needs our communities’ help now so we can keep its doors open.
As Lea Florentine explained in her excellent and informative front-page article in the June issue of the Montgomery News, “Township Halves Grant to Library,” the Mary Jacobs Library is funded differently than other libraries. While other Somerset county library buildings are owned and maintained by the local towns they serve, the MJL building is privately owned by The Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation (MJMLF). The Foundation pays for all of the building renovations, repairs, furniture, shelving, heating, insurance, lighting, grounds maintenance, etc. This represents a huge savings for the taxpayers – not only are they paying less to maintain a library, but they did not have to pay for constructing a multi-million dollar building in the first place.
MJL is fortunate to have the Somerset County Library System provide books, DVDs, materials, technology and staff – but that is of no use if there is not a house to put them in. The Mary Jacobs Library, through its Foundation, is providing that house for you.
As stated in Ms. Florentine’s article, although physically located in Rocky Hill, 92% of MJL’s customers are residents of Montgomery. To meet the demands of Montgomery’s usage and provide a larger and more state of the art library, the MJMLF endowment was reduced 2/3rd when the building was doubled in size in 2005. The expansion was undertaken with the assumption that there would be a continuing level of municipal support to ensure the fiscal stability of the endowment.
The Library’s 2010 building and grounds operating budget is $187,500. Montgomery Township has provided $85,000 and Rocky Hill $10,000 per year toward this budget. This year, however, Montgomery has cut their contribution in half; Rocky Hill has not. The Trustees of the library are grateful for these and all contributions, but the Foundation is still responsible for the $135,000 balance – and possibly more in the years ahead if these donations are reduced.
Endowments are meant to grow to provide for the future. Obviously without outside funding, the Trustees will be forced to deplete the Foundation’s remaining endowment to fund operating expenses – until the money runs out. The future of your library is in jeopardy.
In short, we are facing a true crisis because the MJL Foundation will not be able to indefinitely sustain the library building without additional funding.
Since the Library opened its doors in 1974, we have never asked individuals to help fund its building’s expenses, but now we must in order to keep the doors open.
I urge all residents of Montgomery and Rocky Hill to think about what it would mean to them to lose their library, and what they can contribute to keep the doors open. We will soon begin our fundraising campaign. Anyone who would like to help, please contact me at the Library.
Brenda Fallon
President, MJMLF
To the Editor:
In the heat of day-to-day politics, let’s not forget all the things a candidate has done over a long period of time. My association with Louise Wilson dates back at least ten years. It has been my privilege to listen to her and watch her manage political and governmental complexities for the benefit of the people of Montgomery Township and beyond. While I may not agree with every vote she has taken, Louise has done many very good things of lasting value for the benefit of the township.
Louise has stood up for Montgomery even to the point of suing her own party leaders to correct deplorable conditions at the old NPDC property. She has prevented noise and pollution for the community by successfully preventing the Hillsborough bypass from blasting into Montgomery right through Pike Run. During her years as mayor, she and her team dramatically slowed residential development.
And not to forget, Louise has been in the forefront of ethics reforms and environmental best practices.
It’s early yet, however, now is the time to note that a vote for Louise Wilson and Neena Singh in the November election will help assure that our township will continue to have experienced and wise voices on the township committee.
Perry Davis, 34-year resident of Montgomery Township;
Former member of the Mayor's Roads Committee,)
Princeton, NJ
To the Editor:
In the weeks since the Township Committee's split vote on the school budget, I've heard from quite a few people who are upset that the decision about budget cuts went to the county and state, when they could have been dealt with here in Montgomery.
I agree that it should have been possible to make that decision locally. That might have been possible if the school funding subcommittee recommendations and their impacts had been discussed openly with the school community and the public at large. They weren't.
Some decisions made by Mayor Caliguire made the divided outcome almost inevitable:
- The mayor added a $400,000 in cuts to what the schools were prepared to accept after they were asked to leave the last meeting of the subcommittee.
- The mayor declined to hold a joint meeting of the Montgomery Township Committee and Rocky Hill's Borough Council, so it was impossible for all members of both councils to discuss a reasonable level of cuts. Instead, he let Rocky Hill take the lead by voting first, even though they account for less than 5% of our students and budget.
- The mayor scheduled our vote for the last possible evening, after Rocky Hill, signaling that public input received at our meeting would count for nothing.
In the end, I voted for a cut of more than $1 million in the budget, versus the mayor's plan for a $1.9 million cut. The two proposals called for the same administrative cuts; the main difference was I was I could not support a new busing schedule that would have had our first graders arriving home after sunset.
Looking forward, our goal as a community should be to convince the State to overturn the 68% budget cut assigned to Montgomery. We have a strong case.
The State acknowledges Montgomery spends less than "adequacy" on education, and that local taxpayers pay more than their "fair share" to support our schools. But the State cut Montgomery's budget by a much bigger percentage than it cut aid to districts that spend twice what we do and are over-funded according to a court-sanctioned formula.
We are not looking for a handout from the State. This is our money, and we should be getting a reasonable share. Right now, Montgomery residents send Trenton about $70 million annually in income taxes, while receiving back between $1 and $2 million for our schools. If Montgomery received the funding we are due under the state's school funding formula, our property taxes would plummet.
Is overturning the State's decision a reasonable goal? I think so. Three years ago, we successfully lobbied the State to revise the court-approved funding formula in ways that brought more funding to Montgomery schools. Now, the task should be easier: We just need to persuade the governor to follow that same court-approved formula.
Back in April, our Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution calling governor's cuts to our schools "excessive, unwarranted, unfair, and entirely at odds with the Governor's expressed intention to reward districts that demonstrate excellence and fiscal accountability."
That is exactly right. We should all come together around that sentiment, and press our case to Trenton for the sake of our taxpayers, for our property values, and especially for our children.
Sincerely,
Brad Fay
Township Committeeman
To the Editor,
The budget process this year has been a rancorous one. The massive cuts in State Aid throughout the state and our recently defeated budget have put the Montgomery Township Schools in an unenviable position the likes of which has not been seen in recent history. It has been a rollercoaster of sorts forcing the district to address changes on a daily basis and casting a pall of uneasiness over the staff and faculty while we wait for final budget figures.
We completely respect all of the parties that have come to the table and the many hours that have been dedicated to protecting the excellence of our schools. The local governing bodies, the Executive County Superintendent, and the State Commissioner of Education have all focused a keen eye on our district with the goal of sustaining the unequivocal quality of our school system.
While we appreciate the thoughtful considerations, several concerns remain. We take issue with the Executive County Superintendent’s projection of $900K in surplus this year and how any surplus, if realized, should be allocated. We are concerned about the 2011-12 school year and a known $2.3M revenue shortfall that looms in that year. We believe any surplus from this year, if realized, should be applied to 2011-12, as opposed to the ECS’ directive to apply it to this next school year – an action that would increase the projected revenue shortfall from $2.3M to $3.2M in 2011-12.
The ECS has also suggested that we have not “booked” $350K in State aid for which we were provided a “promissory note” last month. At the time of this writing, we have received no additional state aid and if we did, we would have to apply it to the additional out-of-district tuition payments that have materialized since the budget was struck on April 1.
Residents are deeply concerned about the option of Triple-Tier busing and increases in activity fees. People throughout Montgomery and Rocky Hill are talking about Middle School Sports, bus aides, world language cuts, technical support cuts, etc. The discussions are passionate and rightly so. We all moved here because of the schools and want to protect that value of our schools and the value of our properties.
We look forward to the State’s determination of our final tax levy, the next steps in closing this budget process and moving on to what we do best – educating our children. We have great plans for the coming school year and look forward to forging new pathways to success. We are, and always will be, a district rich in talent, passion, creativity and commitment. We will weather this storm and come out of it stronger.
We look forward to a wonderful 2010-2011 School Year. Have a wonderful summer.
Dave Pettit
President – Board of Education
Montgomery Township School District
To the editor:
Montgomery taxpayers should sit up and take notice of proposed changes to the township’s affordable housing plan. The plan has been worked on quietly for six months and is just now seeing the light of day. Fortunately, it has not yet been adopted. (The new housing plan was on the Planning Board's June 14 agenda for public hearing and possible adoption, but the meeting did not happen for lack of quorum.)
The new housing plan, developed at the behest of Mayor Caligure and supported by Deputy Mayor Kacey Dyer and Thom Carter, calls for removing senior housing and adding several hundred more houses for families. It includes nearly 700 new houses overall, including a 250-house project on 25 wooded acres adjacent to existing homes on one-acre lots. These numbers do not include new houses already approved but not yet built, such as the Westwinds development across from the middle schools.
This new plan, if adopted, will bring hundreds more school children than the township’s 2008 housing plan. The impact on Montgomery schools and property taxes would be severe. And shoehorning more than 400 new, unrestricted houses into the most congested area of town without any dollars set aside for road improvements, sidewalks or public space is irresponsible.
This plan signals a retreat from Montgomery’s diligent efforts to minimize residential development and encourage healthy expansion of clean, high-value business ratables – with good jobs – to achieve a better balance in our tax base. The new plan is a gift to housing developers, placing them in the driver’s seat and diminishing the township’s control.
It’s no secret that I object to the substance of this housing plan. It represents a big, expensive step backward for Montgomery. I also object to the fact that homeowners who stand to be drastically affected have never been notified or consulted – nor has the general public. That, too, is a retreat from good government and good planning principles.
If the Township Committee votes on this housing plan, I expect the vote will split along party lines. My opinions and convictions about this matter have nothing to do with party or politics, however. This is about the future of our community – its character, its affordability, its principles and priorities. The new housing plan is not in the best interests of Montgomery.
Louise Wilson
Township Committeewoman
Hollow Road,
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BED BUGS
Bed bug infestations were once a common pest problem worldwide that declined in incidence mainly due to the use of DDT a very effective pesticide. DDT use dropped off sharply in the 1970’s because of health and environmental concerns. By the mid 1990’s bed bug infestations were on the rise worldwide. Bed bugs are great travelers and as worldwide travel steadily increased in the last two decades so have bed bug infestations. They are pretty small (the young are the size of a poppy seed and adults are the size of an apple seed) and are readily transported via luggage, purses, backpacks, clothing, bedding and upholstered furniture.
People living in developed countries like the US tend to think they don’t have to worry about creepy things like bed bug infestations because this kind of thing only happens far away in undeveloped countries. They are of course wrong. Terminix a national pest control company recently released a list of cities in the US with the most bed bugs - New York City is in first place, followed by Philadelphia, Detroit, Cincinnati and Chicago.
It makes most people’s skin crawl just to think about picking up bed bugs from a movie theater, hotel or airplane and then bringing them home. As reports of bed bug infestations increase so does the level of anxiety people feel about these tiny bugs. What should you do if a neighbor, friend or a family member has “BED BUGS”? Should you allow these people to visit your home? Should you go into their homes? Finding out that you have bed bugs in your home and doing whatever it takes to get rid of them can be an exhausting process that strains the nerves of all going through it.
Bed bug infestations are an issue we are going to have to learn to live and deal with. Panicking and over-reacting will not help – but becoming informed will.
Bed bugs bite and suck blood from humans and other warm blooded animals. Although the bites can be irritating, bed bugs themselves don’t spread disease or bring serious health risks, although scratching a bite can cause an infection.
Bed bugs are most active at night and bite any exposed areas of skin while an individual is sleeping. The face, neck, hands, and arms are common sites for bed bug bites. The bite itself is painless and is not noticed. Small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin are the most common sign; redness, swelling, and itching commonly occur.
How can you tell if you have bed bugs? Look for the bugs themselves, shimmery shed skins, dark colored eggshells, bloodstains on linens and itchy welt like bites on the body.
Where do bed bugs hide? They hide in seams, creases, tufts and folds of mattresses and box springs, cracks in the bed frame and head board, underneath chairs, in upholstered furniture, dustcovers, underneath area rugs and the edges of carpets, between the folds of drapery/curtains, in the drawers of night stands or dressers, behind the baseboards and electric switch plates, around door and window casings, under loose wallpaper, paintings, posters, in cracks in the plaster, in piles of books, papers, boxes, and other clutter near sleeping areas.
The most effective management of a bed bug infestation in your home is to use a combination approach that includes cleaning, disinfecting, removal of contaminated materials AND the use of a pest control professional. Your efforts may have to be repeated more than once.
The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true about bed bugs because once they are in your home it is difficult to get rid of them. To prevent a bed bug infestation never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture into your home. Thoroughly Inspect used furniture before bringing it into your home.
Examine all luggage and personal items before returning home from traveling to prevent bed bugs hitching a ride into your home.
While flying don’t use the airline’s pillow or blanket – bring your own. Before deciding to stay at a particular establishment, ensure the room is bedbug free. Check the whole room(s) for signs of bedbug infestations, such as red or dark brown spots on bed sheets. Lift the mattress, and other furniture items to look for bedbug hiding places – shine a flash light in the dark cracks.
Elevate all luggage and personal items to keep them away from the wall, carpet and bed. Use luggage racks (first inspect them) or put your luggage in the bathroom tub.
The following are reliable web sites that provide detailed information about bed bug prevention, identification and how to get rid of them once you have an infestation, www.medicinenet.com, www.mayoclinic.com and http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/.
RVCC TO OFFER YOUTH FINE ARTS CLASSES
Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in Branchburg is offering two fine arts classes for youngsters this fall. The following classes have been scheduled:
Cartooning: Students ages 6-12 draw their favorite cartoon character or create their own original characters and creatures. The class will be held Fridays, September 24 to October 29, from 4-5:30 p.m. The fee is $92.
Fashion Design: Students ages 13-16 acquire firsthand knowledge about the fashion industry through hands-on activities. The class will take students behind the scenes and the media. The class will be held Saturdays, September 25 to October 30, from 12:30-2 p.m. The fee is $216.
For information only, email youth@raritanval.edu or call 908-526-1200, ext. 8404. To register, visit www.raritanval.edu and go to Youth Programs in the QuickLinks, or fax to 908-526-3576. Youth program brochures also can be picked up at the College Advancement office (located in the lower level of RVCC’s College Center), weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
RVCC, located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ, and serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for 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.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Rockingham Sept 25
Get out! Outside, that is. Saturday, September 25, is National Public Lands Day,which celebrates the great outdoors and the public lands that encourage its enjoyment.
Rockingham will be joining in the fun with activities of its own that day. At 9:00, volunteers will clean up some of the trails that lead from the house site to the D & R Canal towpath. Anyone who wishes to lend a hand should sign up by calling Rockingham at 683-7132. A guided walk from the Kingston Lock House on Rte. 27 to Rockingham will start at 9:30, and a tour of the house museum will follow. To sign up for the walk, please call the D & R Canal State Park office at 924-5705 and ask for Vicki Chirco.
Throughout the later part of the day, 18th-century outdoor games will be played, and fence building will be demonstrated. Tours of Rockingham will be offered at 11:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00. The museum store will be open from 11:00 to 4:00. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic lunch and to eat on the grounds (they will be responsible for their own trash) while listening to local musician Sarah Donner, who will perform from noon to 2:00.
While admission to the event is free, donations will be gladly accepted!
Rockingham is located on Rte. 603/Laurel Avenue/Kingston-Rocky Hill Rd., one mile north of Rte. 27 in Kingston, and one mile south of Rte. 518 in Rocky Hill.
For further information, please call 683-7132 or go to www.rockingham.net.
Carrier Clinic Announces 100th Anniversary Gala
Former Governor Richard J. Codey and Mary Jo Codey are featured guests at Anniversary fundraiser
Carrier Clinic announced recently that it will be holding a Fundraising Gala on October 30 in celebration of its 100th Anniversary.
The event, which will be held at the Somerset Hills Hotel, will feature special guests Former Governor Richard J. Codey and his wife Mrs. Mary Jo Codey, who will receive the Carrier Clinic Kindred Spirit Award in recognition of their dedication to raising mental health awareness.
The evening will begin at 6:00 pm with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner and dancing to the music of the Good Times Band. There will also be a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, rounds of golf, and many more additional items.
Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information can be obtained by contacting Donna Zaleski in the Development Office at 908-281-1495 or dzaleski@carrierclinic.com.
Watershed Association FEST Celebrates 35th Annual FEST Oct 2
Fundraiser Features Food, Music & Environmental Message
(September 7, 2010) Hopewell NJ - The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, central New Jersey’s first environmental group, announces Water Works: The 35th Annual Watershed FEST. This year’s FEST fundraiser combines fine food, music and fun with a celebration of our water and environment.
The FEST begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction under tented elegance at the 860-acre Watershed Reserve in Hopewell. The event will conclude with dinner served by Emily’s Café and Catering and a fun live auction featuring the chance to take home great trips, tickets, jewelry, restaurant packages and more.
Hurricane Earl Approaches - Local Red Cross Issues Preparedness Tips
TINTON FALLS, September 2, 2010 – The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey is ready to respond to Hurricane Earl, preparing to open shelters and feed those affected by the storm if need be. Hurricane Earl is predicted to come close to the New Jersey, bringing heavy rains and sustained winds. Labor Day weekend is particularly busy at the Jersey shore, and the Red Cross recommends several steps to become “Red Cross Ready,” in the wake of an emergency.
“We are making preparations for Earl, and we urge everyone to also get prepared. Being ready is your best protection against a storm like this,” said Kevin Sullivan, CEO of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey.
With September being “National Preparedness Month,” communities need to start their own preparations. The Red Cross recommends three quick steps to take now to be prepared for emergencies such as Hurricane Earl - by building a kit, making a plan and being informed.
Create and practice a Hurricane Plan: Planning and practicing an evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event. Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs, and make plans for your pets.
Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a first aid kit, essential medications, foods that don’t require cooking or refrigeration, manual can opener, bottled water, flashlights, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
Heed Warnings: Listen to radio and TV stations for updated information. A Hurricane WATCH means hurricane conditions could threaten within 36 hours. A Hurricane WARNING means hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.
Prepare your Home: Secure anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture, trash cans, potted plants, etc.). Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you don’t have shutters, board up windows and doors with plywood. Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
“Along with becoming “Red Cross Ready,” homeowners should clear their backyards tonight in the event that we have some heavy winds approaching,” said Kevin Sullivan. Beachgoers also should be informed that Hurricane Earl is likely to cause powerful rip currents all along the coastline. The Red Cross advises anyone visiting beaches to swim only on lifeguard protected beaches and within designated swimming areas.
For more information on hurricane preparedness, contact the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey at 609-951-8550 or visit www.njredcross.org.
Somerset County’s Weekend Journey through the Past
The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, in conjunction with local historical organizations, has designated the weekend of October 9-10, 2010, “Weekend Journey through the Past.” During the two-day period, twenty-seven of the County’s significant historical sites will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Many of the sites have planned special exhibits, programs, and tours. Admission and parking at each site are free.
The sites have been grouped into three convenient tours by location: Northern, Central, and Southern Somerset County. A scenic route plan with driving directions has been prepared for each of the three tours. Included, as part of the “Southern” route, will be the Bedensville Schoolhouse. The restored schoolhouse, which was begun in 1853, is located next to the Orchard Hill Elementary School. Volunteers from the Van Harlingen Historical Society will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer any questions regarding the schoolhouse, as well as the Historical Society. The Van Harlingen Historical Society’s vast collection of oral histories and publications will be available for sale as well.
This annual event is a perfect opportunity for a family outing. A visit to the County’s historic sites offers a unique educational experience for young and old alike, as well as a chance to visit some of Somerset County’s most picturesque and unspoiled areas. Pack a picnic for the day or stop at one of the many eateries throughout the County.
Many of the sites have significant Revolutionary War histories and have contributed to the area’s designation as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area”. Local historians will be on hand to share their knowledge and stories about Somerset County’s history.
Further information can be found at www.schistoryweekend.com along with specific information on which sites will be participating, restaurants along the way and the ever popular Wayfarer Quiz. Also, adults visiting four or more of the participating sites during the weekend will be designated “History Travelers” and will qualify for a free drawing. The winners will receive one of ten $25 gasoline “gift” cards.
Montgomery Blood Drive to Honor Emergency Workers
Health Officer Stephanie Carey has announced that Montgomery Township’s Annual blood drive will be held on Friday, September 10th from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Otto Kaufman Community Center at 356 Skillman Road, Skillman. Appointments are available by calling the Township Health Department at (908) 359-8211 ext. 245 or emailing scarey@twp.montgomery.nj.us. Walk-ins are always welcome. Every donor will receive a T-shirt. Donors are asked to bring a photo or signature I.D. and to eat within 4 hours of donating.
This Blood Drive is once again being held to honor the lives lost and forever changed on September 11, 2001 and to acknowledge local first responders – fire, police and emergency medical volunteers.
The drive is being conducted by the Montgomery Township Committee in cooperation with Montgomery Township High School and the Montgomery Township Health Department. Montgomery Township is working in cooperation with Community Blood Council of New Jersey in Ewing (www.GiveBloodNJ.org).
Volunteers are still needed to check donors in, assist them, and hand out snacks afterwards. Please contact Stephanie Carey at the above email or phone.
Notes From the Township Administrator - October 2010
Township staff has had a very busy summer working on municipal projects. The upgrade to the Skillman Village Wastewater Treatment Plant continues. New electrical and water service is being installed while the plant is being upgraded to meet the new effluent discharge standards. Work is also underway at the Pike Brook Wastewater Treatment. Similar work is being performed at the Pike Brook Sewage Treatment Plant. However, this work also includes an expansion of treatment capacity to meet demand for connections to the Township sewer system. These projects are on schedule and on budget.
Road overlays were done this summer using a “Reclamation” process which grinds up and reuses existing pavement as part of the repaving process. This reduces waste disposal costs and also is good for the environment. A significant portion of Orchard road was resurfaced in August. At the same time Public Works staff was doing road patching, repairing damage created by last winter’s severe weather. The heavy snows and freeze and thaw cycles wreaked havoc on local roads causing cracks and large potholes in pavement surfaces.
Work is continuing on preparing for the public sale of the 1860 House and the Maplewood House. These sales will bring much needed revenue to the Township. Purchasers of these properties will be required to maintain the architectural integrity of these properties as they undergo restoration. It is the Township’s goal to sell these properties by the end on 2010.
Work has begun on the 2011 Municipal Budget. Recently enacted legislation limits municipalities to a 2% increase in municipal property taxes. This translates into an overall increase in the municipal tax levy of approximately $225,000. To help understand the Township’s Budget in 2010 the budget totaled approximately 25.2 million dollars. The tax levy to support the budget was approximately$11.3 million dollars less than 50% of the total budget. The balance of funding came from other sources of revenue such as grants and state aid. These revenues have been cut in recent years. The 2010 budget was $1.4 million less than prior year. New Jersey’s fiscal situation is causing municipalities to re-examine the services that they provide and determine what is essential and what can be eliminated. Tough choices will have to be made as we all tighten our belts and continue try to do more with less. The Township Committee and staff will continue to work together to meet these fiscal challenges.
As the summer ends and we move into fall the Township staff will put away the lawn mowers and lawn trimmers and get the snow plows and sanding trucks ready. Let us all hope for a beautiful fall and a mild winter.
Old Medicine Disposal Day Sept. 25th
Montgomery Township will be hosting an "Operation Take Back New Jersey" local collection site as part of this statewide medicine disposal day. The event will take place at the Montgomery Twp. Police Department side entrance lobby, located at 2261 Rt. 206, Belle Mead between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2010.
This initiative, open to all residents, was organized to encourage local community residents to properly dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired medicine. The proper disposal of unwanted medication will help reduce the potential for improper or illicit pharmaceutical diversion.
This statewide effort, with the majority of New Jersey police departments participating, is being spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) New Jersey Division, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the NY/NJ HIDTA, and the New Jersey National Guard.
Award Winning UMS Pianist to Perform in NY
Elbert Gong is an 8th grader in Montgomery Upper Middle School. He is not only a straight-A student, but also has emerged as a gifted musician. On October 23, 2010 at 5 pm, Elbert will give his second solo recital in Paul Recital Hall in Juilliard (Address: The Juilliard School, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6588). Admission is free. Anyone age 5 or older is welcome to enjoy the music.
Elbert began his piano study at age four. Since September 2008, he has been studying at the Juilliard School Pre-college Division. He has won numerous competitions including the Westminster Conservatory Scholarship competition (2005, 2007), the Westminster Conservatory Concerto competition (2006), the Greater Princeton Steinway competition (1st prize, 2008), and the Goldblatt Scholarship competition (1st prize, April 2010). In the 2010 Princeton Festival Piano Competition, on top of winning the first place in the Junior Artist category, Elbert also won the Richard Tang Yuk Award as the Most Outstanding Performer in the entire competition. This year, Elbert receives a full scholarship for his study at the Juilliard Pre-College from winning the prestigious Gina Bachauer Scholarship Competition at Juilliard.
Elbert's passion for music and his willingness to help also led him to perform outside of the formal stage many times, including at benefit concerts and senior center recitals. He has always been very well received.
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