CREST HAVEN – William J. Brown of Marmora has tendered his resignation from the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, where he has been a member since 1981, according to Freeholder Gerald Thornton Oct. 24.
An Upper Township resident raised the question about Brown at the meeting, and Thornton replied “He just resigned because he served so many years and was getting elderly. He was having difficulty driving all that way.”
The commission is based in New Lisbon where it holds its meetings. That is slightly over 58 miles from Brown’s residence.
Pressed on a replacement for Brown, Thornton replied, “I only got the letter the day before yesterday.” As of Oct. 24, he said he had not had time to confer with his colleagues.
Brown was reappointed to a three-year term June 13 by freeholders. His term will expire June 28, 2020.
At June reappointment, three residents raised questions about Brown’s age and whether the process to fill the seat should be open for other potential members.
Brown was the county’s original appointee to the Pinelands Commission in 1981, Thornton said at the time. “He has served all those years and served very well,” said Thornton.
He is still very interested in serving. He’s from Upper Township. I recommended him to the board because of his past service and how long he’s served.”
Thornton said Brown was willing to serve for the next three years.
“I would have difficulty recommending anyone to the freeholders other than Mr. Brown because of his service over all the years,” said Thornton at the time. “I would have difficulty not reappointing him.”
Dr. Steven Fenichel of Ocean City opposed Brown’s reappointment. He cited Brown’s stance for the South Jersey Gas pipeline to Beesley’s Point and the B.L. England Generating Plant.
From the Pinelands Commission Website
Brown is a licensed insurance agent, real estate broker and certified real estate appraiser. He is president of William J. Brown Agency, Inc. a real estate and insurance firm in Marmora.
He is the former mayor of Upper Township.
Brown is past director and president of 1st National Bank of Tuckahoe, and past member and president of the Cape May County Board of Taxation.
A World War II Navy veteran, Brown is retired from 25 years’ service as an engineer at the Woodbine State School (now known as the Developmental Center). He currently serves as vice president of Jersey Cape Diagnostic Training and Opportunity Center.
The Pinelands Commission’s 15 members serve voluntarily. They are appointed by state, county, and federal officials. They meet monthly.
Brown is a member of the commission’s Personnel and Budget Committee.
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