COURT HOUSE – A question during the public comment period of Middle Township Committee’s July 20 meeting concerned the number of students expected at Middle Township schools as a result of the new, low-income housing project in Rio Grande, now open, and its related project in Court House under construction.
Mayor Timothy Donohue cited current numbers at approximately 32 students.
Middle Township’s efforts to meet its affordable housing quota have been a source of some controversy for the last several years. Opposition formed as far back as 2009 when the Zoning Board first rejected a use variance for Conifer Realty, LLC of Mount Laurel for construction of homes in Rio Grande.
Conifer eventually secured the necessary approvals from the township and state.
The Rio Grande project has since been completed with most units occupied. The Court House project, off Railroad Avenue between West Mechanic Street and Goshen Road, is moving ahead despite attempts by environmentally-minded residents to stop the effort due to its proximity to the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge.
At the end of 2014, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) approved acquisition of the land for the proposed project.
The township conducted another review. According to information posted on its website, the township was satisfied that its “independent review” of the state’s environmental permitting process confirmed compliance with “all conditions imposed by NJDEP to receive final approvals.”
A group formed, Concerned Citizens of Middle Township, and continued to oppose the project and to post documents on its website hinting at behind-the- scenes deals in the approval process.
The group’s focus now appears to be on the approval process itself since the actual construction effort is well beyond being stopped.
The question raised at the meeting concerning school enrollments was related to one of the concerns opponents of the project brought up with regard to the project.
At the time opponents warned that the township could see higher school taxes if more families with young children moved to the low-income complexes in Middle.
Employee of the Month
July’s Middle Township Employee of the Month is Suzanne Stocker of the Township Clerk’s office.
Stocker was praised for her service by Donohue. Stocker recently received Registered Municipal Clerk certification. The township has made a special effort to encourage employee professional growth through training efforts and to recognize service achievements through its awards program.
Stocker was cited for her contagious enthusiasm as coordinator of the Drumfish Tournament which was a great success.
“She brings a great attitude and a winning customer service to our clerk’s office window,” Donohue said.
Stocker is registrar of vital statistics and deputy municipal clerk. She began her career with the township in 2012.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
