Former Officers Lauded for ‘Cold Case’ Efforts; Gravel Pit Proposal Draws Concerned Residents

COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Committee’s June 1 meeting was the same day that Police Chief Christopher Leusner announced a renewed effort to find Mark Himebaugh, who went missing 24 years ago. The first order of business was recognition for two individuals Leusner credited with getting the renewed effort started.
Richard McHale and W. Scott Webster, members of the police department, worked the cold case and prepared it for consideration by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The pair then traveled to Virginia and participated in an intensive two-day review conducted by 30 participants. In praising their effort, Leusner spoke of the very “specific deadlines and criteria” involved in the process. The result of their efforts is the dedication of new, experienced resources from the center toward a renewed effort to solve the quarter-century-old case.
Mayor Timothy Donohue spoke of the importance of the case as he presented McHale and Webster with the Mayor’s Certificate of Honor. The effort to resolve the case kicks off June 2 with a mobile command post located near where the youth was last seen.
Gravel Pits
An ordinance was up for second reading and adoption. The ordinance was the product of a long effort by the committee to revise regulations governing quarries. The potential adoption of the ordinance drew a number of residents whose homes border one of the quarries.
Donohue explained that the ordinance would be tabled for this meeting as discussions continue with quarry, mine and gravel pit owners. The township is trying to implement the new regulations in a way that will better protect the public and avoid significant conflict with quarry owners.
The existing ordinance dates to 1983. The recent rebuilding of the Garden State Parkway led to a request from one local pit operator to dig deeper than the 35 feet allowed by the ordinance in order to better supply gravel to the project. Residents raised concerns over such requests and the township found itself looking more closely at the 1983 ordinance.
The revised ordinance, temporarily tabled, retains the 35-foot limit and adds new regulations on when quarries can operate and how they must be maintained. These new regulations, welcomed by residents because they held the line on depth, still don’t offer the relief that some seek.
Ruth Jones told committee that she cannot enjoy her home which borders a gravel pit operation because of the noise. “The noise is awful,” she said. From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, she is unable to be outside or entertain people at her home.
Jim Roberts spoke of fears that pit depth is not monitored and deep pits, beyond levels allowed by the ordinance, might endanger the water supply. A number of residents urged the township to develop better mechanisms for monitoring what the pit owners do. Speakers’ exhibited concern that pit owners exceed depth requirements because they can get away with it.
The concerns demonstrate the problem facing the township as it attempts to tighten regulations. In a municipality with more gravel pits than the number of campgrounds for which it is better known, the township committee must strike a balance between residents’ concerns and the pit owners, who represent an important element in the township’s business environment.
One estimate placed at 20 operating and idle pits in Middle Township. There are currently nine mine licenses, but Committeeman Daniel Lockwood pointed out that quarry owners can have multiple mines under one license if their land area is big enough.
The hearing on the ordinance was postponed, but it will be back on the agenda.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.