COURT HOUSE — When Middle Township residents fingered through Public Works Department pamphlets that were left in their doors, some were surprised at what they found inside.
The pamphlet’s “How to Dispose of” list details for residents the method of getting rid of the things they no longer want.
Old refrigerators, for instance, must have their doors removed and be laid face down before they are picked up curbside while computers and other electronics require a call for pick up.
The residents’ surprise, however, came when they saw where the township suggested they go to dispose of their tree roots, stumps and logs.
“(Those items) Are not picked up by the township. The homeowner will have to arrange for their disposal,” the brochure stated. “They can be taken to Future Mining on Goshen Road or any class B recycling facility.”
Similarly, the pamphlet also suggests residents take their construction material to Future Mining.
“Sheet rock, lumber, shingles, floor tiles etc. are not picked up by the township or the trash contractor. This material is the responsibility of the contractor or the property owner,” according to the brochure. “Asphalt, concrete, cinder blocks and bricks are not picked up either. They may be taken to Future Mining and Recycling or any other approved Class B recycler.”
Residents were upset due to the promotion of a private business in a township publication, especially because it was this particular private business.
Future Mining is in the midst of a heated site plan application before the township Zoning Board. The company wants to close its existing mining pit and recycling center on Goshen Road and transfer the operation to a 253-acre site off Indian Trail Road in Burleigh.
Scores of residents have attended numerous zoning board hearings in opposition of the planned project. The township is also tied up in litigation related to the project and an outstanding balance of over $180,000 in host community benefits owed by the company.
Because of this controversy, residents were more than surprised when they saw the Public Works pamphlets.
“I was horrified by this brochure,” said Carole Mattessich, an attorney involved in the Future Mining application and litigation.
She said she was speaking as a Middle Township resident and not as an interested attorney.
Mattessich said Future Mining was the only private company listed in the municipal document. She said she worried about the implications involved with the township “partnering” with a private business and the appearance it creates.
Township resident Madeline Filipsky said when she saw the pamphlet she first thought the township was advertising a company that hasn’t been paying its weight.
“I can’t believe you don’t understand the perception in the community or the hard feelings the relationship with this company has with the community,” she said.
Township Administrator James Alexis defended the brochure saying it has been around for many years. It was started when the township realized it was sending tons of recyclable material to the dump each year.
Future Mining is the only Class B recycling center in the township and taxpayers receive the host community benefit by taking their recyclables there, he said.
Middle Township’s recycling efforts, including the brochure, helped it get a $34,872 recycling grant check from the state Department of Environmental Protection. It was the highest amount awarded to any municipality in Cape May County.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
Wildwood – Why is there only one place to vote in for the city of Wildwood elections and why was only the friends and family of the politicians , working the polls that day ? Smells fishy….
