Standing water a concern
for Highland Crest resident
SARAH McCOLGAN Marlboro resident Jo Goldberg believes water in a drainage area behind her home in the Highland Crest development may be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The mayor says the developer built the drainage area according to specifications set forth by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
MARLBORO — Recently, Town Hall was buzzing with the complaints of resident Jo Goldberg, who told the Township Council how she believes poor drainage on her property is creating a condition attracting mosquitoes.
However, despite Goldberg’s insistence that the problem is one that could be detrimental to children, the mayor has indicated that the drainage easement was constructed by the developer and approved by the township upon meeting the mandated specifications of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
At a recent meeting, council members listened as Goldberg spoke of the situation, which she claims affects between six and eight other neighbors in the Highland Crest housing development. She said improper drainage leading to "pooled stagnant water" in the rear yard of her home at 138 Rolling Hill Drive could pose a health hazard to residents.
She was especially concerned about the risk of the communication of West Nile virus. Goldberg said a pipe leading to a drainage outlet and swale (a type of ditch) gets clogged with mud and soot, creating stagnant pools of water.
The co-developer, Calton Homes of Manalapan, has been asked by the township several times to clear out the pipe connected to the outlet which has been depositing debris onto her property, according to Goldberg.
The Goldbergs are hoping to receive assistance through the DEP to get installation of a pipeline to help alleviate the situation. However, Goldberg and her husband, Dr. Michael Goldberg, are fearful they will be stuck with the bill to resolve the problem, which they claim did not exist two years ago when they moved into their home.
The area is usually wet, but Goldberg said she was told by an engineer she contacted that the area should be dry within 36 hours after a rainfall.
The standing water on Goldberg’s property, off Wyncrest Road, is similar to conditions on the land of those living near her; however, she said no one else has complained about the situation.
"It bothers people," she said. "It’s very dangerous for children. With this West Nile virus around us, you should not have pooled water. It has to be somebody’s responsibility. I need the mayor’s help."
Goldberg said she is afraid the DEP may refuse to assist, because the area 10 years ago was declared as wetlands.
Victoria Thompson, an environmental scientist with the Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission, said members of the commission inspected the site — along with the properties of four adjoining neighbors — and did not find anything amiss.
"The water’s been moving fine," Thompson said.
She said the commission had no record of any other complaints from Goldberg’s neighborhood. She said mosquito larvae had been detected only one time during the course of about four inspections at the location. Upon discovery, the larvae was treated with a diluted pesticide, Thompson said.
"We’ll continue to monitor, inspect it and treat it," she said.
Despite Thompson’s statement, Goldberg discussed a letter dated May 10 from the mosquito commission which refers to the "many complaints about mosquitoes from residents on Rolling Hill Road. Our inspector, Russ Brahn, has visited the site on numerous occasions and has found the swale does breed mosquitoes under wet conditions."
The letter, which was signed by mosquito commission Superintendent Martin S. Chomsky, continues, "After rain, ponding occurs in several spots in the drainage swale that runs behind houses No. 136, 138 and 140. When mosquito larvae have been found, the swale has been treated accordingly. The worst section is behind 138 Rolling Hill Drive."
Several mosquito commission service request reports from the last year indicated evidence of pooling and stagnant water and stated that if the area is not treated there could be a potential for mosquito breeding.
Thompson said there is no indication of any cases of West Nile virus in the area.
Mayor Matthew V. Scannapieco, who accompanied township engineer Bill Schultz and representatives from the developers to the site on July 9, said, "there was a light flow of water, but it was moving."
"It was a well maintained area. I did not see any standing water," the mayor said.
Scannapieco said the Goldbergs may have a better chance of getting assistance from the DEP if they appeal to the state agency themselves. He also suggested that Goldberg, in addressing the DEP, gather support from neighbors who also want to see the problem remedied.
The mayor said the drainage easement was approved by the council and the developers as per specifications established by the state.
As for any financial responsibilities of assisting the Goldbergs with paying for a solution, Scannapieco said he can’t speak for the developers, but asserted that the drainage easement was constructed to meet all specifications.
"The developers met their obligations," he said.
Asked if the township would partially fund any improvements, he said, "It’s not something that is commonly done, but that can’t be decided at this point in time."
First, the mayor said, the homeowners must petition the DEP and if changes were to be permitted, the council would need to hear the case before deciding whether the municipality would contribute any funds to addressing the situation.
A representative from Calton Homes could not be reached for comment. As of press time, the township engineering department did not verify if it had directed Calton Homes to clear out the pipes in the Highland Crest development.

