Princeton Township Committee agrees to cuts, but total payout per property owner still more than $30,000.
By: David Campbell
The Princeton Township Committee, responding to outcries by some neighbors, agreed Monday night to a revised proposal to install a sewer extension on Princeton-Kingston Road between Poe Road and Carnegie Drive that shaves $252,000 in costs and extends neighbors’ payment plan from 10 to 20 years.
"Everything has been looked at, and we’re trying to do the very best thing, not just for the neighborhood but for the community," said Mayor Phyllis Marchand during a public hearing attended by a contingent of neighbors largely opposed to the plan.
"We have done our utmost to get this project down to the lowest possible cost," Mayor Marchand said.
On April 7, the committee introduced an ordinance appropriating $705,600 for a plan under which between 17 and 20 residences on Princeton-Kingston Road would be assessed about $35,000 each by the township to cover the cost of the sewer extension.
Residents would also have to pay a fee of about $5,000 by the Princeton Sewer Operating Committee to hook up to the new sewer line.
Following concerns raised over the high cost of the project by some neighbors, the committee agreed to explore ways to reduce the expense.
On Monday night, the committee voted to reject the introduced ordinance, then voted to introduce a new ordinance appropriating $453,600 for the project, a $252,000 decrease.
According to Township Engineer Robert Kiser, the high cost of the 1,300-foot extension was due in large part to the roadwork that would be needed to tear up a thick concrete base to the road and then refill and repave to satisfy state Department of Transportation standards.
To spare neighbors, the committee agreed to cover the cost for the roadwork under a general rather than a special assessment, meaning that the township as a whole will foot the bill.
Because three residents have opted to seek easements to connect to existing sewers, 17 homes will now bear the remaining cost for the sewer project at $26,353 per household, plus the SOC’s hookup fee, though township officials said hookup is not mandatory.
In addition, Township Attorney Edwin Schmierer said residents may pay the amount over 20 years instead of the customary 10 years, at the township’s 2-percent interest rate.
"We took a look at how we could spread this payment out as long as possible," Mr. Schmierer said.
Several residents voiced concern and opposition over the sewer project, including Alexandra Shulzycki of 747 Princeton-Kingston Road, who said she had a new septic system installed last year that uses the latest environmental advances, but will still have to pay for the unwanted sewer.
Elizabeth Steward of 774 Princeton-Kingston Road said she has had a septic system for years and had no trouble, and indicated that because she lives on a retiree’s fixed income, she is concerned about losing her home.
"I want to stay in my house, it has a beautiful garden," Ms. Steward said. "These prices have shattered my savings."
Attorney Joseph Stonaker, representing Walter Foster of 740 Princeton-Kingston Road, said, "I am encouraged by the changes you are proposing with this ordinance, but my clients still strongly object."
Mr. Stonaker called the special assessment the highest he has seen in his 40 years in practice, doubted Mr. Kiser’s claim that the job might cost less than estimated, and said no action should be taken until costs for residents are finalized.
Chris Myers, a new homeowner in the neighborhood, said, "I’m very much for the sewer easement, but I also see other people to whom it doesn’t make sense."
Mr. Myers proposed, among other things, that neighbors work together possibly to reduce hookup costs through joint contracting for the work.
A public hearing on the revised ordinance is scheduled for May 19.