BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The township took the first of many steps in connecting the Deans Pond Lane West area to local water and sewer lines, though all agreed that there was still a great deal of work yet to be done.
The required $500,000 bond ordinance was introduced by the Township Council after some debate. The ordinance brings the township one step further on a matter that has been met with frequent delays and frustrations. Efforts to bring water and sewer lines to the Deans Pond Lane West area have been going on for years. While the majority of residents are in favor of the connection, according to a poll the township sent out, about eight people are not, due to concerns about the property value reassessment and a probable tax increase that would need to follow in its wake.
Deputy Mayor Carol Barrett was not in favor of introducing the bond ordinance, which would pay for the assessment because she felt that the people opposed to the project had not been given sufficient opportunity to voice their concerns. She was in favor of calling more meetings before further action would be taken.
“I’m not against water and sewer in that part of town. … My problem is the procedure we’re going about it. We should never have something on this dais that affects a whole neighborhood without talking to the neighbors,” Barrett said.
“I am against introducing anything until our residents have a chance to meet with our professionals,” Barrett said.
Residents who assembled at the meeting were highly critical of any further delays, saying that if those opposed didn’t want water and sewer connections, they didn’t have to take them. A measure that most people want, it was reasoned, should not be held up by a small minority. Those speaking in favor of the measure said that the delays have cost them thousands of dollars in septic and well repairs, as well as diminished their quality of life. They urged the council to move forward on getting water and sewer lines out to that area.
“There could be 200 potential users of this line,” said resident Howard Bellizio, a former mayor. “I think it should be introduced.”
The current arrangement, residents said, was simply not working. People came forward saying that their wells have been contaminated with chemicals that seeped into the groundwater and that their septic systems have needed multiple repairs, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Kevin Bellizio, of Homestead Lane, said he received notice in 1996 that his wells were contaminated with dry cleaning chemicals. Tired of delays, he demanded the council “get off [their] duffs and do something.”
“Every time I flush, is it going to come back to haunt me?” he asked.
“If I have to fix my septic system, I’m looking at 30 to 40 grand. … Get it over, get it done!” said he added.
While the initial bond ordinance was introduced, it was said that an analysis of potential low-cost alternatives, such as the use of a gravity system instead of a mechanical pump station, still needed to be produced. Councilman Charles Carley said he wants this study completed posthaste.
“I’m all for moving forward for getting the funding in place, but for Pete’s sake, let’s get a competent analysis,” Carley said.
Mayor Frank Gambatese also said that while he is eager to move forward, having expressed his dislike of septic systems in the past, another meeting with residents who are both for and against the measure was in the cards.
“I think we need to show good faith that we are serious about this,” Gambatese said.
A public hearing and final vote on the ordinance is expected to take place on Aug. 28. Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz said that in the meantime, an analysis on the cheapest way to connect the water and sewer lines will be determined. A meeting sometime around the middle of August will take place to explain the proposal to residents.