Montgomery response on Dutchtown Zion Road

Committeewoman Louise Wilson of Montgomery
    I will attempt to address the questions and issues raised by Mr. Eric Weitze about the unpaved portion of Dutchtown Zion Road in the Sourland Mountain area.
   The fact that this short portion of Dutchtown Zion Road remains unpaved is a source of extreme frustration to Mr. Weitze and others who dislike driving on the dirt and gravel.
   Everyone concerned understands that this section of road is the responsibility of Hillsborough Township. Montgomery has approached Hillsborough public works to public works, engineer to engineer, administrator to administrator, and elected officials to elected officials, verbally and in writing. We have cited the 1978 road maintenance agreement between Hillsborough and Montgomery, and have asked that they address the drainage problems and apply a paved or macadam surface to address the problem of literally tons of road material eroding into the woods and into Rock Brook.
   Montgomery has recently upheld its end of the 1978 agreement, but frankly we did not do so for the first 25 that the agreement was in place. Our Township Committee is not willing to spend Montgomery tax dollars to pave a section of road for which we are not responsible, nor are we willing to sue Hillsborough to try to force them to pave a quarter mile of dirt road. Mr. Weitze is probably correct that a chip seal surface would cost Hillsborough considerably less than the maintenance they currently provide, but fixing the drainage issues properly may be far more expensive and require DEP permits.
   Montgomery has brought the runoff problems directly to the attention of the appropriate water quality officials at DEP. We appreciate that Mr. Weitze also has done so, and are pleased that DEP now is paying attention. Hillsborough recently took steps to reduce runoff, placing rip-rap in ditches between the road and the brook.
   I respect the extraordinary amount of time and effort that Mr. Weitze has devoted to this matter. The Township Committee has discussed it publicly and at length over the past few years. While we feel that a simple paved surface is desirable both for convenience and for water quality, this project is not Montgomery’s to undertake. We have shared with Mr. Weitze our view that the best way to appeal to Hillsborough’s elected officials is through Hillsborough voters.
   This small section of Dutchtown Zion Road is not the only unpaved road in Montgomery or along its borders, and certainly is not the only unpaved road in the Sourlands. These roads are dusty when it’s dry and muddy when it’s wet, and they are bumpy. The prudent driver takes it slow. They are a peculiarity of the beautiful part of New Jersey we live in. Some people love ‘em and others obviously don’t.
   Capital projects are considered anew every year. Some future Township Committee may decide to pave a section of road that is not Montgomery’s responsibility. Personally, I am not comfortable setting that precedent.
   Best wishes to all as summer winds down and the school year starts up.
Committewoman Louise Wilson
Montgomery Township