Arson suspect Curtis Westover brought some of his frustrations about his dealings with the local government to the Township Committee meeting Tuesday.
Speaking for more than 20 minutes, he talked about his zoning problems and agricultural deed restrictions on his Zion Road property and how the Zoning Board of Adjustment refused to hear his appeal of a ruling that a 2001 agricultural deed restriction applied to his property.
Mr. Westover was charged with the aggravated arson of an unoccupied 200-plus-year old Amwell Road house on March 18. Mr. Westover is out on $50,000 bail and faces arraignment April 13.
He said outside the meeting he didn’t have an attorney, but one was going to be provided to him.
In rambling comments, he said the Township Committee has the power to set the rules over its committees.
If the committee could help him, he said he asked the state government investigate the zoning board for not following ordinances.
Mayor Carl Suraci let Mr. Westover speak, and he often jumped from topic to topic and saying “let me say just one more thing.”
Township Attorney Albert Cruz advised the committee not to address Mr. Westover’s comments, noting Mr. Westover had sued in the past and said he might again.
Mr. Cruz told Mr. Westover the committee didn’t have jurisdiction to help Mr. Westover in his land use situation and said he had to file an application with either the planning or zoning adjustment board.
Mr. Westover, who carried his right arm in a sling, didn’t address the fire or his arrest.

