UPPER FREEHOLD: Campground owner wants to extend visitors’ stays

By Jane Meggitt, Special Writer
UPPER FREEHOLD — The new owner of a Route 537 campground would like Upper Freehold’s governing body to ease the time limit for guests staying at the facility.
The issue was discussed at the July 10 Township Committee meeting.
The property, formerly known as Laurel Pond RV Resort, is now operating as Crystal Springs Wilderness Lodge and RV Resort.
In a letter to municipal clerk Dana Tyler dated April 7, the site’s owner/developer, Anthony G. Alves, of Millstone, requested that the township change its ordinance restricting guests from occupying the park’s trailer sites for more than 70 days. Mr. Alves requested an ordinance change to 180 days.
“The current restriction keeps out some of the very people we all would like to see buying units and staying at the campground,” according to the letter. “There are several guests and potential owners, who reside in warmer climates, that would like to spend three months in the summer and another month during the holiday season at the campground, while visiting family.”
The letter cited the 70-night restriction as a “deal breaker.”
Deputy Mayor Robert Frascella said it is his understanding that the 70-day limit prevented kids staying at the campground from attending the Upper Freehold Regional School District (UFRSD).
Mr. Alves’ attorney, Seth Josephson, said a deed restriction would ensure that no unit owner or tenant could claim the unit as a permanent residence or register children in the UFRSD. Mr. Josephson said that they have the legal ability to prevent an owner or tenant from using the school system. Mr. Josephson also explained that, rather than the handwritten log books used by the previous owner, there would now be a key or card system for the campground gate so that anyone entering or leaving the premises could be tracked. He added that there is an onsite property manager and that none of the owners or tenants could receive mail at the site.
Township Administrator Dianne Kelly said that she has spoken with UFRSD officials in the past, and that the school doesn’t look at deeds on temporary residences. She said that, under the prior owner, there were school buses going into the campground and children going to school, even though restrictions were in place.
“What if the property owner or management changes and the [deed restriction] isn’t enforced?” she asked.
Township Attorney Dennis Collins said the proposed change should be sent to UFRSD’s counsel.
“Let them weigh in on it and see if they’re comfortable with the restrictions,” he said. 