John S. Kocubinski, of North Hanover Township
I, with three other residents, attended the North Hanover Committee Meeting on Nov. 6.
Since the governing body of a municipality is where key tax, budget and policy decisions are made, it is not only appropriate to encourage the public to attend, it is essential. After all, the public body is making decisions that impact the entire community.
Mayor Quackenboss discussed with other committee members information, which included possible financial plans to improve and resurface all roads (25 miles) in the township with an estimated cost of $7 million.
The discussion questioned a one- and three-year plan with possible funding approaches. Since the 2014 township budget indicates only $10,000 has been budgeted toward capital spending, I would question if this is adequate funding in the municipal budget to cover the down payment on either a bond anticipation note or a one year bond ordinance.
Mayor Quackenboss indicated a decision would be made at the next Township Committee meeting, which will be held Dec. 4.
During the Township Committee comments period, Deputy Mayor Durr advised other committee members that he met with representatives of New Jersey Natural Gas relating to plans for a natural gas pipeline connecting the Township of Chesterfield into North Hanover Township and appeared to be negotiating possible opportunities.
The route details crossing the Hlubik Farm in Chesterfield, then on to Harrison Road, Paulson Road and Arneytown-Chesterfield Road in North Hanover Township. The route would then continue into Monmouth and Ocean counties.
This appears to be a substantial infrastructure expansion project in Burlington County, and with the exception of Harrison Road, the others are county roads.
I was not able to ask any questions related to his discussion points as the open public comment period is held at the beginning of the meeting.
This would represent a substantial project in the very rural northern section of our township. It is central to deciding to what a community will look like coupled with the quality of its environment.
Perhaps additional information relating to this project will be discussed at the Dec. 4 meeting.
As a recommendation, once notified of this major proposal, I would suggest Mayor Quackenboss should have invited a representative from New Jersey Natural Gas coupled with a Burlington County freeholder representative, who is responsible for county roads, to come to a Township Committee meeting to provide more details about this possible project instead of making general comments.
