[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6045562,"mediaKeyId","3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83","parentId",3579869,"title","Residents press council on blighted lots; council reopens debate on recreational cannabis after five-year moratorium","audioSeconds",2708,"startMs",4744000,"endMs",7452000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83&start=4744&end=7452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83/thumbnail_4744000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6045562/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Residents-press-council-on-blighted-lots-council-reopens-debate-on-recreational-cannabis-after-five-year-moratorium","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045562-4401bd00efb522609868e4ed6393be01/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069679&Signature=i9k6ATS5~kBgthlAWAThhsI6rX12~1Nfy9NDZR6TbeAVELYuK459Sz2h-oFAt1v3fE5TYSLbiDH8DkXGP9gaoJR~T8dhq-nE0Negidv248~TLMs~fGVeQt-k02zEN2UueY81jEOIECuGxG~nLkrzEexc3dSnrK9AL4rysGRl5Zlwbrd-rgpKuwXddgE3AV~rJRU3zQos8-J0Ht-emzWn~F7QACa7WIbD0JhOH9-~k6C-adIjHjh55Tdp6cDsiO6a8ibPllNBDZuUm0ZvhMFQg~338QVf-2LpPboLV-vzhyG8xG-wBvDjyhyWjxInE73Qz64vjRJt8mBt4gSzAYj~YA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hopatcong Borough","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple Hopatcong residents used public comment to press the borough to address long-standing blight and to ask the council to consider policy changes.

In public comment, Denise Grosselis described two long-neglected properties — one on Billings and another on Durban Avenue near the elementary school — and urged the borough to enforce vacant-property and maintenance standards. The administrator confirmed that the zoning officer handles property-maintenance complaints and encouraged residents to submit photos and addresses so staff can investigate and, where needed, initiate enforcement.

Separately, several council members reopened a previously tabled debate about retail recreational cannabis. The borough adopted a five-year moratorium in 2020; council members said that moratorium expires this month and that Hopatcong should study whether to permit retail sales as a revenue source. Mayor Marie Gulati noted the borough’s 2019 vote share in favor of legalization and asked for an analysis comparing neighboring towns’ experience and revenues. Council members proposed gathering the following before any decision: year-over-year municipal revenue data from nearby municipalities with dispensaries, law-enforcement impact reports, and school-system perspectives.

Public commenters urged quick action. Lynn Ritchie, a resident who described visiting dispensaries in other towns, said legal retail outlets are secure, regulated and fast transactions and argued that Hopatcong risks losing the economic opportunity if it waits: “We’re broke. The town has new money coming in here,” Ritchie said, urging council members not to let a market window close to neighboring towns.

Council members agreed to collect data from towns that have permitted retail cannabis and to invite relevant officials — including the police chief and representatives from towns that host dispensaries — to explain operational experience and enforcement consequences. Councilmembers emphasized they will solicit public input before any ordinance decision.

Ending: The council instructed staff to compile a data-driven report on revenue, public-safety experience and zoning implications for retail cannabis, and to produce options for public hearings. Separately, the borough asked residents with concerns about blighted properties to provide addresses and photos to staff so enforcement action can proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hopatcong Borough 04 16 25 Mayor Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters urged the borough to address abandoned, unsightly properties; councilmembers also reconvened discussion about lifting Hopatcong’s five-year ban on retail recreational cannabis sales and asked staff to gather comparative revenue and enforcement data from neighboring towns.","taxTitle","Hopatcong, Sussex County, New Jersey","taxId",70491,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045567,"Council accepts bids on three borough parcels; two sales completed, one passed with no bids",862,4314000,5176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83&start=4314&end=5176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83/thumbnail_4314000.jpg","/articles/6045567/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Council-accepts-bids-on-three-borough-parcels-two-sales-completed-one-passed-with-no-bids","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045567-01799a643df698a7a9b4d9307144c10a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069679&Signature=MOXPWNZP6jmEgBakQ4S6SbgPpH7Yk1yWvF5SK1hnciVTJD5IVYVuExp-bixYfCMeuK3k6QAXuBpRw5obkIxLVVWuF7gD6T37zx2EfSVVHwthUDcXXgzB4wyJVFf-f4ZoDod4qDFmqn6FYRBidnlnz7hez1c4Y9yEAhGhg2B0mn2~Llcr2mz-Fcz8ZU1BDkGUadM3SiKkopk3Gk05XDyDXm0Ccy10VPJlMPXOtDGVDZeqm87ZxMD3Lem1bzo6Y4raf4T6eV0uTcgvQTWdgUUoFQHSRs-jPj~2Pfww1EzMFPsdPHlF0jPZ7cCQwYJe8CJyCvgefV-ImtW0Uj7uDOSGhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hopatcong offered three municipal properties for public auction April 17; council members accepted winning bids on two lots and closed the third auction after no offers.

Attorney Madison opened the session noting the deposit and legal-fee requirements for successful bidders. The first parcel — listed as Lot 70107 (Isabelle Avenue) — drew one visible bidder and the council accepted the minimum opening bid. On a roll call, the council authorized the sale at $25,000; purchasers identified themselves in the meeting record as Elizabeth and Keith Terwiller.

Two nonconforming lots were then auctioned to adjacent property owners. Block 40909, Lot 6 (1 Toledo Court) received a winning bid of $6,725; the council approved the sale and recorded the purchaser’s name as Cameron Trout. A second nonconforming parcel, Block 40414, Lot 39 (124 Jefferson Trail), attracted no bids and the council closed that auction with no sale.

Clerk and attorney staff reminded buyers that required deposits (10% of the bid) and a $450 legal fee were due by the borough’s stated deadline and that closings would be processed through the clerk’s office.

Ending: Successful bidders were given follow-up instructions and the unsold lot will remain on the market for future disposition.","At the April 17 meeting the council accepted winning bids on two municipal lots and closed a third auction without a sale. The council approved sale of a conforming Isabelle Avenue lot for $25,000 and a neighboring nonconforming lot for $6,725; a third property drew no bids and remains unsold.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045572,"Hopatcong introduces 2025 budget as auditor flags fund-balance decline, lists 15 fixes",3044,6525000,9569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83&start=6525&end=9569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83/thumbnail_6525000.jpg","/articles/6045572/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Hopatcong-introduces-2025-budget-as-auditor-flags-fund-balance-decline-lists-15-fixes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045572-32312e6eb7802733baa7da47e9630514/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069679&Signature=Gn-oBhzdAyyUd8myvNUtjl0rzNTj09yB7J~J0Y8xiPlDT-A~OTbRAJVjM6ONco5aWY3v1cSm-mqubIeDEWXrLI5iGTvwexGz6h2mPRhoKyUhsl~zsb8axB-sp3mFuy09WFKet2FkoMj8sfNq4QUKt5D-CE91n4Gnw9Tt3WDvT0sysGG~JPojHbVFNsFXhrx~LlkPmq633FQqnmYA1qnijdN-13zY5tbdldQhxZ~UhG~u-JqDgX0w1FaaM5vduJRx~ywbNbSeQoYRV2HpsJUGhvnuZKEaxFwYr9XaMsQvgiG68k8~WHc6ZaVtyrgZkuJ4~OyYtBJiKHQMQ2TMNlIIAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hopatcong officials introduced the 2025 municipal budget on April 17; the package complies with state levy and appropriation caps but calls for an 8.5% increase in the municipal tax levy.

Ray Cerinelli, the borough’s auditor, presented the budget framework and a draft audit. Cerinelli said the levy increase would translate to about $180 a year for a homeowner with a $380,000 assessed property and described the drivers of the increase: a sharp reduction in available fund balance, inflationary pressures (including sizable increases in employee health insurance and pension costs), and a shift toward a longer-term capital financing plan.

Ceroinelli told the council that fund balance — the borough’s primary reserve — declined from about $6.47 million at the start of 2024 to roughly $5.40 million at year-end, a drop of approximately $1.1 million. He said the decline reflected several factors: a decrease in tax collections year-over-year, smaller-than-usual lapsing appropriations (less unspent budget returning to fund balance), and increased interfund receivables that “restrict” the usable fund balance.

On the draft audit, Cerinelli listed 15 recommendations to improve controls and reporting. The items include: better segregation of duties where feasible; maintenance of fixed-asset records; timely deposit and correct posting of receipts; monthly bank reconciliations; posting prior-year journal entries to keep the general ledger in sync with financial statements; tighter review of third-party payroll remittances; stricter card and purchase-order controls; and improved accounting for trust assessments and grant receivables.

Cerinelli said some issues reflect turnover in the borough’s finance office during 2024 and that many recommendations are already being addressed by the recently appointed finance staff. He singled out the need for timely bank reconciliations and consistent recording of receipts as high priorities.

The council voted to introduce the 2025 budget on a roll-call vote: Bongiovanni, Falcone, Johnson, Kucovic, Rodriguez and Smith all voted yes. The introduction begins the public-notice and hearing process required under state law.

Ending: Council and staff said they will publish budget details and that the borough’s finance team will produce clearer public materials showing the dollar impact on typical residential properties and the separate school-tax effect. Auditor Cerinelli and borough finance staff agreed to continue working with council to implement the 15 audit recommendations.","The council introduced a 2025 municipal budget calling for an 8.5% tax-levy increase; auditor Ray Cerinelli highlighted a roughly $1.1 million decline in general fund balance in 2024 and issued 15 recommendations to tighten controls and accounting procedures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6045577,"Hopatcong council debates carve-out, process change for commercial vehicle parking",0,3032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83&start=3032&end=3032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3579869-ee7fcba9fbf3dd69d6d0c37e1ce1dd83/thumbnail_3032000.jpg","/articles/6045577/Hopatcong/Sussex-County/New-Jersey/Hopatcong-council-debates-carve-out-process-change-for-commercial-vehicle-parking","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6045577-cd6b80a5c802474a2f16f0b99cc40769/orig.mp4?Expires=1775069679&Signature=fJ7qFRN4xiRb5Hd-t-z0FBPyNMp2VD5mwZdbmlgx1HoGWDarJZ7DVqTgwi9vgOuX8YA0wuEAyv7qk~VpyVOGtxZ4O71F0inGfty1MAsPDKja-Vubrde2~m5COfg2X5pgSvGCcbWnSlpqlChm8NRvYhw-rUd4f9n6qm8jTumBD4MyVDhuAkdz4kjOn2WdayZNemb-kkaBjRMWbHtTGRT1JiktH3jP0iW6doKy1BxXkuD-bOIlpIEoXuRIZUqjC5huT8U4JIa0GIfrbY3Obzy95WbUt9jP1~uhMd0U1FQm9M7lO0ey-kJfmJXOqash6UL6eZO~vTZODzAsCkKYWYM4DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hopatcong officials spent the April 17 work session debating how to handle large commercial vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods and whether to add a targeted exemption for state-registered vehicles.

The issue began with a staff overview that traced prior ordinance changes and enforcement problems and a recent complaint about a state-registered utility truck parked near a narrow roadway. The draft amendment under consideration would add one sentence to the borough’s 2017 commercial-vehicle parking rule to permit parking or garaging of vehicles registered to the State of New Jersey so long as they do not exceed 19,500 pounds.

The discussion focused less on the wording of that single sentence than on whether a carve-out for state vehicles is the right policy. Bill O’Connor, Hopatcong’s building subcode official, told the council that the existing rule is enforced by weight and by registration category, and that most conflicts are resolved informally. He also said residents can request variances from the land-use board but that the current variance process can be costly: “Right now, it’s approximately $1,500 to $1,700,” O’Connor said, adding that fees include engineering review that drive up the cost.

O’Connor and other staff proposed an alternate approach: rather than changing the ordinance to favor a single registration category, the borough should create a streamlined, low-fee variance or special permit process through the land-use board that would allow neighbors to be notified and the board to attach conditions. “Make it simple,” O’Connor said, describing a minimal application and a zoning permit with conditions rather than a full, engineer-reviewed variance.

Council members raised competing concerns. Some argued a targeted exemption for state workers who need 24/7 access could avoid hardship for emergency responders and public-service staff; others said carving out one registration type would create fairness questions and could invite requests from many other commercial operators. Council members also noted the community impact where large vehicles block sight lines or require DPW to plow around parked trucks in winter.

After extended discussion, the council decided to pause on immediate ordinance language. At the meeting the council voted to table Ordinance 4-2025 — the proposed amendment — and directed staff to develop a process option for land-use review with a lower fee and notification requirements so neighbors can weigh in. The motion to table passed on a roll-call vote of those present: Bongiovanni, Falcone, Johnson, Kucovic, Rodriguez and Smith all voted yes.

What happens next: staff and the land-use board will be asked to draft a low-cost application and notification model for consideration at a future council meeting. The council’s direction leaves the borough enforcing the current weight- and registration-based rule while it develops the alternative process.

Ending: The council emphasized the need to balance quality-of-life concerns of neighbors with reasonable accommodations for residents who operate commercial or emergency-response vehicles from their homes. The item will return for further consideration once staff and the land-use board outline an administrable permit process.","Council members and staff debated adding a single-sentence carve-out to Hopatcong's commercial-vehicle parking rule to allow state-registered vehicles up to 19,500 pounds, and instead agreed to study an alternate process that would let residents apply for limited variances through the land-use board with a lower fee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on blighted lots; council reopens debate on recreational cannabis after five-year moratorium

Council accepts bids on three borough parcels; two sales completed, one passed with no bids

Hopatcong introduces 2025 budget as auditor flags fund-balance decline, lists 15 fixes

Hopatcong council debates carve-out, process change for commercial vehicle parking