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Vineland council continues Cavallo Drive sewer assessment hearing after residents raise notice and affordability concerns
Summary
Residents told council they were not properly notified about the Cavallo Drive sewer project and called the assessment unfair; council continued the public hearing to a future date after the city acknowledged earlier certified‑mail shortfalls and the tax assessor was absent.
City of Vineland officials continued a public hearing on the Cavallo Drive sewer special assessment on Jan. 28, 2025, after several residents protested the process, questioned notification and affordability, and urged further review.
The council heard background from counsel that the sewer extension began after a March 2021 petition and a Land and Sewage Authority cost estimate. The final cost of the Cavallo Drive project was reported as $162,755.41; with 10 properties benefiting, the per‑lot assessment was calculated at $16,275.54. Property owners may pay in full or over 10 years with quarterly payments and interest at 6 percent, the council said. The city noted the 2021 notices were not mailed by certified mail as required, prompting a restart of the consent process in 2024.
Jeffrey Maddalina, a Cavallo Drive resident, told the council he had a failing septic system that forced frequent pumping and that he connected to the city sewer when it was installed. “I was not one of the residents that voted, but I did hook up,” Maddalina said, asking the council to consider his circumstances and to avoid making him “be put on the hook for $16,000.”
Other residents raised broader objections. Rich Farside said neighbors believed they would be re‑voted and that several households had submitted 'no' votes; he asked why the council was again advancing the assessment. Brian Danner read a written protest he said represented multiple households and accused the process of “misrepresentations, manipulations, extortion, and fraud,” and said residents intend to pursue review with the county prosecutor and other authorities.
Counsel for the city answered residents’ questions about how the assessment works: if a property owner does not connect to the city sewer the owner will not be charged now, counsel said, but if a future owner chooses to hook up the assessment will attach to the property. The city also said notices were mailed on Jan. 15, 2025, for this hearing and that the city tax assessor, Brian Conover, could not attend because he was ill.
Given the absent assessor and outstanding resident concerns about the notice and legal process, the council voted to continue the public hearing to a future, undetermined date so the assessor and other staff can respond to questions and affected residents can supply additional documentation. The motion to continue passed by roll call.
The council did not take a final vote on the assessment amount at the Jan. 28 meeting. Officials said residents will be notified by certified mail of the next hearing date. Those who wish to present evidence or ask questions were told they may return at the continued hearing.
