Residents press committee to challenge Pinelands growth designations and cite local wetlands, septic and flooding concerns

Several residents used public comment to press the township committee on growth and environmental protection under Pinelands designations and to raise infrastructure concerns.

Cindy Justice, who said she lives on Ivins Avenue, presented maps and photographs she said show wetlands, flood-hazard areas and invasive-plant damage in nearby neighborhoods. She urged the committee’s new municipal designee to the Pinelands Municipal Council to push back on regional growth designations and asked committee members for names of officials she could contact. “I wanna go to every Pinelands meeting with you,” Justice said, urging sustained local advocacy and offering to present more materials at the planning board meeting scheduled for the sixteenth.

Other commenters raised related points about septic failures and the arrival of sewer lines in low-lying areas, contending that development has stressed local infrastructure in some neighborhoods. Committee members thanked speakers and reminded residents that planning-board hearings and the township’s planning staff provide formal venues for evidence and proposals.

Chief McGlinchey, speaking for the police department, commended volunteer firefighters, public works and dispatchers for response work during the recent storm, described a surge in dispatch calls and said crews faced live-wire hazards and widespread downed trees. The committee agreed to publicly thank first responders and to include recognition in upcoming events.