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Shamong residents protest county roundabout survey, cite property impacts and years of ATV nuisance
Summary
Residents at the July 9 Shamong Township Committee meeting pressed officials over a county survey for a proposed roundabout they say threatens private property, and multiple neighbors described persistent ATV riding, dumping and safety risks at a sand pit; officials said enforcement and legal options are under review.
At a sometimes emotional public-comment session on July 9, long‑time residents pressed the Shamong Township Committee to oppose a county plan that they say could take parts of private yards to build a roundabout and to address chronic ATV and dumping problems at a nearby sand pit.
James G, who identified himself as the owner of a corner property in the industrial park, said he recently received a county letter advising that survey teams would return ahead of a proposed roundabout. “I’m gonna fight it tooth and nail,” he told the committee, saying the prospect of a right‑of‑way taking has already cost him potential buyers and stalled financing for improvements to the parcel. He urged the township to request a blinking light or a four‑way stop instead of the roundabout and said neighbors may pursue litigation if necessary.
Other residents described years of nuisance activity at the sand pit and nearby properties, including dirt bikes and ATVs racing at all hours, repeated dumping, and a near‑miss involving a school bus. “It’s a 24‑hour period of time — 27 vehicles stopping, staying for a short period, unloading bikes, then tearing off,” said resident Chris Thomas, who said the noise and safety risks have made life intolerable. Another speaker, Bill Ryan, said calls to state police have had limited effect and urged the township to send its solicitor to demand the absentee landowner secure the property.
Officials acknowledged the complaints and outlined next steps. A committee member said the township had received a June 26 letter from the county confirming upcoming property surveying and that the solicitor and township engineer will review the matter. The committee confirmed zoning enforcement actions and said violations and fines are being prepared for property owners who fail to secure their land; staff also noted that development (including a proposed solar field) could change site conditions and reduce illegal use.
The committee stopped short of a formal resolution opposing the county project at the July 9 meeting but encouraged affected homeowners to consult counsel and file legal challenges if they wish; one official offered to support neighbors’ litigation efforts. Town staff committed to further discussions with the county, consultation with the solicitor and engineer, and additional outreach to state police to address enforcement gaps.
The committee later resumed business after a lengthy public‑comment period and said it would report back on any substantive follow‑up.
