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Residents press Montville on redevelopment plans and use of Open Space funds for playgrounds and turf fields
Summary
During public comment Montville residents questioned a redevelopment ordinance, urged preservation of the 17 Chapin site and objected to using Open Space funds for turf fields citing environmental concerns; the township attorney and administrator explained the legal effect of redevelopment designation and said the Open Space appropriation only reserves funds, with no decision made on materials.
Montville residents used the public comment period on June 9 to press the township committee about redevelopment plans and the proposed use of Open Space funds for recreation improvements.
Melissa Benno asked questions about Redevelopment Ordinance 2026‑19 (the Daldunn Drive/Main Road/Route 287 area) and about Ordinance 2026‑21, which would authorize a capital expenditure of $498,000 from the Open Space, Recreation and Farmland Dedicated Trust Fund. Anthony Angioli suggested the township use open space funds proactively rather than solely for recreational upgrades and asked for more detail on Resolution 2026‑231 (a grant application to NJDOT for River Road improvements). Steven Benno raised questions about the redevelopment process.
Holly Cox of Towaco urged the township to preserve wooded areas and oppose installation of turf fields, saying such surfacing risks "plasticizing and contaminating the environment" and referenced statistics about chemical output. Cox also expressed gratitude that the township purchased the Route 202 property and noted concern about potential development at 17 Chapin.
Township Attorney Fred Semrau clarified that a redevelopment "designation" qualifies an area for redevelopment procedures while a redevelopment "plan"—if adopted as an ordinance—would set permitted uses and effectively lock those uses in. Administrator June Hercek said Ordinance 2026‑21 simply sets funds aside at the Recreation Commission's request for future replacement of playground components (soft surfacing, shade structures, drainage, pavers, seating) and that no decision has been made on exact replacement materials. The attorney reiterated that the 17 Chapin site will not allow uses beyond those already permitted under existing law if the plan is adopted as written.
Ordinances 2026‑17 through 2026‑21 were introduced at the meeting with public hearings set for June 23 where the committee will hear formal comment on the proposals.
