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Residents press Pittsgrove Committee on speeding, road ownership and taxes during public comment
Summary
During public comment at the Aug. 27 meeting, residents and local candidates urged the committee to address speeding on county and township roads, requested signage and traffic studies, questioned ownership of Rainbow Trail, and raised concerns about taxes and the township surplus.
Speakers during the public comment period at the Aug. 27 Pittsgrove Township Committee meeting urged action on several local concerns, most prominently speeding and heavy‑truck traffic on township and county roads.
Henry Papiano, assistant coach for the Schalick High School football program, introduced four members of the team’s Leadership Council and thanked the township for its support; he invited committee members to a team meal on Sept. 10, 2025. Charles Knobloch, representing the Fork Bridge Road Citizens Group, said the group is preparing a narrative to seek SJTPO funding for a traffic study and thanked the Committee for placing a supporting resolution on the agenda.
Kathy Borodaeff of Pittsgrove asked for a horse‑crossing sign and a speed limit sign on Dutch Row Road, a county road she described as "dangerous." Several speakers raised the broader concern that large trucks and speeding pose safety risks on local roads.
Candidate Matthew Berger said canvassing showed taxes were a common topic among voters and asked about the size of the township surplus and the Committee’s plans for it; Mayor Copare directed him to contact township professionals for specific financial details. Candidate Nicholas Mesiano repeated concerns about truck traffic on Gershal Avenue, saying, "The trucks are horrible," and expressed disappointment that a Gershal Avenue study had not been approved at county level.
Resident Dennis DiSanti said he had contacted the State about a 700‑foot portion of Rainbow Trail and was told the State does not own that segment; DiSanti asserted the road is a Township road and asked the Committee to issue a decision on ownership and maintenance before the next meeting. Christina Mesiano asked for clarification about an alleged change to B1 zoning near 6‑Points; Solicitor Marmero and Mayor Copare replied that no zoning change has occurred and that any change would require a Planning Board ordinance and subsequent Township Committee action.
The Committee closed public comment after the remarks and proceeded with the consent agenda. No formal committee decision on Rainbow Trail ownership or on the Gershal Avenue issues was recorded in the minutes; the Fork Bridge Road traffic study was advanced via Resolution No. 133 to county consideration.
