Maurice River Township committee adopts budget cap bank ordinance, approves resolutions and schedules affordable‑housing hearing

MAURICE RIVER — The Maurice River Township Committee on Thursday evening adopted two ordinances, approved a batch of routine resolutions and set a March public hearing on a new affordable‑housing article.

On unanimous votes (Ayes — Joe Sterling, Ben Stowman, Ken Whildin; no nays), the committee adopted Ordinance No. 762, a Calendar Year 2026 measure allowing the township to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits to establish a cap bank, and Ordinance No. 763, which amends the township construction‑permit fee schedule. Both were opened and closed for public comment and then adopted on motions by Deputy Mayor Joe Sterling, seconded by Committeeman Ben Stowman.

The committee also approved on first reading Ordinance No. 764, which would add Article 17 "Affordable Housing" to the township Land Development Regulations, and set a public hearing for March 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The proposed ordinance will be referred to the Maurice River Township Land Use Board for the statutory review required under N.J.S.A. 40:55D‑26 and related provisions.

The meeting’s consent agenda — approved in a single motion and roll call — included nine resolutions (Nos. 33–41, 2026). Those measures covered, among other items: a resolution expressing township support for Maurice River Township Fire District No. 4’s purchase of a replacement fire truck (Res. 33‑2026); cancellation of certain taxes and lien balances on township‑acquired properties (Res. 34‑2026); a $533.48 refund due to a successful 2025 tax appeal (Res. 35‑2026); application of a 100% permanently and totally disabled‑veteran tax exemption for a listed property (Res. 36‑2026); 2025 appropriation reserve transfers (Res. 38‑2026); approval to close Hunters Mill Road for the Tri‑County Sportsmen Greenbriar Enduro on March 8, 2026 (Res. 39‑2026); and the township’s agreement to support an AMA National Dual Sport Ride on existing trails Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2026 (Res. 40‑2026). The consent agenda also appointed additional members to the Parks and Recreation Committee for 2026 (Res. 41‑2026).

During the presentations portion of the meeting, County Veterans liaison Steve Cervini said the Veterans Park gazebo is paid for and in place and that volunteers are arranging crane set‑up and storage. "We have no issues with it being stored," Cervini said, describing next steps for installation. Local volunteer Roy Oliver asked the committee to present proclamations recognizing Cervini and John Ruga for their work on the Veterans Park and said advocates will meet with Congressman Van Drew as they pursue an Orange Heart designation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Rich Parent, who provided additional veterans‑affairs updates, encouraged veterans to obtain state veteran IDs and said county officials are working on kiosks and cemetery access; he also said Senator Testa is pursuing legislation to allow a $6,000 veteran income tax credit to pass to surviving spouses.

Corrine Mattos asked the committee for logistical support for a Young Life run/walk fundraiser planned to start at Thompson’s Beach boat launch and finish at East Point Lighthouse on April 25 (May 2 backup). She requested EMT support, police for crowd control, traffic cones and use of the township golf cart; Mayor Whildin cautioned that use of the lighthouse grounds requires an NJDEP special‑use permit.

In the public comment period, Jessica Humphreys of Port Elizabeth asked for transparency after her removal from the Parks and Recreation Committee and said she was not given an opportunity to address concerns prior to that decision. "I specifically asked who made the decision and why I was not given the opportunity to address any concerns prior to that decision being finalized," Humphreys said. Deputy Mayor Sterling said he would follow up and provide a letter addressing her questions. Brittany Campbell of Leesburg, who said she has documented texts and emails about committee practices, disputed allegations that she prevented a Recreation Association member from attending meetings.

Committee reports noted several ongoing items: Committeeman Ben Stowman said the Coastal Coalition approved a WEMMA app for township use and the Army Corps expects to meet a February dredging deadline despite earlier ice delays. Deputy Mayor Sterling said a Dunkin development proposal will appear before the Land Use Board in April. Mayor Whildin reported a DEP‑organized firefighting‑foam dropoff, work toward a regional ambulance service with a six‑month implementation timeline, continuing dredging work, and a county commitment of $500,000 to supplement a $1.2 million grant to raise County Road 616 at Crowder Run.

Engineer Cormac Morrissey referenced a written report filed with the meeting minutes. Solicitor Justin White reported receipt of a proposed memo of agreement from the union’s attorney for the committee’s review.

Treasurer and other departmental reports (Treasurer $655,705.43; Tax Collector $517,133.87) were approved and the committee authorized payment of properly signed bills. The committee scheduled the public sale of foreclosed township properties for March 16 during its agenda meeting and reiterated a community rabies clinic scheduled for March 14 at the Leesburg Firehouse.

The committee opened and closed a brief second public comment session and adjourned the meeting by unanimous motion.

Votes at a glance Ordinance No. 762 (cap bank) — adopted (Ayes: Sterling, Stowman, Whildin; Nays: none) Ordinance No. 763 (construction permit fees) — adopted (Ayes: Sterling, Stowman, Whildin; Nays: none) Ordinance No. 764 (Affordable Housing) — approved on first reading; public hearing set for March 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Consent Resolutions Nos. 33–41 (including fire truck support, tax cancellations, event permits) — adopted (Ayes: Sterling, Stowman, Whildin; Nays: none)

What’s next Public hearing on Ordinance 764: March 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.; public sale of foreclosed properties: March 16, 2026; Hunters Mill Road closure for Greenbriar Enduro: March 8, 2026; rabies clinic: March 14, 2026.