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Council vote fails to vacate short section of Burgher Road amid resident safety concerns
Summary
After a public hearing with multiple residents citing safety and size concerns, the council failed to adopt an ordinance to vacate a 77‑foot unimproved portion of Burgher Road (Ordinance 26‑02); the final vote was 2–3 against adoption.
The Vernon Township Council on Feb. 9 held a public hearing on Ordinance 26‑02, which would have released public rights in a 77‑foot, 20‑foot‑wide paper street segment of Burgher Road (Block 436, Lot 22). Several residents questioned the safety and dimensions of the road and the impact of vacating the paper street.
During the hearing Angelina Balini, Peg Distasi and Steve Dunlop raised concerns about public safety and whether the road’s closure would create access or maintenance issues. Applicants and property representatives including Ashley Reilly and Kevin Reilley spoke in favor of the vacation, citing benefits of the proposed change.
On the final roll‑call vote the ordinance failed to carry: Council Members Patrick Rizzuto and Bradley Sparta voted in favor; Council Members Carl Contino, Sandra Ooms and Council President William Higgins voted against adoption. The meeting minutes reflect the motion did not carry and the ordinance was recorded as "VOTE FAILED." The council referred to statutory notice and planning‑board review steps that had occurred earlier in the ordinance process but did not advance final adoption.
Because the motion failed, the public rights to the paper street remain in effect and no title apportionment or vacation recording will occur at this time. The council did not take further action on this ordinance at the Feb. 9 meeting.
