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Residents press Montague officials on reassessment, campground permits and speeding during public comment
Summary
At the March 25 meeting residents urged the township to pursue reassessment, sought clarity on campground permitting and site-plan requirements, criticized handling of the Tri-State Mall, and flagged speeding on River Road; officials described permitting rules, said a reassessment is county-ordered, and noted expanded sheriff patrols.
Several Montague residents used the March 25 public-comment period to press township officials on property valuation, campground permitting and public-safety concerns.
Caitlin Statkus, who said she serves on the Montague School Board, asked whether Montague is preparing for a reassessment, citing what she described as a large difference between town-assessed value and a Tax Court valuation presented during a school budget discussion. Statkus said the town collects "$357,164,900 of value" while the Tax Court value was "$530,390,407," and urged reassessment as a way to spread tax burdens more evenly. Attorney Rossmeissl responded that a revaluation is done when the County orders it and that the township is at most two years away from a revaluation; he explained the difference between revaluation and reassessment in general terms.
Benjamin and John Stoltzfus, representing Lake Haven Campground (Pond’s Edge), said they have been repairing utilities and were told by municipal inspectors to stop work because a current site plan and zoning/permits are required. Clerk Klinger and Mayor Zitone explained that campgrounds are treated as public facilities requiring site plans (including water-line mapping and RV pad locations) and that older 50-year-old records are no longer sufficient; they advised the owners to meet with Construction Official Mr. Huber and offered to review what files the township already holds. The owners said they were frustrated by repeated inspections and by perceived mixed messaging about what work was permitted without a current site plan.
Caitlin Statkus and other speakers raised concerns about the Tri-State Mall vacancy and questioned whether township regulations discourage small businesses; Committee members responded that revitalization attempts had failed, that lease arrangements and bank ownership have constrained smaller tenants, and encouraged prospective business owners to consult the Zoning Official, George Hutnick, for requirements. Several committee members disputed an assertion that the township is unduly restrictive and noted communication gaps between new business owners and township staff.
Steve Maris, a Shore Drive resident, urged more weekend enforcement for speeding on River Road (he cited weekend mid-day speed spikes) and suggested State Police detail on weekends; officials noted the recently expanded Sheriff contract and said State Police can be asked to supplement enforcement on targeted schedules.
The Committee closed public comment after these remarks and moved on to executive session.
