LAKEHURST – During a recent Borough Council meeting, a few residents noted some concerns about “having a (cannabis) dispensary in our back yard. We were never informed that this was approved for a dispensary.”
Mayor Harry Robbins responded, “what happens is they purchased the property. They don’t have a state license yet but what has to happen is that they have to go through and get approvals on things – parking spaces, the layout, the whole nine yards.”
Then, the property owners are only required to notify people who live within 200 feet of that building, he said. “That is the law. That is how it is.”
“At that time, all the residents who live out there can come and voice their opinions (during the Land Use Meeting). They won’t be coming before us for months. Our Land Use Board does a great job. They question everything. They are residents, too, and they do their job,” the mayor said.
Borough attorney Ian Goldman said an ordinance had been approved and noticed for a second dispensary to be permitted in the area of Route 70 and Lake Avenue. An application has to be approved by the state and a change of use (currently a law office) has to also be granted. “You will have your time to voice your objection.”
Lake Needs Lifeguard
The borough still needs a lifeguard at Lake Horicon. Councilman Robert McCarthy reluctantly noted during the last council meeting that the lake will remain closed to swimmers until that vacancy is filled.
Council President Steven Oglesby asked about the status of the lake barrier in reference to an ongoing sand erosion issue at Lake Horicon. “I know we’ve had several days of extreme wind and we’ve been watching all that sand blow away.”
“The problem is that there are so many other priorities at the moment (concerning the work of the Public Works Department). It is not something that will go on the wayside. We just have so many other higher priorities at the moment,” Councilwoman Patria Hodges replied.
She mentioned some pear tree removals and some work on cleaning out catch basins on Union Avenue. She also noted that the lake’s bulkhead project would continue even if the lake wasn’t lowered this year.
This empty lifeguard chair at Horicon Lake needs to be filled. Lakehurst Borough officials are seeking applicants to serve as lifeguards at the lake which will allow for swimming to occur there off Union Avenue. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Hodges noted that there had been discussions about garbage pickup issues but nothing had been decided yet.
Mayor Robbins reported on a Department of Transportation grant of $197,000 and a road project that came out to cost $220,000 and “that just isn’t going to work.”
Councilwoman Dugan recommended that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) be used for “bathrooms at the ballfield.”
“I attended the Board of Education meeting but it was canceled. On September 18 we are having here (at the Lakehurst Community Center) Mike Mahoney of the Ocean County Library (Manchester Branch) who will provide a program about the rich history of Manchester and Lakehurst for people who are new here and for people who have lived here a great while and it will cover things you might be curious about. Lite refreshments will be served.”
The free event she promoted will be hosted by the Lakehurst Historical Society and will take place in the evening. The time to be verified soon and notices will appear in future editions of The Manchester Times.
Councilman McCarthy reported on public safety. “We did have an OEM (Office of Emergency Management) meeting and we went over the procedures that were used on the Fourth of July and all the emergency services. We felt everything collectively went well. There were a couple of little tweaks that we’ll make with recommendations made.”
The councilman mentioned that a digital traffic sign will be shifted over on Union Avenue for better visibility. He also noted that “our new patrol unit has been completed and is on the road” and that they recently purchased a second hand fire truck, a “light rescue pumper with very little mileage in comparison to the current unit that it is replacing. It is going to take a little work to get it into service. We are going to match it up and re-locate all the tools from the other pumper.”
“We paid $5,000 for that?” Mayor Robbins asked. McCarthy confirmed the truck came from another fire company and “yes, it was a very generous offer.”
Oglesby said the ordinance committee had recently met with Goldman, Police Chief Matthew Kline and the code enforcement officer. “We found some areas that we are looking at based on the code enforcement officer’s recommendations. Progress was made.”
Officials noted the success of the borough’s July 3 fireworks and July 4 car show and Independence Day parade held earlier this month.
“We had 209 cars which is a record. I was very pleased with the turnout we had,” Councilman Jim Davis said in reference to the car show. Davis was a member of the Lakehurst Historical Society committee that put the show on. “Everyone involved busted their chops and there was a lot of work involved to make this a success.”
Mayor Robbins said “it was a tough job to judge. It was a tough job picking one car (per category).”
Councilman Brian Dimeo noted that “it was a hot day but it all went well.”
“The fireworks were wonderful. The car show was wonderful,” Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan said.
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