Love Was In The Air At Rova Farms Public Wants Transparency In Private School Settlement

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Resi- dents wanted details of a land swap plan and cost figures of a nearly 10-year-old lawsuit, saying that the town leaders have not been transparent.

Resident Ray Cattonar said that the public needs to be given more notice concerning items on the agenda during a recent Township Council meeting. He began a line of questioning that began with the power struggle over choosing members on an open space committee and led to the settlement.

Ladislav

By

Bob

Vosseller

“We usually get two- or three-days’ notice and we get to see the agenda and we’ve seen a lot of juggling over the last few council meetings. It seems to me that the council wants more authority for transparency it is a great idea to have nine independent residents,” the resident said referencing an Open Space Land Committee that had been proposed but had been voted down. Cattonar added, “I’d like to be a volunteer on that committee being a long-time resident of the township. The mayor typically picks out the (School - See Page 13) history in the community holds special meaning to many. one September weekend leading to romance at Rova Farms. serve as a

JACKSON – While the Rova Farms property recreational spot in the township, its long

Theresa Vaughan of California recalled how her parents came together

“My parents met there on Labor Day weekend 1961. My father, Ladislav

Viska, who was from the Czech Republic when it was communist, was 31 at the time even though he had told me he was (Love - See Page 4)

Master Plan Will Address Town’s Zoning

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Town

ship officials have started the process for creating a master plan which is a thorough examination of every parcel of land.

Generally speaking, master plans will determine what kind of construction is allowed, what businesses are allowed, and what den-

- sity of homes is acceptable.

The Township Council said at a recent meeting that an appropriation, not to exceed $250,000, was set aside for the preparation of a master plan revision.

Councilman Nino Borrelli remarked, “I’m glad funding is finally being appropriated for our town’s master plan.

It’s long overdue and I look forward to see what transpires with it with a careful focus on protecting as best as possible, Jackson’s beautiful environment and unique abundance of natural resources.”

“I think our fellow residents want nothing less. A town should be responsible for crafting its land use (regula - tions), not outside entities,” the councilman added.

Resident Eleanor Hannum spoke to the council about the issue asking, “how long, approximately will it take?”

“Approximately, a year,” Council President Martin Flemming answered. “How will communi-

Planning Board Redoes Meeting To Set Things Right

cation to the public as these proceedings go on, happen? I believe the residents of this town deserve clear and transparent communication at all times,” she added. “As we are watching this town get carved up, and the last master plan from my understanding was done by one individual (Zoning - See Page 17)

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Some

times when a mistake happens, you get a redo to make a necessary correction and that is what happened recently when members of the Township Planning Board sat down to reset an unfortunate oversight.

While the Board had their reorganization

- meeting early last month, they had to reappoint their professional staff and reaffirm several items to correct what their attorney, Robert Shea, described as something that hasn’t been compliant since 2021. Among those present at the session were (Meeting - See Page 18)