Andover Township mayor updates residents on litigation, playground project and road improvements

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Andover Township Mayor Tom Walsh provided residents with an update Thursday on several issues discussed during the Township Committee’s most recent meeting, including litigation involving a national land developer, a playground project, the proposed sale of the Lake Lenape Water System and planned road improvements.

In a written update, Walsh said the Township Committee remains committed to defending the township in litigation over actions it took to prohibit data centers.

While noting the township cannot publicly discuss its legal strategy, Walsh said the estimated cost of the litigation is expected to be less than $20,000 because the case involves limited discovery. He said the township has funding in place after obtaining a ratable increase on the former Pace Glass site, which is marketed by National Land Developers, a move expected to generate an additional $150,000 in township revenue.

Walsh also addressed the township’s planned playground project, saying reports circulating on Facebook that it had not been approved were inaccurate.

“This project was approved by a 4-1 vote and will be completed over the next several months,” Walsh wrote. “This has been long-standing funding goal of the Committee, and it is important that we honor this obligation to the children of the Township to create an outstanding recreational facility.”

The mayor also discussed public concerns surrounding Veolia’s proposed acquisition of the Lake Lenape Water System. He said residents have raised questions about proposed rate increases, service concerns and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection violations over the past decade. Walsh noted the Township Committee is not responsible for the proposed transaction but has advocated for changes and is working to provide residents with information.

Walsh said he also met with Aeroflex Airport officials and representatives from the NJDEP to support efforts to preserve existing structures at the airport.

The update also highlighted Andover Township’s aquifer protection ordinance, adopted nearly 20 years ago with the assistance of a hydrogeologist. According to Walsh, the ordinance requires independent off-site testing to ensure proposed developments do not negatively affect residential wells.

Walsh also announced that Forest Lakes Drive, Woodlawn Drive, Hemlock Avenue and Winding Way are scheduled to be paved this fall through long-term financial planning and grant funding.