Diversified Properties LLC is planning to destroy 29 acres of undisturbed, undeveloped wetlands and woodlands between Main Road and River Road, as they have filed an application to Montville Township’s Planning Board to erect a 266 unit development. 

This development would take place on wetlands and woodlands that contain Crooked Brook, its tributaries, and a pond. This development would also take place on two historical sites including the Morris Canal and the Peter Doremus House, otherwise known as the pre-revolutionary Benjamin Lawrence Tavern featured in George Washington’s journey through Montville in 1780. The Peter Doremus House/Lawrence Tavern is located in Block 59 Lot 13 at 245 Main Road, which is one of seven lots included in this outrageous proposal including 18 ordinance special exemption requests. 

These 29 acres are notably home to the New Jersey endangered bobcat species, a family of black bear that successfully reared 2 cubs, a mating pair of pileated woodpeckers, a large colony of sugar gliders, and a family of fox. There are numerous other types of common wildlife as well (deer, migratory birds, trout, etc.). This wetlands area retains copious amounts of water, and without the forest there will be extreme excess flooding for the houses and roadways bordering the project. Houses on Main Road already experience flooding with most rainfalls, despite having several sump pumps and French drains per property. These wetlands should be protected under the NJ Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (N.J.A.C. 7:7A). For more information, see here.

The Township is being over-developed at an alarming rate under this administration. Two major development projects are currently taking place in Pine Brook, consisting of 644 units total. There is an approved development project next to the Sea Breeze plant on Route 202, consisting of 70 units. Additionally, the proposed development project of the Harrigan's property/auto salvage yard on Route 202 consists of 178 rental units, 36 of which are affordable housing units. Diversified Properties LLC's 29 acre proposal between River and Main Road on Route 202 entails a 266 unit project, only 40 of which will be affordable housing units. This totals to three different projects' traffic leading out onto Route 202. These rental communities each include pools, walking trails, bocce ball or tennis courts, playgrounds, dog parks, club houses, gazebos, putting/chipping greens, parking, and facilities buildings. This monstrous overdevelopment would destroy 29 acres of our local ecosystem, history, wildlife, water table, and the ability to provide adequate public services. 

The Planning Board is over-developing our community without impunity or regard for infrastructure to support it. There have not been any accommodations or recommendations as to how the schools, police, fire, EMS, roadways, already overloaded power grids, etc. will be supported after these developments are erected and inhabited. Montville’s class sizes have already doubled in size due to cutbacks and lack of space, traffic has increased without proper provisions, crime is at an all-time high, power infrastructure is unstable, and many more related concerns are ruminating in residents' minds as our population is set to increase drastically. 

Please remember to join us at the Planning Board Meeting at Town Hall on October 20th at 7:30PM! UPDATE: Meeting again on November 17, 2022 at 7:30 PM. Please see petition update for information regarding the 10/20 meeting. 

Diversified Properties LLC's animated video production depicting Brookside at Montville from Zoning Board Meeting on 10/20/2022