Dear Neighbors,

I hope your spring is off to a good start. As usual, there are a lot things happening in Lumberton. Here are some of the more interesting stories.

Property Taxes Re-Evaluation: As first reported here in the Lumberton E-New last year (March 7, 2003), Lumberton is facing a tax re-assessment. New Jersey Law requires that municipalities conduct a re-assessment when the average assessed property value falls below 80% of the average property sale value. Lumberton's ratio now stands at 76%. The township's tax assessor estimates that it will be close to 60% the next time it is reported.

The county has not mandated that Lumberton conduct a re-assessment yet. However, by initiating the re-assessment now, Lumberton plans to extend the process out over two years before the re-assessment hits our tax bills. If the county mandated a re-assessment, the township would have to complete the re-assessment in a much shorter time frame and incur a large expense to complete the project in a shorter timeframe.

The process entails having every property in the township re-assessed by a tax assessor who will physically visit each home and business. The township plans to start these visits in the fall of 2004 and finish them by summer 2005. The tax re-assessment will take effect in 2006.

A general rule of thumb with re-assessment is that about one third of the people's taxes go up, about one third of the people's taxes go down and about one third of the people's taxes remain relatively unchanged.

The last time a tax re-assessment was done in Lumberton was 1991.

Bobby's Run Boulevard Traffic Calming: At the May 10th working session, the Township Committee discussed ideas for reducing traffic and controlling the rate of speed that vehicles travel on Bobby's Run Boulevard. They expressed concern over the current traffic pattern and the future impact of a new 1,000 home development that will be built in Medford in the vicinity of Eayrestown Road and Route 70. They discussed a number of ideas including adding three way stop signs, creating raised cross walks, narrowing the lanes, lowering the speed limit and asking Bobby's Run residents to lead by example and drive under the speed limit. They were cautious about deciding on any solutions without more input from the community.

They agreed to set a public hearing on the topic for September 27th at 7:30 PM in the Municipal Center. The Township Committee also plans to provide pictures of each of the different traffic calming options as well a location in the area where the specific technique has been used.

New Recreation Facility Update: The Township Committee is considering paying to provide a larger gym as part of the proposed Ashbrook School expansion. According to state guidelines, an elementary school should have a 4,000 square foot gym. The state will fund part of the construction costs up to 5,800 square feet. The township is considering funding an extra $300,000 to make the gym 7,000 square feet so it can be used for the more of the township's indoor recreation needs. The expanded gym would be located adjacent to the planned municipal recreation facility.

However, several members of the committee expressed concerns over the extra cost that the township will have to pay. They want to assess the impact on the 2005 budget before making a decision.

Referendum on Ashbrook School Expansion: The Board of Education is planning a public referendum to get the publics approval on an expansion to the Ashbrook School. The referendum is planned for December.

Lumberton Historical Society: The Lumberton Historical Society is sponsoring a Community Yard Sale on Saturday, June 5, 2004 from 8 am to 2 pm at the Village Green, Main Street, Lumberton. The cost is $10 per space. The rain date is Sunday, June 6, 2004. For further information, please contact 609-265-8749.

Engine Braking on Main Street: In response to numerous complaints from residents on Main Street, the township is preparing a new ordinance prohibiting engine or "jake" braking on Main Street. Engine braking is a practice that some tractor trailer drivers use to slow down without using the brakes. It also creates a very load noise. However, the police chief indicated that these types of laws are difficult to enforce because a police officer has to be there at the time of the infraction to enforce the law.

Primary Election: The primary election is scheduled for June 8th. I am running unopposed in the Republican primary.  Democrat, Marge Guest, an incumbent for over 30 years is being challenged by Steve Romer, a resident of Waverly.  The polls open at 6 AM and close at 8 PM. If you are not sure where to vote, you can visit http://www.lumbertongop.org/votinglocations.asp to locate your polling location, or you can consult the sample ballot that you should receive in the mail a few days before the primary.

Thanks again for your continued support.

Sincerely,