New law targets improved storm water management

MARLBORO — Improved storm-water management is the goal of a new law.

At its Dec. 18 meeting, the Township Council adopted an ordinance which arose from the township engineer's recommendations dealing with design and construction standards for storm water collection systems, including construction standards for pipes, inlets, catch basins and manholes.

The ordinance states that the storm water requirements provide for development in accordance with the new state storm water regulations and Marlboro's Tier A Municipal Storm Water General Permit.

These requirements will be applicable to all site plans and subdivisions for major development that require preliminary or final site plan or subdivision review and approval.

The ordinance requires the development of new storm water management measures to meet erosion control, ground water recharge, and storm water run-off quantity and quality standards established by the state.

Resident Patricia Korabiak of Crine Road has spoken out many times in regard to Marlboro's flooding issues which she has cited as the result of improper storm water management systems.

Korabiak said she and her neighbors have seen firsthand the damage of storm water systems that have not been completed correctly. She said that as housing developments were built, the residents of Station Road and Crine Road have seen a deluge of water on their property when it rains.

Korabiak told council members she had reviewed the changes implemented through the new ordinance.

"I'm glad to see that our township engineer has taken it upon himself to create a new ordinance and hopefully this will eliminate any future problems," Korabiak said.

In other business, an ordinance that renews Marlboro's cable television franchise agreement with Cablevision was adopted. The new agreement will run for 10 years.

Council members concluded that the cable television provider had met its obligations to the township.

Mayor Jonathan Hornik explained during a previous meeting that Marlboro will receive a total of $65,000 through annual franchise fees, with $15,000 to be paid at the start of the contract with Cablevision.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cablevision will provide one standard installation and monthly cable television reception service to state and local accredited elementary and secondary schools, all municipal public libraries and municipal buildings in Marlboro for free if requested. The provider will also supply basic cable modem service to state and local buildings for free.

— Rebecca Morton