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When residents on Deerwood Drive in Hamilton Square recently complained about a daycare construction project taking place, Hamilton Township Mayor John F. Bencivengo took action. He immediately visited the site with Robert S. Warney, Director of the Township’s Department of Community Planning and Compliance. After the visit, Bencivengo instructed that Township officials work closely with the Mercer County Soil Conservation District, who is responsible for flooding, drainage and soil erosion compliance issues until the builder applies to Hamilton Township for a building permit.

The project is one that Mayor Bencivengo’s administration inherited. The construction that is taking place in the neighborhood is the result of a court decision from January 2007, following the Hamilton Township Planning Board’s rejection of the project’s application.

“This construction is another example of a court decision negatively impacting Hamilton residents,” says Mayor Bencivengo. “Despite our disagreement with the decision, we will work to ensure that all laws and regulations are being followed and will do everything in our power to work with the Soil Conservation District to protect the quality of life of the neighborhood residents.”

In past weeks, Hamilton Township inspectors have been frequently visiting the construction site to review residents’ concerns and to ensure that the County Soil Conservation District inspectors were aware of these concerns. During the Township inspectors’ visits, no violations were found or reported to them by the Soil Conservation District inspectors.

This morning, Robert S. Warney, Director of the Township’s Department of Community Planning and Compliance met with Township and Soil Conservation District officials, as well as the builder of the daycare, as part of the Township’s continued work to represent the concerns of the neighborhood residents.

One of the issues that the Deerwood Drive residents had raised was regarding flooding issues. The Soil Conservation District inspector present informed the Township officials that while no further flooding and drainage issues has arisen since prior to the beginning of construction, the situation would continue to be monitored.

Another concern raised by residents was the need for fencing around the project. A construction fence is not required until permits are applied for by the building and a foundation is dug. However, later in the construction phase, once trees are removed from the site, a silt fence will be placed around the location during the remainder of the project.

“We will continue to work with the Soil Conservation District to address the concerns of the residents,” states Director Robert S. Warney. “It is a priority of the Mayor’s to ensure that the residents concerns are addressed as best we possible can, given the parameters of the Soil Conservation District’s jurisdiction at this time. And once the Township has jurisdiction, we will make certain that all laws and regulations are followed accordingly.”

Photos: Jessica Mickley