Lopatcong Mayor William Wright Delivers First State of the Township

LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP, NJ - Lopatcong residents will receive Mayor William Wright’s first State of the Township report since taking on the role of mayor in January 2024.

Wright, who has served on the Lopatcong Township Council since 2017, recognized the strong leadership of council colleagues Lou Belcaro, Jim Palitto, Rich McQuade, Scott Marinelli, and former Mayor Jim Mengucci.

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“In the last four years, we experienced a global pandemic, economic downturn, business closures, unemployment increase, and record high inflation,” Wright wrote. Despite these economic challenges elsewhere, Wright shares that Lopatcong’s auditor reported in June 2024 that the township’s municipal finances are the strongest they’ve been in 15 years, with a current cash fund of $8 million.

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More on Lopatcong’s 12.5 million budget for 2024 can be read here .

In the letter, Wright shares an overview of the “terrific, new upgrades” to Lopatcong Pool and Park, saying, “We are happy to deliver this new recreational complex that offers something for every Lopatcong age group.” Some new features will include competition and leisure pools, a lazy river, a new accessible playground, and pickleball courts that are already in the works. A full story on the complex, survey and bond to follow from TAPinto.

Wright shares that Lopatcong continues to “thrive” when it comes to development in both commercial and residential sectors resulting in a ratable base of over $1 billion dollars.

Additional highlights Wright shares include an adopted anti-sprawl ordinance in 2021, a shared service agreement between Lopatcong and Phillipsburg, partnering with Pohatcong Township for a shared municipal court, and improving pedestrian safety along Belvidere Road. Grants include the Safe Routes to School Grant and the New Jersey Transportation Trust fund. He also mentions the Home Improvement Program, funded through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Residents will receive an enclosed flier with contact information.

Lopatcong Township Police Chief Jason Garcia shares in the report that, “[We] continue to prioritize community outreach programs, technology, and staffing levels to keep Lopatcong clean and safe. Residents can contact the non-emergency line at 908-859-1212 or follow them on Facebook or view Lopatcong’s emergency services .

Wright concludes in his State of the Township by sharing that public comment near the start and at the end of public meetings will take place starting with the July 2024 meeting to “boost participation, and ensure openness and transparency.” (It should be noted that Mayor Wright sent out this letter a tad later than expected and public comment on agenda items will resume in August).

“I am confident that we set Lopatcong on a great path for strong economic health, smart, restrained growth, and state-of-the-art upgrades and infrastructure improvements that offer something for every Lopatcong resident without imposing undue or unnecessary expense on anyone.”

The Lopatcong Township Council meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal court located at 232 S 3rd St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865. Residents are slated to receive their copy of Mayor Wright’s State of the Township any day now by mail.

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