Lake Como Borough Council Faces Resident Pushback on Traffic Changes and Tax Program
- Meeting Overview:
The Lake Como Borough Council meeting focused on contentious issues regarding proposed traffic changes on Fernwood Road and 18th Avenue, as well as the Assessment Demonstration Program (ADP) affecting local property taxes. Residents expressed strong opinions during the public commentary, emphasizing safety and practical concerns. Additionally, the council passed several resolutions, including one seeking to amend the ADP to allow municipalities more control.
The proposal to convert Fernwood Road into a one-way street sparked debate among residents. During the meeting, council members clarified that no decisions had been made, and the discussion was intended to gauge public opinion. A range of perspectives were shared, with some residents supporting the change due to perceived safety improvements for emergency vehicles during peak summer months. One resident noted, “It is definitely the better way for traffic to be in the summer as far as just making sure that emergency vehicles can get through.”
Conversely, other residents opposed the idea, citing personal inconvenience and broader community concerns. Susan Lurso expressed her opposition, highlighting the lack of off-street parking for many homes and the difficulties this would present. She remarked, “It’s not a matter of my convenience which way I go… If we just keep it the way it is, it makes it a lot easier.” Patty Johnston echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need to reevaluate parking configurations if any changes were made. She also raised issues related to street closures during community events, which can lead to confusion and unsafe conditions.
A similar discussion unfolded regarding the potential reconfiguration of 18th Avenue into a one-way street. Residents voiced strong opposition, questioning the safety rationale behind the proposal. Chip Kavanagh, a longtime resident, stated, “I’ve yet to see an accident at 18th where supposedly this was all brought up because it was unsafe to make the turn on the 18th.” Concerns were also raised about the impact on emergency vehicle access and the potential for increased speeding on a one-way street. Rouge, another resident, highlighted these issues, stating, “If and when there’s going to be an issue, an electrical issue, we need to go north to work poles as safe as we possibly can on that road.”
The council decided against immediate action on the one-way street proposals, emphasizing the importance of continued public feedback. They reassured residents that their input was valued and encouraged further dialogue in future meetings.
In addition to the traffic discussions, the council addressed the Assessment Demonstration Program (ADP) affecting property taxes in Lake Como and other Mammoth County municipalities. A letter from Commissioner Arnon clarified that the ADP falls under the county tax board’s jurisdiction, not the commissioners. This prompted a conversation about the implications for local municipalities. The council noted a movement among Mammoth County communities to pass resolutions encouraging the county tax board or state legislature to revise the program’s requirements.
A resolution was introduced seeking permission for municipalities to opt into or out of the ADP, citing the program’s volatility in property tax assessments. Concerns about the financial impact on residents were discussed, with the council expressing a desire to amend the regulations to provide municipalities with more control. The resolution was passed, calling for the Mammoth County Board of Taxation and the New Jersey State Legislature to permit municipalities to choose their participation in the program.
The council also addressed a request from MTAV Inc. for an extension of premises for a parade day event. A representative detailed the setup, including a hot dog cart and outdoor bar area. The council raised concerns about the necessity of an open flame permit for the hot dog cart. It was clarified that the event could proceed without the cart if the permit was not obtained. After thorough discussion, the council approved the application, contingent upon necessary permits.
Kevin Higgins
City Council Officials:
Douglas E. Witte (Council President), Hawley Scull, Chris D’Antuono, Nick DeMauro, Peter Ventrice, Heather Albala-Doyle, Andrew Huisman (Borough Administrator), Amy L Boney, Rmc, CMR (Borough Clerk), Samantha Waters (Acting CFO & Water/Sewer Collector), Robbin Kirk (Tax Collector), Mark Fitzpatrick CTA, SCGREA (Tax Assessor)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/17/2026
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Recording Published:
02/18/2026
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Duration:
46 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Monmouth County
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Towns:
Lake Como
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