Vernon plans hearing on unused water main sale

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council is planning a public hearing on Monday, March 9, to put the unused water transmission mains up for auction.

The starting bid will be $151,000.

The township is looking to sell the 12-inch ductile iron water transmission main located under Route 94. The main begins at the intresection of Route 94 and Church/Main Street and ends about 915 feet south. It also consists the section of an 8-inch water main located under Church Street, running west of Route 94 to the intersetion with Omega Drive.

There is still some dispute about the impending sale and an official vote can not be taken until after the public hearing.

“I don't think it’s a good idea.” Councilman Dan Kadish said. “I think it’s a subject that needs to be discussed.”

Citing concerns with the possibility of a need to purchase the property back at a higher price and citing some issues currently being faced in Sussex Borough since the sale of its water system was voted down by the public, Kadish argued that further discussion is needed.

“I don’t want to see the town get stuck.” he said.

Most of the council seemed in agreement with selling the unused mains.

“I think selling this asset would be a benefit to the town.” Councilman Brian Lynch said.