Lower Milford Board of Supervisors Adopts Ordinance to Vacate Portions of Scout Road

The Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors has adopted an ordinance to vacate portions of Scout Road, including a section that contained a bridge before its removal in 2011.

Attorney William Fries, who was representing Scout Road resident Joseph Eltonhead, said the ordinance inhibits an inaccessible road for large emergency vehicles. Fries also said the measure would lower property values of homes along the road.

"This ordinance would have a serious impact on Scout Road residents," Fries said during the public hearing portion of the supervisors meeting. "The value of my client's property will decrease from $175,000 to $90,000. It would isolate these individuals."

Several weary township residents attended the meeting, and some expressed their concerns for the current state of the road. Scout Road resident Jean Schoch was one of them.

"The fire company came to Scout Road and expressed safety concerns," said Schoch. "Vehicles must k-turn [make a three-point turn] to enter. The width of the road presents safety issues."

Supervisor William Roy expressed his desire to appease the residents, but also explained the financial barriers hindering the township's infrastructure.

"We cannot afford a new bridge," said Roy. "But people are hurting right now. I'd like to fix that bridge, but we can't right now."

Manager Ellen Koplin gave an estimate of "$400,000" to build a new bridge on Scout Road.

Fries believes a new bridge would cost "somewhere between $295,000 and $384,000."

Roy did, however, discuss the possibility widening the road.

"Perhaps this [widening the road] is something we could look into," said Roy.