Colts Neck - Challenges & Concerns

Colts Neck Township Administrator Kathleen Capristo recently wrote, “I have every right to defend my staff members and to vehemently disagree with your false perceptions and characterizations of their performance.”

This was in response to my asking why Colts Neck spends tax payers money to create ordinances, then fails to support the ordinance for the betterment and safety of the community.

The Facts: Colts Neck created an ordinance prohibiting dumpsters and moving trailers from being placed in the roadway. Hard to comprehend the Code Official missing a large white 30 foot by 6 foot box dropped in the roadway. Why was’t the roadway hazards ticketed and towed?

The sign ordinance requires business signs to be Planning Board approved. One business repeatedly ignores the ordinance by placing a sign at the roadway during the weekend. Another business frequently puts out temporary signs ignoring the ordinance.

All businesses should support the ordinance. Why aren’t these few repeat violators ticketed and brought before the Judge?

Public records shows the Code Official extended a Notice of Violation to a prior property owner…who had been dead for years! The violation occurred by the new owners, who purchased the property months earlier. This was a slipshod approach.

A home owner installed a golf tee box and putting green in the scenic set back area, along Clover Hill Road. The Code Official wrote it was not a violation. Kathleen Capristo, wrote no violation existed and failed to release an internal memo over the issue.

The engineering plan, showing the work done in the scenic set back, was blacked out in Colts Neck’s response to access to government records. Capristo is the custodian of public records. So much for transparency in government.

The true engineering plan was extended only after the Township Attorney was contacted. The installation was a clear violation of Town Ordinance 120—70.1., a year later it is still unresolved.

Capristro, in responding to a senior residents requests for the repair bill total for the new Town Hall building, wrongfully stated the Township was in litigation in denying the request. Capristo should have allowed the Township Attorney to address the topic, opposed to overstepping her role again!

The Township had a long list of repair items over the new Town Hall building. Yet Capristo as Town Administrator, had no tally available on the total cost of repairs.

Capristo exhibiting selective memory, fails to recall my repeated public compliments of the past township clerk and on the DPW. My compliments on the BOE are posted on Patch. My repeated requests for public stories over the outstanding efforts of the CNPD, were ignored.

It has been said a team is reflective of its leadership. Colts Neck will have new leadership in the months ahead. Capristo is being paid to be the Township Administrator and Township Clerk in her final year before retiring later this year. To which I say…good riddance!

Kevin M. O’Brien - Senior Citizen
Colts Neck NJ