Township lawyer's error gives jackson trails application new life on monday

JACKSON-Next Monday, the Jackson Township Planning Board will be holding another hearing for the Jackson Trails residential development on South Hope Chapel Road. The board, on October 7th, voted in a 4-4 tie on the measure which means the project was rejected by the board.

The next step for the applicant should have been to appeal the board’s decision, but now, the township is in a situation because the presiding attorney made a critical error.

Jackson Planning Board Attorney Gregory P. McGuckin determined for the board that the 4-4 vote was a tie and the board would have to re-vote at a later date.

Continue Reading

His smile wins hearts but Haze is still waiting for someone to choose him

Playful 2-year-old shelter dog is ready for a forever home JACKSON, N.J. — Haze has the playful personality,…

After his best friend was adopted shelter pup was left behind

Affectionate 7-year-old dog hopes for a family of his own JACKSON, N.J. — Hikaru watched his kennel mate…

Mount Rainier Delays Removal of Historic Elm Tree After Residents Object

Mount Rainier, MD - The City of Mount Rainier has postponed plans to remove a large elm tree…

According to the township’s official minutes from that meeting, McGuckin said, “This is a tie and the motion does not carry, the Board will have to re-vote and a member can motion to
approve, deny or carry this matter.”

According to township law, the matter was case closed. After hearing McGuckin’s claim the board, on the advice from their attorney held a vote to carry the matter to another meeting. That vote was unanimous to allow a re-vote.

Now, the applicant has sent a letter to the township asking for the re-vote promised by McGuckin to be held by the board, putting the town in a very compromising situation. If the board refuses the re-vote, the town’s position in an appeal or even a lawsuit has diminished, so the re-vote should take place, putting the entire board in the uncomfortable position, which is now a no-win situation for the township.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.