Estling Lake

Are you ready for summer yet?

I hope that everyone has been able to enjoy the winter season and you have stayed healthy during these unusual times.  While NJ still has a number of COVID restrictions in place, we have seen progress toward reopening and allowing for social activities.  It is still unclear how we will be operating this season, but I am optimistic that we will see the return of many of our favorite events.

Generally speaking, the off season was quiet, however, there are a number of updates I would like to share with everyone.

• Water turns on April 10th: Weather permitting, our dedicated team of volunteers will open up the water line on April 10th.  Anyone interested in helping should meet at the beach parking area at 10 AM on Saturday the 10th.  The process typically takes several hours and can go longer if problems are found.  An email will be sent out once the work is complete and water is available to all campers.
  
• Caretaker: Our new caretaker, Brian Williams, and his family have settled in at the cottage and made a number of improvements to Camp 58.  Brian diligently watches over the property and provides the Board with regular reports of his activity.  Be sure to say hello to Brian, Dana, Leah, and Aimee when you arrive this season. Below is a picture of Brian and the family when he was promoted to Sergeant in 2019.
  
  
  
• 75th Anniversary: While COVID may have delayed our larger 75th anniversary celebration until 2022, we are still moving ahead with a smaller celebration in 2021.  Activities are planned for Saturday, July 31st and Sunday, August 1st, so make sure you keep those dates open on your schedule.
  
• Calendar: Our online calendar has been updated with a draft of the events planned for 2021.  As we get closer to the summer season, we will be able to confirm this schedule and inform the community of any restrictions (such as maximum capacity, social distancing, and mask requirements).
  
• NJ COVID Restrictions: NJ has made progress toward reopening and I’m hopeful that the trend will continue.  Here is a summary of the current limitations, just be mindful that these can change (for the better or worse) at any time.  As of now, restaurants are operating at 50% capacity (EO-230). Masks are still required at all indoor activities and outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained (EO-163).  Indoor gatherings are limited to 25 people and outdoor events are capped at 50 people (EO-230).  Those coming from out of state are still required to quarantine, regardless of vaccination or COVID test status (Travel Advisory).
  
• Dam/Spillway and the DEP: In February, a letter was sent by the NJ DEP to NJ Transit and Estling Lake.  The letter states that they accept the conclusions of the NJ Transit consultants as set forth in the PFMA report and includes instructions to submit permits for the remedial work by April 30, 2021.  While we all have many questions around this remediation work, I don’t have any additional information to share at this time.  The letter and the PFMA report can be found on our website on the Dam/Spillway Committee page.
  
• Development near Thurmont/Estling Lake Rds.: As part of the Township’s affordable housing obligation, an agreement was reached with a developer (Lennar Corporation) to build an estimated 106 units off of Thurmont Rd.  Lennar has approached the Corporation to discuss a possible easement for access to the sewer line.  An initial meeting was held with Estling and Lennar to share information about the project.  The developer expects construction will not begin for at least 12-18 months (possibly longer).  You can get a high level overview of the project on the Denville Township’s COAH page (scroll to the bottom and look for #4 – Lennar).
  
• Emergency Access Road: At a recent Town Council meeting, it was announced the NJ Transit would be working with the Township Engineer to create a permanent Emergency Access Road between Thurmont Rd and Lacawanna Ave.  The timeline for this project was not shared and it’s unclear if this road will be open to normal traffic.  You can read the minutes from the 1/19/2021 meeting and the 2/2/2021 Town Council agenda for more details.
  
• Email Validation: Later this week you will be getting an email confirming that you still want to be part of our mailing list.  If you want to stay on the list, you do not need to take any action, you will continue to get emails.  If you would like to be removed, reply to the message and indicate you wish to leave the list.

That’s all for now, looking forward to seeing all of you soon!