Sparta had the right to assess property owners for the rehabilitation of a private dam owner by a beach club, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled today.
The Glen Lake Beach Club is a private association established to allow 58 property owners “to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and socializing in a peaceful and pleasant environment” on a lake that was created by a private dam.
The state Department of Environmental Protection required the club to repair and rehabilitate the dam in 2002. Sparta officials agreed to guarantee a loan that would be paid back through a special assessment.
Eight property owners fought the assessment.
“The municipal action here was just and fair, the state’s top court ruled.