Supreme Court rules in favor of Sparta

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.