Wantage Land Use Board chairman honored for service

WANTAGE — Jim Smith, who plans to retire from service to the township for more than 20 years, was honored last Thursday by Mayor Ronald Bassani during the Mayor and Committee meeting.

Smith is the chairman of the township Land Use Board.

Smith is known for contributing an inordinate amount of time and energy in planning Wantage’s future development. Bassani said he has done an excellent job developing a master plan to take Wantage decades ahead, while always maintaining the balance between commercial and rural development.

Smith received a plaque for his commitment to service on the Wantage Land Use Board.

"You are one of the most professional, honest and fair board chairs I have ever been associated with," said Mike Cecchini, member of the Land Use Board and owner of Country Classic Autobody on route 639. "It has been an honor to serve with you."

Committee members and other Land Use Board members agreed that Smith will be missed, and his will be a big pair of shoes to fill.

"Wantage had a special relationship and friendship," Smith said. "The popel of Wantage roll up their sleeves and have the best interest of the township at heart.

Other volunteers recognized
Bassani also thanked volunteers of the Sussex-Wantage Little Leauge for improving and maintaining the ball fields at the Lott Road recreation facility this year.

In particular, he thanked: John Gramignano of SWLL, Recreation President Greg Williams, Recreation Secretary Jeanne McBride, and construction official Patrick Stefanelli, “who volunteered their time to re-shingle and repair the roof of the restroom building at the Lott Road fields on a dreary weekend in late November.”

The project was completed at no cost to the taxpayer.