Edison Township’s lawsuit MID-C-000125-21 against J. Scheer Industries and JVS Industrial over a disputed right-of-way (ROW) at 148 Silver Lake Avenue has been dismissed with prejudice. The township had claimed that the property was a right of way providing public access to the river, but JVS Industrial successfully proved ownership, leading to the dismissal.
The Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County Chancery Division, ruled in favor of the defendants, confirming that the property at 148 Silver Lake Avenue belongs to JVS Industrial. The court’s decision effectively ends the township’s attempt to claim the property as a public right of way.
Despite the dismissal, the legal battle is not entirely over. Litigation will continue regarding the township’s potential liability for the defendants’ legal fees. This development adds another layer to the already contentious dispute.
The dismissal of the lawsuit represents a significant setback for Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, who has been accused of “bullying” local landowners. This case is seen by some as another example of the mayor’s aggressive tactics against property owners leading to costly, frivolous and unsuccessful litigation.
The outcome of this case has broader implications for property rights and local governance in Edison Township. It highlights the importance of clear property boundaries and the challenges faced by municipalities when attempting to assert control over privately owned land.
While the dismissal is a big victory for JVS Industrial, the ongoing litigation over legal fees ensures that this dispute is far from over. The case will continue to be closely watched by residents and stakeholders interested in property rights and local governance in Edison Township.
