By Barbara A. Preston | Posted May 13, 2025
Mazhar Syed is a litigation paralegal. He grew up in Hillsborough and moved to Pike Run in Belle Mead in 2023. The issue of affordable housing is paramount to Syed. He lives in a one bedroom affordable apartment with his wife and 7-month-old son. “I waited two years for his unit,” he said. “I got lucky to be able to choose Belle Mead.”
Mazhar Syed
Affordable Housing.
“We need to address the rising cost of housing, especially for young families. Even people who grew up in Montgomery cannot afford to live here. A solution might be to expand affordable housing options, and set tax brackets to be progressive by the income of the families, rather than one flat rate.”
Infrastructure and Growth.
“The municipality could offer ride sharing options with neighboring towns to improve traffic flow. Route 206 and the Griggstown causeway are very congested. Ride sharing, especially for seniors, should be available. It could be a bus or something similar to Uber.”
Transparency.
“Township committee meetings have public comment sessions but I don’t see many residents coming forward to speak, and when they do, the concerns are not always addressed. There is a low turnout from the public, and a limit to amount of time they can speak. (2 or three minutes). Bonnie Watson Coleman has public forums with a phone-in option. This should be explored for Township Committee.”
“I love the open spaces, the parks, and nature. I also love the trees. In fact, the Shade Tree Committee should have more funding. Also, more funding for mental health and the police department, which is already overworked. More support for programs such as mental health workers.”
“We need stronger local leadership to fight President Trump’s initiatives.” Syed mentioned that Montgomery should protect its immigrants, among other things. Sushi John of YaYa Noodles in Skillman has been detained by ICE. It is upsetting that our Township Committee has not put out any statements. Islamaphobia is also an issue. “We should reinstate the inclusion & diversity committee, which has not been renewed by the current township committee.”
As a paralegal, Syed said one of his specialities is real estate. This would be useful is public office. And, his understands the affordable housing system. “There are more renters now,” he said. “I am aware of the unafforabilty of housing, especially in Montgomery.”
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