MIDDLESEX TWP — Rain washed a wave of complaints into the Middlesex Township Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday night.

The board heard water-related complaints from several residents. Some complained of water run-off from property developments, others of apparent chemicals spilling out of a landscaping company and still more of delayed road work.

Supervisors could only listen to most of the complaints, but took direct action as a result of one: The trio of men voted unanimously to table the third phase of housing construction at Middlesex Crossing.

Neighboring property owners complained of the water problems resulting from the first two phases, which are ongoing, and the board decided to wait before approving the third.

“Let's let them keep cleaning up what they've got first,” said Supervisor Donald Marshall.

The Ryan Homes development received significant criticism from the crowd. Supervisors indicated that the area was contributing to flooding affecting Leslie Distributor on Route 8. The owner, Robert Foster, spoke briefly.

“I've never seen water over my parking lot,” Foster said. “But I'd say that right now, there's water over my parking lot.”

The township holds significant amounts of bond money for the project, supervisors noted. They estimated the amount to be between $600,000 and $800,000.

The board was also awash with complaints from several residents on and around Kilgallon Road about a landscaping company called Endless Summer.

Residents said unknown materials, which they feared might be toxic, appeared to be washing away from the company.

Bob Schaffer served as a spokesperson for the residents. He said they believe the company is illegally dyeing wood chips, among other code violations.

Upon seeing photographs of run-off, Supervisor Mike Spreng said “That doesn't look good to me.”

The township's zoning officer and solicitor resolved to investigate the complaints.

Residents in the Blackhawk area also reported rampant flooding, as did others throughout the township.