Increased Police patrols on Lake Hopatcong

[Skunk City]

http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2...incart_m-rpt-1

HOPATCONG — A series of raucous parties in Lake Hopatcong, some involving more than 400 boats clustered together in a small cove, has led State Police to pledge increased patrols of the area, according to a report on LakeHopatcongNews.com.

During a standing-room-only meeting of the Lake Hopatcong Commission on Monday, residents voiced their concerns about heavy drinking, drug use, loud music, foul language, lewd behavior, trespassing and littering in the lake. It's not just a quality of life issue, they said, it's become a public safety hazard because the weekly gatherings have been getting bigger as the weather warms up.

Beginning this weekend, a State Police boat will monitor Byram Cove and if the parties continue to grow, more troopers will be on the scene, according to the report.

The events are promoted via social media. The Byram Cove Party Twitter account has nearly 1,000 followers.

Hundreds of boats are roped together in Byram Cove to create "tie-up" parties, with revelers visiting different crafts to socialize.

Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo and State Police officials attended the Monday meeting at the Hopatcong Senior Center, according to the report.

Defenders of the Byram Cove Party also went to the meeting to speak out, declaring that their group includes people in their 30's and 40's who enjoy relaxing on the lake during the weekend. They acknowledged that there have been some "bad apples" but the majority of partygoers are respectful of the homeowners who live around the cove, according to the report.

Although some residents said that the situation warrants a task force, the commission opted not to take that step yet. Members said they hoped things would improve with the State Police watching over the cove.