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Swedesboro

Boro Trying To Become A “No Speed Zone”

By Sam Fran Scavuzzo

To say the locally elected politicians in Swedesboro are not pleased with how police handle speeders is an understatement.

Phrases such as “I’m embarrassed…,” “I feel we’re naïve idiots” “It’s pretty pathetic” and “What are we paying for?” were uttered by the Swedesboro Borough Council and Mayor Thomas W. Fromm (D) when responding to a question posed to them by resident George Weeks of Helms Ave. He mentioned speeding as well as negligence of pedestrian crossing laws in his question.

“I’m sick of traffic violations in our town,” Fromm said. He also said that he and the Borough Council were “responsible to ask the state police to come in and enforce our traffic laws” if need be.

These comments came after a Police Committee report given by Councilman Michael Murray (D). He reported that 52 motor vehicles were stopped in July. A detailed brake down of those stops were not available at the meeting.

Republican Councilman Donald Dryden estimated the figure meant that a little more than one car was pulled over a day. “We pay a lot of money to only have 52 cars stopped,” Dryden said.

Dryden elaborated, noting that he could stand outside and probably get six cars for traffic violations in an hour.

Fromm agreed with Dryden, but wasn’t as concerned with the figure as he was with getting traffic laws obeyed. He noted that a township like East Greenwich may not have many traffic violators for a specific reason.

“People know not to speed when driving in East Greenwich because they’ll get tickets,” Fromm said. “We need, in my opinion, two months in which we strictly enforce laws. I want Swedesboro to be known as a ‘No Speed Zone.’”

Republican Councilman Salvatore “Sam” Casella agreed and called for more tickets to be written.

Although all agreed it was a problem, nothing definitive was decided. When reached for comment an official from the Swedesboro Police Station said that Police Chief William Dupper was on vacation. The chief usually handled all matters with the press, the official said.

A hope from the Borough Council was that the installation of a traffic light on Kings Highway in the middle of Swedesboro would solve, or at least alleviate, the problem. When asked by a resident when the traffic light was to be installed, Fromm did not give a specific date. Although it won’t be before Labor Day, it should be within the next month, Fromm stated.

Additionally, resident Lucille Stewart stated that Woolwich Township police officers often speed through Swedesboro.

“They don’t have the right to do that. Although we’ve discussed this before with them, we need to revisit this issue,” Fromm said.

A letter was proposed to be drafted by the Police Committee to express the concern for this problem.

In another effort to thwart speeders, the Council passed an amendment to Ordinance 110 to install a four-way “Stop” sign at Second Street and Railroad Avenue. A white line and “Stop” will be painted at each side of the intersection; the posts holding the signs will be reflective, as well.

“We shouldn’t hesitate to put four-way stops” wherever they are needed, Fromm said.

In other business, Swedesboro is continuing to look at waste disposal options. Dryden is looking to see when the borough’s current contract expires and is weighing the option to use RecycleBank, an incentive based waste control company.

Council also passed, by a vote of 5-0 with Republican Councilwoman Darlene Gage absent, a rejection of a $250,000 bid on a new roof for the firehouse. However, this does not spell the end of the project.

Estimates for the bid included a demolition of a tower and other projects. New bids will begin for the purpose of a new roof.

“We need to get back to the fixing of the roof,” Fromm said. Initial estimates for the roof were projected to be between $30,000 and $50,000 but not higher than $80,000, Council President David Flaherty (D) said at the July 2 meeting.

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SWEDESBORO

Fire Breaks Out In Boro Hall;
Damage Minimal Because of ‘National Night Out’

By Karen E. Viereck

Editor/Publisher

SWEDESBORO – It almost seemed too convenient, but then luck can be that way. On the evening of ‘National Night Out’ on Aug. 7, the Woolwich Fire Company was setting up a display in front of Swedesboro Borough Hall when a small fire was discovered in one of the offices inside Swedesboro Borough Hall.

Even though the fire detectors did not go off inside the building, damage was kept to a minimum because of the immediate response of the fire company.

According to Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm, the fire was discovered when the assistant borough tax collector came in and smelled smoke. It was discovered that a light fixture in the ceiling had overheated and caught surrounding insulation on fire. The ceiling beams were burned in three spots.

But thanks to the “immediate and careful response” from the fire company, said Fromm, there was no damage other than smoke to office equipment and papers. “They were very respectful and patient with the building.”

Fromm said the incident unearthed some problems with fire safety at borough hall and he has asked the fire department and fire marshall to help set up a Fire Protection Plan.

Although he said he would be relying on professional opinions, Fromm said he would like to hard wire fire alarms and possibly install an outside smoke alarm that could also be directly connected to the fire company.

He would also like to inspect and replace all the old fluorescent light fixtures and the balasts.

There was also an issue of getting keys to all the offices. The fire company could not get access to the rooms in boro hall to check for fire damage until Fromm supplied them.

Fromm said the Protection Plan should include the location of keys, electrical panels and other important information for the fire company.

“We’ll be ready next time.”

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SWEDESBORO

S/W Day 2007 Promises More Fun and Surprises

By Karen E. Viereck, Editor/Publisher

If you think last year’s Swedesboro Woolwich Day Celebration was fun, than hold on tight for this year’s Sept. 29 celebration.

For those that like horse power this day is for you.

Horsepower of the four-legged type will be available for the first time this year. Hop on in for a ride in a horse and buggy and enjoy a taste of yesteryear.

And for the fans of automotive horsepower, take a stroll up and down Kings Highway to see the cars of yesterday and today, including a NASCAR car.

The KIDS ZONE will be packed with fun to keep the young children busy. Moon bounces, balloon creations, magicians, and clowns will be on hand to entertain. Kids can also meet characters like Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob.

This will also be a day for music lovers. The day will start off with a small parade, including the Kingsway Marching Band, making its way to the Franklin Street Stage by 10 a.m. for opening day ceremonies.

A Swedesboro Teen Idol Vocal Contest will take place on center stage featuring ten pre-selected finalists. The winner will receive a grand prize of a recording session for 9 South Production and Suburban Studio valued at $300.

The popular Battle of the Bands will take place, featuring music by Caitlin Rose, Slick Rhodes, Angel’s Wake, Final Vinyl, Blues Brothers and 1 Sister, and Laura Cheadle.

To end the day, a Jazz Festival will be held from 3:30 to midnight. Proceeds from the Jazz Festival will benefit the Swedesboro Economic Development Committee. For more information on the Festival, contact Diane at 888-315-8009.

The First Annual Dragon 5K Run/1 mile walk will be held beginning at 8 a.m. This race benefits a scholarship fund in memory of Kingsway student Nate Boerlin who died suddenly last spring from complications of a malignant brain tumor,

And as always, food and special sales!

Take advantage of the day to explore new and old businesses up and down Kings Highway and see what they have to offer you. Some are holding special sales and promotional events.

The always popular food court will feature a variety of food, many from local vendors. And be sure not to miss the chicken barbecue at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall.

To make travel and parking easy for event-goers, there are free shuttle buses to transport you from convenient parking locations to the downtown events. Shuttle parking locations are Kingsway, Swedesboro Auction on Locke Avenue, Charles Stratton School, and the Spirit Chrysler lot next to the post office.

Last year over 7,000 people attended the event. For a schedule of events and for more information visit www.SwedesboroWoolwichDay.com or call (888) 315-8009.

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East Greenwich

East Greenwich Awaits DEP Approval For Well Relocation

by Beth S. Biermann

EAST GREENWICH – Construction of a new water tower in East Greenwich is being delayed until the township receives approval from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to relocate a well that will supply water to fill the tower.

The water tower, to be located at the intersection of East Wolfert and East Rattling Run Roads, is intended to alleviate residents’ continued experience with low water pressure.

At the Aug. 14 township committee meeting, Township Engineer Kenneth Ressler reported that bids are scheduled to be received during the first week of September for the water tower construction. In addition, a meeting will be tentatively scheduled with the DEP during the first or second week of September.

In order to ensure that there will be adequate water supply to fill the water tank, a well needs to be reallocated. A well currently in use would need to be shut down in order to drill a new well at the water tower site. The township needs to obtain a reallocation permit from the DEP before this can proceed.

Ressler informed the committee of another option to provide a water supply for the tower in lieu of drilling a new well. The New Jersey American Water company has expressed willingness to establish an emergency interconnection with water lines of the South Jersey Water company. However, the DEP requires a permit for this process also.

DeGeorge stated that despite the fact that he has asked the Third Legislative District to contact the DEP on behalf of East Greenwich, “I don’t feel too good about the DEP supporting us on this.” He added that he was uncomfortable approving the water tower construction until it is clear that the township will have the water supply to fill it.

DeGeorge even proposed that in the event the DEP does not approve either of the permits needed to provide water supply to the new tower, he may have to ask the township committee to hold public hearings to explore placing a moratorium on the construction of new homes. He concluded, “How can we allow new construction knowing that we have a water problem?”

In a related concern, Committeeman Frank Aiello brought a complaint to the committee from a resident on Harmony Road reporting low water pressure. Aiello wanted to know if the water that is being pumped out of East Greenwich’s supply and taken to the construction site on Route 295 could be the cause.

DeGeorge assured the committee that the contractor for the highway reconstruction project is paying East Greenwich for the water at a higher rate than East Greenwich pays New Jersey American for the same water. Committeeman Fred Grant wondered if the township could just refuse to sell any water to the contractor “in a time of water crisis when we can’t provide water to our own residents.”

Ressler responded that he didn’t think the amount of water being pumped out (approximately 20,000 gallons per day) would cause any drop in water pressure, but that he would investigate to ensure that there wasn’t a problem. He also added that it could be a matter of coordination to make sure the water is not being pumped out during peak times and he would look into this as well.

Grant insisted there are residents with water pressure problems now that didn’t have those problems before the Route 295 construction started.

DeGeorge concluded the discussion by asking Aiello to forward any such concerns from residents to the water office so that they are able to keep track of all the water supply issues.

In other business, the East Greenwich Township Environmental Commission submitted a letter to the township committee requesting reduced mowing of the open spaces at Thompson Park. The commission cited many reasons for such a request, including providing nesting for birds, cover for small animals, protecting wetlands buffer areas and reduced labor and fuel costs. Another concern is that grants for conservation areas require limited mowing for wild flower growth.

According to the letter, areas between asphalt paths and wetlands, areas that were not seeded and any other open spaces not being actively utilized should be mowed on a limited basis or on a modified schedule. In order to provide wildlife habitat and bird cover, the commission recommended that mowing occur once in late autumn in order to control any woody plant growth.

DeGeorge asked that the letter be forwarded to the Public Works department and the Parks & Recreation Committee for comment and discussion. He expressed some concerns about high grass attracting ticks and mosquitoes in addition to other wildlife. He added that a situation like this is “always a tradeoff”.

During department reports, Deputy Mayor Pete Miskofsky commended the police department for organizing a successful blood drive, collecting 36 pints of blood for the Red Cross.

He also announced the department’s success in applying for and receiving a total of over $41,000 in grant money that will help in enforcing drunk driving, aggressive driving and seatbelt laws. Part of the grant money was used to purchase two radar units.

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WOOLWICH

Woolwich Funds Valley Glen Dam Reconstruction

by Beth S. Biermann

WOOLWICH – After more than six months of discussion with the Valley Glen Homeowners Association (HOA), the Woolwich Township Committee adopted an ordinance on Aug. 20 that will fund the reconstruction of a faulty dam in the Valley Glen development.

Valley Glen is a ten year old development in Woolwich with 28 homes surrounding a small spring-fed lake that feeds out to Raccoon Creek. As part of the original construction, a dam was built to prevent flooding of surrounding roadways and land. The dam, which is supposed to have a 40 year lifespan, has been in danger of collapsing and causing resulting damage to the surrounding area.

The Valley Glen HOA first approached the Committee on Jan. 16 to request funds to supplement a $50,000 loan they received from the state of New Jersey. John Kenney, Treasurer of the HOA, reported to the Committee on Jan. 16 that according to every contractor that inspected the dam, it was in danger of “imminent failure.”

According to Kenney, the HOA had done all required maintenance and upkeep on the dam, as suggested by the original contractor. In addition, the state informed the HOA that they would be financially responsible for any resulting environmental cleanup that would need to occur in the event of the collapse of the dam.

The HOA received several estimates for the dam repair, the lowest of which was approximately $87,000. As of Jan. 16, the HOA had used $23,000 of the loan amount to cover the engineering costs of designing the dam restoration. That left only $27,000 remaining to cover the $87,000 construction costs.

On May 21, Kenney approached the Committee again to request that funds be included in the 2007 capital budget. At that time, Mayor Joe Chila informed him that approximately $80,000 had been set aside in the 2007 capital budget in the form of a loan from the township to the HOA, “to avoid a natural disaster.”

On Aug. 20, the Committee passed an ordinance making an official appropriation of $83,000 for the purposes of the capital improvement of the Valley Glen dam. The funds are in the form of a loan from Woolwich Township to the HOA, the terms of which are still being negotiated.

In other business, the Committee passed an ordinance establishing a no parking zone on Fredrick Blvd. in the vicinity of Governor Charles Stratton School. One part of the no parking zone is designated along the east side of Fredrick Blvd. from Center Square Road to a location 25 feet north of the school’s exit driveway. The other no parking area is located along the west side of Fredrick Blvd. within 25 feet of the nearest crosswalk.

During the past school year, several traffic concerns were brought to the Committee’s attention. Speeding vehicles, illegal u-turns being made in and out of residents’ driveways on Fredrick Blvd. and children being dropped off across the street from the school caused dangerous conditions.

This no parking ordinance comes in addition to several other actions taken by the Committee to ensure traffic safety in the area of the school. On Feb. 5 a school zone was designated on Fredrick Blvd. from Center Square Rd. to the intersection with Bunker Hill Drive. On July 23, the Committee passed an ordinance that established a six-foot wide crosswalk in the middle of Frederick Blvd., approximately 300 feet north of the intersection with Ashburn Way.

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