Haddonfield New Jersey 08033
Haddonfield New Jersey 08033
Borough of Haddonfield
Municipal Matters

 

MUNICIPAL MATTERS ARCHIVE: July 2004 - April 2004

7-16-04 | 6-11-04 | 5-28-04 | 5-14-04 | 4-30-04 

Back to Current Municipal Matters | Archive Index

Municipal Matters

July 16, 2004

Open Space Survey

During their meeting on July 13, the Commissioners authorized the awarding of a contract for the study of park, recreation, and open space in Haddonfield. The $30,000 contact was awarded to Schoor Depalma, an engineering/planning/landscape architecture firm based in Manalapan, with offices in Voorhees.

The work, which is expected to take about six months to complete, will include updating the open space element of the Borough's master plan.

New Contractor for Shade Trees

During their meeting on July 13, the Commissioners authorized the awarding of a contract for tree trimming services in Haddonfield. The one-year $150,000 contract, awarded to Elite Tree Service of Manalapan, includes two one-year extensions (for $156,000 and $160,000) and is $20,000 less than the Borough is spending currently with another service.

Restaurant Requirements May Be Eased

During their meeting on July 13, the Commissioners introduced an ordinance that would make it easier for restaurants to open in Haddonfield. Currently, restaurants are permitted in the CBD (central business district) Zone as a conditional use approved by the Borough's Planning Board only if they occupy less than 2,000sqft and only if they satisfy parking requirements that the Borough now believes to be unrealistic. Otherwise, a more difficult-to-obtain use variance from the Zoning Board is needed.

If adopted, the ordinance will increase the maximum size from 2,000sqft to 5,000sqft and eliminate the requirement of providing off-street parking in the core of the business district, a requirement for which virtually every existing restaurant has obtained a variance. Other conditional use requirements that relate to operations unique to restaurants solid waste handling, odor control, health and sanitation matters, and normal site plan, Historic District, and sign approval will still apply.

The Commissioners hope that the easing of these restrictions will lead to an increase in the number of quality restaurants in the central business district.

A Public Hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held on Tuesday, July 27 (8:00pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall).

Labor Day Holiday

Borough offices and facilities (including the Public Library) will be closed on Monday, September 6, in observance of Labor Day.

Monday's trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Business owners are asked to not place weekend trash and recycling on sidewalks until after 5:00pm on Monday.

Various Appointments

During their meeting on July 13, the Commissioners authorized the following appointments:

- To the Historic Preservation Commission: Lee Albright as Alternate II to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of William Blake. Current Alternates were moved up to fill intermediate positions created by the vacancy.

- To the Zoning Board of Adjustment: Michael Wondrasch as Alternate II to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Michael Skinner; and Daniel Reisman as Alternate I to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Neal Tully. Current Alternates were moved up to fill intermediate positions created by the vacancy.

- To the Police Auxiliary: Pete Dobush, Jack Matty, Gene Haag, and Max Hermann.

The Commissioners also accepted the appointments for membership in Haddon Fire Company No 1 of Brian Plodizyn, Jeff Mirabello, and William DeLaura; and for membership as Explorers of Vince Mariani, Patrick McGettigan, and Eric Janssen.

On behalf of the community, the Commissioners express their appreciation to William Blake, Michael Skinner, and Neal Tully for their contributions of time and talent.

The Commissioners also express their appreciation to the many residents who responded to the recent request for expressions of interest in serving on the Zoning Board. All letters will be kept on file and reviewed when future vacancies arise on Borough boards, committees, and commissions.

The new members of the Police Auxiliary are the first to join in some time, and are most welcome. Residents who are interested in learning about the work of the Police Auxiliary, with a view to possible membership, are encouraged to call Lt. Ted Stuessy at 429-4700 x 240.

The Fire Company receives applications for membership frequently, both for full membership and Explorer (junior) membership. As a result, the volunteer company is able to maintain a full complement of about 50 members. Even so, expressions of interest are encouraged. Call Chief Joe Riggs at 429-4308.

Audit Report Received

The Borough has received copies of the audit for 2003, carried out by Bowman & Company, as required by state law.

As in previous years, the auditors have reported that the Borough's financial operations are in good order. As usual, they have made a number of recommendations of a minor nature. (A corrective action plan is being formulated by the Chief Finance Officer.)

A summary of the audit will be published as a Legal Notice in the Retrospect;copies of the complete audit are available for perusal at the Public Library and in Room 101 of the Borough Hall.

Affordable Housing Committee Formed

Since 1985, when the NJ Supreme Court issued a series of decisions collectively known as the "Mount Laurel" decisions, municipalities in New Jersey have been required to make it reasonably possible for those of limited means to obtain housing in their community.

The criteria and guidelines for what is reasonably possible in the state's 566 municipalities are set by the NJ Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), which also reviews and approves municipalities' plans for meeting their "fair share" of the overall low/moderate-income housing obligation.

When COAH certified Haddonfield's most recent plan in July 1999, it determined that the Borough had a scarcity of land for new development and assigned the Borough a "realistic development potential" of zero.

The recent construction of a block of town houses on Washington Avenue, the recent approval of plans to build apartments above shops on either side of Kings Court, and the pending approval of plans to build apartments above offices at 501 N. Haddon Avenue have led a private group, Fair Share Housing Center, to question the validity of the Borough's Fair Share Plan.

The Fair Share Housing Center has asked COAH to reexamine Haddonfield's current "realistic development potential" and, if it finds that there is now potential for development in Haddonfield, to require the municipality to revise its affordable housing plan.

Believing that this matter requires prompt and serious attention, the Commissioners have retained both a legal counsel with expertise in "Mount Laurel" issues (Jeffrey Surenian of Toms River) and a planner with expertise in affordable housing issues (Elizabeth McKenzie of Flemington).

They have also authorized the creation of the Haddonfield Affordable Housing Committee and charged it with the responsibility of reviewing all matters relating to the Borough's Fair Share Housing plan. The members of the Committee are the Mayor, the Borough Solicitor, a member of the Planning Board, the Planning Board Solicitor, the Zoning Officer, the Borough Administrator, the Special Counsel, and the Special Planner.

The development plans referred to above, and others "in the works," are now on hold, while the issue is being dealt with.

Note: This issue is totally unrelated to the Borough's recent decision to look at redevelopment planning for part of the downtown business district.

Beat the Heat

When the temperature is expected to rise above 90 degrees, the Mabel Kay House, which is air-conditioned, will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm to provide relief for residents, especially senior citizens, who do not have air-conditioning in their homes.

Former Mayor Hinski Dies

Eugene V. Hinski, Sr., who served as Commissioner of Public Works and Mayor in the late 1960's and early 1970's, passed away on July 12.

Mayor Hinski was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in May 1965. He was reelected in May 1969 and served during the following four years as Mayor. He did not seek reelection to a third term.

Gene Hinski was an active member of many community organizations, including the Business Association, American Legion Post 38, Haddon Fire Company No 1, Republican Committee, and PTA at Christ the King School. He served terms as president of the Lions Club and the Civic Association (from which he received the Driscoll Award). He was named Citizen of the Year in 1985.

On behalf of the community, the Commissioners express their thanks and admiration for Mayor Hinski's long and dedicated commitment to Haddonfield, and their condolences to his family.

Work on N. Haddon Ave.

Although hampered and delayed by heavy rains, work is proceeding on the section of North Haddon Avenue between Hawthorne and Rhoads Avenues.

The work involves the relocation of some underground sewers followed by the creation of "bulb-outs" and raised, brick-colored crosswalks at the intersection of Haddon and Rhoads, designed to calm traffic on Haddon and make it safer for pedestrians to cross Haddon Avenue. New sidewalks, curbs, and tree wells in front of the shops in the block between Rhoads and Hawthorne will also be constructed. Lanterns similar to those on Kings Highway will be installed at a later date.

The Commissioners recognize that the temporary closure of Haddon Avenue and the reconstruction of roadways and sidewalks have caused considerable inconvenience. They thank those who live, work, and shop in this part of the business district for their patience and understanding. They too look forward to the completion of the project and a significant improvement to the streetscape.

Coming: Tax Bills

If it receives everything it needs in time, the Borough aims to mail tax bills for the fiscal year in early July.

This year, as in many past years, the target date has been pushed back because critical data has not been available on time from the State and County.

The Tax Office hopes to mail bills by the end of July. As usual, the Borough will extend the grace period for paying third quarter taxes. Look for details on a note that will accompany your bill.

[ Back to Top ]

June 11, 2004

Dogs in Crows Woods

During their meeting on June 8, the Commissioners adopted an Ordinance that extends the effective date of regulations governing the running of dogs at large in Crows Woods. The new Ordinance will expire on December 1, 2004.

The Ordinance provides that the only public place where dogs may run off-leash is in the wooded area of Crows Woods, before 12n and after 5pm. Between 12n and 5pm, dogs in the wooded area of Crows Woods must be on a leash. In all other public places (including the playing fields at Crows Woods), those who have the custody of dogs must keep them on leashes at all times.

The six-month extension of the regulations will provide time for a proposed study of all parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces in Haddonfield with a view to updating the open space element in the Borough's Master Plan. The Commissioners were expected to authorize a contract for this study with Lord Worrell & Richter, Burlington-based planning consultants, during their meeting of June 22.

The extension will also provide more time to obtain input from users of Crows Woods and to evaluate the effect of the regulations on the various uses of Crows Woods.

Speaking of Dogs (and Cats) ...

The State of New Jersey requires municipalities to conduct a periodic census of unlicensed dogs and cats that are kept as pets.

Census-takers will be visiting homes in Haddonfield in the coming weeks, asking for the name, breed, and sex of unlicensed pets. Each census-taker will have official identification. It will not be necessary for census-takers to enter residences.

Vacancies on Zoning Board

There are two vacancies on the Zoning Board and the Commissioners invite expressions of interest from qualified residents.

Subject to New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law, the Zoning Board of Adjustment considers requests for variances from Zoning Ordinances on certain matters of residential and commercial development. In general it strongly supports the character of the municipality and the aims of its long range planning efforts.

Residents who are interested in serving on the Zoning Board should send a letter and resume describing their relevant expertise and interests to Board of Commissioners, PO Box 3005, Haddonfield NJ 08033.

For more information about the role and responsibilities of the Zoning Board, call the Borough Administrator (Richard Schwab) at 429-4700 x 215.

First Night Buttons

First Night Haddonfield is planning to once again sell admission buttons at a discount for a limited period in July.

Buttons will not be available during the Independence Day parade, as in the past. Instead, they may be ordered by mail, using the form on page 48, from now until Friday, July 9. The cost is $7 (a discount of $3), plus $1 per order for shipping and handling.

First Night is a family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts in downtown Haddonfield on New Year's Eve. Admission to the various performances and other indoor activities is by button. Typically, more some 5,000 are sold each year; in some years past, buttons have sold out. (Suggestion: buy yours now!) Buttons are required for all but babes-in-arms.

Coming: The Fourth on the Fifth

Haddonfield's Independence Day celebrations will take place on Monday, July 5.

The parade along Kings Highway from the Presbyterian Church to the High School will begin at 10am. A flag-raising at 11:30am will be followed by the announcement of winning groups and floats.

The evening program in the High School stadium will begin at 7:30pm with music by Revolver (a Beatles cover band), followed by a pyrotechnic display at 9:30pm. (If rain: Saturday, July 10.)

Residents who have not yet contributed to the appeal for funds for these celebrations may send donations, payable "Haddonfield Celebrations Association," to PO Box 15, Haddonfield NJ 08033.

N. Haddon Avenue to be Closed

It is expected that Haddon Avenue between Hawthorne and Rhoads will be closed completely for up to three days in early July for work on underground sewer and electric utilities.

The roadwork that follows will include the creation of "bulb-outs" at the intersection of Haddon Avenue and Rhoads, designed to calm traffic on Haddon and make it safer for pedestrians to cross Haddon at Rhoads. New sidewalks, curbs, and tree wells in front of the shops in the block between Rhoads and Hawthorne will also be constructed. (The Borough plans to install lanterns similar to those on Kings Highway at a later date.)

Parking will be prohibited at various times and in various places on Haddon Avenue, and the road will be narrowed periodically. (Incidentally, the alternative to a three-day shut-down of Haddon closing one half of the street at a time would extend the 45-to-60 day project by a week, at least.)

Detour signs routing traffic along Maple Avenue and Hawthorne will be posted. Residents and business owners will be notified by letter of project details and the likely starting date.

Calendar Notes: Haddonfield Day at Riversharks Sunday, June 27. Crafts Festival Saturday, July 10 and Sunday 11.

[ Back to Top ]

May 28, 2004
Memorial Day: May 31

The Borough Hall and the Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. Police, fire, and ambulance services will be provided around-the-clock, as usual, as will emergency water and sewer services. Monday’s trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday. Business owners should not put trash out on the weekend, as it will not be collected until Tuesday. The Commissioners encourage all residents and business owners to join them on Monday morning for Haddonfield’s Memorial Day parade (10:00am – Kings Highway E from the Presbyterian Church to the High School) and ceremony (10:30am at the memorial in front of the High School).

Please Limit Outdoor Watering!

Each year, the Commissioners adopt a resolution giving the Commissioner of Public Works the authority to declare a temporary water emergency and establish restrictions on the use of potable water during the summer months, should such restrictions be necessary. That action was on the agenda for the May 25 meeting. At this time, the Borough is asking residents who wish to water outdoors – watering lawns, washing automobiles, filling swimming pools, and operating fountains, for example – to do so early, or late, and to not water outdoors at all between 6:00am and 6:00pm. This will help even out the peaks and valleys of demand.

Independence Day Celebrations

The Independence Day parade and fireworks in Haddonfield (to take place this year on Monday, July 5) are planned and presented by the Haddonfield Celebrations Association, an independent volunteer organization. The Association relies on community support to underwrite its activities. This year, the group is replacing its customary door-to-door collection with a direct appeal to the community. Many residents and business owners have contributed already. The Commissioners urge those who have not yet contributed to do so now, using the envelope inside mailed copies of this issue of What’s On in Haddonfield. (If the envelope is missing, the address for mailing contributions is PO Box 15, Haddonfield NJ 08033.)

Summer Recreation

The Recreation Council and the Children’s Department of the Public Library have published details of their summer programs. (See page 40.) Both programs are free for Haddonfield residents and for students attending schools located in Haddonfield.

New Parking Meters

The Commissioners have awarded a contract for $75,000 to Guardian Meters for the supply of 500 new electronic parking meters to replace mechanical units that can no longer be repaired economically. The new meters, which are similar to ones already in use in various parts of town, will be easier to adjust than the mechanical ones (to increase or decrease times and rates, for example). They will also record data that will enable the Borough to detect patterns of usage, and therefore manage its inventory of parking spaces more effectively.

Construction on Haddon Avenue

The Commissioners have awarded a contract for $110,700 to Bud Concrete of Sewell for roadworks and streetscape on Haddon Avenue. The work will include a “bulb-out” at the intersection of Rhoads Avenue, designed to calm traffic on Haddon Avenue and make it safer for pedestrians to cross Haddon at Rhoads. It will also include sidewalks, curbs, underground power, and tree wells in front of the shops on the block between Rhoads and Hawthorne. (The Borough plans to install lanterns similar to those on Kings Highway at a later date.) More than half of the cost of the project will be paid for through a state grant of $66,000. An additional $30,000 will come from the office of the Commissioner for Transportation. (This grant resulted from his visit to Haddonfield recently for Drive 25 Week.) Work is expected to begin shortly. The Borough hopes it will be completed by the end of July.

Budgets Adopted

During their meeting on May 11, the Commissioners adopted the Borough Budget and the Water & Sewer Budget for 2004. The $10,841,000 operating budget is less than 1% higher than last year’s budget. The Local Purpose (i.e. municipal) tax rate will increase by 8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, or $176 per year for a property assessed at $220,000 (the Borough average). The Water & Sewer rate will increase by 5% (30 cents per 1,000 gallons). Approval of the budget for the Partnership for Haddonfield (the nonprofit corporation formed to manage the newly created Business Improvement District) for the second half of 2004 was on the agenda for the Commissioner’s meeting on May 25. The budget proposes to raise $125,000 for a six-month period by means of an assessment on business properties of 23.6 cents per
$100 of assessed valuation.

[ Back to Top ]

May 14, 2004
B.I.D. Budget

The proposed budget for the newly created Business Improvement District was introduced during the Commissioners meeting on April 27. A public hearing on the matter will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on May 25, after which the Commissioners may vote to approve it. The budget has been prepared on an annual basis, but since the Business Improvement District was formed in midyear, the assessment rate used to calculate the budget will apply only for the third and fourth quarters of 2004. The budget proposes to raise $125,000 for a six-month period by means of an assessment on business properties of 23.6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Keep It Up: Drive 25!

A week-long campaign to heighten awareness of the speed limit for vehicles in Haddonfield –25 miles per hour –will end on Sunday, May 16. But that doesn’t mean it will be OK to put the pedal to the metal on Monday, May 17.
The Transportation and Pedestrian Safety Committee (TAPS) hopes the publicity generated by the campaign will help drivers remember that it is in everybody’s interests for them to adhere to the speed limit. Apart from enhancing safety for both motorists and pedestrians, the 25 mile-per-hour speed limit makes a major contribution to the livability of our town.

The Commissioners thank the members of the TAPS Committee for their efforts in promoting awareness of this important issue.

Codified Ordinances

The Commissioners adopted an Ordinance during their meeting on April 27 relating to the codification of all Ordinances of the Borough. The newly codified ordinances are now available in both printed and digital form via a link on the Borough’s website: www.haddonfieldnj.org. Click on "Borough Code of Ordinances."

Community Tribute to Janet Betley
The reception and dinner is being planned in tribute to Janet Betley, the Borough’s recently retired Treasurer, Tax Collector, Borough Clerk, and Registrar of Vital Statistics.

The function will be held at the Tavistock Country Club on Thursday, June 10. Reception at 6:30pm; dinner at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $40 (cash bar) and may be reserved by calling 429-4700 x 206 or mailing the form on page 10. The Commissioners hope that residents and business owners will take advantage of this opportunity to formally show their appreciation to Janet for her more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Borough and the community.

Need Info? Go to Kings Court!

The Haddonfield Information Center has relocated to 12 Kings Court and is open weekdays from 12:00n to 6:00pm and on Saturdays from 12:00n to 4:00pm. Phone: 216-7253.

Hydrant Flushing

During May, the Water Department will flush fire hydrants between 9:00am and 3:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.The purpose of the program is to flush corrosive material from the system.

For hydrant-flushing purposes, the Borough has been divided into four zones:
1. South of Kings Highway, West of the Speedline completed
2. North of Kings Highway, West of the Speedline completed
3. North of Kings Highway, East of the Speedline May 18, 19, 20, 21
4. South of Kings Highway, East of the Speedline May 25, 26, 27, 28

During and for a short time after flushing, water may be discolored. Let your cold water spigots run until the water runs clear. DO NOT run your washing machine until the water is clear.

For more information, contact the Water Department –Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm –at 429-0183.
[ Back to Top ]

April 30, 2004
Information Center to Move

The Haddonfield Information Center, which has operated for a number of years in the rear of the Haddonfield Mall, is moving to a new location in Kings Court.
It is expected that the move will be completed in time for MayFest on May 1, so stop by and say “hi” to Arlene Fiorilli, the Center’s director. (She’s a notary, by the way.)
The move to a new location will be accompanied by a change in hours. The Center will now be open on weekdays from 12:00n to 6:00pm and on Saturdays from 12:00n to 4:00pm.
The Camden County Clerk’s office will continue to provide service at the Information Center, but with expanded hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00n to 5:30pm. (Saturday hours will be added in September.)

Codified Ordinances Now Available

The Commissioners planned to adopt an Ordinance during their meeting on April 27 relating to the codification of all Ordinances of the Borough.
Codification involves creating a clear and logical arrangement of local ordinances, making them easier for Borough officials, residents, and other interested parties to find and use.

The codification process, which was carried out over an 18-month period by General Code Publishers of Rochester NY through their NJ representative, included reviewing each ordinance to see whether it contained any conflicts with other ordinances, whether it was consistent with the requirements of current state law, and whether it was applicable with today’s world and current legal rulings.

The newly codified ordinances will be available in both printed and digital form at www.generalcode.com. (Click on “E-code On-line Library,” or enter http://www.e-codes.generalcode.com/codebook_frameset.asp? ep=fs&t=ws&cb=2005_A). Alternatively, link via the Borough’s website: www.haddonfieldnj.org.

Coming Up

° Saturday, May 1 –Red Kimono Day (9:00am)
° Saturday, May 1 –Senior Art Exhibit opens (thru Monday)
° Saturday, May 1 –MayFest (If rain, May 2 from 12:00n)
° Saturday, May 1 –Information Center in Kings Court
° Sunday, May 2 –Senior Art Exhibit reception (3:00pm)
° Tuesday, May 4 –Hydrant Flushing begins
° Wednesday, May 5 –Partners for Haddonfield (8:00am)
° Monday, May 10 –Drive 25 Campaign begins

Ambulance Assn. Update

There are two organizations that provide emergency medical services to the Haddonfield community from their base at the Fire House on Haddon Avenue:
° The Haddonfield Ambulance Association provides first aid and, when required, transportation to area hospitals. These emergency medical services are provided by Borough employees who are trained and certified Emergency Medical Technicians and, not coincidentally, also firefighters.
° Virtua Health System provides paramedic services in potentially life-threatening situations.

Like the Fire Company, the Ambulance Association began as an all-volunteer service. Costs were met by donations from the community.
Some years ago, it became clear that in order to provide the desired level of service around the clock, it would be necessary to employ personnel (some full-time, some part-time). The Borough agreed to assume that cost (currently about $500,000 per year) and the Ambulance Association agreed to continue to pay for its vehicles, equipment, training, and consumables (currently about $40,000 per year, raised from the community primarily through an Annual Appeal). The Association also agreed to continue providing mutual aid to neighboring communities, on a reciprocal basis.

Even though the Ambulance Association has always been entitled to charge for its services, it has never done so, either directly to those served (mostly Haddonfield residents) or by billing a third party (insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid).

As a result of its longtime desire to provide service to all who need it, absolutely without charge, the Association has been denying itself the money that insurance companies (and Medicare and Medicaid) set aside to pay for ambulance services.

In order to ensure that future cost increases can be met, the Ambulance Association has decided to bill insurance companies for the services it provides, but only in an amount sufficient to offset cost increases.

It is important to note:

° That the Ambulance Association’s level of service to the community will not be affected in any way;
° That the health insurance premiums of those served will not increase as a result of this change in procedure (although insurance company profits may drop imperceptibly!);
° That those who do not have insurance will not be billed for the services they receive from the Association.

A proposed Ordinance dealing with these matters was to be introduced during the Commissioners’ meeting on April 27 (replacing one introduced on April 13 that was found to be insufficient for its intended purpose). A Public Hearing will be held on May 11, after which the Commissioners may vote to adopt the Ordinance.

Especially for Seniors

Red Kimono Day, the Borough’s annual salute to its senior citizens, is Saturday, May 1. A program at the Middle School will begin with an update on municipal matters from the Commissioners and the naming of this year’s recipient of the Senior Service Award. A variety of interesting and informative programs will follow, after which lunch will be served in the cafeteria.
The program is free to all senior citizens who live in Haddonfield, who are members of Haddonfield churches and community organizations, or who are served by Interfaith Caregivers.

... and by Seniors
Works of art created as part of the Markeim Art Center’s Senior Art Program will be displayed at the Markeim from Saturday, May 1 through Monday, May 3.
A reception will be held on Sunday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. All are welcome to attend.

Spring Clean-Out Has Ended
Borough rules that specify the amounts and kinds of materials that can be put out as trash –eased during April for the annual Spring Clean-Out –are back in force.
Unsure about what you can and cannot put out, and when? You’ll find the rules in the Town Calendar.

Human Relations Commission Award

The Human Relations Commission recently established an annual award for high school students who live in or go to school in Haddonfield. Named for Alvin R. Schomer, the longtime chair of the Commission, the award recognizes a student who has made an outstanding contribution in the area of human relations.
The inaugural award was presented during the Commission’s Spring Forum on April 26. Congratulations to Emily Brown and Sally Vitez!

Business Improvement District

The newly created District Management Corporation, incorporated as “Partners for Haddonfield,” held its organization meeting recently and set a schedule for its regular meetings.

Partners for Haddonfield will meet every other Wednesday at 8:00am in the Borough Hall auditorium. The next meeting date is Wednesday, May 5. All are welcome to attend.
The Partners’ next task will be to prepare a budget for the year beginning July 1. A public hearing on that budget will be held during a regular Board of Commissioners’ meeting, after which the Commissioners may vote to approve it.

Haddonfield Day

How many years must pass before an annual occurrence becomes a tradition? Is two enough? If so, the Commissioners take pleasure in informing the citizenry that Haddonfield Day at the Riversharks –when residents traditionally go out to a ballgame together –will be Sunday, June 27.
This year’s beneficiary will be the Historical Society’s landscaping project. Tickets are $9 and will be available at the Information Center in Kings Court and at Greenfield Hall (343 Kings Hwy E.)

Roadwork on Lincoln Avenue

The Commissioners planned to adopt an Ordinance on April 27 relating to the reconstruction of Lincoln Avenue between Park Boulevard and Centre Street. Of the estimated cost of $250,000, $100,000 will be paid from the Capital Improvement Fund and $150,000 will be paid for with state aid. The work is expected to be carried out during the summer.

Other Capital Works

The Commissioners planned to adopt an Ordinance on April 27 authorizing the issuance of bonds for a total of $1,806,900 to cover the cost of the following capital improvements:

° Upgrades to computer systems: $100,000
° Vehicles and equipment for Public Works: $292,000
° Improvements to the Borough Hall: $40,000
° Replacement of computers at the Public Library: $120,000
° Improvements to Centennial Courts: $100,000
° Improvements to various recreational fields: $50,000
° Improvements to the Cedar/Longwood ravine: $300,000
° Parking meter upgrades: $100,000
° Purchase of property at 21 Tanner Street, demolition, and construction of a parking lot: $800,000.

Hydrant Flushing
The Public Works Department will begin its annual hydrant flushing routine on Tuesday, May 4. See page 42 for details.

Drivers: Slow Down in Haddonfield!
A public awareness campaign to remind drivers of the speed limit in Haddonfield –25 m.p.h. –is under way. A week of intense publicity has been scheduled for Monday, May 10 thru Sunday, May 16. See page 2 for details.
The Commissioners encourage residents to help ensure the success of the campaign –and the safety of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians –by making a conscious effort to “Drive 25” on all roads in Haddonfield, at all times.
[ Back to Top ]

Back to Current Municipal Matters | Archive Index