Holiday Hours: December 24 and 31
The Borough Hall and the Public Library will both be closed on Friday, December 24 in observance of the Christmas holiday and on Friday, December 31 in observance of the New Year holiday. Police, fire, ambulance and emergency water and sewer services will be provided around-the-clock, as usual.

Property Tax Deadline: December 30
Property owners are reminded that taxes not paid by year’s end will be recorded as delinquent and become subject to collection. Because the Borough Hall will be closed on Friday, December 31, the deadline for the payment of taxes will be 4:30pm on Thursday, December 30.

Celebrating the Arts: December 31
Admission buttons are selling fast for First Night, Haddonfield’s annual family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve. More than 40 performances and activities have been scheduled at more than a dozen locations. Buttons, which cost $10 and are required for all but babes-in-arms, are available at the Information Center in Kings Court.

Christmas Tree Chipping: January 3
Please do not put Christmas trees out before then. (See Municipal Matters on December 24 for detailed instructions.)

Community Conversation: January 17
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day on January 17, the Borough’s Human Relations Commission will sponsor a Community Conversation titled “Affordable Housing in Haddonfield: Perspectives on Our Community’s Future.”

The goals of the Conversation will be to bring together a variety of community voices to explore why affordable housing is so important for the Borough and how it can help us move toward realizing Martin Luther King Jr's vision of harmonious, diverse communities. Participants will discuss such questions as “Why do we want affordable housing in Haddonfield?” and “Why has it been so difficult to do?”

The Conversation will be held at the Mabel Kay House, 24 Walnut Street, at 7:30pm on January 17. All are welcome.

Mayor’s Breakfast: January 22
Residents, property owners, and business owners are urged to mark their calendars for Saturday, January 22, the date of the annual Mayor’s Breakfast.

Sponsored by the Lions Club, the function will be held in Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church, starting at 9:00am. The event will include a “State of the Borough” address and the announcement of Haddonfield’s Citizen of the Year for 2005.

Commission Meetings
The Board of Commissioners will meet as scheduled on Tuesday, December 28 at 8:00pm in Room 102 of the Borough Hall.

As usual, the Commissioners will also meet on December 30 to formally “close the books” for the year. This meeting will be held in Room 102 at 11:00am. No other business will be transacted. At 3:00pm on Monday, January 3, the Commissioners will hold a brief meeting to adopt the Temporary Budget for 2005 and to pay urgent bills. No other business will be transacted at that meeting. A regular Work Session will follow.

The first regular Board of Commissioners meeting for 2005 will be held on Tuesday, January 11. The Board meets at 8:00pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, in Room 102 of the Borough Hall. Residents, property owners, and business owners are encouraged to attend these meetings. A period for comment and questions from the public is always included.

Snow Rules
Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property – not the Borough. PATCO is responsible for clearing roads and parking lots near the High-Speed Line – not the Borough.

Under contract with the County, the Borough is responsible for plowing, salting, and sanding some 3.3 miles of County roads in Haddonfield: Kings Highway, Haddon Avenue, Ellis Street, and Potter Street. The County remains responsible for the other County roads that run through Haddonfield: Warwick, Chews Landing, West End, Grove, Maple, Avondale, South Hinchman, Station (from S. Hinchman to Haddon Heights), and Coles Mill (from Grove to Village Court) – not the Borough.

The Borough does not clear driveways that get snowed when streets are plowed – for anyone, or for any reason. If you park in the street overnight and it snows, you will probably find that your car has been plowed in by morning. Not only is that an inconvenience for you but it also narrows the street and creates a potential hazard for motorists and for pedestrians. Suggestion: Residents with overnight parking permits should make arrangements – now! – to park on private property whenever snow is forecast.

Borough appoints Planner/Architect
The Commissioners recently approved the appointment of Angelo Alberto, on a part-time basis, to assist with the review and processing of development applications where his planning and architectural expertise will aid the Planning Board, Zoning Board, or Historic Preservastion Commission. The cost of his services, like those of engineers, will be covered by applicants’ escrow fees.

Angelo also has been contracted to develop a downtown visioning plan. He resigned from the Historic Preservation Commission in order to take on these new responsibilities.

--
[ Back to Top ]

Meeting Focus: Traffic Calming
Earlier this year, the NJ Department of Transportation retained a transportation consulting firm to “conduct a study of available options for traffic calming treatments in the Borough [of Haddonfield], where traffic speeds and volumes have been cited as serious problems, particularly in several key residential areas.” As part of its work, the firm planned to hold two public meetings to discuss the nature and scope of the project, seek public input, and present draft concepts.

The first of those meetings is scheduled to be held on Thursday, December 16 at 8pm in the Borough Hall auditorium. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

“Leash Law” Extended
During their meeting on November 23, the Commissioners approved another six-month extension to the ordinance that permits the owners of dogs to allow their pets to run at large in the wooded areas on Crows Woods during certain hours.

The extension will give a planning firm hired by the Borough time to complete its inventory and evaluation of open space in Haddonfield. The consultants’ report will provide a basis for discussion and action with respect to the possible and appropriate uses of open space for both “active” and “passive” purposes.

Input on Passive Open Space
The subcommittee of the Planning Board that is overseeing the work of the planning firm that is conducting an inventory and evaluation of open space in Haddonfield held a meeting on November 29 to receive public input on the possible uses of “passive” open space in Haddonfield.

Those present at the well-attended meeting heard a significant amount of input with respect to the present and potential use of Crows Woods. There was also discussion of possible “linkage trails” along the Cooper River, of potential uses for the old Mountwell Pool site, and of the possible development of an off-leash area for dogs in an area of Crows Woods known as “The Point.”

It is expected that the subcommittee will present its report to the Planning Board early in the New Year.

Leaves: Gone. Snow: Coming.
The Borough’s annual leaf collection program was due to end on December 10. Thanks to generally favorable weather and the diligence of crews, this year’s operation went very smoothly.

Residents who have permits to park overnight on public property (roads and parking lots) are urged to make arrangements NOW to park their cars in private property whenever heavy snow falls are forecast.

Ruling on Affordable Housing
In late November, the State of New Jersey’s Council on Affordable Housing issued a ruling on a petition submitted earlier this year by the Cherry Hill-based Fair Share Housing Center.

The ruling requires the Borough of Haddonfield:

• To submit an amended Affordable Housing plan within 60 days; and
• To refrain from granting any approvals for development (except those relating to one- and two-family homes) until the Council acts on the amended plan.

The Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) was created by the Fair Housing Act of 1985 as the State Legislature’s response to a series of NJ Supreme Court cases known as the Mount Laurel decisions. The Supreme Court established a constitutional obligation for municipalities to establish a realistic opportunity for the provision of their “fair share” of low- and moderate-income housing, generally through land use and zoning powers.  Municipalities are required to have a Fair Share Housing Plan, approved by COAH. Haddonfield’s plan, approved in 1999, recognized the virtual lack of vacant land in Haddonfield and therefore set the Borough’s fair share of affordable housing units at zero.

The recent redevelopment of property on Washington Avenue for townhouses known as Willitts Court, and applications and approvals relating to the proposed redevelopment of other properties, led the Fair Share Housing Center to argue that there are “changed circumstances” in Haddonfield, that there is now “reasonable development potential” for new residential units, and that our Fair Share plan must therefore be amended. COAH agreed. The Commissioners recognize that circumstances have indeed changed and they will take such action as may be necessary to ensure that Haddonfield complies with COAH’s ruling.

Limits on Hours and Deliveries
In response to the complaints of residents who live close to certain businesses that have been operating or receiving deliveries or having trash picked up by private contractors very early in the morning and/or very late at night, the Commissioners recently adopted an ordinance that sets the hours during which these business activities may take place: 6am to 11pm.

Sunday hours – 12n to 8pm for most businesses – remain unchanged.

The ordinance provides a “First Amendment” exception for the delivery of newspapers and gives the Borough the ability to grant waivers in certain circumstances.

The Borough will work closely with affected businesses to ensure a smooth transition as changed hours of operation take effect.

[ Back to Top ]

Holiday Tree Lighting ... and Parade
The start of the holiday season will be signaled on Friday, November 26 when the Commissioners light Haddonfield’s Holiday Tree, in the park in front of the Public Library.

The ceremony will begin at 6:30pm and will include a musical presentation by High School students. It will be followed by a Santa Parade, led by the High School band, along Tanner Street and Kings Highway to the gazebo in Kings Court, where Santa will receive children’s holiday wishes. (Parents: be sure that letters include a return address). The Pick-Up Band will entertain, with selections of seasonal music.

In the event of inclement weather, the activities will be postponed to Saturday – same time, same place.

Holiday Shopping ... and Parking
In their ongoing efforts to support the Partnership for Haddonfield generally and its holiday shopping program in particular, the Commissioners have granted permission for the Partnership for Haddonfield, through its Candlelight Shopping Committee, to:

• Enable designated Haddonfield restaurants and other food service establishments to offer seasonal food and beverages in Kings Court during Candlelight Shopping; and set up, on a trial basis, outdoor heat lamps to provide light and heat in the vicinity of the food service.
• Provide carriage rides along a designated route in the business district, with stops at designated locations; and use various outdoor locations in the business district for seasonal entertainment.

Once again, the Commissioner have decided that parking will be free from Thanksgiving until the end of the year. They ask all who work downtown to bear in mind the purpose of this action – to make it easier for those who shop to find convenient parking spaces – and to note that this purpose will be defeated if workers occupy spaces close to the stores. The Parking Enforcement Officer will continue to monitor the use of parking spaces.

Got Plans for New Year’s Eve?
Admission buttons for First Night, Haddonfield’s alcohol-free, family-oriented celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve are available at the Information Center (in Kings Court), Commerce Bank, PNC Bank, Susquehanna Patriot  Bank (formerly Equity Bank), and Professional Printing Services (116 Haddon Avenue N). Buttons cost $10 and are required for all but babes-in-arms.

Web Site Enhancement
The Borough’s website – www.haddonfieldnj.org – now includes a searchable directory of Haddonfield stores, restaurants, professionals, and office-based businesses.

Appointments
During recent meetings, the Commissioners approved several appointments to the Board of the Partnership for Haddonfield, Inc., the management corporation for Haddonfield’s Business Improvement District:

• To replace Amy James and Gary Green, who have resigned – Mark Ruggerio and Robert Kugler.
• As alternates: Elise Vider and Kerry Bantivoglio. The Commissioners thank Amy James and Gary Green for their service to the Partnership and the business community.

Pet Licenses for 2005
State law requires the owners of dogs and cats to register them annually in the municipality where they live. The Borough will begin processing license applications on December 1. The application for will be published in the December 3 issue of What’s On in Haddonfield. Copies will be available at the Borough Hall (Room 101), Information Center, Public Library, and Mabel Kay House. The form may also be downloaded from the Borough’s website: www.haddonfieldnj.org.

Leaf Collection: Note Ending Dates
The last day for leaf collection is not one day, but five days. Since leaf collection is scheduled to coincide with trash collection, your last leaf collection day will be the same as your trash collection day in the week of Monday, December 6 thru Friday, December 10.

Holiday Hours
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Borough Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26. Thursday’s trash and leaf collection will be postponed to Friday.

Friday’s collection will be postponed to Saturday. Police, fire, and ambulance services will be provided around-the-clock, as usual, as will emergency water and sewer services.

Input on “Passive” Open Space
The subcommittee of the Planning Board that is overseeing a project to undertake an inventory and assessment of parks, recreation areas, and other open space in Haddonfield will hold a public meeting on Monday, November 29 (7:30pm in the Borough Hall auditorium) to receive public input on “passive” open space in Haddonfield – nature areas, for example.

Residents who are interested in this subject are encouraged to attend and provide commentary that will help the subcommittee and its consultant envision and evaluate existing as well as potential alternative uses for all passive open space in town.

[ Back to Top ]

Input on “Passive” Open Space
Several months ago, the Commissioners authorized the retaining of a consultant to undertake an inventory and assessment of parks, fields, recreation areas, and other open space.

Following completion of preliminary work by the consultant, the subcommittee of the Planning Board held a meeting to solicit public input on “active” open spaces that are used for recreation – athletic fields, for example.

The subcommittee is now preparing for a second meeting, this one on “passive” open spaces – nature areas, for example. It is scheduled to be held in the Borough Hall auditorium on Monday, November 29 at 7:30pm.

Residents who are interested in this subject are encouraged to attend and provide commentary that will help the subcommittee and the consultant envision and evaluate existing as well as potential alternative uses for all passive open space in town.

The end-product of the study will be a proposed Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element of the Master Plan. Public Hearings on the subject will also be held after the study has been completed and before the element is formally incorporated into the Master Plan.

Thanksgiving Holiday
The Borough Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thursday’s trash, recycling, and leaf collection will be postponed to Friday. Friday’s collection will be postponed to Saturday. (This assumes that leaf collection is on schedule. The Public Works Department aims to collect leaves on the same day it collects trash and recycling. Equipment and labor problems can delay collection, however.)

The Public Library will be closed on Thursday, open on Friday. Police, fire, ambulance, and emergency water and sewer services will be provided around-the-clock, as usual.

Tree Lighting
The Commissioners encourage residents and business owners to join them at the Public Library on Friday, November 26 for the lighting of the Holiday Tree.

The ceremony, organized and sponsored by the Celebrations Association, will begin at 6:30pm and will include presentations by the High School band and chorus. A parade led by Santa Claus will make its way along Tanner Street and Kings Highway to Kings Court, where the Pick-Up Band will entertain while Santa receives children and their holiday wishes.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be postponed to Saturday, November 27.

Contracts Awarded
During their meeting on October 26, the Commissioners awarded a contract for temporary services to Staffing Visions of NJ, a Trenton-based company. The contract, for $26,535, covers the need for extra labor, mostly during the leaf collection season.

The Commissioners also approved the use of the Gloucester Township Municipal Utilities Authority for the purpose of disposing of leaves for composting, at the rate of $1 per cubic yard. They also awarded a contract to SLC Meter East of West Berlin for the supply of water meters: $26,066 for the first year and $26,672 for a second year, subject to the availability of funds in a future budget.

Election Update
The turnout in Haddonfield for the recent Presidential Election mirrored that in many other parts of the country. In Haddonfield, 8 of every 10 registered voters went to the polls on November 2.

Despite the unusually heavy turnout, voting generally went smoothly. With polls opening at 6am and closing at 8pm, the day was taxing for poll workers, however.

The Camden County Board of Elections is always looking for residents to staff the polls. The positions are paid ($200 per election) and are one-year appointments.

Residents who would like to find out more about the qualifications and requirements should call 856-661-3600. Next up: a School District referendum in December and the Board of Commissioners election in May.

Pet Licenses
Application forms for pet licenses will be available at the Borough Hall, Public Library, Visitor Center, and Mabel Kay House from Monday, December 1. The form will also be published in “What’s On in Haddonfield” on Friday, December 7. The application deadline is January 31; late fees will be added to the license fee after that date.

As in the past, applications may be mailed to the Borough or delivered in person (to Room 101 – a change from Room 105). Licenses will not be issued over the counter. Licenses, tags, and documentation submitted with applications will be mailed to pet owners during January and February.

If it’s November ...
... it’s time to buy admission buttons for First Night. This family-oriented, alcohol-free celebration of the arts on New Year’s Eve will offer more than 40 performances at various venues along Kings Highway, and fireworks at the Town Clock. Buttons cost $10 and are available at the Information Center.

[ Back to Top ]

On Election Day (November 2) ...

• Borough Hall offices will be closed.
• The building itself, which is a polling place, will be open.
• All other Borough services – including trash, recycling, and leaf collection – will operate as usual.
• The Planning Board meeting scheduled for 8pm has been postponed to Wednesday, November 3 at 8pm in the auditorium.

Polling Places and Times
• District 1: Methodist Church
• District 2: Borough Hall
• District 3: Crows Woods Building (S. Atlantic Avenue)
• District 4 and 5: Middle School
• District 6 and 7: Elizabeth Haddon School
• District 8 and 9: Lutheran Church
• District 10: Tatem School
The polls will be open from 6am to 8pm.
All polling places are accessible to those in wheelchairs.
The tally will take place in the Borough Hall auditorium, starting at about 8:30pm. All interested parties are welcome to attend.

Political Signs
• May be placed on private property only.
• Must be removed no later than Tuesday, November 16.

On Veterans’ Day (November 11) ...
• Borough Hall offices will be closed.
• All other Borough services – including trash, recycling, and leaf collection – will operate as usual.
• Members of American Legion Post 38 will conduct a ceremony at the memorial in front of the High School, starting at 11am.

The Commissioners encourage all residents and business owners to attend.

Town Meeting
Sponsored by the Civic Association and held on October 21, the annual Town Meeting provided an opportunity for residents and business owners to offer comments and ask questions of Borough officials on a wide variety of matters of interest and concern.

The Commissioners express their thanks to the Civic Association for convening this meeting. At the same time, they remind residents and business owners that an opportunity exists – during the regular meetings of the Borough Commissioners on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (Borough Hall, Room 102, 8pm) – to offer comments and ask questions of Borough officials.

Reminder: Leaf Day is Trash Day
See page 12 for information about leaves, snow, etc.

BID Ordinance Amended
On October 12, the Commissioners adopted an amendment to the Business Improvement District Ordinance that:
• Established a separate, lower rate for properties in residential zones that are used for both business (or professional) and residential purposes. For 2005, the rate for such properties will be half that of the rate for properties with commercial uses in commercial zones.
• Exempted the properties of nonprofit, recreational, cultural, and fraternal organizations from assessment.
• Added several properties that had been inadvertently omitted.
• Added positions for two Alternate members on the board of the District Management Corporation, the nonprofit corporation that manages the district.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment
On October 12, the Commissioners announced a minor change to the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance they introduced on September 14. The change was made to ensure that the same proposed front setback would apply to accessory buildings (garages, for example) as to main buildings.

The proposed amendment would change the front and rear yard setbacks in two neighborhoods: (a) the Hillside Farms development, including Wayside Lane, Edge Park Drive (including North and South), the 800 block of Grove Street, Pardee Lane and E. Coles Mill Road; and (b) North Drive (west side), Homestead Avenue (north side) and Redman Avenue (Barberry to the Haddon Township line).

The areas are currently zoned R5 and provide for a 30-foot front yard setback and a 40-foot rear yard setback. The proposal is to create a new zone designation – R5A – with the same regulations as the R5 zone, except to change the front yard setback to 40 feet and, to ensure that the maximum footprint for houses would not be changed, a rear yard setback of 30 feet.

The Public Hearing that began during the Commissioners’ meeting on October 12 was scheduled be continued on October 26 and will be continued again to November 9, by which time the Planning Board will have had the opportunity to comment on the change.

Fall Festival
Sponsored by the Activities Committee and held on October 16, Fall Festival provided an opportunity for community organizations to publicize their programs, advocate membership, and promote fund-raising activities. There is general agreement that this year’s Festival attracted the largest crowd ever, and was a great success. The Commissioners express their thanks to all the community groups that participated, and to Catherine O’Brien, who coordinated the activities.

--

[ Back to Top ]