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

 

June 17 to July 1, 2005

Master Plan Public Hearings
The Planning Board will hold two Public Hearings on Tuesday, July 5. The first will be on the proposed Municipal Stormwater Management Plan. The second will be on a proposed amendment to the Borough's Affordable Housing Plan.
• Stormwater Management –- Federal laws relating to environmental protection require the states to implement various regulations designed to minimize the adverse impact of stormwater runoff on water quality and quantity and the loss of groundwater recharge that provides the base flow in bodies of water that receive stormwater runoff.
In turn, the State of New Jersey requires municipalities to have a plan for stormwater management. Our municipal engineers have prepared such a plan for the Borough's consideration, and this Public Hearing is intended to give members of the public the opportunity to comment on the plan, which describes how the Borough will control pollution of water from development involving construction activity, soil erosion, stormwater construction, etc.
• Affordable Housing –- In January, the Planning Board adopted an amended Affordable Housing and Fair Share Element of the Master Plan that was subsequently submitted to the NJ Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) for approval. The Council's staff commented on several aspects of the plan; the revised amended plan that is the subject of this Public Hearing has been prepared in response to those comments.
The plan approved in January would have allowed the developer of a multiunit property to pay $35,000 per unit to the Borough in lieu of providing half the affordable units that would otherwise be required. Under a Regional Contribution Agreement, the Borough could then give those funds to another community for use in developing affordable housing in that community.
COAH has indicated that such an arrangement would not meet their interpretation of their regulations as they apply to Haddonfield's situation. The revised plan also incorporates provisions agreed to by the developer of the Kings Court project to provide four units of affordable housing. Therefore, the plan has been revised to reflect these realities. Under the revised amended plan, a developer of a multiunit property with five or more units will be required to set aside at least 20% of the total number of units for affordable housing.
The Planning Board meeting on July 5 will be held in the Borough Hall auditorium. It will begin at 7:30pm.
Immediately after the Planning Board meeting, the Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to endorse the Planning Board's presumed adoption of the revised Affordable Housing element of the Master Plan to submit to COAH.

Water Quality Report
As required by the US Department of Environmental Protection, the Borough has published its Water Quality Report for 2004. Copies will be mailed next week to every residence, place of business, and institution in the Borough.
Utility Department: 429-0183 x 122

Summer Fun
The Borough's Recreation Department is again sponsoring a variety of recreational activities for adults and children (preschool through high school) in June, July, and August.
And the Public Library is again sponsoring a summer reading program for children.
All activities are free and open to residents and children attending schools in Haddonfield.

Town Planning Meeting
Public information seminar on the process for assessing and updating the Borough's Master Plan for the business district: Wednesday, June 22 in Room C-8 of the High School at 7:30pm.

Certification for Key Employees
The Commissioners congratulate Deanna Speck on passing the state examination to become a Registered Municipal Clerk; and Jennifer DellaValle on passing the state examination to become a Certified Tax Collector.

New Water Bills
The Borough has installed new computer software for the processing of water and sewer bills. The bill the new system produces is in the form of a mailable postcard (rather than the paper bill that, in the past, was mailed in a window envelope) so Water Utility customers should be aware that their next water bill will be a different size, shape, and form.
Several other points to note:
• Your account number will be your Block and Lot numbers.
• The readings for water utility customers who have a second meter (for a swimming pool, for example) will be on the same card.
• Some bills may be delayed for a few weeks while the new system is being phased in.
• Readings will continue to be done on a three-month schedule.

June 6 to June 17, 2005
Town Planning Meeting
The Planning Board will host a public information session on Wednesday, June 22 to explain and discuss the process it anticipates using to assess and update the Borough’s Master Plan for the business district. The meeting will take place in Room C-8 of the High School, starting at 7:30pm. The impetus for this Master Plan review is the recent spurt of development applications for downtown projects, as well as PATCO’s consideration of development options for its property surrounding the Haddonfield Station. The current Master Plan, which does not address the central business district in any detail, and our current zoning regulations are not sufficient tools to enable the Borough to respond proactively to the increasing development pressures we have experienced in the last few years.

Updating the Master Plan will provide a blueprint for the Commissioners to update our Land Use Ordinances and to promulgate design standards for downtown development. An updated Master Plan for the central business district also could put the Borough in a better position to influence PATCO’s development plans for its land, which is exempt from local zoning ordinances. Through this process, the Planning Board hopes to better enable the Borough to guide future development and maintain the qualities our community values in its town center. The planning process, which has been called “visioning”, thus involves identifying, defining and implementing the community’s vision for the future of downtown.

Public participation is critical to ensuring the success of this important project. The June 22 meeting will be informational in nature. The program will include a presentation on changes in the central business district in recent years. There also will be a presentation about the “visioning process,” with an explanation of
what this process is and how it has been used in other towns. Finally, there will be an opportunity for questions and answers about this process.

Streets are not for Storage!
Residents are reminded that streets in the Borough are public property and may not be used for private purposes.
• Trash and trash cans may not be placed in the street. (The proper place is behind the curb.)
• Landscaping materials (mulch, stones, dirt, etc.) and building materials may not be placed in the street. (The proper place is on private lawns or in private driveways.)
• Containers for construction debris (Dumpsters, for example) may not be placed in the street unless a permit has been obtained from the Police Department. Otherwise, the proper place is private driveways.

Your compliance will help keep our community clean and safe.

Flag Day
The Commissioners invite all residents and business owners to not only fly the flag on June 14 but to join them in Kings Court at 6:15pm for the Borough’s annual Flag Day ceremony. The Pick-Up Band will begin the proceedings with a medley of patriotic marches and Kindergarten students from Haddonfield’s public schools will lead the singing of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” Members of American Legion Post 38 will form a Color Guard, supported by scouts from various Haddonfield packs. The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited at 7:00pm.

Please Limit Outdoor Watering!
As summer approaches and the use of water outdoors increases, the Borough asks residents who water lawns, wash automobiles, fill swimming pools, etc. to do so early in the day (before 6:00am) or late (after 6:00pm.) and to not
water outdoors at all between 6:00am and 6:00pm. The goal of this timing is to even out the peaks and valleys of demand so that pumping equipment can be run more efficiently, and therefore more economically.

Summer Fun
The Borough’s Recreation Department recently published its schedule of Summer Activities. A wide variety of recreational pursuits are available for children of all ages, preschool through high school, and for adults as well.

The Children’s Department at the Public Library is gearing up for its annual Summer Reading programs well. All programs are free and are available to residents and students attending schools in Haddonfield. The Commissioners thank the members of the Recreation Department and the Public Library for their work in planning these activities, and the School District for its assistance in making available many of the facilities used for this popular program.

Information Center Moves
In anticipation of construction that is expected to take place on the west side of Kings Court in the near future, the Information Center has moved to a new location nearby: 21 Ellis Street. It’s the white building next to the CVS parking
lot.
The hours will remain the same for the time being:
12:00n to 6:00pm on weekdays; 12:00n to 4:00pm on Saturday.
The County Clerk’s office discontinued its operations at the Information Center as of June 1, but is expected to resume providing services in the fall.

May 20 to June 3, 2005
Commission Election Results
The quadrennial election for Haddonfield’s Board of Commissioners was held on Tuesday, May 10. From a field of five candidates, three Commissioners were elected: Letitia G. Colombi, Edward F. Borden Jr, and Neal
P. Rochford. They will be ceremonially sworn in during the Reorganization Meeting to be held in the Borough Hall auditorium at 8:00pm on Tuesday, May 24. All members of the community are invited to attend. After the Borough Clerk has certified the Statement of Election Results and the Commissioners have been sworn in, action will be taken on a number of matters:

• Assignment of Departments. It is expected that Commissioner Colombi will become Director of Public Works, Parks, and Property; that Commissioner Borden will become Director of Public Affairs and Public Safety; and that
Commissioner Rochford will become Director of Revenue and Finance.
• Appointment of Mayor. The Commissioners will vote on this position; it is expected that Commissioner Colombi will be elected.
• Designation of the responsibilities for the various Departments.
• Designation of Board of Commissioners meeting dates.
• Appointment of Borough Solicitor, various Borough officers, and members of certain Borough boards, commissions, councils, and committees.

The outgoing Commissioners express their appreciation to those who ran for office and to all who supported them in their campaigns. The level of interest in this municipal election was the highest for many years, as was the turnout of
registered voters on Election Day (slightly less than 50%). Borough Clerk: 429-4700 x 207

Memorial Day
Monday, May 30 will be a public holiday in observance of Memorial Day. The Borough Hall and the Public Library will be closed. Essential services – police, fire, and water and sewer – will be provided around the clock, as usual. Monday’s trash and recycling collection will be postponed to Tuesday.

The Memorial Day Parade – along Kings Highway E from the Presbyterian Church to the High School – will begin at 10:00am. A ceremony, conducted under the auspices of the American Legion Post 38, will take place at the High
School memorial following the parade. The Commissioners encourage all residents and business owners to fly the flag for Memorial Day and to attend the
parade and ceremony.

Speaking of flying the flag ... Flag Day is Tuesday, June 14. Remember to fly the flag during the day, and plan to attend the observance in Kings Court, starting at 6:15pm.

Watch Those Signs!
Spring and summer bring with them a plethora of signs in Haddonfield, most of them illegal. The most common are yard sale signs, which some residents place not only on their own property but also on power poles and trees in the neighborhood. Also common are “open house” signs, typically placed by real estate agents at the ends of streets on which open houses are being held.
Although these signs are effective in attracting and directing members of the public to the properties where sales and open houses are being held, they are prohibited by Borough ordinance and so we may ask you to remove them. If you do not, we will. If you are holding a yard sale, garage sale (don’t forget to apply for a permit!), or open house, or if your property is for sale or rent, you may place one sign advertising that fact on your own property. You may not place such signs in the public right of way – on the park strip between the sidewalk and the curb, for example – because this is not your property.
Each contractor who is carrying out work at your house may place one sign on your property – not in the park strip – but it must be removed as soon as the work has been completed.

Information Center to Move
In anticipation of a lengthy construction project on the west side of Kings Court, the Information Center will move at the end of May to 21 Ellis Street, the white-painted building adjacent to the entrance to the CVS parking lot.

Senior Service Award
On behalf of the community, the Commissioners extend congratulations to Jean Day, the recipient of the Borough’s Senior Service Award for 2005.

Community Clean-Up
Despite inclement weather, the annual community clean-up of parks, parking lots, and other public spaces on April 30 and May 1 went very well. The Commissioners join Lynn McCabe, the Borough’s Clean Communities Officer, in thanking the many residents who participated, either as individuals, as members of family groups, or as members of community groups.
Keeping our community litter-free is a year-round activity, hence “Adopt-a-Spot.” Under this program, individuals, families, and community groups agree to “adopt a spot” somewhere in town and keep it litter-free throughout the year. Residents who are interested in becoming involved in this program are encouraged to call Lynn McCabe at 429-4700 x 315.

[ Back to Top ]

May 8 to May 20, 2005

Commission election: Tuesday, May 10
The quadrennial election for Haddonfield’s Board of Commissioners will take place next Tuesday, May 10.
Voters will elect three people to be Commissioners to govern the Borough for the next four years. Five candidates are on the ballot, in the following order:
Lever 1: Edward F. Borden Jr
Lever 2: John J. Tarditi Jr
Lever 3: Neal Rochford
Lever 4: David T. Hunt
Lever 5: Letitia G. Colombi
Two of the candidates are incumbents: Mayor Colombi and Commissioner Tarditi. Commissioner Reisner is not seeking reelection.
Voting hours are 6:00am to 8:00pm. Polling places are:
District 1: Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road
District 2: Borough Hall, 242 King’s Highway E
District 3: Crows Woods Building
District 4: Middle School, Chestnut Street
District 5: Middle School, Chestnut Street
District 6: Elizabeth Haddon School, Redman Avenue
District 7: Elizabeth Haddon School, Redman Avenue
District 8: Lutheran Church, Wood Lane at Wayne Avenue District 9: Lutheran Church, Wood Lane at Wayne Avenue District 10: Tatem School, Glover Avenue.
The tally will be posted in the Borough Hall auditorium immediately following the regular Commissioners’ meeting, which begins at 8:00pm and is expected to end by 8:30pm.

Human Relations Award
During its recent Spring Forum, the Human Relations Commission presented its annual Alvin R. Schomer Awards to High School seniors Katie Krywokulski and David McElroy. The awards recognize contributions by local high school students to fostering better human relations in the Borough.

Slow Down!
As part of its ongoing program to improve road safety in Haddonfield, the Police Department is again sponsoring a “Drive 25” week, from Monday, May 9 through Monday, May 16.
The Commissioner encourage all who live and work in Haddonfield to observe the speed limit when driving.

Historic Preservation Month
During their meeting on April 26, the Commissioners issued a proclamation calling on residents to join them in observing the month of May as Historic Preservation Month in Haddonfield.

Hydrant Flushing
The Public Works Department expects to complete its springtime hydrant flushing program during the coming week. Hydrants in the quadrant south of Kings Highway and East of the Speedline will be flushed on May 10, 11, 12, and 13.
The purpose of the program is to flush corrosive material from the water supply system. During and for a short time after flushing, water may be discolored. Residents should let cold water spigots run until the water runs clear and avoid using washing machines until the water is clear.
Questions? Call 429-0183 .

Budget Approved
During their meeting on April 26, the Commissioners adopted the Municipal Budget and the Water & Sewer Budget for 2005.
The total operating budget is approximately $11.5 million, of which approximately $6.5 million will be raised through property taxes. For a property assessed at the Borough average of $220,000, annual municipal taxes will be $1,408, an increase of $121 (9.4%) from 2004. Water and sewer rates increased by 2.4% to $4.30 per thousand gallons used for water and $2.05 for sewer.

Regular Trash Rules
The annual Spring CleanOut – the period when the rules governing the types and quantities of trash that may be put out for collection are relaxed – ended at the end of April.
Residents are asked to observe the rules for quantities and types of trash, as published in the Town Calendar.
Questions? Call 428-0183

Crows Woods Update
During their meeting on April 26, and following a Public Hearing, the Commissioners voted (2 to 1) to no longer allow dogs to run at large in the wooded area of Crows Woods.
Dogs are not permitted to be off-leash in any public place in the Borough after May 9.

Calendar Notes
• Saturday, May 7 – Red Kimono Day; Middle School
• Saturday, May 7 – Guided Wetlands Walk; Crows Woods
• Saturday, May 7 – Mom’s the Word; Downtown
• Tuesday, May 10 – Board of Commissioners Election
• Saturday, May 14 – Migration Bird Watch; Crows Woods

[ Back to Top ]

 

April 22 to May 7, 2005

Human Relations Forum
The Human Relations Commission will hold its Spring Forum on Wednesday, April 27 at 7:30pm in the Middle School auditorium. The evening’s focus – creating a community of inclusion in Haddonfield – will include discussion of the question, “What gender agendas do we each bring to our membership in a community?” The Alvin Schomer Award, recognizing a local high school student for contributions toward fostering better human relations in the Borough, will also be presented.

Arbor Day and Earth Day
In observance of Arbor Day, the Shade Tree Commission will plant two maple trees in vicinity of The UPS Store and Remington & Vernick (on Kings Highway E., just off Haddon Avenue). Residents and business owners are encouraged to stop by for the ceremony at 10:00am on Friday, April 29.
The Environmental Commission is planning a number of activities at Crows Woods on Saturday, April 30 – 12:00n to 3:00pm – in celebration of Earth Day. All are welcome, rain or shine.

Mother’s Day Weekend
Haddonfield will be a busy place on the Mother’s Day weekend (Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8). The following Borough-related activities are scheduled:
• Saturday: Mom’s the Word, a shopping promotion sponsored by Partnership for Haddonfield. Red Kimono Day, honoring Haddonfield’s senior citizens. A Guided Wetlands Walk in Crows Woods at 10:00am, sponsored by the Environmental Commission.
• Sunday: To accommodate the hundreds of families that will be in town for the Lizzy Haddon Basketball Tournament, the Commissioners have decided to allow stores to open at 10:00am on Sunday, May 8.

Bond Ordinances
During their meeting on April 12, the Commissioners:
• Introduced bond ordinances for road reconstruction ($300,000), recreation field improvements ($100,000), the purchase of vehicles ($88,000); the replacement of a retaining wall at the Water Plant ($100,000), and the replacement of equipment at the Center Street Sewage Pump Station ($450,000).
A Public Hearing on these proposed ordinances will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, April 26.
• Reallocated $700,000 (allocated in 2004 for the anticipated purchase of a potential parking lot) to the road construction and repair program for 2005 (resulting in $1,000,000 being available for the program this year).

Budget Hearing
A Public Hearing on the proposed municipal budget for 2005 will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on April 26, starting at 8:00pm (Borough Hall auditorium). Copies of the budget documents are available at the Borough Hall (Room 101) and for perusal at the Public Library, the Information Center, and online at haddonfieldnj.org.

Grants – Applied for and Received
The Borough has applied to the NJ Department of Transportation for two grants totalling about $477,000 towards the cost of: (a) reconstructing/overlaying Marne Avenue (from Haddon to Maple) and Mt Vernon Avenue (from West End to Avondale), and (b) installing sidewalks, where feasible, and handicap ramps in the vicinity of Elizabeth Haddon School.
The Borough has been awarded two grants by the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
One grant, of $75,000, will be used to make the recreation building at Centennial Park compliant with federal regulations governing the accessibility of public buildings. This building, which has storage and restroom facilities, serves those using the tennis courts (Tennis Association, HMHS teams, Summer Recreation participants) and the playing field (Midget Football).
The other grant, of $31,000, will be used for minor renovations at the Public Library, including removal of carpet and the replacement of asbestos floor tiles in the lower level of the building with flooring that will not be adversely affected by occasional flooding.

Crows Woods Update
On April 12, the Commissioners voted (2 to 1) to rescind permission for the dogs to be off-leash in the wooded area of Crows Woods. Their action followed the recommendations of the Planning Board’s Open Space Subcommittee and a vote by the Planning Board to adopt the Open Space Master Plan Element that includes the subcommittee’s recommendation. A Public Hearing on the proposed action will be held during the Commissioners’ meeting on April 26, starting at 8:00pm (Borough Hall auditorium).

Calendar Notes
• Monday, April 25 to Friday, April 29 – Spring Clean-Out ends. (Last day coincides with trash collection day.)
• Wednesday, April 27 – Human Relations Commission Forum
• Friday, April 29 – Arbor Day
• Saturday, April 30 – Earth Day Celebration at Crows Woods
• Sunday, May 1 – Haddonfield Day at the Riversharks
• Saturday, May 7 – Red Kimono Day
• Saturday, May 7 – Guided Wetlands Walk in Crows Woods
• Saturday, May 7 – Mom’s the Word
• Tuesday, May 10 – Board of Commissioners Election --

[ Back to Top ]

April 8-April 21, 2005

Borough Budgets
The Commissioners introduced the proposed Municipal Budget for 2005 during their meeting on April 26.

BID Budget Adopted
During their meeting on April 26, the Commissioners adopted the Business Improvement District budget for 2005.
The total budget is $304,847, of which $250,000 will be raised from assessments on commercial properties. Schedule A properties will be assessed at a rate of 0.246˘ per $100 of assessed value. For Schedule B properties (those in residential zones that have residential as well commercial uses) the rate will be 0.123˘.

Human Relations Forum
The Human Relations Commission will hold its annual Spring Forum at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 27 in the Middle School auditorium. The program for the Forum includes:
• The presentation of the second annual Alvin Schomer Award to a high school-aged student for outstanding human relations services to the Haddonfield community;
• A presentation by HMHS students on Anytown NJ, a program that helps high school students learn how to make decisions based on an appreciation of ethnic, racial and religious diversity.
• A presentation titled “A Gender Agenda: Creating a community of inclusion in Haddonfield” by Eric Pliner (a South Jersey native) from New York City’s Department of Education.

Clean Out ...
As usual at this time of the year, the Borough has relaxed the rules that normally apply with respect to the amounts and kinds of materials that can be put out as trash.

... and Clean Up!
Haddonfield’s annual Spring Clean-Up Weekend has been set for Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Individuals, families, and community organizations are invited to join in the townwide effort to clear litter that has accumulated during the winter months in parks, parking lots, and other public spaces.
To register, call Lynn McCabe, the Borough’s Clean Communities Officer, at 429-0183.

Proclamations
During their meeting on March 26, the Commissioners issued proclamations recognizing Lions Awareness Month and Alcohol Awareness Month.

Celebrating Earth Day
Once again, the Borough’s Environmental Commission is planning a celebration of Earth Day, in Crows Woods. This year the event will take place on Saturday, April 30, from 12:00n to 4:00pm (with a rain date of Sunday, May 1).
A variety of activities is being planned. Look for details in the April 22 issue of What’s On in Haddonfield.

Town Planning Forum
The next meeting to discuss matters relating to town planning in Haddonfield and the process for developing a vision of what the business district could be in the future will be held at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 20. The last meeting in the series will be held on Wednesday, May 18 (not May 11, as previously scheduled).
Meetings are held in the Borough Hall and are open to all.

Red Kimono Day
The Borough’s annual salute to its senior citizens will take place at the Middle School on Saturday, May 7, from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
The program is free and open to all senior citizens who live in Haddonfield or are members of Haddonfield churches.

Come Out to the Ball Game!
How many years must pass before an annual occurrence becomes a tradition? Is three enough? If so, the Commissioners take pleasure in informing the citizenry that Haddonfield Day at the Riversharks – when residents traditionally go out to a ball game together – will be Sunday, May 1.
This year’s beneficiary will be Interfaith Caregivers. Tickets are $9.00 and are available at the Information Center and the office of Interfaith Caregivers (behind the Borough Hall).

Hydrant Flushing
The spring component of a twice-yearly program to flush corrosive material from the Borough’s water mains and fire hydrants will begin on Tuesday, April 19 and continue, on a zoned basis, through Friday, May 13.

Support the Fire Company!
Haddon Fire Company No 1 will hold its annual door-to-door Fund Drive from 6:00pm to 9:00pm between April 11 and 14.
The Commissioners encourage each household to contribute $52 – a dollar a week – to ensure that the 50 volunteer members of the Company can acquire the training and equipment they need to maintain the highest level of service to our community.

--
[ Back to Top ]

Archives