September 17, 2010 Municipal Matters

Bancroft Redevelopment
A Planning Board work session is scheduled for Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at borough hall to consider redevelopment plans for the Bancroft site. The board has invited the Zoning Board, Environmental Commission and Haddonfield Preservation Commission to attend.
There will be no public comment at the Sept. 23 meeting, however the public is invited to comment at a special Planning Board meeting on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at borough hall. Action may or may not be taken at the meeting.
In addition, commissioners have authorized an agreement with ParenteBeard of Cherry Hill to provide financial analysis and projections to the borough on the redevelopment plan. As part of the agreement, ParenteBeard will analyze the costs and benefits of an assisted living facility on the site. It is anticipated some of that information will be available at the Sept. 30 meeting.
The borough’s final redevelopment plan is available on the borough’s Web site: www.haddonfieldnj.org. Space is available on the site for comments.

Shared Court Agreement
The commissioners have authorized the negotiation and signing of a shared court agreement with the Borough of Audubon. Once an agreement is signed, which is anticipated to happen by November, residents who wish to contest a tickets or summons will appear in court in Audubon. Tickets will still be able to be paid in the Haddonfield Municipal Building through a lock-box.
The commissioners noted that the likely savings from the move is at least $65,000 per year. The commissioners will continue to monitor the move, and, if necessary, evaluate whether to re-institute Haddonfield’s court. The agreement will allow termination without penalty at the end of a year.
Residents are reminded that many tickets, including parking tickets, can be paid online. The borough will continue to receive the same revenue from fines and costs collected.

Construction projects
The utility portions of the Woodland Avenue and Tanner Street projects are underway. It is anticipated that the Centre Street mill-overlay project, from East Park to East Summit, will begin the last week of September.
In addition, commissioners have authorized a shared services agreement with Camden County regarding construction management of the Potter Street and Ellis Avenue project. The borough will hire a construction management firm and will be reimbursed up to $165,000 by the county. This allows the borough to have direct daily input on the project. The county has put the construction portion out to bid, and work could begin in November. Updates will follow.

Hydrant Flushing
To ensure water quality is maintained at its optimal level and to maintain water lines and fire hydrants, a flushing program is implemented in the spring and fall, from 9 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. The area south of Kings Highway and west of PATCO was set for Sept. 14-17. From Sept. 21-24, the area north of Kings Highway, west of PATCO will be flushed. The area north of Kings Highway, east of PATCO is set for Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. Oct. 5-8 is the time for the area south of Kings Highway, east of PATCO.
If you notice your water is discolored, let a cold water spigot run until it is clear. Avoid doing laundry until you’re sure the water is clear.
Call the Water Department at 429-0183 for details.

Town Calendars Mailed
If you did not receive a calendar, copies are available in Room 101 at borough hall and at the Information Center.

Shredding Day Set
An additional Shredding Day has been set for Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. Take your personal, confidential papers, documents with bank account, Social Security, credit card and drivers license numbers and more to One Centennial Square (Archer & Greiner) off Euclid Avenue. Paper clips, staples and rubber bands are OK. Haddonfield residents only (ID may be required).

Schools Are Open – Drive 25
Commissioners want to remind everyone that schools are back in session, and it’s important to watch for schoolchildren while driving. Also, the borough’s Drive 25 week will be Oct. 4-8. There will be increased police presence, along with message boards and trailers that remind motorists how fast they are driving. The speed limit throughout the borough is 25 mph.

Water Restrictions Extended
Water restrictions have been extended through the end of October. The restrictions are currently at Level 2. To prevent problems with possible firefighting water pressure demands, the prohibition of outdoor use of water from the borough water system between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. remains in effect every day. In addition, properties with odd-numbered addresses are allowed to water only on odd-numbered calendar dates and properties with even-numbered addresses are allowed to water only on even-numbered dates. Violators will receive a warning and potentially a court summons.

Don’t Miss Fun Fall Events
Fall Festival Day will be held Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain date Oct. 17) from noon to 5 p.m. in the commercial district. Organizations that want to participate in the event should contact the Information Center at 216-7253. There will be carriage rides on Kings Highway, with drop off and pick up at Kings Court, along with various entertainment opportunities and materials for scarecrow making.
The “Haddonfield Wedding Walk” is Sept. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. in the commercial district. There will be a trolley running along Kings Highway.