LETTER

(Continued from Page 4) of Charles Street parking to compact-only vehicles to facilitate traffic and pedestrian flow, lowering the Main Street speed limit to 25 mph (down from 30 mph) from Route 70 to the Rancocas Creek, or petition the appropriate party (county) for same, adding a crosswalk between Mathis Funeral Home and the Feed Mill to encourage safe crossing, and requiring signage to prevent illegal parking lot cut throughs.”

Police ‘Foot Patrols’ Requested to Focus on Purported ‘Intoxication’

Several breweries have been added to Medford Village over the last several years, and Watson has been working to bring another, a prominent North Jersey-based firm, to the village.

In addition, in 2022, Medford council

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(Continued from Page 1) time out of his schedule to attend the July 12 Medford Lakes Borough Council meeting to address resident concerns, or at least send a police department representative to the session. Landante was joined by several other concerned citizens on July 12.

Landante contended that the residents had been told to expect Dugan to attend that session to have their questions and concerns addressed, but were only to be informed a couple hours before it was to commence that the chief would actually not be present at the meeting.

When it was said that Dugan was on vacation, Landante responded that he would have to believe that the Medford Lakes Police follows an organizational system similar to that used in the military.

“When the chief is on vacation, there should be an officer acting or standing in his place to help answer questions,” Landante maintained. “If not, that is an issue all in itself. I want it to be on the record that I want to know what the police are doing to curb these activities.”

Borough Manager Dr. Robert Burton responded that the chief plans to attend a scheduled Aug. 9 council session to address the matter (the timing of the chief’s scheduled August appearance has been later criticized online by locals, who maintained it is wellestablished that a number of borough families are away on vacation during that month).

However, Councilman Thomas Cranston maintained that the chief, and his lieutenant, John McGinnis Jr., are always “very approachable.” made it legal for one to carry alcoholic beverages in most of what is known as the Medford Village Business District, or the downtown section of Medford, so long as such beverages are purchased from the breweries and restaurants that are located there.

Ultimately, however, Burton and the council members would convey some of the things being done to address the matter and where things stand.

The area where public consumption is now legal, comprises a “quadrant” of properties that are “west of N. Main Street and south of Route 70, including Firehouse Lane, all properties east of Cherry Street, west along Union Street to its intersection with Allen Avenue, and all properties east of Allen Avenue to its intersection with S. Main Street,” excluding the Allen School and any property belonging to the local school district.

The open container area also includes a “quadrant” of properties that are “east of Main Street and south of Route 70, including all properties west of N. Main Street extended to Route 70, west along Branch Street and all properties west of Filbert Street extended south to South Street to its

Little Bit’ of a Perfect Storm Occurred

The Pine Barrens Tribune previously reported that Colony property was vandalized on the weekend of June 17.

According to the Colony, a bathroom at the Medford Lakes Colony Craft Shop Pavilion “was broken into and vandalized,” with police reporting that they were dispatched to the scene on June 19 and suspect the incident occurred during the overnight hours, involving an individual(s) that “caused various damage.” intersection with S. Main Street.”

Additionally, according to the Colony, “two bicycles were stolen from separate Colonists” with the bicycles later found “tossed into the lakes.” Trash, the Colony reported, was also found thrown around Beach 3 in Medford Lakes.

Police also posted on Facebook that officers were dispatched on June 18 to a residence in the 100 block of Chippewa Trail for a report of a burglary and theft from a garage, which occurred overnight.

The suspect(s) gained entry and stole various alcohol from the victim’s garage refrigerator, police reported.

It was posted on the police department’s Facebook page that surveillance video captured two unknown subjects attempting to gain entry to another garage on Chippewa Trail. At least one of the individuals depicted in a released still frame from the surveillance video appears to show either a teenager or young adult male.

These reports followed an April incident in which an M-80 style firecracker was lit in the street in front of the family’s home on Hiawatha Trail amid allegations of harassment, with Miller later describing that incident as “a most disturbing act of violence, perpetrated against one of our fine families.” Video surfaced showing the explosion that followed.

However, according to the authors of the letter, “unfortunately, due to the nature of breweries, there have been numerous instances of intoxicated patrons causing issues upon leaving.”

In shedding some light on the resulting consequences, the residents describe having to “clean up vomit and broken glass” in addition to “watching inebriated people wander in the middle of Main Street” and “witnessing really drunk people get behind the wheel of their vehicle.”

“It is only a matter of time till an overserved driver causes a tragedy in our town,” the letter authors warn, who also attest that there have been instances, following the close of business, where patrons of these establishments often loiter in parking lots along Main Street as late as 11 p.m., “resulting in groups of people speaking loudly right outside of homes past midnight.”

The authors of the letter make an ask for the police department to “add foot patrols”

On July 12, as residents demanded answers and accountability, Burton described what transpired as a “little bit of a perfect storm” with “two or three things that happened at the same time,” providing a slightly higher figure moments later.

“Pretty much, every summer, when kids get out of school, incidents happen in town,” Burton said. “It just so happened that at the end of school and beginning of summer, three or maybe four things happened all at once. I think those things are concerning and are important, but I don’t want the public to think there is a systematic problem in Medford Lakes with those types of activities. They all seem to have been isolated incidents. It wasn’t like a group of individuals came into town or there is a specific group perpetrating some of the things that are going on.”

What Actions Have Police Taken So Far?

Police, as of press time, have not yet announced any arrests, charges, or suspects. In the wake of the chief’s absence from the July 12 session and no police department representation, Mayor Dr. Gary Miller, other members of council and Burton were left to try to address the department’s response to date.

“I can tell you this,” the mayor said. “They stepped up patrols. They have done a lot more visual policing in the area. And to my understanding, it has really been effective. There hasn’t been much of any vandalism, vagrancy or children hanging out where they shouldn’t be hanging out. It looks like there has been some effect. But we are going to continue being vigilant in this to make sure that everything is going to be safe – that our properties are safe, our people are safe, and our children are safe.” during “regular busy times,” which they identify as occurring Thursday through Sunday, in addition to requesting that officers particularly “monitor traffic exiting breweries upon closing time.”

Officials Asked to Consider Clean-Up Plan for Events, Add Receptacles

The increased patronage to the downtown, the residents wrote, has resulted in a noticeable uptick “in the amount of plastic and paper” littered throughout the village, including plastic beer cups and cigarette butts.

“This trash is appearing on our sidewalks and lawns on a day-to-day basis,” they contended, maintaining it is “especially prevalent” after large events are held downtown.

The “potential solutions,” as they see it, according to the letter, are ensuring a “proper plan” is in place for “clean-up”

See LETTER/ Page 12

Burton maintained that he and the council “can’t talk about other specifics” due to a need to maintain “confidentiality,” but revealed in some instances “folks have been actively identified.” Deputy Mayor William Fields noted that “some things that occurred are still being actively investigated.”

“Suffice to say, they have done a pretty nice job,” contended Burton of the police department’s efforts to quell the activities at issue, with Miller adding that since the June 17 vandalism spree, the Colony “has not reported” any additional, specific instances of vandalism.

The borough manager noted that Dugan described to him that the police department’s community policing model “kind of works to address those types of issues in positive ways.”

“I think it has been effective,” Burton maintained.

Miller added that “perhaps next year, we can be prepared and stem it off before it happens,” and that the police can “figure out a scheme” prior to school winding down and being dismissed for the year.

“Yes, it may just be boys being boys,” Landante responded. “It may be that it is going to happen every summer or maybe before summer camps start. But nonetheless, they are still illegal activities.”

Accountability for Juveniles Now Limited

After describing the continual clean-up he has had to perform in the wake of the incidents, Landante demanded to know, “What does the town and police have in place to curb these behaviors and hold these kids accountable for their actions?”

Burton responded that there are “certain things I can’t discuss” because it “takes the

See SPREE/ Page 12

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(Continued from Page 11) effectiveness away” as “kids watch for this and that” to avoid getting caught.

When Landante raised the prospect of having any caught perpetrators perform car washes, for instance, Burton, who acknowledged he at one time had gotten into trouble during his youth, responded, “I remember spending many hours washing cars, whereas today, we live in a litigious society and that is pretty much off the table,” adding insurance coverage would be required for such a program.

“In August, the chief will talk a little bit about how policing has changed, and how they are hamstrung as far as certain elements of enforcement, especially when it deals with juveniles,” the borough manager said.

Dugan, according to Burton, plans to “talk about why certain levels of accountability you and I had to deal with as kids” are no longer a possibility, indicating it was the result of controversial juvenile justice reforms tied to marijuana-related crimes enacted by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in 2021.

The borough manager, in that regard, noted he had been contacted about a 15-yearold mouthing off to individuals, but that “unfortunately, the police can’t do anything, but parents should.”

Fields, a former police officer, attested that the “laws have changed significantly over the past two years in this state” and that the Legislature recently “targeted” the laws “dealing with juveniles.”

(Continued from Page 11) following township-sponsored events and ensuring patrons are “held accountable” if they don’t properly discard their trash. The residents also call on the municipality to place additional trash and recycling cans throughout downtown, in addition to having “fire-safe receptacles” for those wishing to discard cigarettes.

Having more containers would “encourage people not to litter,” the residents contend in their letter.

Councilman Says He Recognizes Challenges of ‘Community Expansion’

“We are so happy to see the revitalization of Main Street and welcome the many visitors to our village,” said Wilson in reading the letter’s conclusion. “We hope that through thoughtful improvements and proactive enforcement, the township can assure our growth is successful, sustained and safe for businesses and residents alike.”

“When I was in policing not too long ago, there were a lot more things we could do, and a lot more tools in our belt to deal with juveniles,” Fields said. “The state has taken those away from the police and the children know it. And as result, there is no fear – no fear of the police anymore.”

Locally, this newspaper has reported on a number of vandalism and unruly behavior incidents involving youth just this year – from Mirror Lake Beach in Pemberton Township to Prickett’s Mill Park in Tabernacle Township. A number of shore communities have reported severe problems, including Ocean City, which has had to enact a strict curfew and reduce beach availability at nighttime.

Fields noted that he was “just down at the beach” and observed a group of 400 to 500 kids circling police officers on duty and “taunting them.”

“It is sad,” he contended. “They have no fear anymore.”

As for Medford Lakes, “I do know the police are doing some things to help curb things within our laws.” As for what that might entail, Fields recounted a Colony meeting from three weeks ago in which the possibility of implementing curfews were discussed, as well as not allowing those responsible for the crimes to be on beach property (the beaches are owned by the Colony, which is private property).

Another “suggestion made” and under consideration, Burton revealed, is that those found to be perpetrating the criminal acts would not be allowed to play Medford Lakes Athletic Association (MLAA) sports for either an entire season, or year.

Additionally, a “discussion” has been had

Wilson then noted the letter was “signed by 47 residents of the village” and indicated he wanted to read Burger’s June 1 “response” to it, but was abruptly cut short by the township manager who said “that was five minutes” as a timer sounded. Watson held strictly to the council’s five-minute public comment limitation policy, despite Wilson requesting more time to speak.

However, Councilman Erik Rebstock revealed that he had an “opportunity to sit down with Mr. Wilson at the end of May and hear all his concerns.”

“I do appreciate and recognize the challenges of expansion in our community,” Rebstock said. “And I do recognize that we do have residents living in this space.”

He added that a meeting had since been held with the police about the issues raised, and that he also is aware of “some county efforts underway in terms of crosswalks and additional safety pieces.” Main Street is a county-maintained thoroughfare.

“And I would be happy to continue the conversations with Mr. Wilson regarding the neighborhood,” Rebstock added. “… I am happy to put my hand up for that.”

Burger added that in acting on the concerns, the county has already “put in one with the Colony about installing surveillance cameras, Burton disclosed, with the organization “now in the process of installing a number of cameras.” Councilman Dennis

P. O’Neil, actively involved with the Colony, described it as an “ongoing project” where the organization is “currently working through technical issues,” mainly how to establish WiFi range for the cameras to properly operate.

Katie Bailey, who ultimately conveyed “a lot of her questions have been answered,” despite the chief’s absence, and revealed she was one of those impacted by the spree with both her daughter’s bike and bike trailer “still missing,” responded by declaring, “I think it is great – the thought of kids having to sit out a sport if found guilty of something.”

She also expressed that by the Colony or municipality putting up surveillance cameras, it would “maybe hold kids accountable” by “having them seen on Facebook.”

Still, however, as Landante had conveyed, with Bailey’s daughter’s bike having not yet been found, “who is to say it is not in the lakes.”

Former Medford Lakes Borough Councilman

Joseph A. Aromando III, in also weighing in on the matter, pointing out that over the course of his 30-year residency he has had a number of his bikes stolen, maintained “one of the number one things police have to do” is address the use of electric bicycles in town.

“Anything that is not powered by your body and legs should have some regulation on it, and there should be an age cut-off before any kid can ride on one,” the former councilman declared. “And they definitely should be taken away if a kid abuses them. And the way these kids swarm on these bikes, in these streets – crosswalk” at Firehouse Lane and County Route 541 (also known as Main Street in the village). She said a meeting with the county is scheduled to discuss a cross beacon at where both Cedar and Branch streets intersect with the county road.

“And I know the police chief (Arthur Waterman) spoke with your neighbor, and they have done increased enforcement out there,” Burger continued. “And we did move the trash cans further down, toward Main Street, and further south, stretched down to the Feed Mill. We already do provide trash cans and recycling buckets to each food truck when they are out.”

Watson, in ultimately responding as well, said it is his understanding that many of the asks in the residents’ letter are “already in the works” and that “other things would be considered from the letter from the residents.”

And while the mayor tried to assure Wilson that the township is taking the residents’ concerns “very seriously,” and Rebstock noted that Wilson “has my cellphone number,” Wilson, having neared the exit to council chambers by that point, shouted, “there are 47 names you could have reached out to at any time … 47 names … this is the first problem. You start by letting people know there is some kind of enforcement, through an education, remediation and then adjudication process. You don’t have to jump on people with two feet in the beginning, but you can teach them. That is why we pay people such as code enforcement, and hopefully we will educate people first to do the right things.”

But, right now, he maintained, “these kids ride the streets like motorcycle gangs,” and in also pointing to a past incident in which his campaign signs were stolen, asserted, “I think the point here is that there is a little bit of a virulent attitude and even the kids share it.”

“I mean I had 40 of 60 campaign signs stolen, and they weren’t all kids who took them, OK, but that attitude here is prevalent in some families and they let these kids slide!” Aromando added.

Despite some possible creative enforcement strategies potentially in the works, the borough manager pointed out the police department does have a L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) community engagement program and that the local police force “wants to have a good relationship with kids” and “teach respect both ways.”

“Some kids unfortunately don’t have that, and that is where we get into these types of issues,” Burton maintained.

But one thing the borough manager emphasized is that “we live in a safe town” and “these things are very, very few and far between,” and if the municipality is facing a “systemic problem, we would have had a lot more incidents in town.”

Landante, meanwhile, maintained his hope that the “community, Colony and police can come together.” and your response is ridiculous: ‘spread out trash cans.’ What is that going to do?

Goodbye, have a good one!”

While Wilson did not return a message left at a listed number for him as of press time, Burger’s June 1 response, this newspaper learned through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request, included advising resident Jennifer Schirmer (a neighbor to Wilson) that “the chief advised his staff of the concerns noted in the letter,” the department’s traffic sergeant was dispatched to speak to the concerned parties, and that the police department “will be conducting a sign and speed study along Main Street.” Burger also noted that the fire marshal visited the area of one brewery and was going to see if he could suggest a cigarette receptacle, and that the county plans to install a handicap ramp and crosswalk at Firehouse Lane.

If there is a “parking, noise, nuisance, disorderly person or any other such complaint, please contact the police,” she added, noting residents could call Waterman at anytime with concerns or ask that Burger relay them to him.

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