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The News Leader of the Pines
♦
October 28 - November 4, 2023
Longtime Medford Clerk and Township Manager to Retire from Both Jobs at End of November Deputy to Become New Clerk; Township to Begin Search for Administrative Job Candidates By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
M E DFOR D — Me d fo r d Tow n s h i p Manager and Clerk Katherine “Kathy” Burger will be retiring at the end of November after having served 34 years in various township positions, it was announced at the Medford Township Council meeting on Oct. 17. Township Solicitor Timothy Prime told the Pine Barrens Tribune in a subsequent phone conversation that Burger will be replaced as clerk by her deputy, Dawn Bielec, and that he expected a search firm to be hired shortly to begin the job of recruiting a new township manager. Her
NOT IN THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT?
Pemberton Twp. Mayor Embroiled in Another Controversy Surrounding Rec Department After Riding Out to Property Purportedly Subject of Complaint for Having ‘Amusement Rides’ and Contacting Code Enforcement, Only It Is Reportedly Local Halloween Contest Entry A clown by a ticket booth for a carnival-themed Halloween display in Pemberton that is the source of controversy.
By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEMBERTON—Republican Mayor
Jack Tompkins, of Pemberton Township, is once again finding himself embroiled in controversy surrounding a function
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
of the township Recreation Department, this time by purportedly riding out to a See SPIRIT/ Page 17
See RETIRE/ Page 16
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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As Public Lends Its Support for Rescindment of Redevelopment Designation for Lakehurst Road Tract in Pemberton, Officials Debate Any Possible Peril By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEM BE RT ON — A s a n a p p l i c a nt continues to push for ward a highlycontroversial plan to construct a retirement c om mu n it y on a 70 0 -a c re tra ct of f Lakehurst Road, at the edge of the Browns Mills section of the township, Republican Councilman Joshua Ward, “in concurrence” with fellow GOP Councilman Dan Dewey, as Business Administrator Daniel Hornickel put it, has proposed rescindment of the “Lakehurst Road Redevelopment Plan,” which apparently encompasses the parcel. And as the public lent its support for the rescindment, both Business Administrator Daniel Hornickel and Township Solicitor Andrew “Andy” Bayer weighed the potential for possible peril, though not a single official appeared to have an exact sense of the full extent of the implications any such final decision could pose for the town. There also appeared to be some uncertainty about how reliant the applicant is, at this stage of the proposal, on any redevelopment agreement. The two Republican councilmen have been fighting most new redevelopment initiatives since taking office in January, and have garnered widespread support for their cause with many community members growing increasingly concerned with a development boom in town, and rescindment of the redevelopment plan, at first glance, would appear to have the desired effect of stopping the Lakehurst Road project dead in its tracks, only, as indicated by Hornickel and Bayer, it actually doesn’t do that, with the business administrator later suggesting to this newspaper it could actually do more harm than good. That is because, as was revealed by the township solicitor during an Oct. 18 Pemberton Township Council meeting, the applicant has the ability to proceed, and is currently proceeding, with the planned development under the current zoning in place for the tract, and therefore, doesn’t necessarily need any sort of redevelopment designation or redeveloper’s agreement in place to carry out the project. In more technical terms, Hornickel explained to this newspaper that the “underlying zoning” for the tract is “RA, residential in-fill” and the “R-A zoning district allows for a planned retirement community as a conditional use.” “It also would allow the developer to construct multiple garden apartments,” the business administrator contended. “Negotiating a redevelopment plan would enable the tow nsh ip to preclude the construction of any garden apartments.” Garden apartments are traditionally associated with a number of cons, including poor living conditions. “The implications of rescinding the Lakehurst Road Redevelopment Plan are somewhat significant,” maintained Hornickel, even though the development would be able to proceed with or without one. “Should council decide to do so, the township will be unable to negotiate a direct sale of Township-owned properties on Blocks 868 – 872, adjacent to the pending development application. (Whether the township would want to sell those parcels is an entirely different discussion.) Additionally, rescinding the plan also prevents the township from negotiating a redevelopment agreement.” Re c ently, c ou nc i l fac e d a si m i lar predicament in reversing course and ultimately, but narrowly approving a pair of redevelopment agreements for farms at
North Pemberton Road and Route 206. The initial thought was that by not making agreements, it would put a stop to proposed warehouses. But Hornickel and Republican Mayor Jack Tompkins, among others, stressed to the council that the warehousing could still proceed because it is a permissible use under the current zoning for the area in question, and that by having the agreements in place, it would obligate the developers to carry out several items that they would otherwise not be obligated to do, including preserving two historic farmhouses. An ordinance rescinding the Lakehurst Road Redevelopment Plan was introduced by council, with second reading and a public hearing potentially occurring at a later date if the measure survives, as is, without significant alteration. “I moved from a noisy, congested area in North Jersey,” resident Elizabeth Keen declared in urging council to do whatever it can to put a stop to the development of the 700-acre tract. “… Unfortunately, the proposed development entrance … is a threat to my newly found peace and quiet.” Before recently settling into her home in Pemberton Township’s Pine View Terrace, Keen said she had set out on a “quest for irreplaceable natural forest and many endangered species” and in finding her current living quarters, she has a “newly found stress-free lifestyle.” The “proposed bulldozing” for the 700acre tract, as Keen put it, can “never be undone” and would amount to a “travesty.” She also declared that forested Pinelands is “not an area in need of redevelopment.” “It is such a sickening plan,” she asserted, asking council to repeal the redevelopment plan and review information provided by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA), receiving a round of applause from a packed house in council chambers. Robert Smith, another Pine View Terrace resident, recounted how a lawyer for the developer, at a recent Planning Board meeting, attested that “everything legally required of us” is being done. “What about ‘morally?’” Smith asked. “I think tearing down 500 to 700 acres of forest is immoral. That land goes deep into the woods. And putting that number of homes back there is an accident waiting to happen.” Smith was referring to the risk for wildfire danger in potentially creating what would amount to an wildland-urban interface, with some attendees recalling being told there would only be one way in and out of the development, while others said there possibly would be an emergency access route added. The resident pointed to the recent wildfire disaster in Hawaii, in which warning signs of the risk of a potential catastrophe appear to have been ignored by various officials in the years and weeks that preceded the deadly inferno. “God forbid that ever happened here,” Smith declared. “What would you say? ‘We followed the law and our heart goes out to the families.’ At that point, it is too late. Acting now is a better choice.” Jason Howell, of the PPA, declared that “just from the wildfire point of view, that development is a death trap and endangers everyone else who lives in the area because the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) only has so many resources” at its disposal. “They are not going to get more resources if this is approved,” Howell maintained. Smith, like Keen, also recently moved to Pemberton. Since settling in town three See DEBATE/ Page 14
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Delay in Voting, Then Failure to Approve $202,785 Pemberton Bond Ordinance Leads to Announcement BMIA Building and Country Lakes Rec Center Will Close
After Ensuing Pointed Remarks by Business Administrator and Social Media Firestorm, Council Scrambles to Reintroduce Measure at Session Intended for Cannabis Discussion By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEMBERTON—T he Brow ns Mi l ls Improvement Association (BMIA) building and Country Lakes Recreation Center will be closing at the end of the month, proclaimed Business Administrator Daniel Hornickel, after a delay in Pemberton Township Council having a chance to approve a bond ordinance that would fund repairs to the facilities, and then the governing body failing to approve the measure when it finally came up for a vote during its Oct. 18 session. But after some rather pointed comments from Hornickel that followed council failing to approve the bond item, and a Democratic councilwoman taking to social media about the situation, as well as a resident who described she was now in need of a rental facility for a planned activity due to the abrupt closure of the BMIA building, all of which led to an online firestorm, the governing body apparently scrambled to have the measure added for a special Oct. 25 meeting that was originally only scheduled to feature a presentation for a cannabis business. As the presses were just about to roll, Hornickel confirmed to this newspaper that council has now re-introduced the $202,785 bond ordinance, 5-0, with a second reading and public hearing scheduled for Nov. 8. The bond item was originally due to be heard during an Oct. 4 council meeting,
LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 3
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Saturday, October 28, 2023
but that meeting was adjourned after it descended into chaos as capacity was exceeded and the police were called, asking for “volunteers” to go out into the hallway. The public refused the requests, maintaining they would be unable to hear in the hallway. The adjournment ordered by Democratic Council President Donovan Gardner went against the wishes of Republican Mayor Jack Tompkins, who maintained a new floor was needed in the BMIA building. In an attempt to prevent the chaos from unfolding again, a public notice has since appeared that, “In order to accommodate the public beyond the fire code capacity of the council meeting room, overflow will be directed to the Courtroom where a video/audio feed of the council meeting proceedings will be displayed.” Oct. 18 was the first council session following that public notice and apparent arrangement, though even that has proven to be controversial. W hen it c a me t i me for the bond ordinance to be heard on Oct. 18, resident Michelle Forman first questioned the necessity of three 10-ton dump truck bodies and two tailgate salt spreaders, with the bond ordinance floating about $84,000 for their purchase. Hornickel explained that dump bodies for three vehicles are “used regularly” to haul
Marblehead Chowder House Oyster-rific October
October Food Drive From the Raw Bar
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Fire Roasted Oysters ...................................10.95
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(Includes choice of one side) Choptank Sweet Oysters pan roasted with garlic butter, Andouille Sausage, and roasted red potatoes. Served “walking the plank” on a toasted steak roll.
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Grand Central Oyster Pie ...........................22.95 (Includes choice of one side) New England Baked Seafood Dinner.........28.95
Part of two the Chowder House heritage. (Includes sides) Made plump oysters, Our Newwith England Baked Cod,potatoes and a creamy chive gravy, with a pie crust. Oysters Rockefeller & topped Clams Casino
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‘Easy Fixes’ Suggested to ‘Keep People Safe’ by Nokomis School in Medford Lakes, as Well as Installation of Flashing Pedestrian Signal at Lenape and Hiawatha Trails
Former Councilman Questions New ‘25-Mph Speed Limit When Children Are Present’ Zone on Stokes Rd., Maintaining It Doesn’t Go Far Enough, Demands 35-Mph Signs Be Removed By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
MEDFORD LAKES —“Easy fixes” that will “keep people safe” have been suggested by a Medford Lakes Borough resident for Kenozha and Nahma Trails, or the area around the Nokomis School, in the municipality. Another resident also came forward during an Oct. 11 Medford Lakes Council session to suggest a flashing pedestrian signal at Lenape and Hiawatha Trails in the borough. The session, which appeared to focus heavily on traffic safety concerns, was topped off by Former Borough Councilman Joseph A. Aromando III calling into question the legalities and logistics of a recently-imposed “25-mph speed limit when children are present” zone on Stokes Road in the borough. Resident Barry Tarzy told council that an incident of late that “got my attention” is that he “almost saw a bicycle rider get hit by a car” near the Nokomis School. He indicated that a number of residents are parking on the street, making for essentially a blind curb, “so you can’t see anything coming in the opposite direction.” “This is a very easy one to fix,” Tarzy maintained. “There is a little area where people park … the easiest thing to do is have cars park in that parking lot.” Tarzy added that he has observed people www.pinebarrenstribune.com
walking, sometimes with a baby carriage in tow, in the area and “if a truck comes around the corner, you don’t see them.” Additionally, as described by Tarzy, parking spaces for the school run along Kenozha Trail, which is narrow, and if “cement barriers” for each of the spaces, or parking blocks/bumpers “are pushed back into the property of the school, that will give an opportunity for cars to pass one another” on the trail, he maintained, “instead of one vehicle having to get off of the road, especially when a truck is going by.” The resident also pointed out that the edges of Kenozha Trail, near the transition into Nahma Trail, “need to be repaired” so that “your right wheels don’t fall off the curb.” Tarzy said he wrote a letter as well on these items “because I thought the way to handle some of these problems” could be done “very easily, with a minimal cost.” Borough Clerk Mark McIntosh responded that he was forwarding the resident’s requests to both the Medford Lakes Police and Public Works departments for review, with Deputy Mayor William Fields suggesting officials “make the school aware” as well. “I have been in touch with the borough, and we will be happy to try and work together to find resolutions to the concerns,” Medford Lakes School District Superintendent Anthony V. Dent later told this newspaper. “From the district’s perspective, we have no
1920 Burlington-Mount Holly Rd., Marblehead Chowder Westampton, House NJ 08060
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• Peanut butter • Canned tuna or salmon • Canned chicken or ham • Beans - canned or dried • Peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds • Vegetables (canned) • Fruit (canned) • Fruit cups • Applesauce • Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, prunes) • Stuffing mix • Cranberry sauce • Gravy (canned) • Instant mashed potatoes (boxed) • Canned pie fillings
• Oatmeal • Breakfast cereals (large boxed) • Pancake mix • Rice • Pasta (whole grain) • Shelf - stable milk
Donate these items today at the Marblehead Chowder House!
See SPEED/ Page 21 @PineBarrensNews
• Macaroni and cheese • Canned soups • Canned stews, chili • Ravioli, spaghettios, etc. • Granola bars
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1920 Burlington-Mount Holly Rd., Westampton, NJ 08060 609-834-3500 Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. REACH NEWSPAPER BY PHONE: 609-801-2392
Page 4 ♦
Halloween Countdown
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Are Your Taxes Too High? 3 types of
DIY COSTUMES anyone can make
Whether you waited until the last minute or simply want to make your own, here are a few ideas for Halloween costumes you can easily create at home.
• Sandy Olsson. Dress in a tight black top and pants. Complete the costume with curled hair, hoop earrings and a pair of wedge sandals.
1. SANDWICH BOARD OUTFITS All you need are two large pieces of cardboard and string to build your sandwich board. Use markers, paint or other craft supplies to turn yourself into:
• Waldo. Slip on a pair of blue jeans and a red-and-white-striped shirt and stocking cap. Round glasses and a wood cane are also key.
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• A chocolate bar. Use tin foil to mimic the classic wrapper texture.
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• A social media post. Choose a funny celebrity tweet or pretend you’re a photo on Instagram.
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• An advertisement. Make up your own unusual product and write a catchy slogan. 2. CHARACTER IMPERSONATIONS Comb through your closet or borrow pieces from family members to recreate the iconic look of a fictional person. Here are a few options: • Mario. You’ll need a fake mustache, denim overalls, white gloves and a red T-shirt and hat. • Mary Poppins. Wear a white blouse, red bow tie, long skirt and a black straw hat. Be sure to carry a long black umbrella. • Wednesday Adams. Put on a black dress and wear your wig or hair brai ded. To nail the look, be sure to smear on white face paint.
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3. BALLOON CREATIONS If you have a bag of birthday balloons lying around, all it takes is a little creativity and a strong set of lungs to turn yourself into: • A bunch of grapes. Cover your body in dark blue or purple balloons. Top off the creation with a green hat and scarf to represent the stem and leaves.
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• A flower. Dress completely in green and surround your face with a ring of pink or red balloons.
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• A bag of jelly beans. Wrap yourself and various balloons in a large clear garbage bag. If you need more inspiration, there are plenty of photos available online as well as tutorial videos to help you bring your costume to life. Happy Halloween!
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 5
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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New Pemboro Barbershop Repaints Its Exterior Gray After Complaints About Black, But the Episode Gives Rise to Debate About Whether Historic District Should Remain
Designation Set Palette That Acting Mayor Says Has ‘Saved’, ‘Brought Back to Normal’ Building Appearance, Preserving Architecture from What Were Neon Color Decisions By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEMBERTON BOROUGH—A new Pemberton Borough barbershop that reportedly initially resisted a directive earlier this year to repaint its exterior from black to a color that is part of an approved palette for the borough’s Historic District has since complied with the order, choosing a gray, but the episode has now given rise to a debate: whether the Historic District, and all the zoning regulations that come with it, should remain. Councilwoman Diane Fanucci, during an Oct. 16 Pemberton Borough Council meeting, asked to better understand the “background” of the Historic District designation. B o r o u g h S o l i c i t o r D av i d S e r l i n recounted that the district was established some 25 to 30 years ago to ensure “things remain unchanged” as far as the character of the borough, with the then-officials “primarily concerned” with the exterior colors of buildings. He maintained the decision to establish the district at the time was “more or less voluntary” on the part of then-officials. “When David says it was ‘voluntary,’ he means voluntary on the part of the borough, not on the part of the residents,” added Council President Terry Jerome, serving as acting mayor for the meeting as Mayor Harold Griffin’s health-related extended absence continues. Jerome maintained the “zoning was created to maintain the historic character of the town given whatever historic context the structures had, whether they are Colonial or Victorian.” While he further maintained the borough has a “relatively-loosely worded ordinance in that respect,” it “seeks to maintain the town’s character, based on when certain structures were built.” “It seems to cause a lot more problems than it solves, in my opinion,” Fanucci declared. “The last glaring one was the barbershop.” In April, Juan’s Barbershop became the subject of resident criticism for having painted its building black. The building, by having been painted black, appeared to stick out like a sore thumb, some observed, with the markedly different color choice from the rest of the buildings in the area having the effect of drawing attention to the new business. Griffin, at the time of the complaints, contended that the issue was b ei ng handled by the planning board, the municipal code enforcement officer had
met with the owner and that he was willing to change the color, and acknowledged that the owner had been previously told “absolutely ‘no’” to painting the exterior of the building black before proceeding to do it. The barbershop owner, “Juan,” when reached for comment back on May 2, responded “it is supposed to be approved for black” and that “before the meeting he was sent approval for the black,” noting there is gray painted around the windows. But it has since been apparent that the owner had a change of heart, given the new exterior color. After Fanucci, on Oct. 16, suggested that the Historic District ordinance was causing more problems than it solves, Serlin pointed out that the borough was about to re-examine its Master Plan, causing the councilwoman to conclude what she is raising is perhaps “pretty pertinent.” Borough Engineer Joseph Mullen, of Pennoni Associates, noted that a state Historic Preservation Officer had performed a survey recently “looking at hundreds of houses” and “went through the houses and looked at their historical significance,” indicating abandoning the designation might be rather difficult, and adding that “documents have been filed with the U.S. Department of Interior.” “I can tell you – for certain – that there have been numerous instances where the historic code either saved, or brought back to normal, the sense of appearance for buildings that you certainly would not have wanted to have seen how they had looked,” Jerome, who spoke from a position of having once served on the borough Planning Board, told Fanucci, noting that the historic requirements only revolve around aesthetic things and outward appearances of buildings. Fanucci, however, “in just remembering back to the barbershop incident,” asserted, “I think it now looks worse than it did black.” “I just was thinking about it, and everybody else agrees with me that I talk to on the street and everywhere else … and I was just wondering if we can be a little more lenient with certain things,” Fanucci said. The councilwoman recalled having attended a planning board session in which it was raised if the body would “entertain the thought of adding black to the palette for businesses” and “no one seemed to want to entertain it.” See BARBERSHOP/ Page 23
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Saturday, October 28, 2023
Long-Awaited Improvements to Three Pemberton Boro. Streets Either Underway or About to Commence, with Repairs to Fourth Street Now Reportedly ‘In Design’ By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEMBERTON BOROUGH—Longawaited improvements to three streets in Pemberton Borough are now underway, or are about to commence. And another road project that has been in the pipeline for quite some time is progressing towards a start. According to Borough Engineer Joseph Mullen, of Pennoni Associates, in a report delivered to Pemberton Borough Council during its Oct. 16 session, Jane Street is “under construction right now” with sidewalk repair work commencing and paving of the street expected to be completed within two weeks. “Jane Street is already looking a thousand percent better,” replied Councilwoman Diane Fanucci. “It (the sidewalk) is nice and flat. So, everyone is going to be able to walk on Jane Street without falling. It is great, and I can’t wait to see what the blacktop is going to look like when it is all done.” The councilwoman noted that trees “heaving the sidewalk up” have been removed as well. Mullen reported that a pre-construction meeting occurred for Egbert Street on Oct. 2, and construction on that street is “also expected to begin within two weeks.”
Both the Jane and Egbert streets projects fell well behind schedule, as previously reported by this newspaper, with council having decided in Januar y to switch engineering firms, in part, over what became continual delays. T h e N e w Je r s e y D e p a r t m e nt o f Transportation (NJDOT) had awarded $235,000 for fixing both Jane and Egbert streets as a combined project, but Mullen announced, upon his taking over as borough engineer, that the municipality would be splitting up the project and scaling back the work to “utilize the award.” Another long-awaited project that now appears to be gaining meaningful traction is slated drainage improvements and resurfacing of Davis Street, a street that previously made headlines for having developed sinkholes. Ac cording to previous remarks by Mullen, the NJDOT awarded a $264,000 grant to the borough to address the sinkholes, which reportedly are the result of faulty piping underneath the asphalt that had not been fully addressed the last time the street was resurfaced. Plans for the work have now been approved by the NJDOT, Mullen reported See STREETS/ Page 20
New Snafu in Mailing Out of Sample Ballots, This Time in Evesham Where Voters Got Confusing Combo, Is Blamed on ‘Machinery Jam’ By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
EVESHAM—Yet another glitch in the mailing out of sample ballots prior to an election in Burlington County is being attributed this time not to human error, but faulty equipment. That’s the explanation that was provided to the Pine Barrens Tribune by County Spokesman David Levinsky for what he called “a small number” of Evesham Township voters having received both correct and incorrect sample ballots in the same envelope on Oct. 25. “The information provided to the printer contracted to print the Burlington County sample ballots for the 2023 General Election was correct,” Levinsky said. But “a machinery jam” that occurred at the third-party vendor used to mail out the sample ballots, he contended, “was incorrectly cleared by the vendor.” “This caused a small number of Evesham voters to receive both an Evesham sample
ba l lot a nd one from Moore stow n,” Levinsky added. “Both sample ballots are clearly labeled and contain the correct information for their respective towns,” he noted, adding that, “If any voters have questions about their sample ballot or any issue involving the election, they can call the Burlington County Elections hotline at 609-265-VOTE.” Apparently, however, that error didn’t go unnoticed and did manage to cause some confusion among voters, according to Aiden Demarsey, a candidate for the Evesham Board of Education, who called this newspaper to report it. Demarsey described what happened when he and his running mate, Anthony Foster, were out knocking on doors in Evesham around the time the double sample ballots were being delivered to local voters’ residences. Among the things that he told this newspaper was that “I was talking to See SNAFU/ Page 23
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 7
Jersey Devil Carving’s Clone Now Residing Outside Bistro in Spot Originally Occupied by Its Purloined Predecessor By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
WA R R E N G ROV E —T h e Jer s ey D ev i l, t h at me na c i ng mythical chimera of the Pine Barrens, is back on display in its place of honor outside a beloved backwoods bistro in this tiny Southern Ocean County hamlet off Route 539, defying a brazen attempt last July to permanently remove it from the scene. Or, at least, its clothed clone is. The colorful new “devil” statue was unveiled Oct. 19 at Lucille’s Luncheonette, just in time for Halloween, and replacing the iconic carving that was surreptitiously stolen during the night earlier this year and apparently dismembered, allegedly at the hands of an out-ofstate visitor. Only rather than some teen-age prankster, police who investigated the abduction have pointed the fi nger at a 52-ye ar- old Oh io business owner, the manager of a waste management service who has been charged in absentia with fourth-degree criminal mischief and third-degree theft, but is yet to be apprehended. “I think it (getting the new one) is wonder fu l,” de clare d Lucille’s co-owner Diane Brown in a chat with a reporter from the Pine Barrens Tribune, noting that visitors have been stopping by all week, even after closing
time of the breakfast and lunch spot, to photograph the legendary creature’s latest rendition that, like its predecessor, is the work of s cu lptor Joe Wenal (who, appropriately enough, resides up in Maine, also home to that best known of horror novelists, Stephen King). Only the new one has the addition of a hat, a button-down jacket and a pointed red tail. Brown added that if anything, people seem to be fonder than ever of the replica, which she and her sister, Karen Bates-Flynn, the popular eatery’s other owner, paid for out of their own pocket, asking those who wanted to donate to have the carving replaced to give a contribution instead to an area charity, David’s Dream and Believe Cancer Foundation of Manahawkin. But she added that the pair are “still seeking restitution” from the alleged perpetrator, Thomas L. Bintz of Chandlersville, Ohio, to whom police were unable to attribute a motive. The Jersey devil, according to legend, was the 13th child of a Mrs. Leeds who lived in Leeds Point in Galloway Township, Atlantic County, during the 1700s and whose grotesque, flying offspring is said to still haunt the Pine Barrens, with sightings having been reported throughout the region well into the 20th Century.
Photo By Bill Bonvie
Lucille’s Luncheonette co-owner Diane Brown stands beside newly carved rendition of legendary Jersey Devil.
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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Kenneth A. Mills, ‘Driving Force’ Behind Evesham’s Wall of Honor Who Was Himself a Hero of the Korean War, Passes Away at 90 By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
EVESHAM—It is not often that a municipality’s entire governing body shows up to visit with and pay tribute to a local hero during the last days of his life. But that is what the Evesham Township Council did recently to honor Kenneth A. Mills, acknowledged as “the driving force” behind the township’s Veterans Wall of Honor—a mission he was determined to see through before departing this earth with the same resolution that got him awarded two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean War Service medal for his valor in that long-ago and often forgotten conflict, at the conclusion of which he was also appointed to serve on the Armistice Commission. When Mills passed away at the age of 90, he was renowned regionally as well as locally for both that indomitable spirit and for his “passion for projects that would make things better,” as his obituary noted. “Everyone here at Evesham Township was very saddened when we heard the news of Ken Mills’ passing,” said Mayor Jaclyn “Jackie” Veasy in a statement. “Ken undoubtedly loved this community, and he especially loved serving his fellow veterans in any way he could.” Besides his success at turning the veterans wall, located in the municipal complex, into reality, the mayor noted, Mills was a founding member of the Disability and Veterans Advisory Board, for which his contributions were acknowledged by the council with a special title plaque designed to fit into the Wall of Honor. Also offering up her own tribute to Mills was retiring 8th Legislative District Senator Jean Stanfield, who in an email to this newspaper referred to him as “a great American who dedicated his entire life to serving his country and community, touched the lives of so many people, and will be greatly missed by many.” Born and raised in Sylva, N.C., Mills enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952 at the height of the Korean War and was honorably discharged three years later after being awarded those various decorations for valor. He subsequently moved to Michigan, where he met and married his wife, Betty, and started a family while working first as a
Staff Writer
SHAMONG—Arawak Paving Company will be resurfacing numerous roadways in Shamong Township, after being awarded a pair of contracts during an Oct. 3 Shamong Township Committee session. T h e Ne w Je r s e y D e p a r t m e nt o f Transportation (NJDOT) awarded the township $226,340 through its Municipal Aid Program to resurface a portion of Atsion Road. The governing body, on Oct. 3, first inserted this “special revenue” into its budget. Next, it evaluated bids received for the project, and based on a Sept. 14 recommendation from its engineering firm, Environmental Resolutions, Inc. (ERI), it awarded a $148,900 bid to Arawak. “It actually came in under the grant amount,” said the engineer representing ERI at the governing body session. “So, the good thing about that is that all the construction management and inspections will be funded through that grant, as well as material testing.” Susan D. Onorato, township administrator
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Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Restoration Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, November 2, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m. Edward Holloway Senior Citizen and Community Center, Cookstown, N.J. Public Invited to Attend Virtual Option Also Available The RAB meeting provides an update on Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst (JBMDL) environmental restoration projects. Discussion topics include an update on PFAS investigations, an update on the next Optimized Remediation Contract, and an update on site closures under the Joint Base Performance Based Remediation (PBR) Contract.
Kenneth A. Mills union representative and then as director of human resources for Allied Signal. He eventually relocated in Evesham, where he resided for the rest of his life and served the community in a number of capacities, ranging from local government to serving as president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia to activities for the St. Joan of Arc Parish, such as its after-school gardening program. He was also constantly contributing his services to veterans’ causes, including the “Coffee with a Vet” program and fundraising efforts for Chapter 54 of the Korean War Veterans Association. In his neighborhood during his later years, Mills was also recalled for his cordiality and for “riding his mower around the cul-desac just to say ‘hi,’” to quote one neighbor’s comment on the Bradley Funeral Home’s tribute page. Or as another, Evan Scott, put it, “Ken always spoke his mind with civility and kindness.” A viewing will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 3-6 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home, 601 Route 73 South, at Evesham Rd., Marlton, and on the following day from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, 100 Willow Bend Road, Marlton, to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Jesus Bread of Life Cemetery, Mount Laurel.
Numerous Roadways in Shamong to Be Resurfaced by Arawak Paving Co. By Douglas D. M elegari
Saturday, October 28, 2023
and clerk, later told th is newspaper that the “Phase I area to be addressed is approximately 1,800 feet, starting near the intersection of Three Bridges Road, heading northeast, towards Route 206 to approximately 1,000 feet before a private residence at 869 Atsion Road.” The engineer, during the meeting, noted that the township might even be able to extend the targeted area for Phase I of paving given the project bid was under the grant amount. “We did really good on this project,” he declared. After awarding the work for Phase I of Atsion Road, the governing body awarded Arawak its 2022-23 Road and Drainage Improvement Project. Six “very competitive” bids were received for the project, according to Onorato, as well as three alternate bids, with Arawak deemed the lowest responsible bidder. Arawak’s total bid was $1,167,600. According to Onorato, the 2022-23 road program will cover the following township roads: See PAVING/ Page 18
Parking is located at the New Hanover Township Municipal Complex located at the intersection of Main Street and Hockamick Road. You can also attend the meeting by computer or phone through MS Teams. Please email Katrina Harris at kharris@bridgeconsultingcorp.com by November 1 if you would like to participate for information on connecting by computer or phone. Contact the Joint Base Public Affairs Office at (609) 754-2104 for more information.
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Saturday, October 28, 2023
LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 9
Burlington County’s Republican Team Pro-Parent. Pro-Taxpayer. Pro-Law Enforcement. H VOTE H
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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Medford Council Contemplating Enacting Ban on Short-Term Rentals as a Result of Complaints About Perpetual Partying on High Point Dr.
Resolution Adopted Amending Agreement with MYAA For ‘Major Improvements’ to Proceed at Girls’ Softball Complex with Help from Unidentified Donor, After Trash Reported Cleaned Up By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
MEDFORD—Medford Township may well be on the verge of joining the adjacent Borough of Medford Lakes in enacting a ban on short-term property rentals. What has spurred the township council to seriously consider putting such a prohibition in place were recent complaints about a High Point Drive residence that has been leased out on weekends to large groups of transients who have reportedly engaged in rowdy and disruptive behavior, described by one neighbor as detrimental to the “peace and beauty” her family had previously enjoyed. Similar complaints by Medford Lakes residents about Airbnbs (Air Bed and Breakfasts) led that community’s borough council a year ago to ban the renting out of dwelling units for 30 days or less. Although no immediate action was taken along those lines following a discussion of the matter during the Medford Council’s Oct. 17 meeting, Solicitor Timothy Prime indicated that an ordinance to that effect could well be introduced at its next meeting, despite some hesitancy expressed by Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson “to take away people’s property rights.” While Watson maintained there are some short-term rentals in town that have never caused any problems, “this one has been a problem” and “It’s a big problem,” he acknowledged. The mayor said he would “much rather we try to find some type of zoning regulations” that might call for “limiting the number of people in the house.” But he admitted that would likely be “very hard or almost impossible” to achieve and “probably not enforceable.” “It doesn’t look like right now there is a better solution,” he conceded, adding that a house being rented out in that manner was “really being used as a commercial entity.” Prime, who cited a newspaper article from Philadelphia describing “the same problem with parties that spill into the streets,” with resultant tightening of regulations on such arrangements, said his office “has recommended that we go ahead with an ordinance to prohibit short-term rentals of 30 days or less.” That proposal, he said, was “based on the fact we have million-dollar houses that are being impacted by people renting a (neighboring) house to 50 or 60 people.” The situation, he noted, is one that has previously been addressed by pursuing zoning regulations, “but I don’t know that that’s going to resolve the problem.” It is why Prime said he wanted to see if
the council wanted to move forward with a draft ordinance for introduction. “I’m leery as well to restrict people’s property rights,” declared Councilman Frank Czekay. But absentee owners who buy a house and rent it out every weekend for big parties, he asserted, were creating “havoc in the neighborhood” and keeping homeowners from “the peaceable enjoyment of their property.” Deputy Mayor Lauren Kochan said she would definitely support prohibiting such rentals, adding, “I also think this is a problem that gets worse as the years go on, as the platforms that rent and make these properties available get more and more popular.” Also in agreement was Councilman Erik Rebstock, who indicated that Medford’s “wonderful family town” environment wasn’t being helped by the “level of transients” these types of arrangements promoted. Councilwoman Donna Symons, however, pointed out that there are a lot of people lately that are selling their homes, and who just need accommodations for a couple of weeks while they’re closing on a new residence. “So, what would be put in there to enable that to occur?” she asked. Prime responded that the “short answer” to her question is, “that is a market issue” to which “the market’s going to have to adjust.” The solicitor also said he “never would have thought people would buy a milliondollar-plus home to be an Airbnb.” In other business, the council agreed to the addition of a resolution in its consent agenda that hadn’t originally been included, authorizing the township manager and deputy clerk to amend the “memorandum of understanding” it has had with the Medford Youth Athletic Association for more than a decade. The amendment involved, according to the resolution, is in regard to certain parts of the MOU, specifically “major improvements to be undertaken at the Hartford Crossing Girls’ Softball Complex, the placement of vending machines in both Hartford Crossing and Bende Parks, and sponsor signage at Bob Bende Park. An agenda summary, under “discussion items,” explains that “the MYAA has instal led th re e vending mach ines at Hartford Crossing and one at Bende Park, the installation of which “needs to be incorporated into the MOU between the MYAA and the township.” The summary also notes that a vendor, whose identity is not provided, “is making a capital improvement donation at the See RENTALS/ Page 20
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Saturday, October 28, 2023
Abandoned Gun Club in Woodland Twp. Will Require Asbestos Remediation; Local Fire and EMS Company Receives Lucas Device, Praise for Search Efforts
State Police: ‘At This Time, There Are No Updates’ on Missing Endangered Woman By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
W O O D L A N D —T h e a b a n d o n e d Spartan Gun Club on Baptist Road, which has reportedly collapsed, with there purportedly being no owner of record on file with the township, has been found to have asbestos. The finding was confirmed during an Oct. 19 Woodland Township Committee session, and also later by Township Solicitor and Public Information Officer William Burns. Since there is reportedly no property owner of record for the parcel, the township committee last month took action to assume responsibility for the demolition and cleanup. According to Burns, the governing body is now seeking “proposals to remediate” the asbestos. Township Engineer Tom Leisse said that he would take contractors out to the gun club for a site visit and “show them what needs to be done” in obtaining the estimates. “We’ve got to seal it off if we have asbestos in there,” Mayor William “Billy” DeGroff declared. Motions were approved by the governing body to permit Leisse “to go out there with three firms” to obtain estimates, as well as to rent temporary fencing.
Burns told this newspaper that the engineer has “recommended a chainlink fence to put around the property.” A cost estimate for the fencing was not immediately available. L at e r i n t h e s e s s i o n , Wo o d l a n d Volunteer Fire and EMS Chief Shawn Viscardi announced that the company has received a Lucas Device that had been on order, with Burns explaining it assists first responders with chest compressions when performing CPR. The chief said the company is trying to secure a second battery for the device, with Burns telling this newspaper it is on backorder. The meeting concluded with resident Jane Donoghue praising Viscardi and the volunteers of Woodland Fire and EMS for their efforts in searching for “missing endangered woman” Denise Smith, 51, who left her Woodland home around 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 9, but never returned home. “I think you deserve extra recognition,” Donoghue declared. “You have gone over and above. It is heartwarming to know there is somebody out there who cares.” Det. Jeffrey Lebron, of the New Jersey State Police, when asked about the status of the search for Smith, told this newspaper on the late afternoon of Oct. 26 that, “At this time, there are no updates.”
Raymond Ave. Resident’s Ongoing Concern Over Speeders Endangering His Disabled Son Elicits Lengthy Explanation from Evesham Police Chief
Standards Dictating Sign Placement, Potential Liability for Violating Them Are Cited, Along with Decade of Accident Statistics from Street Showing Speed Wasn’t a Cause By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
EVESHAM—A local resident’s repeated requests that Evesham Township officials take corrective measures to slow down traffic passing by his home, which he was concerned might threaten the safety of his son, who is disabled by Down syndrome, elicited a lengthy explanation from township Police Chief Walt Miller, during his monthly report to the Evesham Township Council at its Oct. 11 meeting, which included highlighting the restrictions imposed on his department in such matters. Miller’s remarks followed a presentation he had made earlier in the session of the department’s annual report for 2022, during which he commented that he had found from being out in the community that “people’s biggest concern is traffic,” not so much on
Pine Grove Plaza
major thoroughfares such as Route 73 where most accidents occur, but rather the area within “100 feet of their house.” “If in that 100 feet, they feel safe, they feel secure, then they feel that for the entire town,” declared Miller, noting that his responsibility is for “everybody’s hundred feet” and to make sure “that our traffic safety function meets that need. “And we have gotten a lot of results,” he added. But for Christopher Brooks, of Raymond Avenue, any such results didn’t appear to be having the desired effect. “As the chief mentioned, I am most concerned with the 100 feet in front of my house,” declared Brooks, who noted that at a previous council meeting, he had requested a “re-evaluation of where speed-mitigation See CONCERN/ Page 13
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 11
Page 12 ♦
EVENT CALENDAR
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
NOVEMBER
Events and special promotions happening locally this month!
Saturday, October 28, 2023
To promote your December event on this page contact Jayne Cabrilla at 609-801-2392 or email news@pinebarrenstribune.com
NOV. 1
NOV. 6
Train Rides Through the Woods of New Gretna
From Pearl Harbor to Christmas During the War Years Location: Vincentown (Southampton Township)
Location: Bass River Township
Details: The Woods of New Gretna Park and the New Jersey Shore Live Steam Organization provide train rides for all each Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The small steam locomotives, and other trains, wind their way through the beautiful park. The rides are provided by a group of dedicated volunteers who have revitalized the park and laid out the railroad track, based on the historical Tuckerton Railroad. The volunteers maintain the railroad and walking trails, and are constantly expanding them. Riding the trains is free, but donations are very much appreciated. The train rides are outdoors.
Details: The Southampton Historical Society is presenting “From Pearl Harbor to Christmas During the War Years” on Monday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The program will be held at Old Town Hall, 25 Plum St., Vincentown. The fateful day the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting base on the island of Oahu was Dec. 7, 1941. The shocking offensive left 2,403 dead and more than 1,000 wounded. Presented by Madge Powis of Garden State Storytellers, you will hear moving, personal stories and also learn how Christmas was celebrated after the United States joined World War II. On display will be Ms. Powis’s extensive collection of WW II memorabilia. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kathy Rosmando at 609-859-0524.
NOV. 11
NOV. 12
Adoption and Foster Care Seminar
Veterans Day Tribute
Location: Medford Township
Location: Browns Mills (Pemberton Township)
Details: A free Adoption and Foster Care Seminar will be held at Fellowship Alliance Chapel, 199 Church Rd., Medford, on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Representatives from nine local/state agencies and nonprofits, as well as a panel of adoptive/foster parents will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free, but registration is required. Please visit https://my fac.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/1751/responses/new . For more information, contact Cliff at mia2hopeministry@gmail.com .
Details: Browns Mills Baptist Church is hosting a Military Musical Tribute on Monday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. This event will feature Vietnam Veteran Captain Bob Smith as the guest speaker. All vets, their families and friends are welcome. The Tribute will be held at Browns Mills Baptist Church, 401 Lakehurst Rd., Browns Mills. For more information, please call 609-893-7348.
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AD HOTLINE: (609) 801-2392 EVENT CALENDAR ♦ Page 13 Central Lodge No. 44, Free & Accepted Masons
Saturday, October 28, 2023
NOVEMBER NOV. 20 - DEADLINE 2023 Annual Poetry Contests
Events and special promotions happening locally this month!
VTo incpromote entowyour n, December New Jerevent sey on this page contact Jayne Cabrilla at 609-801-2392 or email news@pinebarrenstribune.com
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Ne wY Yo Ciiit Ho ol Bu us sT N w H yyB r N ee w Y oor rrk kkC C ttyy yyH H o lliiiidiid ddaa aa B TT rrpiiiiip pp!!!!! N N e w Y C H oo yy B uu ss T w Y yy uu ss Nee ew wY Yoo orr rkk kC Ciiitt tyy yH Ho olll lidd daa a yBB B u sTTr Trir rip!p p! New York City Holiday Bus Trip!
Location: Medford Township
Details: Medford Arts is happy to announce its 16th Annual Juried Poetry Contest for Adults, and its 6th Annual Juried Poetry Contest for High School Students. Residents of Burlington County over the age of 18 may submit up to 3 poems per entrant to poetrycontest@ medfordarts.com with 2023 in the subject line. Include your name, residential address and contact number. High School students attending schools in Burlington County may submit up to 3 poems per entrant to poetrycontest@medfordarts.com with 2023 High School Poetry Contest in the subject line. Include your name, address, high school, grade and contact number. Submission deadline is Nov. 20, 2023. Celebration of Awards is Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. See medfordarts.com for more details.
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8:45 8:45AM—Depart AM—Depart Southampton Southampton Township, Township,N.N.at J.,J., Municipal Municipal Building, Building, 55Retreat RetreatRd. Rd. 11:00 AM—Lunch & entertainment at Ellen’s Stardust Diner 11:00 AM—Lunch & Ellen’s Stardust Diner 11:00 AM—Lunch entertainment at Ellen’s Stardust Diner 11:00 AM—Lunch &&entertainment entertainment Ellen’s Stardust Diner 8:45 AM—Depart Southampton Township, N.at J., Municipal Building, Retreat Rd. 11:00 AM—Lunch entertainment at Ellen’s Stardust Diner5Diner 11:00 AM—Lunch && entertainment at Ellen’s Stardust 1:00 PM—Free time at Rockefeller Center 1:00 PM—Free time at Rockefeller Center 11:00 11:00AM—Lunch AM—Lunch &&entertainment entertainment atatEllen’s Ellen’s Stardust StardustDiner Diner 1:00 PM—Free time at Rockefeller Center 1:00 PM—Free time at Rockefeller Center 11:00 AM—Lunch & entertainment at Ellen’s Stardust Diner 1:00PM—Free PM—Free time atatRockefeller Center 1:00 time Rockefeller Center 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour of Radio City Music Hall 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour of Radio City Music Hall 1:00 1:00 PM—Free PM—Freetime time at at Rockefeller Center Center 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour of Radio City Music Hall 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour ofRockefeller Radio City Music Hall 1:00 PM—Free time at Rockefeller Center 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour of Radio City Music Hall City Music Hall 5:00 PM—Christmas Spectacular Show with The Rockettes atMusic Radio 5:00 PM—Christmas Spectacular Show with The Rockettes at Radio City Music HallHall 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour of Radio City Hall 3:00 3:00 PM—Backstage PM—Backstage Tour Tour of of Radio Radio City City Music Music Hall Hall 5:00PM—Christmas PM—Christmas Spectacular Show withof The Rockettes Radio City Music 5:00 Spectacular Show with The Rockettes atatRadio Music Hall 3:00 PM—Backstage Tour Radio City Music Hall City 5:00 PM—Christmas(show Spectacular Show with The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall (show seats on the main floor, centerstage) seats on the main floor, centerstage) 5:00 5:00 PM—Christmas PM—Christmas Spectacular Spectacular Show Show with with The The Rockettes Rockettes at at Radio Radio City City Music Music Hall Hall (show seatson on themain main floor, centerstage) 5:00 PM—Christmas Spectacular Show with TheRockettes Rockettes at Radio City Hall Music (show seats the floor, centerstage) 5:00 PM—Christmas Spectacular Show with The at Radio City Music Hall (show seats on theroom) main floor, centerstage) 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private room) at Carmine’s ItalianRestaurant Restaurant 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private at Carmine’s Italian (show (show seats seats on on the the main main floor, floor, centerstage) centerstage) 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private room) at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private room) at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant (show seats on the main floor, centerstage) (show seats on the main floor, centerstage) 11:45 PM—Return to Southampton Township, J.,Municipal Municipal Building, RetreatRd. Rd. 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private room) N. atN.J., Carmine’s Italian Restaurant 11:45 PM—Return to Southampton Township, Building, 55Retreat 8:00 8:00PM—Dinner PM—Dinner (semi-private (semi-private room) room)at at Carmine’s Carmine’s Italian Italian Restaurant Restaurant 11:45PM—Return PM—Return Southampton Township, N. J.,Municipal Municipal Building, RetreatRd. Rd. 11:45 totoSouthampton Township, Building, 55Retreat 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private room)N. at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant 8:00 PM—Dinner (semi-private room) atJ., Carmine’s Italian Restaurant 11:45 PM—Return to Southampton Township, N. J., Municipal Building, 5 Retreat Rd. 11:45 11:45PM—Return PM—ReturntotoSouthampton SouthamptonTownship, Township,N.N.J.,J.,Municipal MunicipalBuilding, Building,55Retreat RetreatRd. Rd. 11:45 PM—Return to Southampton Township, N. J., Municipal Building, 5 Retreat Rd.
11:45 PM—Return to Southampton Township, N. J., Municipal Building, 5 Retreat Rd.
CONCERN
(Continued from Page 10) signs were placed” and had been promised that would be undertaken. “But at this point, the signs remain where they are, and they are completely ineffective where they are.” Asking whether he should keep returning to complain month after month or if “we are going to fix the problem,” Brooks maintained that despite having been told by the police that “it is a priority,” he had gone “days and sometimes weeks without seeing a police presence down there.” While Brooks said he understood this was a “small issue” affecting only 30 or so residents on Raymond Avenue, he emphasized that he had been “fighting this battle with the help of the mayor’s office for the last two years, and “the problem is still not solved.” However, Brooks said he thought he finally understood the reason after having read his previous emails on the subject that “were quite emotional.” He then said he wished to apologize to the mayor, the council and the police chief for “the tone of those emails if I offended anybody or put anybody in a defensive position.” Brooks claimed, however, that within a few days of having sent them, a “flashing 25 mph sign that had been in front of our house for the prior 18 months” was removed. “So, it seems to us that because we complained about no enforcement, that the sign was yanked,” he declared, creating
“an even bigger problem with speeding and safety in front of our house.” Brooks also contended that he had helped the township to acquire additional signs for the street, only to have them placed at either end where they had little impact on the situation, and that he was told that the “current placement of the signs is where the traffic study says they should be.” “(But) if you stand in my driveway and watch the speed patterns of the cars flying by our house, and you look up the hill to where they have to slow down to enter the curve, they are still registering 35 to 40 mph,” he told the council. “We are just asking that the speed-mitigation equipment that the township invested in be put in a place that makes sense.” Ac cording to Miller, however, the placement of that equipment isn’t quite as simple or discretionary a matter as Brooks made it out to be, nor was the temporary digital warning sign moved from in front of his house for the reason he assumed it was. In addition, the police force has gone to extraordinary lengths to monitor traffic conditions there, the chief indicated. Prior to Miller’s report, Township Engineer Tim Staszewski told Brooks that while “we are willing to work with the residents of Raymond Avenue,” as a professional, he couldn’t recom mend what Brooks was asking for because the municipality “cannot make a recommendation to put that (temporary) sign outside of the standard.” The chief then went considerably further, stating that he “would be derelict in my
responsibility” were he to accommodate such a request, as much as he would ordinarily love to do so. For one thing, he maintained, “If we go outside of those standards and a crash occurs, there could be liability for the township” and he didn’t want to put it in that position in order to simply address the concerns of one individual, especially if the result was “a serious or fatal accident.” “In this situation,” he maintained, “whether it is common sense or external perspective, the regulations don’t allow the movement of those signs.” In an attempt to put Brooks’ concerns into perspective, however, Miller said the department had looked at motor vehicle crash statistics on Raymond Avenue for a 10-year period from June 2013 to June 2023, during which 44 accidents had occurred on that stretch of road, out of about 19,000 for the entire township. Causation factors had also been examined, he said, and it turned out that only one of them could be attributed to speeding, and that one “involved somebody turning in front of a vehicle.” The major factor in the others, he attested, was following too closely. In addition, he said, the majority of those crashes had occurred at intersections, and the data involved showed no injuries or fatalities in any of those accidents. Nonetheless, he said, the department has gone ahead with 77 enforcement details there, conducting some 548 stops from Jan. 1 to June 15 of 2022, which “exceeds any other residential
location in town that we have done car stops on.” Some of the 240 summonses issued in conjunction with that effort, he said, were actually for driving too slowly and delaying traffic, in addition to careless driving and revoked licenses and registrations. But some were also for speeding, he acknowledged. “We are taking it very seriously and we are deploying resources there to address the issue,” Miller assured those present. As for the temporary signs, they “were put down there and rotated throughout the town,” he said, noting that “the general rule of thumb is that they stay at a location for 90 days,” which his department had exceeded in an attempt to mitigate the situation Brooks had described. “We have two temporar y sig ns on Raymond Avenue,” said Miller, emphasizing that meant two other locations in town do not have those signs that probably do need them as well. When those temporary signs were moved the first time, he went on, it was not for retaliatory purposes as Brooks implied, but a result of “the normal course of business” in which the signs “were identified to be moved to another location.” But Miller said that on account of the concerns expressed, he had “made a decision to put them back there,” which was done in coordination with Public Works. In subsequent meetings with Staszewski’s office, he added, the safety standards that dictate the range in which those temporary signs can legally be situated were examined, See CONCERN/ Page 16
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
DEBATE
(Continued from Page 2) years ago, Smith said he has come to learn “the people here love open space, farms, forest and their heritage.” “And this proposal goes against all of that,” Smith declared. Richard Allen, also of Pine View Terrace, pointed out that some 525 homes are currently proposed as part of the Lakehurst Road development proposal, and called for officials to “rethink this,” contending at a minimum that would amount to “525 more cars.” In pointing to previous remarks of some officials that the township was encouraging development to make up for the “2,000 abandoned houses in town,” Allen asked, “What are we doing to redevelop those, instead of (tearing down) pristine forest?” “You need to look at this, and back off,” Allen declared. Debra Skipper, the owner of Pine View Terrace, also expressed her “hope that you rescind the redevelopment program.” “It is such a shame to destroy this beautiful land around us, and to change our resident’s quality of life,” she declared, pointing out that the Lakehurst Road project also includes plans for construction of a water tower. While Democratic Councilman Paul Detrick recognized that the Lakehurst tract at issue is a “beautiful piece of property” and comprises “beautiful forest,” he pointed out “that property has a landowner.” He had a question for those asking council to intervene: “Are you asking the council to tell that landowner he can’t do anything with his property, and to take away all his property rights to develop … to sell, and just tell him, ‘Sorry, we just like the forest and you can’t do anything with your property?” “It is the same with the farms – and I think it is awfully tough on the farmers, to tell all the farmers, ‘Sorry, you are not allowed to sell your farm ever,’” Detrick declared. Essentially, as Detrick saw it, residents are asking for the council to be a “strong, overbearing and powerful government” body that “tells people you can’t sell your farm unless you keep it a farm, and that you can’t sell your property unless you are going to maintain a forest forever and ever for your neighbors.” “I am just trying to find a solution,” said Detrick, a now-retired lawyer. “How do I honor the property rights of owners of real estate in this country, in this township, and also save the forests and farms? I mean it is not the township selling those farms, it is the farmers, it is the property owners who are selling this land to warehouse developers. OK, we can deny a warehouse. But maybe the next application is a car dealership. How is that saving the farmland? “I am trying to find the answer to how I can know those farms are going to stay there without taking away all the property rights of the owners. … This is something I am struggling with here.” Skipper responded by contending that it is her understanding the redevelopment desig nation “gives approval” for the township to sell 15 buildable lots to the redeveloper, however. “Don’t sell it, don’t give it to them,” she declared. Hornickel, when later asked by this newspaper for greater context about references by the public and officials at the council session about “14 lots” and “15 lots” tied to the project, replied, “I don’t recall the context of the 14 or 15 lots, but that’s probably the number of parcels the township owns within the redevelopment area.” At one point, members of the audience shouted that at the very least, council should let the developer simply “build on what they own.”
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM “I am just saying that it is not as simple as stomping our feet and saying, ‘No, we don’t want this,’” Detrick retorted. “Someone owns this property, and they have certain rights under the Constitution. They have certain property rights.” Detrick recounted past opposition to stringent Pinelands Commission rules for development, and prior complaints that “everyone was losing their property rights” and “everyone could not develop their own property.” “Now, we are saying thank God for Pinelands, let’s save the trees,” Detrick asserted. “That is great, … but this particular parcel is in a development area, a growth area. Help me out, how do we do that then?” A clearly flustered audience began to react adversely to Detrick’s question, with Democratic Council President Donovan Gardner shouting, “Paul! Paul!” Bayer advised Detrick that he was “inviting people to yell at you.” Resident Eric Houwen pushed back that those gathered “don’t want to take away their rights” and that is “absolutely not true,” maintaining “when someone buys farmland, they know what the restrictions are to that farmland.” Houwen, who, along with his mother-in-law, owns 40-acres and preserved their farm, contended “what we want” is for the township to simply hold them to a standard “that they understood when they bought the property” of “one house for every 6 acres,” and for officials to “hold them to” clustering to “preserve the rest.” Bayer, however, pointed out that “a lot” of people in the audience are suggesting no development should occur whatsoever, with Detrick remarking that even at a 1:6 ratio, “forest disappears.” When the township solicitor reminded those in the crowd that council “does not hear land use applications,” Houwen, in a rebuttal, pointed out that the council is “trying to turn forest into a redevelopment zone” that “then gives them the opportunity to develop” it. Re d e ve l o p m e nt d e s ig n at i o n s a r e “supposed to be for blight,” Houwen added, and “now all of a sudden” the pristine Pinelands comprising the Lakehurst tract are “Lakehurst blight.” Bayer pointed out to those calling for rescindment of the redevelopment designation that there is an “application pending now” before the Planning Board by the developer that is “based on the underlying zoning is in effect.” “There is no approved redevelopment agreement between the township and Equity Enterprises,” said Bayer of the lack of an arrangement between the municipality and the development company looking to develop the Lakehurst tract. “So, that redeveloper is not proceeding under a redevelopment plan; they are proceeding under the zoning that is in effect.” What is unclear is if the developer is taking the current course of action in already anticipating that the redevelopment plan will be pulled. But Bayer remarked at one point, “the township is not selling lots, because that developer is not proceeding under a redevelopment plan, which would be the basis to sell him lots.” “There is no redevelopment agreement, and no intent to sell the lots,” Bayer emphasized. “The 15 lots are not for sale … there is nothing before the governing body seeking a sale of those lots.” (Howell, however, maintained during the session that the applicant is proceeding as if they own township land, and is proceeding as if there is an agreement. He contended township-owned land is included directly on the site plans, both for critical access points and condos.) See DEBATE/ Page 20
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 15
Chatsworth Cranberry Festival 2023
The annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival was held on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 in the Village of Chatsworth in Woodland Township. The festival is sponsored by the Festival Committee of Chatsworth, featuring a juried craft show with up to 150 vendors, 15 food vendors and live music, in addition to the many vendors of neighboring property owners. The event not only helps to raise funds to support the White Horse Inn, one of Chatsworth’s most recognizable buildings, but also celebrates the local cranberry harvest (most cranberry varieties are harvested in October).
Photos By Douglas D. Melegari
Page 16 ♦
LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
FAILURE
(Continued from Page 3) materials and dump salt, but that “over the years, the dump bodies started rusting out.” But the trucks themselves, he maintained, are still operational. “We want to keep running them, but the beds need to be replaced to extend the useful life of the trucks,” Hornickel said. GOP Councilman Dan Dewey asked, “Wouldn’t it pay for the township to get with their engineers and come up with a solution to get a wash bay so that when the trucks come in from salting and plowing (they can be washed)?” Hornickel replied that when the township took over from the Pemberton Township Municipal Utilities Authority (PTMUA) back in January 2020, “one of the benefits” is that the township got access to more land outside of the Pinelands Commission’s purview and there are plans to install a wash bay with the site delineation already done for it. A plan has since been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the township is “still waiting” for approval. Having a wash bay, Dewey maintained, would extend the useful life by as much as 10 years. Meanwhile, Republican Councilman Joshua Ward asserted, “I don’t agree with some things in the bond,” including disputing pricing for an HVAC system for the Nesbit Center, financing of which is included in the bond measure. It led Dewey to recall the “day we looked at those air conditioners,” contending it had been “determined nothing had to be done at this time” and that the governing body would “appropriate money in the next budget.” Republican Mayor Jack Tompk ins responded, “I think we were still planning on doing the bond, so that if it does fail,” or the HVAC system, “we have the money reserved and are not waiting to go through this process.” “The last thing we want to do is have it fail in the springtime,” declared Tompkins, pointing to how delays can occur as with what happened “at the last council meeting.” The mayor reminded Dewey that it takes 21 days before an ordinance is officially enacted, and that they require two readings, which amounts to “two months.” “So, for a facility that gets rented out every weekend, we would effectively have to close it, because it would become a health hazard,” said Tompkins, warning the HVAC system is a “26-year-old system” and “we are on borrowed time, in my opinion.” The bond would provide for a $118,785 appropriation covering “replacement of the roof for the Community Emergency Re s p o n s e Te a m (C E RT ) b u i l d i n g ;
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM replacement of the roof for the Country Lakes Recreation Building; replacement flooring for the BMIA Recreation Facility; acquisition and installation of four fire alar ms for the Department of Public Works Office, Fleet Garage, Water Division Garage, and BMIA Recreation Facility; and replacement of a HVAC system for the Nesbit Center.” Dewey pressed administration officials as to whether they “found out what caused the floor to buckle” inside the BMIA building. “It appears to have a leak in the floor,” Hornickel responded. “We are going to have to remove the underlying tiles to detect the leak and seal/remediate the leak, which means we are going to have to do asbestos remediation. The BMIA happens to be our most popular rental, and also the largest rental. If the bond does not pass, the BMIA building, effective this month, will be closed indefinitely.” Dewey responded that he “just can’t imagine water coming up from concrete,” particularly given the area has had “more dry spells than rain” of late. Democratic Councilwoman Elisabeth McCartney, who is very active with the BMIA, noted that it “seems like there are more buckles by the door,” but Tompkins c ou ntere d that there are “problems throughout,” including by the stage. As Tompkins maintained “officials checked what they could” in the facility to find the exact source of the leak, Hornickel cautioned that it won’t be until the “tiles come up” when he will have more information to share with council. “How long has that floor been down?” asked Dewey, to which the mayor responded, “I am going to guess 15 years.” Dewey then recounted having “observed that the floor was put in backwards,” before explaining that unless flooring is installed a certain way, it allows humidity to enter the material and “that is what buckles the floor.” Tompkins responded, “Sorry, I am not a flooring expert,” while Hornickel said he “couldn’t tell you who installed it.” Dewey, whose relationship has turned tense with Hornickel in recent weeks, particularly over several remarks critical of Public Works and that have also sharply questioned administration’s requests, quipped, “I thought DPW did it when they remodeled it.” Gardner, in trying to avert further confrontation, asked for a motion, with Tow nsh ip Sol ic itor A nd rew “A ndy” Bayer reminding council that because it is a bond ordinance, a “super majority,” or at least four out of five ‘yes’ votes, are required for approval. Hornickel, once more, reminded the council, “if we don’t get a majority, the BMIA will close indefinitely Oct. 31.” See FAILURE/ Page 21
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Burger
RETIRE
(Continued from Page 1) latest term as township clerk wasn’t due to expire until April of next year, and her appointment as township manager was made on an “indefinite” basis. Burger has served as Medford’s clerk since 2009 and was also its chief financial officer for several years prior to taking on
CONCERN
(Continued from Page 13) with a determination ultimately made that “right now they’re at their limit” in that regard. “We will continue to address the issue,” Miller promised, but added that “sometimes when we deal with crime or traffic safety the reality of the circumstance isn’t the issue, but the perception of the circumstance. “People’s perceptions matter,” the chief declared. “So, we are going to go down there and talk to enforcement; we are going to try to instill a sense of peace and calm if we can. But sometimes we can’t.” P r i o r t o t h e c h i e f ’s c o m m e n t s , Councilwoman Heather Cooper responded to Staszewski’s report by asking the township engineer if there could be communications with affected residents on the matter, whether they could “check in with your traffic folks,” and whether, if a sign wasn’t the answer “because there are standards you have to follow,” it was “the only mitigation” feasible or whether there might be other recommendations that would enable them to “be creative.” “I don’t think it is an acceptable answer to say it is just not in the standard,” asserted Cooper, saying she knew there had been a “long examination of the matter” involving “a lot of back and forth,” and asking Acting Township Manager Lavon Phillips if there was a way to “come up with a plan that works for everybody.” Staszewski responded, “We have some other ideas,” which “will come out of capital improvement costs,” adding that “now with Mr. Phillips in place, we have the ability to have these conversations.” Miller subsequently told the Pine Barrens Tribune that the official safety standards
the township manager’s role in 2015, after a search for an administrator reportedly failed to come up with a better qualified candidate. Medford Tow nsh ip Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson described Burger as someone who has “served our community well for a long time,” adding, “so, over the next couple months if you see her, thank her for her service to our town … we wish her well.” In an interview with the Pine Barrens Tribune back in 2021, Burger cited one of her top accomplishments was moving the township dog clinic to Cranberry Hall and streamlining the process for residents. “We have been able to do all of this with a total of three staff who run two other offices, in addition to the Clerk’s Office,” she said at the time. “For safety reasons, we have also been able to take all of our polling places out of the schools and relocate them to other facilities within the township. We also have implemented a policy of reviewing and releasing executive minutes two times per year (June and December).” governing the placement of traffic signs apply to both permanent and temporary ones, and again emphasized that those in the latter category closest to the Brooks residence “have been there a lot longer” than the usual 90-day period. He added that his department and the township engineering office were in the process of actively researching options that “allow for another solution.” The chief, in his report, also noted that the department was still actively recruiting social workers with funding and resources obtained through the Volunteers of America in order “to fill a gap in service that law enforcement traditionally is unable to provide.” He asked that anyone who might be interested in participating in the program, or knows someone who is, to contact the department, which he said would be “implementing some new strategies to try to encourage people to apply” for those positions. But he acknowledged that “we could use some help” in that effort. Earlier in the session, another Raymond Avenue resident, Joseph Sereday, came forward during a public comment period to p oi nt out t hat s evera l tow n sh ip employees with what he described as good salaries, benefits, and working conditions had recently moved on, including “some responsible for Evesham being named the top town in 2018.” “I’m just curious—have there been exit interviews done to see why a good portion of our township staff has suddenly left us?” he asked. “Do the mayor and council think there’s anything that could have been done differently to prevent all the losses? And is there anything that will be done differently going forward? I look forward to your answers.” But none were forthcoming.
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SPIRIT
LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 17
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(Continued from Page 1) property that was said to be the subject of a complaint for having “amusement rides” out front, and then upon making an observation, dispatching code enforcement to investigate further, who in turn issued a notice of violation, only it appears what is on display has turned out to be all part of an entry in the township’s Halloween House Decorating Contest. The scene that seemed to give the mayor – and a code enforcement inspector – enough of a fright is at 1495 Junction Road, in the Browns Mills section of Pemberton, one with a banner proclaiming, “Browns Mills Haunted Carnival” and another that states “Step Right Up” for “Browns Mills Haunted Carnival 2023.” The Pine Barrens Tribune, in visiting the site on Oct. 25, found an elaborate setup that resident William Anderson said took about three weeks to fully assemble, having used collected scraps he accumulated over the years, with him being a scrapper, he explained. Ghosts, skulls, goblins, clowns, cobwebs, spiders, tarantulas, chains and witches – the decorative kind – , as well as a headless figure, are found throughout his haunted front yard, along with an antique car, antique tractor, telephone booth and popcorn machine, all items containing spooky Halloween/carnival décor. Some of the items even make haunted noises and have motion to them. That includes a witch that delivers a Halloween witch’s laugh when it detects any motion. There is also two antique carnival high strikers, a Halloween pumpkin patch, a fake ticket booth, and, of course, three amusement rides, including a train set and swing ride, on his front yard. And while the rides are hooked up to electricity and are operational, as Anderson demonstrated to this reporter, the resident maintained that he is not offering rides to people, rather each seating position is occupied by a haunted figure, including scary-looking clowns, ghosts, skeletons, and goblins. What is on display “looks like a carnival,” Anderson recognized, with there also being generator lights, traffic cones and temporary fence barriers for the rides on his property. And there are people who are “riding by that stop when the rides are turned on,” to take a peek at the display, the resident further acknowledged, but in holding up to this reporter the paperwork inviting entry into the township contest, with one of the categories “Best Theme,” Anderson maintained that is the whole point of the display that he put together, convincing onlookers it is a carnival, or otherwise it would be a tough sell for the judges. But the mayor’s purported reaction, as well as that of a code enforcement inspector, Wendy Jones, has left the homeowner now indignant, as became evident during an Oct. 18 Pemberton Township Council meeting. W h i le an attempt to confir m w ith Business Administrator Daniel Hornickel about what Jones observed on the parcel to warrant serving the resident with a notice of violation was unsuccessful as of press time, with him telling this newspaper the matter is “now under investigation,” Jones charged in the notice dated Oct. 12, provided to this newspaper by Anderson, that the resident is in violation of starting “construction without a permit,” failed to obtain a fence permit, and is running a “residential business without a permit or approval.” “You have a contest going on, and you are going to send a violation to me for having something in my yard?” Anderson asked of officials. Jones, according to the notice, reportedly
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
1495 Junction Road, in the Browns Mills section of Pemberton Township, which reportedly was entered into the township’s Halloween House Decorating Contest for a “carnival theme,” but rather drew the attention of the township mayor and code enforcement for having carnival rides, despite the riders being ghosts, skeletons, clowns, goblins. claimed to have inspected the property. But in this newspaper’s review of three pictures she took of the alleged violations, and included with the notice, all of them were apparently taken from a distance away. Rather, they appear to have been taken through the window of a vehicle evidently parked on Junction Road, with no closeup shots provided. The photographs fail to capture much of the ghosts, skeletons and goblins. Jones, according to the document, gave Anderson until Oct. 26 to rectify the alleged violations. “I am sure you all know the township has a Halloween contest,” declared Anderson on Oct. 18 in council chambers. “Why am I getting violation notices in the mail for decorating my yard?!” Several in a crowd that prompted, this time, an “overflow room” to be set up in the municipal building to avoid the chaos that played out earlier in the month when a governing body session had to be adjourned abruptly as council chambers reached overcapacity, could be heard expressing disbelief, particularly given that the turnout was in large part because of the township’s financial picture and development boom, items they hoped officials would be giving their utmost attention to. “I have thousands of kids who want to come there for trick or treating,” Anderson continued. “He wants me to take it down! Why?! Can I get an answer?” Tompkins, while reportedly in council chambers and seated at the administration desk, did not respond. “I am not going to take it down!” Anderson declared. “Why does he want me to take it down?! It is Halloween! It is a contest!” Anderson explained that he “called the township” to enter into the township’s Halloween House Decorating Contest, and contended that his entry was accepted, with the person who took his call asking for the See SPIRIT/ Page 18
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
Skeletons and other ghoulish creatures taking a ride on an amusement ride in Pemberton Township, which has attracted the attention of code enforcement.
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
SPIRIT
(Continued from Page 17) pertinent details of his entry. At the time, Anderson contended, he advised that his entry is a “carnival theme.” “What is in it?!” the resident asserted to council on Oct. 18. “Rides! There are no real people in the rides, but decorations!” However, Anderson alleged that “he said I am running a business out of my house,” and it was why code enforcement eventually became involved. “I have not made $1!” Anderson forcefully declared. “How am I going to run a business (with this)?! I’d be broke as hell!” Then, Anderson asked of the mayor and other officials, “Do you know what I do?”, before declaring that he “gives to the kids” what amounts to be fun and enjoyment, all for “free!” “Fr e e!” A n d e r s o n a s s e r t e d . “He (Tompkins) doesn’t know what that is – free!” Anderson presented the council with photographs of his entered display, as well as the purported notice he received. “I drove past your house, and it looks very nice,” Democratic Council President Donovan Gardner responded. “The question you asked, “Why?”, I have no answer to that! In my personal opinion, it falls under the Halloween contest. I don’t see a large crowd over there, hanging out.” The council president maintained that the question of “Why?” is one “to go to the mayor” if “he is pushing on this.” But Anderson responded that when he tried to seek answers at the municipal building on the day prior to the council meeting, officials “called four officers on me to have me (taken) out of here!” The resident, in a later interview with this newspaper, described that he went to the municipal building upon receiving the notice of violation, approached the window for the code enforcement office, and asked to speak with the inspector sent to his home, listed on the document. He contended that the woman at the window immediately identified as Jones, and then disappeared into the back. A couple minutes went by with no activity, according to Anderson, with him wondering why nobody had returned to the window, and then, he said, the cops showed up. The four cops, he maintained, pleaded with him to leave the premises and to follow the instructions listed on the notice if he wished to dispute the charges. He told this newspaper the cops were cool about the situation, and he complied. Anderson’s allegation that the cops had been called caused Gardner, on Oct. 18, to respond that the situation is “between you and him,” or between him and the mayor, with the resident retorting by asking a question if those cops can “get me out of this” given that he “was not allowed to go to the zoning officer.” “I am going to let you know something: it is all because of me – my name, ‘Mr. Anderson’
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM – they have a grudge,” the resident charged. “They can keep that grudge and keep that paper (the violation)! If they tell me I can enter a contest, I think I should be able to enter it!” Anderson later shared with this newspaper that code enforcement also visited his property earlier in the summer and sent him a notice of violation after he had established a roadside farmstand, selling blueberries and tomatoes that he grew on his land. He said he simply just “hooked a truck to the stand” and took it away,” following receipt of the notice, deciding not to fight that issue, as, “I don’t like to start trouble.” In addition to pointing out his brother attends council meetings, he shared some private details about why he feels officials might be holding a grudge against him. What has left Anderson “very upset” about the events surrounding his Halloween display, as he told council, is that his granddaughters, he said, “helped me with all this.” As a result of what happened, he contended, “they are pretty upset,” asking him, “‘Grandpop, do you have to take that down?’” Upon hearing that, Gardner asked Hornickel and Tompkins if they would “answer that concern,” but Anderson interjected before anyone could answer, maintaining he came to council simply with the intent to “voice my opinion to everybody.” “I will go to court!” Anderson vowed should officials continue to pursue the matter. “It will stay there until Christmas … and I dare you to tell me to take it down!” Anderson received loud applause from the audience. Following the session, Hornickel told this newspaper that “Mr. Anderson’s property is in an R-1 residential zone” and that “it had been reported to the township that Mr. Anderson was selling tickets on social media for amusement rides on his residential property.” “I couldn’t tell you how it was reported to us, but when the mayor learned about it, he took a ride to confirm the existence of the amusement rides and asked code enforcement to evaluate,” Hornickel told this newspaper. Tompkins did not immediately return requests for comment on this story. Recent pictures posted online do show local youth and families visiting the display and posing for pictures. Anderson wrote on his Facebook page, “Everyone, it is that time of year. First Brown’s Mills Haunted Carnival is here. Come take a look. October 21 & 22. And 28 & 29. From 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. Refreshments and Candy. 1495 Junction Road.” Anderson, when asked by this newspaper about the ticket allegation, explained that on the first night he gave out about 50 tickets to local children who visited the display. While officials “think I am selling tickets” for rides, he disputed that notion, contending they were simply “free tickets,” like those for a 50-50 raffle, that he was handing out for children to have a chance at winning a gift card, all in an attempt to “make it like a carnival.” “They assumed – and this is what happens when people assume things,” Anderson declared. “Why didn’t they come here first?”
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
A clown appears in an old telephone booth at a Pemberton home that was paid a visit by code enforcement. Anderson vehemently denied to this reporter that he is running a business, telling this reporter that he was even offered money by visitors to put towards his time and effort, but that he refused all the offers, not taking a penny. “It is all free,” he declared. “There is no
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PAVING
(Continued from Page 8) • Yorktown Drive • 76 Flyatt Road to 88 Flyatt Road • Liberty Circle • Manitoba Trail from Montreal Court to Indian Mills Road • Princeton Circle • Three Bridges Road from Stokes Road to the end • Mills Brook Lane • McKendiman Road from Tuckerton Road to the township line – (to include inlet reconstruction, repairs, replacements) • Laurel Vista Road • Montreal Court
See SPIRIT/ Page 19
The Season’s
Call
• Quebec Court • Misty Glen Drive • Cragmoor Drive • East Stokes Road from Stokes Road to end of paving With Arawak selected for both jobs, the township engineer maintained that it “should make for a pretty efficient project schedule.” Onorato said the township is “doing a lot of roads” with the 2022-23 road program. “A lot of these roads are 40 years old, and no action has been taken,” noted Shamong Mayor Michael Di Croce. “We started five to six years ago dealing with this issue. Actually, we are around second base on this project (to improve/resurface all Shamong roads).”
profit being made, whatsoever.” It is simply something Anderson said he is doing for the local children’s enjoyment, with Halloween an occasion for the children, he declared. He added that doing this is
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SPIRIT
(Continued from Page 18) something that is especially important to him – having wanted to do this for his grandchildren after life had gotten in the way, now wanting to spend more time with them then he ever could have before, making up for lost time. “Last year, I did the same thing (entered the contest), so I said let’s do something different for this year, a carnival theme,” Anderson said. “Apparently, they didn’t like it.” Anderson, explained to this newspaper, that he “redid the railroad house” at 1495 Junction Road, where he has lived for 10 or 15 years now. A train ride has been set out each Christmas, as well, decorated for the season. Previously, Tompkins drew allegations of “spitefulness” by Gardner in April after the council president alleged that he had been banned from taking pictures on behalf of the township at township-sponsored events, including for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Pictures with Santa Claus, which are hosted by the Recreation Department. Gardner is the owner of Pemberton-based JOCHAS Photography, a professional photography firm. Then, during the township Water Carnival in July, Tompkins reportedly publicly clashed with Recreation Director Nichole Pittman, with allegations that an untoward word was used by the mayor in the exchange. Shortly thereafter, Tompkins wrote correspondence informing Pittman of a decision to have her removed from her post, but the council, comprising of two Republicans and three Democrats, unanimously overturned the decision, urging both officials to work together. The mayor has faced enormous blowback for his decision. As this newspaper previously reported, also shortly after the carnival spat, a decision had been made by Tompkins to cancel two events the Recreation Department reportedly traditionally hosted at Whitesbog Historic Village: Pemberton Township Fall Festival and Pictures with Santa. While sources have questioned the timing of the cancelations, which reportedly followed the canoe carnival spat, Hornickel maintained to this newspaper previously that the fall festival was canceled because most of the attendees were found to be from out-of-state and the “township bore most of the expense of the festival, but did not receive any of the proceeds that were raised,” and as for the picture event, it was determined there were similar events being held, with the fire company also hosting picture taking with Santa, and so it was decided to “expand the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and pair it with a couple of other holiday events on the same day,” with the fire department this year hosting picture taking with Santa just prior to the tree lighting. Tompkins, however, has only responded in a limited fashion to the council president’s
queries surrounding the cancelations, causing Gardner to retort that his response is “lame” and “not a good enough answer,” and asking the public to ask the mayor, “‘Why is he trying to cut ties with the Whitesbog Association?’”, or the association that is more commonly known as the nonprofit Whitesbog Preservation Trust, the caretaker of Whitesbog Historic Village, a small cranberry farming village founded in 1857 off Lakehurst Road. In regard to the latest development tied to the township’s Halloween House Decorating Contest, Gardner told Anderson on Oct. 16 that “to me you have a valid point.” Online, after Anderson posted the notice of violation, comments from the public included, “I think that’s complete bullsh**, so they want to discriminate (against) you for having a carnival theme for Halloween,” “That’s insane! It’s freaking Halloween!!!! What about all the other houses with crazy things,” “Wish they would worry about the three vacant houses on my street that have looked like trash for years!!”, “Wow that’s crazy. Giving back and providing something fun for the kids yet you get a violation?” and “WTF, somebody does something nice for kids and they try to shut it down – keep fighting.” And while this reporter was visiting Anderson’s parcel, a woman dropped by to take a walk with her dog while touring the display, and when told by Anderson why a reporter was there, the woman expressed outrage, pointing to homes in town she said were serving as a source of problems, believing they should be the focus of officials. Given the code enforcement activity, this newspaper asked whether Anderson’s entry was ultimately accepted, or thrown out. Hornickel responded that “all contest registrants will be considered.” A n d e r s on’s t h e m e , howe ve r, wa s apparently not chosen as a winner of the “Best Theme” category, however, with the Recreation Department announcing Oct. 23 that the winner is 311 Wissahickon Trail. Other contest winners were 1405 Red Feather Trail, “Rookie,” 10 Lane Avenue, “Family Fun,” with 18 Tecumseh Trail deemed the “Scariest” and 902 Evergreen Boulevard having been chosen for having the “Best Effects.” Never theless, A nderson said he anticipates moving forward with opening his front yard to trick-or-treaters on Oct. 28 and 29. There is a sign directing visitors to park, as well as a sign beneath a stop sign at the exit to his driveway thanking them for their patronage and asking that they please come again, as is typically found at a carnival. “Don’t worry kids,” Anderson wrote on Facebook. “(The) carnival will go on, with games and candy and ice cream.”
LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 19
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
Clowns and monsters emerge from an antique car that is part of a Halloween carnival display that has apparently given Pemberton Mayor Jack Tompkins and a code enforcement official fright.
The ticket booth for the carnival display.
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
RENTALS
(Continued from Page 10) Hartford Crossing Girls Softball Complex,” which includes new fencing, grading, walkways and paving of the parking lot, and that the township engineer has reviewed the plan and provided comments to the vendor, who is “revising the plan.” While the proposed revision of the MOU was raised at the council’s previous meeting, it was put on hold after a resident living behind the ballfield, Nicole Stouffer, strenuously objected to the idea, claiming that the complex was “a gigantic mess” that’s gotten worse every year, and that the addition of vending machines would just “generate more trash,” which those who are supposed to be maintaining the facility have been “unable to clean up.” Stouffer also complained to the council about having been issued citations for the garbage that blew onto her property by those using the facility, causing her to have to “get a lawyer to take care of it,” and that simply relying on volunteers to maintain the site wasn’t sufficient to keep the situation under control. “We should have somebody go and look at the situation,” was how Watson responded after hearing Stouffer’s complaint, adding, “If we need to write something more into the MOU to make sure they’re maintaining the trash, then let’s do that.” While neither the resolution nor the summary referred to anything specific along those lines having been done, Deputy Municipal Clerk Dawn Bielec, who was filling in for Clerk Kathy Burger at the ensuing council session, reported that Open Space Coordinator Beth Portacalis had gone out earlier in the day and checked on the condition of the fields at issue, finding that the MYAA had cleaned them up and also “communicated to their landscaper to pick up the trash.” The resolution does contain a reference to “litter removal” having been part of the arrangement previously agreed to with the MYAA and authorized by resolutions passed in 2012 and 2021. According to the mayor, the decision to table the resolution at the previous meeting came about when “it was discovered that our engineer had never been provided the information that we were led to believe he had.” (It was unclear what information he was referring to, and a call placed to Watson was not returned.) The relevant information, Bielec told him, had subsequently been viewed by the engineer, who “was OK with it.” In a brief discussion of the matter that followed, Prime praised the proposal authorized in the resolution as a “great idea,” maintaining that having someone come forward to “donate and help” is “what makes Medford what it is.” The mayor concurred that “it’s a wonderful
STREETS
(Continued from Page 6) on Oct. 16, and “we expect to have that project out to bid probably by the end of this week.” Construction for that street is “weather dependent,” the engineer said, “but we are still looking at November construction possibly on that.” “We will have to see how the weather plays out,” declared Mullen, noting crews are currently anticipating that the work may possibly commence by late November. Planned construction for another road that has been the source of delays and complaints, Hearthstone Boulevard, the main thoroughfare for the municipality’s age 55-plus community, is now “in design,” ac cordi ng to Mu l len, after Pen non i completed its survey work.
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM idea,” adding that “the gentleman who wants to do this is going to be spending a lot of money … to make this a top-notch facility.” The mayor also noted that the process allows the council to have final approval of the 8’ x 14’, or 120- square-foot sign proposed along the entrance driveway of Bob Bende Park, which, according to the summary, would include “all of their sponsors in lieu of signs and banners on the fences around the fields,” with its size and location still subject to final council approval. In yet another matter, the council was asked by both Bonnie Tumminia, an employee of the New Jersey School of Music at 10 Union Street, and local resident Zachary Wilson about the possibility of restoring a crosswalk that was previously removed from the area in front of the school when the street was repaved. Tumminia maintained that the absence of the crosswalk was a major problem for individuals with mobility problems, who now have to walk to the corner to cross the street, and that it was an effective way of slowing down traffic, which has resumed speeding since its removal. Wilson, the father of two children who take lessons at the school, said he thought that it is something that if we wanted to do and thought it was necessary, we would push it through like we did with other crosswalks in those areas that supposedly don’t meet the requirements.” Prime, however, referring to those requirements, maintained that “the record should reflect that the tow nship has thoroughly investigated the issue and the police department has looked at it again, and in addition, our township engineer has looked at it.” The solicitor said that once the street was repaved, in essence a whole new crosswalk having to meet state standards became necessary—one requiring a certification by the township engineer that it is safe and meets the national standards for a crosswalk. And the township engineer, he contended, “would not do that, as it is not a safe crosswalk location.” In addition, Prime said, notice had been given by someone “reserving the right to file a tort lawsuit against the township.” He would therefore “advise the council to not comment on the issue again” while such a suit was pending, other than to repeat what he had said about a new investigation. Watson also observed that “it is very hard to go against when the professionals tell you it is not a safe thing to do…now you’re really opening yourself.” Prime responded that “It’s not just hard.” “(If) the engineers won’t certify it, you can’t do it,” Prime declared. “That may sound like a cop-out, but it is the law and we’ve got to respect the proceeding.” Symons, however, ended the discussion by expressing her appreciation for “the residents engaging and coming to talk to us.” According to previous remarks by the Pennoni engineer, the borough received a $181,000 grant from the NJDOT to repair the boulevard. “We should have that design completed, say within a month or so,” said Mullen on Oct. 16. “We don’t anticipate that will be constructed this year. But we will be set up for improvements to be made in early spring next year.” The design work underway only covers Phase I of planned improvements to Hearthstone Boulevard, with future phases planned to allow officials to complete resurfacing of the road. “We are waiting on our 2023 municipal aid application (with the NJDOT) to come back within the next week,” said Mullen, anticipating at least some additional state aid to the borough to support future phases of the planned road work.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
DEBATE
(Continued from Page 14) With Detrick pointing to the rights already afforded to the landowners through the existing zoning, local Valerie Roohr pointed out that it is the council that sets that zoning. But whether it was the old or new council who established the current zoning, Roohr maintained of the current governing body, “it is your responsibility to put it back.” And as for whether farmers should be allowed to do what they want with their land, Roohr, a farmer herself, declared, those who purchased their farmland “bought it as a God-dang farm” and “No, I don’t think they have a right to do that, or put a condo there!” As council moved to introduce the ordinance rescinding the redevelopment plan for the forested Lakehurst tract, there appeared to be some level of uncertainty on the part of officials about what impact the measure would have on the current development application from Equity Enterprises before the Planning Board, and whether the developer is truly moving forward under the current zoning, or whether its proposal is tied to a potential redevelopment agreement under negotiation. And there was also a question of whether the proposed ordinance would first have to go to the township Planning Board for comments. Bayer called the situation “an interesting one.” “Any zoning ordinance goes to the planning board, so I would say, yes, it has to go there,” Bayer remarked. Tompkins pointed out that the measure “is about the Lakehurst Road redevelopment,” but yet the “applicant is before the planning board right now.” (As Bayer recounted, the state has a Time of Decision Law, in which applicants are grandfathered from any zoning changes, and a redevelopment ordinance is essentially a zoning ordinance.) “As I understand it, the application pending before the board is not premised on this redevelopment plan,” said Bayer in answering Tompkins concern. “Let’s just say this is a zoning ordinance, if a redeveloper makes application, the developer gets the benefit of the zoning in effect at time of application, called the Time of Decision Law. Here, as I understand it, the developer made application based on the underlying zoning. So, if they had made application based on the plan, he would still get the benefit of it. That developer has not entered into a redevelopment agreement – and council has not approved one. So, I don’t think there is a legal peril in rescinding this. For the benefit of the public, this is not going to stop the redevelopment application going before the board based on the underlying zoning.” However, while Bayer counseled the
council that “rescinding the redevelopment plan, I think, is in your jurisdiction,” he had a word of caution for the governing body that the original designation was “premised” on a prior finding that “properties are in an area in need of redevelopment” because of their “blight condition” and that “without some expert testimony, or an opinion countering that previous finding,” rescinding the previous finding is “legally tenuous.” “Let’s say, hypothetically, one of the landowners sued, saying there is nothing before you (to arrive at this conclusion), it would simply amount to this governing body disagreeing with the opinion of the previous governing body,” Bayer maintained. “At least that previous opinion was premised on previous testimony.” Hornickel, at that moment, interjected, in a very pointed way, contending there were actually “two experts” who provided testimony that the Lakehurst tract is in need of redevelopment: “the planning board’s planner and a special planner who worked alongside engineers.” But moments later, Bayer somewhat hesitantly arrived at the conclusion that the governing body “I think, can rescind the redevelopment plan without legal peril,” though it “may want to solicit, or get another opinion, from another professional to support that finding before you go down that path.” And as council introduced an ordinance to potentially head dow n that path, recognizing widespread public support for rescinding the redevelopment designation, Hornickel warned that “the administration” has “concerns” with a number of clauses in the proposed ordinance’s current form. It was one of many pointed remarks and warnings from the business administrator of the evening that led to more tension and clashes in council chambers. “I would not recommend council approve an ordinance that condones illegal trespassing on private property, or hunting on public property, when no such hunting exists on the 14 smaller parcels we own,” Hornickel quipped. “Also, I caution claiming something – well, I will leave it at that.” Ward said he would work with the mayor and administration to iron out the concerns. “I came from Middlesex County, and moved down here because I wanted peace and quiet,” declared resident Heather Olah. “For 35 years, I lived in Edison and did not get one stich of sleep! I moved here and I thought I was in heaven. To think about having 575 homes built in the back of me, along with a water tower, along with an emergency road, and 25-mph access, that really sets my teeth on edge! “The other thing is when living in Middlesex, I saw farmlands. If you go through there now, you can’t get through without screaming or ripping your hair out! Don’t do that to yourselves; you have no clue!
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(Continued from Page 3) problem moving the blocks a little closer to the trees. “The only thing I need to check on is whether there is rebar coming up through the pavement holding the curbing in place. If rebar is there, the job is a bit more time consuming as we would need to cut the rebar, so people are not blowing out tires as they park a bit closer to the trees. If there is no rebar, we will be pushing them closer to the trees.” Jef f Go et s ch iu s, a nother re sident attending the Oct. 11 borough council meeting, called for a “flashing pedestrian l ig ht ” sig na l to b e i n st a l le d at t he intersection of Lenape and Hiawatha Trails, which he described as a school route frequente d by area youth. He further described that “nobody stops” for pedestrians at this intersection, as well as that there is limited visibility there. “Those flashing lights are fantastic, and they do stop cars,” Goetschius maintained. “I am majorly concerned somebody is going to get hit there – either a child or a child and adult. There was an incident last spring in which my wife and daughter were almost struck. I think something needs to be done to make that intersection safe.” Fields responded that officials will forward the concern to the police department as it is “usually the one that does a study for those intersections.” Borough Manager Dr. Robert Burton added that he “can reach out to the engineer” as well. As previously reported by this newspaper, Burlington County, in response to a request from Medford Lakes to have the speed limit along a stretch of Stokes Road in town, or a county road, lowered to 25 mph, agreed to designate the portion of concern a “25 mph zone when children are present.” Burton, during a preceding Sept. 13 council meeting, reported that 25 mph when children are present speed limit signs were installed for the stretch of road, by the county, on Aug. 30. “It is important to point out that the speed limit is still 35 mph, but it is 25 mph when children are present,” said Burton in making the announcement. “The county will be adjusting the location of the signs. I feel like it is not 100 percent of what we wanted, but I feel this definitely is going to help out in slowing people down.” Aromando, on Oct. 11, maintained the speed limit situation on Stokes Road is “not
successful” and it is “extremely confusing,” pointing out in some areas there is limited signage, while in others, there are 35 mph speed limit signs “in eyeshot” of the 25 mph when children are present signage. The former borough councilman called for the removal of the 35 mph speed limit signs. “It is not happening,” Burton replied. “It is not a 25-mph zone, it is a 25-mph zone when children are present.” Aromando shot back that “it doesn’t mean anything” to motorists because “children are present in the 25-mph zone all day.” But according to the borough manager, designating the area “25 mph when children are present” is the “best they are willing to do,” pointing out the borough’s hands are tied as it is a county road. “It is unacceptable to me!” Aromando declared. “We have to fight for our town, and the goal to make that a 25-mph road.” In response to Aromando maintaining the 35 mph and 25 mph when children are present signs are “too close to each other,” Burton responded that “according to the county, they are not close to each other.” His suggestion to Aromando is that he “reach out to the county” with any complaints. T he for m e r b oroug h c ou n c i l m a n maintained it is “some mystical thing” to put signage up that says “when children are present” because “they are always present.” “When is it actually enforceable?” Aromando asked. “… I see it as a loser in court. What does that mean (when children are present)? Where are these children? If our goal is to get people to travel 25 mph, I don’t think it is successful.” While Mayor Dr. Gary Miller was absent from the Oct. 11 session, during the earlier Sept. 13 meeting, he maintained that the county’s recommendation has been “well received.” A rom a ndo, howeve r, on O c t. 11, was critical of “the fact that there is no electronic speed signs to enforce it,” or the new speed limit when children are present, though Fields disputed the former borough councilman’s notion, maintaining there have been electronic speed limit signs rotated throughout the area. The former borough councilman shot back, by pointing to the 25-mph speed zone near the Medford Lakes Country Club, with there also being a flashing pedestrian signal for a crosswalk near Oak Drive. “The golfers are the safest people in town,” Aromando quipped. “Let’s do for the rest of us what we do for the golfers!”
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FAILURE
(Continued from Page 16) “Who is going to do the repairs this time?” asked Dewey, to which Hornickel replied, “Well, we have to diagnose the problem first,” adding, “We can’t get in there until the asbestos tiles are removed by a firm.” Both Dewey and Ward voted against passing the bond ordinance, with Bayer confirming, the “ordinance failed.” Hornickel, a short time later in his administrator report, clearly exacerbated, declared in a very candid fashion, “because the bond failed tonight, in addition to closing the BMIA building, we are also going to close the Country Lakes Recreation Center.” “We don’t have the money to fix the roof,” he declared. “So, rental revenues are going to take a hit and we will have to revisit the county plowing agreement, because I can’t buy the spreading equipment. … and, oh, the Girl Scouts will be displaced from Country Lakes. Sorry Pete (Robert “Pete” King, local Scoutmaster), if he is still here, you are going to have to find another place for them!” The following day, McCartney posted on Facebook, “Hello Everyone, Starting at the end of October, the BMIA building will be closed until further notice. The ordinance to cover the cost of the funding for the flood did not pass last night. Council is working on resubmitting the ordinance for the next meeting. It was combined with a request for $84,000 for three 10ton trucks, which impacted the no votes. I am hopeful it will pass next time with this item removed. “Regard le ss, Jen n i fer De e ds from Recreation has reserved the Dominique Johnson building for our November and December events and meetings. I am thankful the Recreation Department has responded and honored our schedule. I appreciate their efforts to keep our dates
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effective and am thankful knowing we will work together despite the outcome of the next vote.” That was the beginning of an online firestorm – which grew further when local Jennifer Broderick posted, “I just found out yesterday that the BMIA building is closed to any events as of 11/1 because town council could not pass an ordinance that allowed for needed repairs to be done.” She then added she is “not sure why Dewey and Ward both voted against it,” but “it impacts residents who already booked.” “The township is going to not only lose money on rentals, it will lose even more when they need to reimburse people, like me, for the additional insurance policy they require you to take out in order to rent the building,” Broderick continued. Broderick then made a plea for help in finding “a local venue with availability on 12/3 that can house over 100 people and is reasonably priced (since I just found out yesterday that mine is no longer available after I already sent out 100 invitations with that location).” One woman responded that she had rented the BMIA for a toy drive, apparently finding out about the closure from Broderick’s post. While one person wrote they hoped that Dewey and Ward would be “one and done,” one man came to the defense of the GOP councilmembers, declaring, “you should be glad Dewey and Ward are on the council … at least they ask questions about the spending of money in this township ….” By the afternoon of Oct. 20, Township Clerk Amy Cosnoski sent out an amended special council meeting notice for Oct. 25, to include re-introduction of the bond ordinance, still set at $202,785. Hornickel confirmed late Oct. 25 that introduction happened, 5-0, but that the township still “will need to temporarily close the facilities.”
Page 22 ♦
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY ♦ Page 23
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SNAFU
(Continued from Page 6) a voter who was a little confused about what was going on,” because one of the ballots they reportedly received listed Moorestown candidates. “They thought that the Evesham school district had somehow gotten consolidated with the Moorestown school district,”
BARBERSHOP (Continued from Page 6)
“I thoug ht that was a l ittle r ig id, especially since that came out, I thought, b e aut i f u l ,” s a i d Fa nu c c i of Ju a n’s Barbershop’s original color. “That is just my opinion – and a lot of other peoples’ (opinions). That is why I wanted to know the origin of the historic district and exactly what it entailed.” A resident attending the meeting, during public comment, asserted that he “can attest, as someone living in that voluntary historic district, that when you are redoing your house and have all the other burdens of doing it, coming in here and asking for permission of what color you are allowed to paint it is kind of insulting.”
Keith Abrams Lic# 1283
Demarsey declared. “I explained to them that didn’t happen, they just sent you the wrong sample ballot.” He added that “in these school board races, especially in an off-year election, there is not a lot of material on the candidates,” and giving voters in Evesham the wrong ballot adds extra confusion to the matter. “Anthony and I will do our best to make clear to the voters who the Evesham candidates are, so they can make an
informed decision,” Demarsey maintained. Within the last few years, Burlington County election officials have been plagued by mistakes in printed material, including erroneous mail-in ballots that affected residents of eight municipalities, one of which was Medford Township where two Republican candidates were listed as Democrats. In a particularly bizarre blunder earlier this year, voters in Bass River were directed to vote at a polling place in Beverly,
50 miles away, resulting in a staff member having to be assigned to the Beverly location in the unlikely event anyone from Bass River showed up there and robocalls to go out to voters in the latter community informing them of the error. Such mistakes have resulted in calls for the resignation of Democratic County Clerk Joanne Schwartz, who is being challenged in the upcoming election by Bass River’s Republican mayor, Deborah Buzby-Cope.
“Agai n, I u nderst and it,” Jerome responded. “And anything we say back and forth is probably just not going to change or justify it in your mind. We had houses being painted neon colors, colors you would not even believe belonged in this town of this size and character. And there is an approved palette, and it is pretty broad. I don’t know if you are aware of this, but if you paint off the palette, you don’t even have to come to the planning board.” Serlin maintained that the approved colors that comprise the palette have been “subject to a lot of discussion,” with Jerome adding that “nobody who sits here (on council), or on the planning board, wants a community member to feel insulted.” “The flip side of that is that it really got out of hand without that type of structure
in place,” Jerome declared. When the resident noted he is also a “little impartial with letting people do what they want on their own property,” Jerome responded that he agreed, noting he was not involved with the creation of the palette, and Serlin noting that at one time “every color had to be approved” for use, but that the rules have since “evolved.” When the man noted that the palette contains specific manufacturing numbers for the types of acceptable paint colors, Jerome assured the resident that “nobody is going to check the brand of paint” used. T he re sident also poi nte d to th is newspaper’s coverage of the prior couple c ou nc i l s e s s ion s i n wh i ch Fa nu c c i pushed for the creation of an ordinance to address purported rooster issues in town, but that Serlin and Jerome, among
others, suggested current code is strong enough to address the issues. The man inquired whether any such ordinance, if it ultimately is proposed, could go as far as addressing “practical animals there for the purposes of protecting the rest of the flock from predators.” W hile Fanucci quipped she would address the resident if she is “allowed to speak,” Jerome responded that “what I will say is that it has been the ‘general consensus’ that there is strong enough code to deal with the noise instances from any animal.” “If the rest of council comes up with an idea that we need a specific ordinance to deal with roosters, we can have a discussion at that time,” Jerome declared. “It was a topic of conversation.”
Page 24 ♦
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