Pine Barrens Tribune May 6, 2023-May 12, 2023

Mother’s DayGuide

SEE PG. S1

Tragedy Narrowly Averted

ELECTRICAL SHOCK

When Officers Manage to Dodge Car Headed Straight for Them Couple Chief Says Plotted to Kill Police Were Subjects of Warnings from Residents at Recent Council Meeting

By Bill B onvie Staff Writer

EVESHAM—In retrospect, what took place in the quintessentially suburban municipality of Evesham Township early on the morning of Sunday, April 30, while a distinctly jarring event, could have had a far worse ending.

But at the same time, it could hardly be called an unpredictable occurrence.

LeisureTowne Residents ‘Outraged’ After Electrical Unit ‘Monstrosity’ for New Solar Farm, Reportedly to Supply Utility’s Grid with Electricity, Erected in Middle of Residential Area; Homeowners Report Not Being Notified of Plan; Officials Struggle to Explain Who Gave OK

Arrangements Made Prior to Construction Commencing Show Solar Firm Paid Southampton At Least $2.1 Million for Tax Liens, While LeisureTowne Association Got $400K for ‘Easement’

By Douglas D. M elegari

Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—It has been described as “hideous,” “horrific,” a “catastrophe,” a “mess,” and a “monstrosity” that has been erected within the last couple of weeks on Saint Davids Place in the LeisureTowne retirement community.

And its construction, as well as location, has evidently caught residents of the neighborhood by surprise, giving them an ‘electrical shock’ of sorts, leading to “outrage” and demands for answers.

A contractor reportedly connected to CEP Renewables, LLC’s Big Hill (BEMS) Sanitary Landfill solar project has erected

what has been described by residents as a “monster substation” or “transformer” unit of some sort and placed it right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, or on a safety eyebrow for Saint Davids Place.

A once enjoyable view of the LeisureTowne landscape from the front

See SHOCK Page 9

Just a few days earlier on April 26, in fact, a number of residents who attended an Evesham Township Council meeting warned that a troublesome situation they claimed had been escalating in their immediate neighborhood, which one described as “really, really bad,” was quite likely to culminate in violence and complained that local authorities weren’t giving it the urgent attention it deserved.

In response, township officials, while voicing complete sympathy with those concerns, all agreed that their hands were tied in addressing the matter any more expeditiously than was already being done.

But time, as it turned out, wasn’t on their side.

Things took a far more ominous turn the following weekend when the couple being accused by their neighbors of conducting a long campaign of harassing

See AVERTED/ Page 8

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Workers with American Electrical Testing work on what has been described by residents as a “substation” for a solar array recently erected right in the middle of a residential neighborhood, or on a safety eyebrow on Saint Davids Place in the LeisureTowne retirement community.

Initial Lack of Clarity on Proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Ordinance Creates Ruckus in Woodland After Some Feared Town Was Purchasing Units Township is Actually Being Required by State to Adopt Standards Requiring Installation for New Commercial Development, Housing Complexes to ‘Promote Renewable Energy’

B y D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—A title for a proposed Woodland Township ordinance that could conceivably be interpreted a couple different ways, an initial lack of township committee discussion and explanation, and a resident’s ensuing social media posting that the township was about to consider “putting up Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations for people passing through” that apparently represented a lack in “clarity” and was later called out by an official for being “not factual,” led to a ruckus here in recent days, all for something that most other Pinelands towns have already adopted in routine fashion without much fanfare.

And now the Woodland version of a “mandatory” ordinance that is being required of the town by the Pinelands Commission, having the intent to implement newly state-mandated electric vehicle supply/service equipment (EVSE) requirements/regulations into the local zoning law, has been “tabled” pending further discussion between the governing body and its solicitor, with the mayor quipping he feels as if the measure is being “forced down.”

In 2021, a new state law was passed requiring any future commercial development, or new dwellings of five or more units, to install EVSE charging stations. Additionally, that state law requires developers to set aside a certain number of parking spaces for this purpose, as well as considers EVSE stations a “permitted accessory use” in all zoning districts in the state.

Following passage of the state law, municipalities have been tasked with updating their existing local zoning code by local ordinance to incorporate the statemandated EVSE standards.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has since provided municipalities with a model ordinance to assist in this regard, suggesting the title of any ordinance be “an ordinance authorizing and encouraging electric vehicle supply/service equipment (EVSE) & make-ready parking spaces.”

The proposed Woodland ordinance, however, is titled, “Authorizing Electric Vehicle Supply/Service Equipment.”

Any which way you have it, however, without one reading the proposed language contained in the ordinance or knowing where or how to access it, or being aware of the background information behind such

a law, some can conceivably read the title of the draft ordinance on an agenda and be led to believe that a township, by passing such an ordinance, is authorizing the purchase of EVSE for the municipality, and that it is a law of the town’s own volition.

Such appears to be the case in Woodland, as Resident Jane Donoghue’s Facebook posting ahead of an April 26 Woodland committee meeting generated comments and questions such as, “how is running out of a charge our problem,” “I can’t get a loaf of bread or milk or gas, and we are going to put up charging stations for outsiders driving through town,” “when Chatsworth gets a gas station, the charging station can come with it,” and “like we really need charging stations – we can’t even get the roads repaved.”

Resident Terry Sheerin, after seeing that the draft ordinance was listed for first reading during a preceding March 22 Woodland committee meeting, had asked the governing body on two separate occasions to explain the purpose of the ordinance, however those requests went unanswered, with the resident initially advised during the first ask that the time when she posed the question was for consent agenda items only, and ordinances aren’t part of the consent agenda.

However, Township Solicitor William Burns had even been thrown for a loop with how the March 22 agenda was laid out, even stopping the meeting cold turkey for a minute to better understand from Township Administrator and Clerk Maryalice Brown where the first reading of the ordinance fell on the agenda (it had actually already been introduced and passed on first reading by that point in the meeting).

Sheerin, a regular meeting attendee, after asking if she had “missed a meeting” and stating she didn’t recall such a law being “fleshed out” by the governing body, again asked for clarification of the draft ordinance during the regular public comment section of the March 22 meeting. However, no reply was offered.

Later, in response to Donoghue’s Facebook posting, Committeewoman Donna Mull (a former municipal clerk) posted in the thread that “an ordinance by law must be introduced at a public meeting without questions, even the committee cannot ask questions or comment.”

No such law could be located by this newspaper, and after repeated attempts to obtain the corresponding statute number or case law number from Woodland, Burns

Surprise Your Mom This Year!

Are you all out of Mother’s Day gift ideas? Do you want to give your mom something unique that’s different from what you’ve given her in the past? Here are a few original gift ideas to inspire you.

UNIQUE FLOWERS

Flower bouquets are old news. Instead, why not book a timeslot at a local garden and pick a bouquet of tulips together? If your mom prefers at-home activities, get her a flower bouquet in the form of a craft project, like paint by numbers or origami. For a more classic option, consider an everlasting rose that will stay beautiful for years to come.

PERSONALIZED ITEM

Pick out your best family photos and have them printed on an attractive, fun or practical object. Mugs, t-shirts, blankets, puzzles, pillows, drink coasters and bookmarks are some of the many possibilities.

LOCAL PRODUCTS

Create a gift box filled with local products, like handmade soaps, craft beers, cured meats, spirits, body lotion, jams, clothing, candles or anything else you think your mom might like.

It’ll give you a chance to make new local discoveries.

ART

If you have a decent budget, get your mom a piece of art from a local painter, sculptor or photographer. Choose something to match the decor in your mom’s home or which holds a special meaning.

A DIY KIT

If your mom is the hands-on type, gift her a DIY kit so she can make something useful, such as a candle, wool blanket or terrarium. If she’s a foodie, gift her a DIY cheese, bread or gin kit.

ACCESSORIES OR BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Upgrade your mother’s hair dryer or flat iron to a more powerful model, or gift her personalized products based on her age and skincare needs. For example, collagen facial oil, lip care, brightening serum, foot cream, perfume and makeup are great options.

Visit the stores and boutiques near you to find a gift to surprise and delight your mom.

Mother’s Day Meal ldeas

Do you want to celebrate Mother’s Day with a tasty home-cooked meal? Here are some inspiring ideas.

BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH

Serve up some brunch classics or be bold and try something new! For example, spinach and goat cheese quiche, nutmeg custard pie, buckwheat pancakes with mushrooms, rice pudding with fruit, caramel croissants and eggs Benedict with lobster are tempting choices.

LUNCH OR DINNER

Serve bite-sized appetizers like asparagus and prosciutto crostini, cheese and caramelized onion puffs, gravlax or your choice of verrines. Prefer a full-course meal? Almond-crusted salmon, shrimp pasta, pan-seared scallops with cider glaze or surf and turf make great options. If you want something a bit lighter, consider a vegetable soup, pork tenderloin salad or cauliflower and roasted pistachio couscous.

Visit your local shops to stock up on fresh and delicious produce. Don’t have the time or energy to cook an elaborate meal? Don’t let that stop you! Make a reservation at a local restaurant or order from a well-known caterer. Cheers!

4 Fun Mother’s Day Activities

Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus-$29.99

Broiled Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes -$ 19. 99

Chicken Oliver -$23. 99

Egg dipped chicken breast ser ved with broccoli in a white wine butter sauce finished with a touch of crab meat Ser ved with one Vegetable Land &Sea -$32.99

Per fectly cooked 14oz. NY Strip Steak complimented with 2 Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp

Dock Side Seafood Fry -$23.99

Flounder, Shrimp, Crab Cake and Clams Shrimp Fiorire -$21. 99

Seared Jumbo Shrimp, Broccoli and Vine Ripe Tomatoes in a White Wine Garlic Sauce over a Bed of Penne Pasta (Complete)

Do you want to organize a special, fun activity this Mother’s Day to create unforgettable memories? Take inspiration from these four ideas.

1. RECREATE A SPECIAL MOMENT

Think of an activity you and your mom did together in the past that brought you joy. See if you can recreate it to bring back happy memories and create new ones.

2. TREAT MOM TO DINNER AND A SHOW

If you know your mom’s tastes, buy tickets to a concert, theatre show or comedy act. Combine the experience with a meal at a restaurant to make it even more special.

3. UNWIND AT A SPA

A trip to the spa is a great way to relax and take a break from the daily grind. Extend the relaxation by booking an overnight stay at a hotel.

4. GO ON AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

If the weather permits, take the family on a hike in the great outdoors. Slow down and enjoy the scenery and fresh air. Don’t forget to pack snacks! Need a change of pace? Go somewhere you’ve never been before.

There’s no shortage of activities to celebrate Mother’s Day! For example, you could go on a bike ride, arrange a photo shoot or attend a cooking class.

Pork Chop Marsala -$ 18 .99

Char- grilled boneless pork chops, topped with sauteed wild mushroom, fresh basil and a marsala wine sauce Ser ved with one Vegetable Call 609-859-2301

Dine-in or take-out 1753 Route 206, Southampton, New Jersey 08088

5 lnspiring Moms in Literature

1. JOSEPHINE

The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles

by Katherine Pancol

Josephine is a devoted mother of two girls who does everything she can to be the best mom she can be. The novel tells the story of how she blossoms after a breakup.

2. KATHERINE MURRY

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Katherine Murry, Meg’s mother, works hard every day to keep her family together despite the difficulties she faces, including Mr. Murry’s disappearance.

3. LISA CARTER

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

Lisa Carter is the glue that holds her family together. She makes a point of raising her children to be strong and aware of the racial injustice in their community, all while maintaining a strong marriage.

4. MISS HONEY Matilda

by Roald Dahl

Miss Honey shows that you don’t have to be a biological mother to be a great role model. She boldly encourages and supports Matilda.

5. OFFRED

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Offred is the mother of a little girl who gets taken from her by the Republic of Gilead. She fights for her daughter and other mothers in the same situation.

Facts & Figures All About Mother’s Day

The idea of creating a Mother’s Day was first proposed by American poet and activist Julia Ward, who in 1870 wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation as a call to unite mothers against losing children to war.

The concept of Mother’s Day gained renewed traction in 1908, when Anna Jarvis began campaigning to create a day honoring mothers and peace. Within a few years, many U.S. states and Canadian provinces were observing Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May.

American President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it an official U.S. holiday on May 8, 1914, and today Mother’s Day is celebrated in dozens of countries around the world.

$23.1 billion Total U.S. Mother’s Day Spending

42% of adults will dine at a restaurant or order takeout on Mother’s Day,

69% Top 5 Mother’s Day Gifts

of shoppers purchase Flowers

55% of shoppers purchase Outings & Dining

45% of shoppers purchase Gift Cards

the busiest day of the year for U.S. restaurants

34% of shoppers purchase Jewelry

86% of U.S. women ages 40 to 44 are mothers

70% of moms with children under 18 are in the labor force

25% of mothers are solo parents

36% of shoppers purchase

Protect Creek, Establish School Zone, Fix Dam, Convey Easement

B y D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

MEDFORD LAKES—A former Medford Lakes Borough councilman, and frequent council critic and contender for reclaiming a seat on the governing body, Joseph A. Aromando III, is calling on the municipality to conduct a tax revaluation. While the municipal solicitor, Doug Heinold, responded, in part, to those April 26 calls that “we are not anywhere close” to having one warranted, he ultimately acknowledged, “it is not something that isn’t on our radar” and “it is something we might want to pursue, if we are in a position to do it.”

According to the state’s Division of Taxation, a revaluation program seeks to spread the tax burden equitably within a municipality, with the program being undertaken by a municipality having the purpose to “appraise all real property within the taxing district according to its full and fair value.”

What is meant by “full and fair value,” the division notes, is “the price at which the tax assessor believes a property would sell at a fair and bona fide sale by a private contract on Oct. 1 of the pretax year” – the sale “must be between a willing buyer and a willing seller.”

“Real property must be assessed at the same standard of value to ensure that every property owner is paying his or her fair share of the property tax,” a handout from the division states. “For example, two properties having essentially the same market value should be paying essentially the same amount in property taxes.”

Inequitable assessments, according to the division, can result from either changes in characteristics of areas or neighborhoods within the municipality and within individual properties; fluctuations in the economy (including inflation and a recession); changes in style and custom (including desirability of architecture or the size of houses); changes in zoning, which can either enhance or adversely affect value; or from delays in processing building permits, which delay tax assessments on new construction.

“Something needs to be done,” said Aromando, also a licensed realty broker, to Medford Lakes Borough Council on April 26. “I get the sales for the town. There are serious gaps in the ratios. For anyone who understands these things, in New Jersey,

its law is about tax equity and fairness. We don’t have that here anymore and this needs to be addressed.”

Aromando inquired whether there is a need for officials to have a discussion with Borough Tax Assessor Joe Rahman, to which Heinold responded that he speaks to him “regularly.”

“I will say our appeal level in the borough is extremely low and our success at the County Tax Board is very high,” Heinold declared. “There is also methodology at County Tax Board that they will eventually conduct a revaluation, if one is warranted. We are not anywhere close to that, but having said that, it is not something that isn’t on our radar.”

Heinold, who noted that any revaluation would be at the “municipality’s expense,” revealed that there have actually been discussions about doing a revaluation with both Rahman and Borough Manager Dr. Robert Burton, and it was felt that in order to do so, “we would have to have adequate staffing” and “this is not possible right now under our shared service with Medford Township.” (Rahman is Medford Township’s tax assessor.)

“It is a proposal they could bring to us,” he added. “But right now, it is not happening. It is something we might want to pursue if we are in a position to do it.”

According to the division, what has to be done through a revaluation program is “both the interior and exterior of each property are usually physically inspected, and building dimensions are noted during the revaluation process, and in addition to that, recent sales of properties are studied and may be adjusted to estimate the value of property that has not been sold.” It is added that “property typically purchased for investment purposes is analyzed in terms of its income-producing capability.”

“In short, all information believed to have an influence on value will be gathered, reviewed and analyzed in order to make a proper determination of each property’s full and fair value,” it is noted by the division.

Neighboring Medford Township conducted a revaluation last year, according to reports.

Among what was actually acted on during borough council’s April 26 meeting is approval of a $40,265.87 change order to the borough’s contract with Gerald Barrett, LLC, of Berlin, for an ongoing wastewater

treatment plant stream stabilization project, bringing the contract amount up from $179,969.69 to $220,235.56.

That large increase, according to Heinold, was due to an “emergency repair” for a sewer pipe the borough recently came to learn was in such bad shape it could not simply be re-lined as the municipality has been doing for the better part of the past year to its pipes throughout town.

“In this particular scenario,” he explained, it was discovered that “a pipe that intersects with the creek” needed to be taken out, instead of being lined, “because we would have had the potential of basically sewage spilling into the creek directly.”

It was an “emergent situation,” he maintained, and therefore “going out to bid” for the additional work “is an aspect that was not practical,” and under the law, there is a “very narrow exception” that allows a town to not have to go out to bid for such an expenditure and “this is one of them.”

“There is a process we have to go through,” he said. “It entails receiving a letter of certification from the borough manager and obtaining statements from both our supervisor of Wastewater and the Engineer’s Office, explaining the facts that led to the need to deal with this unknown subsurface condition and get it corrected in an expedient matter to avoid a public health situation.”

Also, after having given unanimous approval during the previous borough council meeting to take $35,000 from the borough’s Capital Improvement Fund and put that towards a payment for repairing the Lower Aetna Dam, which is on Stokes Road, across from P.J. Whelihan’s restaurant, during the latest April 26 council session, the governing body awarded a $27,495 contract to Capela Construction, LLC, for the “Lower Aetna Dam Erosion Repair Project.”

Seven bids, according to Deputy Mayor William “Bill” Fields, were received for the project back on Feb. 23, ranging from $27,495 to $78,901. He revealed the engineer’s estimate was around $31,000 and the lowest responsible bid placed was pretty much in line with the estimated cost.

“This is because of a storm that occurred, and a washout that occurred at Lower Aetna, by Tabernacle Road,” Burton explained. “So, this will basically replace the washout, and remove some of the undergrowth that has grown in that area to basically bring it up to snuff.”

Borough council, on April 26, also took its first action toward making a portion of Stokes Road that runs through the borough a “school zone,” which would lower the speed limit along the stretch of road from 35 mph to 25 mph when children are present.

The governing body unanimously introduced an ordinance establishing a

school zone for Neeta and Nokomis Schools “between 300 feet south of Bowker Road and 500 feet north of Lenape Trail during recess when the presence of children is clearly visible from the roadway or while children are going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours.” A second reading and formal public hearing is scheduled for later in May.

This newspaper previously reported that the borough had wanted the county to agree to lower the speed limit on the county road at all times to 25 mph in the wake of traffic safety complaints and a fatal crash last year, but the county was only willing to agree to a school zone for now, referred to at a previous meeting as a “start,” with officials even expressing some “surprise” that the county had even agreed to a school zone.

“Maybe this is just a first step,” declared Aromando in response to the ordinance’s introduction. “There are additional problems – the speed limit balloons to 40 mph (on a portion of Stokes Road in the borough). It is extremely dangerous and unrealistic. The other issue is the need to double-line the remainder of Stokes Road (he previously pointed out there is a passing zone in the area of the borough). I am hoping that since one person passed away, you have made a new connection with somebody (at the county.)”

Aromando described “people just not paying attention” and passing vehicles that are stopped to make a turn on the borough’s stretch of Stokes Road, and that “we did have a car flipped over” there “many years ago.”

“This is just really bad, and these steps are necessary before somebody really gets clipped,” the former borough councilman declared.

After Aromando said that he was going to “hold back” while waiting to see what the municipality might do to further improve safety before pursuing the matter with the county, Mayor Dr. Gary Miller told the former borough councilman, “I wouldn’t hold back if I were you.”

“You would only support what we are doing and any other resident that has an issue,” Miller said.

Borough council acted on a number of other ordinances during the evening, including one that was up for second reading and a public hearing to convey an approximately 22 foot by 22-foot easement to Riviera Pizza (being adopted for a second time after a purported technical issue) for a “small shed” that the restaurant would like to build.

As was previously explained to this newspaper, the easement is being accommodated from a 3.6-acre, currently vacant parcel that the borough owns, which is behind the shopping center that Riviera comprises, and that it will allow Riviera

Former Councilman of Medford Lakes Calls on Borough to Conduct Revaluation, Claiming There is No Longer Tax Equity and Fairness, But ‘Serious Gaps in Ratios’ Borough Solicitor Responds Boro Is ‘Not Anywhere Close’ To Having One Performed, But Recognizes Discussions to That Effect, It’s ‘Something We Might Want to Pursue’; Boro Takes Action to

Paint Job Given to New Barbershop in Pemberton Boro Creates Controversy Prompting Mayor to Detail His Efforts to Have Building’s Black Color Changed Officials Also Taken to Task Over Color of Shutters for New Houses in Hearthstone as Well as Driveway Error, Lingering ‘Eyesores’ and Use of Temporary Flag Banners

the owner of the building, as well as “the man who is going to cut your hair or give you a haircut.”

“They were nice about it,” Griffin recounted. “They are going to change the color and will be at the planning board meeting in a couple of weeks.”

Mulligan, in wanting to “reiterate” Marino’s points, which also included a complaint about motorcycles being parked on the sidewalk of Hanover Street, pointed to a social media posting where it was mentioned that a lot of strides have been made with improving the borough’s downtown, but by allowing things such as the flags and motorcycles, “it really doesn’t look nice” and the “flags are distracting to drivers.”

“People are saying all the houses are being refurbished nicely, but it is beginning to look like downtown Camden,” she declared.

Mulligan, after asserting “being he painted that building without permission,” asked, “Are there going to be any fines, or repercussions, other than a slap on the hand?”

“I really would like the building to be sandblasted,” Mulligan declared. “Forget about painting it! I don’t think we should have painted a historic building. This is a real big issue!”

By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer

PEMBERTON BOROUGH—The recent exterior paint job given to a new barbershop in Pemberton Borough’s Historic District, where black is reportedly not one of the allowable palette colors, but was used, has led to controversy in the 390-acre borough. It was one of several code enforcement issues brought by residents to the forefront of an April 17 Pemberton Borough Council meeting, some that included long-running circumstances, others that were brand new.

“I was on vacation, came back, saw it was painted black and almost had a heart attack,” declared Resident Karen Mulligan of the new barbershop’s exterior color.

Mulligan recounted to borough council how when she attended a meeting of the Pemberton Borough Planning and Zoning Board, the owner of the building was reportedly told “absolutely ‘no’” to painting the exterior of the building black, and upon that directive, it was stated that the person purportedly would “not be painting the building” and it would be “never painted black.”

“He admits that,” declared Mayor Harold Griffin, a Class I member of the planning board, in response to Mulligan. “He admitted that to me the other day.”

The building, by being painted black in the borough’s historic district, appears to stick out like a sore thumb, some observed, with the markedly different color choice

having the effect of drawing attention to the new business.

Resident Simone “Si” Marino also took issue with the “new barbershop painted black” on Hanover Street, adding, “now he has a flag,” or a temporary flag banner advertising services, similar to that of a new gun shop next-door (whose pair of banners advertising guns and ammo has also led to recent controversy).

“I think when I read the rules, they are not really allowed,” Marino maintained.

Griffin responded that the owner “takes them in every night,” and because of that, they are considered temporary signs, which are “allowed.” But after Marino asked, “How long does ‘temporary’ last?”, the mayor replied that there is “no question that you have asked that I haven’t asked our code enforcement officer.”

“He tells me if he takes them in every night, he can … I don’t really know how to answer you, he didn’t give me a good answer,” the mayor declared.

In response to being pressed about the building’s paint job, Griffin asked, “Do you think I like that someone painted the barbershop black?”

“You might think I could go out and say, ‘This is not supposed to be black,’” Griffin asserted. “It is not that simple. I have to talk to the solicitor, the code enforcement officer and then the next thing is they have to come before the planning board.”

Griffin responded, “it is being taken care of at the planning board meeting.” The meeting was held on April 18, and the mayor later told this newspaper on April 30 that the item was tabled. The mayor said he was absent from the meeting and did not yet get a chance to ask why it was tabled, but indicated the applicant may have changed his mind.

However, Griffin pointed out that both he and Code Enforcement Officer Steve Phillips had a meeting with the owners “the other day” and, at that time, the owner was “willing to change the paint color to whatever is on our paint chart.”

The barbershop owner, “Juan,” when reached for comment on this story May 2 and queried for this story, 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.

“No, no, no – I am not changing the color,” he responded when asked if the color would be changed. “It is beautiful for me –the black and gray for the windows.”

As for the owner facing any possible consequences for painting the building black, Griffin now says “I can’t verify that,” or that the applicant was told during a prior planning board session that he was not allowed to paint the building black.

“I don’t remember that conversation,” the mayor told this newspaper. “Yes, I am on the planning board, and was there that night (the original session about the building improvements), but I don’t remember talking about it.”

Rather, what Griffin said he does recall is that the applicant “came in for a sign”

issue and “what he presented to the planning board was the background for the sign, which was black.” Nevertheless, since the painting, Griffin told this newspaper he has made it “very clear” to the applicant “he has to change the color” of the building.

“Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who told me they like the black,” Griffin added. “And some very important people. But I have a problem with it because it is not on the color chart. … He knows what I want.”

Also drawing complaints from residents of the Hearthstone retirement community is a project that has begun, which will construct seven new homes in the development, which Griffin later told this newspaper will complete the build out of the retirement community.

One woman pointed out that she happened to notice that one of the homes being constructed “didn’t follow the site plan,” with the driveway “facing the wrong direction.”

Griffin responded that he has since performed a “little bit of an investigation” and “while I don’t really like to blame people for anything,” he has since found out, in reading through correspondence between the builder and the previous borough engineer that “there was no mention about it being not in the right place” and “apparently, from what I can understand, the previous engineer approved where the houses are now.”

The mayor later told this newspaper that it isn’t the location of the one house’s foundation that is an issue, but rather the driveway for it, and if one takes a ride out

there now, “you can see where the curb was cut” for a driveway, “and it is not where the entrance to the driveway is now.”

“They are going to have to repair the curb (where it is cut out) and cut the curb where the driveway is going to come in,” Griffin said.

The mayor, when asked about his findings, said that he learned that the former engineer had “addressed that problem, but it wasn’t finalized.” And because the issue was the See BARBERSHOP Page 13

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A new barbershop in Pemberton Borough with its exterior recently painted black.

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

One of the new houses being built in the Hearthstone retirement community, which will need curbing cut out for a driveway

Evesham Approves Licensing for Township’s First Two Cannabis Retailers, Introduces Ordinance to Lower Speed Limit to 35 on 2 Residential Roads

In addition, Orlando said, “that rider has been interpreted by the courts to prohibit the prosecution of private individuals or organizations that possess or distribute marijuana in accordance with state law, so the municipality is free and clear to go forward with it.” It also contains an “evergreen clause,” he said, meaning that it’s subject to automatic renewal unless one party should notify the other it doesn’t wish to renew the arrangement before the end of its term.

Warga, who in an initial comment said he was opposed to “both of these licenses on general principle” and insisted that if there is a conflict federal law overrides state law, later said he appreciated Orlando “following up on my request for getting a legal clarification on cannabis use and sale,” but emphasized that his “main objection is that there’s insufficient valid medical studies that the use of high potency cannabis, not available years ago, can result in psychotic, violent behavior” in some individuals.

B y B ill B onvie

Writer

EVESHAM—In unanimous votes, the Evesham Township Council at its monthly meeting on April 26 granted its first two approvals for the licensing of cannabis businesses in the township and introduced a proposed ordinance that would lower the speed limit from 40 to 35 mph on Crown Royal Parkway and Kings Grant Drive based on the results of a recently completed police department traffic study.

The cannabis enterprises given a green light to open via resolutions are: Enlighten Health and Wellness LLC, which Township Manager Robert Corrales told the Pine Barrens Tribune is planning to set up shop at the old Marlton Diner building on Route 70; and Highway 90 LLC, the proposed location of which will be a former ReMax building off Route 73 just south of where it intersects with Route 70, Corrales said.

Both are designated as Class 5 cannabis retailers and will be issued local licenses to sell cannabis products for a year commencing from the issuance of their state licenses by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Right now, Corrales said, the only remaining requirement they have to meet is making sure their new reconverted quarters comply with all code requirements and have certificates of occupancy.

The township manager also noted that three more such businesses are now waiting in the wings for similar approval in Evesham, having already had resolutions of support voted by the council.

When asked by Councilwoman Heather Cooper whether he had done any research since the last meeting on the issue of state law conflicting with federal law in regard to the legal status of cannabis businesses – one raised by cannabis law critic Gay Warga – Township Solicitor Chris Orlando, of the law firm Parker McCay, said he had found that although cannabis is still a controlled substance (under federal law), what Congress did back in 2015 was to pass a rider that prohibits the U.S. Department of Justice from enforcing any action against the states, territories and the District of Columbia that have enacted their own laws allowing for cannabis products to be bought and sold within their jurisdictions.

In other words, he explained, “this municipality as an arm of the State of New Jersey can’t be enforced by DOJ to do anything other than follow state law, so you’re safe there.”

The proposed ordinance that would lower the speed limit on the two residential thoroughfares was one Councilwoman Ginamarie Espinoza said she was shocked to learn had been called for by residents for over 30 years without resolution, and thanked the police department for conducting its study that the engineering firm of Remington & Vernick and its traffic division used to make its recommendation for the change.

“This is an extremely active neighborhood with residents that are constantly running and walking, many with pets and with children, up and down the road all day and all year long,” declared Espinoza, emphasizing that it became an even greater safety concern when the area around the Rice Elementary School on Crown Royal Parkway was turned into a walking zone for pupils.

Then around last Christmas, she noted, a resident using a crosswalk was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident and just recovered.

Cooper said she was “glad we did it correctly and examined it and don’t arbitrarily reduce speed around town,” and added that she would like to see other thoroughfares in the township, including Main Street, given similar evaluations.

“But I know in my four years (on the council), this was the first time it was brought to our attention in light of the incidents that have been taking place,” she maintained.

The council also unanimously approved a resolution to authorize Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co. to offer a number of properties for sale to the highest bidder at an online auction, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on June 1, which will include properties on Cropwell Road South, Fern Drive, Hopewell Road, Seventh Street, Third Street, East Main Street, Marlton Pike, North Maple Avenue, Holly Road, Marlton Pike and Holly Road.

In other business, Corrales announced that the township is finally getting a trash truck that was ordered in 2021, and would be getting a $1 million Green Acres grant that will be used to help pay for the former Beagle Club property, in addition to a $71,000 Department of Environmental Protection stewardship grant that will be used for pathways and to help in the mitigation of invasive species and a $79,000 Department of Community Affairs grant that will go toward the improvement of Evesboro Downs Park.

In his comments to the council, Police

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and threatening behavior allegedly hatched what, according to Evesham Police Chief Walt Miller, was a deliberate plan to kill any local police officers they might cross paths with, something he claimed a subsequent investigation had revealed. The purported scheme was one that Miller said might well have succeeded had it not been for the professionalism and presence of mind displayed by two young Evesham officers during a life-threatening earlymorning encounter with one member of the duo, which enabled them to survive relatively unscathed without their having to resort to using their weapons to protect themselves, even though there may well have been ample justification for doing so.

“They used prudence and performed the way they were trained to,” said Miller in describing to the Pine Barrens Tribune how the 27-year-old male officer who has been on the force for five years and his 26-yearold female colleague with three years of experience were able to avoid being hit by a speeding car whose driver, he contended, was intent on deliberately mowing them down, and to refrain from firing at their assailant during the episode. “To say I’m proud of them is an understatement.”

The subsequent capture of the individual who was allegedly behind the wheel by a team of six Evesham officers at the scene, including the two who had escaped being run over, was likewise carried out relatively smoothly and without recourse to force, although not before he was reported to have repeatedly used his Hyundai Genesis as a battering ram in an apparent attempt to smash a police vehicle carrying a Police K-9 named Tango. The dog, who

was reportedly a bit shaken up but not badly injured, was subsequently given a veterinary evaluation and a clean bill of health. according to police.

Charges subsequently filed against the driver of the Hyundai, identified as Marc Ferraiolo, 23, include two counts of attempting to kill a police officer using a motor vehicle, a first-degree crime, and lesser counts of eluding police, criminal mischief, and causing injury to a police dog.

His wife, identified as Ruth Patton, 42, was charged with threatening to kill any and all police officers who showed up at the couple’s residence at 29 Marlborough Ave. and with purposely obstructing the administration of law by refusing to comply with officers at the scene. Both were lodged in Burlington County Jail pending a hearing.

According to a report of the incident, police had earlier stopped at the scene of an unrelated accident when they observed Ferraiolo’s vehicle traveling west, on Taunton Lake Road at 80 mph, nearly twice the speed limit, appearing to accelerate as it passed the accident site, and then proceeding to run a red light when followed by police. After having identified the driver as Ferraiolo, with whom they had had “numerous previous contacts,” officers abandoned further pursuit in the interest of public safety but were able to obtain a warrant against him for eluding them. However, when police showed up at the couple’s address and attempted to serve the warrant on Ferraiolo, who was still in the driver’s seat after Patton had exited the car, he reportedly went into reverse and pulled out of the driveway at a high rate

of speed, almost striking the two officers in the process.

He is then reported to have struck the police car with Tango in it and attempted to hit the two officers, apparently deliberately before driving across neighboring lawns and ramming the K-9 vehicle about three additional times “with maximum force,” finally disabling his car during a further attempt to flee, in which he struck another patrol car and a parked vehicle. Approaching Ferraiolo’s car and finding him still inside, police then broke the vehicle’s window and extricated him, subsequently transporting him to Cooper Hospital for evaluation and taking him into custody.

But while the incident fortunately ended with just damage to property and no significant harm to anyone involved (notwithstanding some minor injuries sustained by police and some tenderness suffered by Tango), the episode, as Miller acknowledged in a phone interview and at a press conference a few hours after it occurred, could just as easily have had a tragic outcome.

“I watched the video, and it could have been really, really bad,” he noted at the press conference. “Had those officers not gotten out of the way, the intent of the suspects would have been carried out.” And by the same token, he told this newspaper, it could easily have led to a police-involved shooting, based on the actions of the suspect and the threat that he posed to the community.

But that threat came as no surprise to neighbors of the Marlborough Ave. house where the couple had been living with

Ferraiolo’s mother, the owner of record for the past five years, as indicated by the way the pair’s allegedly intimidating behavior over a period of time was described by them during the public comment portion of the council meeting, which took place a mere three days before the encounter between Ferraiolo and the police.

“I can’t come home and get out of my car and walk into my house (without having) to stop at the top of the street and check the cameras to see if they are outside,” contended Kate Stiles, who lives next door. “I go out with my pepper spray in my hand. I don’t turn my back on their house. … Our daughter could not stay in our house during spring break because days before (Patton) threatened to hurt her when she saw her.”

Stiles’ husband, Mike, also attested to feeling like his life was in danger when he came home from work every day, claiming that there had been damage to his car mirror and a vinyl fence, and that the repeated visits by local authorities and the citations they issued the couple were of little avail.

“It’s not helping, it’s too slow,” he maintained. “I’m sorry but somebody’s going to get hurt. And when somebody gets hurt, it’s going to be really bad. Not just somebody getting punched in the face – it’s going to be really, really bad.”

Similar trepidation was expressed by George Dougherty, who lives across the street, and who told the township officials in attendance that he wanted them “to be very aware that this is a bad situation” – one that had both shattered residents’ peace of mind and was “having an impact on our property values.”

“I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it does frighten me, “Dougherty declared. Another resident whose backyard abuts

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FERRAIOLO

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windows and doors of seven homes on Saint Davids Place, residents of the retirement community say, including what were about 20 trees and a park bench on the eyebrow, has now been replaced with aestheticallydispleasing construction fencing that surrounds a gray-colored electrical unit with at least five doors on it that have stickers on each one of them warning of “high voltage” and “danger.” (One resident maintained this particular eyebrow was probably one of the most beautiful eyebrows [or islands] in LeisureTowne prior to the construction.)

The electrical unit, this newspaper has learned, contains electrical wiring and other components for the community solar farm that has been built over the last six months on the landfill, enabling the solar panels to feed Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G)’s grid.

“Who approved the monstrosity being built on Saint Davids?” one man asked on Nextdoor, a social media site that is often used by residents of the retirement community to express their views. “This should really be a story for a newspaper to explore.”

Another woman asked on the site, “Has anyone contacted the Pine Barrens Tribune?”, with that soliciting the response of “great idea,” while another resident urged the community to “contact the town.”

“The islands belong to Southampton,” she pointed out. “I am not sure anyone was anticipating anything quite so horrific. Why was this not put onto the grounds of the solar farm instead of across from homes?”

Residents, at prior Southampton Township Committee meetings when the groundwork was being laid for the community solar

project, were told by one of the developer’s representatives “we could design it so that it wouldn’t affect the folks in LeisureTowne.”

Current Southampton Mayor Michael Mikulski, when LeisureTowne political activist Evelyn “Evie” Doherty had previously asked if the residents would be notified of the plans for the solar farm that was in the works, responded, “none of the houses are going to be impacted in terms of their property being disturbed,” though that comment was made in the context of the actual solar arrays on the landfill.

“We expect there to be little to no visual impact, and certainly it would be much better than it was as a landfill,” Mikulski added at the time.

But it was evident in this newspaper’s tour of the scene on May 1 that a component of the project is bringing about substantial visual impact for those living on Saint Davids Place and upending the neighborhood – several blocks away from the actual landfill.

“Just saw the catastrophe on Saint Davids,” wrote resident Carl Thompson on Nextdoor. “What a MESS. How did anyone ever approve such a design? That neighborhood is destroyed forever. Huge control panels placed there should have never been considered. There had to be another solution than that. Our township officials really dropped the ball. Please have consideration for the quality of life when approving construction for the future ….”

Former mayor of 25 years, Committeeman James F. Young, Sr., who was opposed to the project from the start, fearing it would “open a can of worms,” but outnumbered on the governing body when it came time for decisions on the groundwork, had committed to residents (when he was still mayor) that the township “will watch everything, before we let them do anything.”

Young, while still on the township

committee, had his mayoral tenure ended in 2020, with Mikulski having since assumed that post.

“Were these people given any advance knowledge of what was coming?” asked one person on Nextdoor, to which a resident of Saint Davids Place replied, “No.”

The Pine Barrens Tribune conducted interviews May 2 with the two homeowners of the two houses pictured in this newspaper’s cover photo, whose residences are now mostly obscured from street view by the electrical unit.

Both described being “very unhappy” with what has happened, including not being notified that anything was to be placed aboveground, as well as expressing various concerns pertaining to the nature of the equipment.

“Oh Lord, no,” responded 69 Saint Davids Place resident Joann Moschetto when asked if she received advance notice that the electrical unit would be installed in front of her home. “Even when they started ripping down the trees, I called the township to complain about it and I was told they did the proper paperwork, but even then, they didn’t say anything about what was coming.”

Readers of this newspaper may recall that Larry O’Rourke (who was reportedly instrumental in helping to formulate an eventual agreement between the LeisureTowne board and the solar firm to allow for necessary use of community property) was ousted as the president of LeisureTowne Board of Trustees last summer.

According to Moschetto, however, O’Rourke came to her residence shortly thereafter.

“Larry is now working for the solar company,” she said. “He told me himself.”

She recounted to this newspaper that, “Larry came to our house to tell us that a wire would be run between our house and our neighbor’s house.”

“We consented to that, were compensated for it – the easement on our property,” she added. “But that was all we were told.”

Moschetto told this newspaper O’Rourke, who came to her home with paperwork in hand, offered $5,500 to the Moschettos if they agreed to provide for an easement for the wiring. She recounted the paperwork “was just too much for me” to sign so quickly, and thus the former board president was asked to return. He came back, she said, in October of last year, acting as a “solar company rep.”

“Larry tries to be the salesman,” Moschetto described of the encounter. “He was very Larry, and said, ‘I am going to give $5,500 and all it is going to be is little things.’”

Moschetto told this newspaper she simply consented to having wiring run underneath her property (through a directional boring process). She recounted O’Rourke came back twice after that, first with a $500 check and another time with a $5,000 check. That was the last, Moschetto said, she heard anything,

up until she saw tree work commencing on the township-owned island in front of her home six weeks ago.

“I would never want to leave here,” she told this newspaper. “But had I known this was going to happen, I would have lifted my house and moved. Otherwise, you would have had to carry me out of here.”

Her view, she described, upon the electrical unit being installed, has gone from “beautiful” to one where she now doesn’t even want to look outside.”

“I used to really enjoy sitting on the couch, and looking out the window,” Moschetto said. “I spend most of our time in the living room, and it was a joy to me and now I just put the shades down.”

Moschetto declared she is “very concerned about my property value,” and that she is also “worried about the potential for safety issues,” pointing out to this reporter “this box has ‘danger, high voltage’ all over it.”

According to Moschetto, she has also “voiced my concern about potential health issues” that could result from the electrical unit, and contended that the township’s response was the “‘only reason someone could get sick as bear is if they approached the box,’” and that as for the stickers warning of potential danger, she was told their presence is just required by law “so in case one approaches the box, they would know it is high voltage.”

“I specifically asked them about an increased risk to my family and about who is going to want to buy my house with that across the street,” she maintained, noting she plans to make her presence known at an upcoming Southampton Township Committee meeting.

In fact, she told this newspaper that “I was just speaking to my son, who will inherit this house, and he is completely horrified – he said ‘I know you want answers, and I want answers as your heir – what is this going to do to our property values?’”

Quite a bit of equity, Moschetto described, “was put into our home not counting on having that” electrical unit in front of it.

Moschetto’s next-door neighbor, Mark Preston, whose home sits dead center of this newspaper’s cover photo, upon making contact with this reporter, quipped, “I wish somebody would do something about what is going on there,” pointing to the electrical unit that has been constructed.

Preston said that unlike his neighbor, he was never approached with a request for an easement or offered any compensation for underground wiring. What he did receive, however, is a “big, giant site plan” that detailed that the solar company was “going to run underground cables for the solar panel project.”

“Which is fine, because it was said that it was going to be all ‘underground,’” Preston declared. “All out of sight – out of mind.”

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Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A wider view of the Saint Davids Place neighborhood in relation to an electrical unit.

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Then, he says, a couple months ago, he noticed “trees were being taken down” in the eyebrow in front of his home.

“That ugly monstrosity in front of us: no one was aware of it going in,” he declared. “LeisureTowne and the township really screwed this one up. … No, we did not know that ugly transformer was going to be put there.”

In describing he is “very, very upset about it,” Preston said he now “can’t see down the road anymore,” and in fact, “I can’t see anything” out his front door or windows.

“I can’t go on the front porch and watch the neighbors cut the grass,” he declared. “I’ve got a big, giant gray box blocking the view. It is just hideous. They ruined it. And my property value. If anyone here goes to sell their homes, they got that big monster in front of you.”

Both Moschetto and Preston told this newspaper they want the unit taken out, if possible, with Moschetto declaring “it would be an answer to a prayer” if it was, and if it isn’t, Moschetto noted she would “want it to be enclosed so I don’t have to see it.”

“I want to feel like I live in ‘LeisureTowne,’” she told this reporter.

Both Moschetto and Preston also expressed to this newspaper that they were concerned about reports that they would hear a “humming” sound once the electrical equipment inside the unit is activated, fearing how it might further disturb them.

Additionally, they described trouble receiving their mail (Preston said he didn’t get mail deliveries for a week because of the construction), drainage issues, having difficulties backing out of their driveways and parking woes during the construction (the size of the unit is also reportedly presenting line of sight issues for residents trying to backout of their driveways as well navigating the area).

“It is very scary, and all these huge machines – I am worried something is going to happen to my house,” said Moschetto, but noting the construction workers have been wonderful to them, personally, and “it’s not their fault.”

Resident James Coslove, after “seeing all the anger and posts” about the unit on Nextdoor, wrote that it prompted him to “drive by the site on Saint Davids.”

“One word. … OUTRAGE,” he declared. “There is nothing anyone can do about this one location now. I can only hope the powers that be kind of camouflage this substation with trees, bushes (big ones). Like many, all I heard was ‘underground.’ Dig a hole, put whatever in it, fill the hole and give a bit of landscaping. No problem. But THIS?”

Resident Bob Martinelli, who claimed

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the property at issue complained that the couple living there were creating an intolerable and worrisome environment for her family by engaging in such activities as setting off fireworks and shining “stadium lights” at their home and that “she (an apparent reference to Patton) is bonkers with the language that she (uses) in front of my four- and six-year-olds” and had been heard ”‘threatening the mother there.”

“At this point, something needs to happen,” the resident contended. Also weighing on the problem was Korean War veteran Ken Mills, who had gotten up to discuss the Veterans Wall of Honor and wasn’t planning “to talk about this person that’s raising all the Cain,”

to have spoken to the “town manager,” maintained on Nextdoor that she relayed to him “the substation is there to support the solar farm” and is “connected” to it and that there might be more installed in the community in the future.

After another resident declared, “everyone should drive by Saint Davids and see it for themselves,” calling what has been erected “sad for our neighbors who live there” and declaring it “should never have happened,” Martinelli replied, “the other concern is, as they have the lines go further down into LeisureTowne, there is a possibility more substations may be put on the islands.”

“This is bad,” declared Martinelli, who offered that he found it to be “horrendous” after driving by it. “Who wants to look out your window and see that? And it will take away from your property value.”

Local Leah Fean, who also said that she drove by the facility on Saint Davids Place, described online “the workers were there standing next to the structure” at the time and “if they were 6 foot tall, then I would say this structure is at least 7 l/2 to 8 feet tall,” and “much wider.”

“It is a sad situation for those people who must look at this every day!” Fean wrote. “It sits directly in front of one of the homes!”

Resident Phyllis Peak, who also lives on Saint Davids Place near the unit, wrote, “I have no idea what this will do to our house values if we want to sell.”

“This is unbelievable,” she declared, in providing pictures of the current condition of the eyebrow for all to view online.

Those pictures generated comments such as “not acceptable or expected by any homeowners,” “I drove by today –unbelievable – we were told everything would be underground and were never told about this huge transformer right in front of people’s houses,” “unacceptable,” “what a disgrace,” “we feel for the people who are looking at this every day,” and “property values have tanked, sadly.”

The person who made the latter comment, Mary McDonald, asked, “Who do we blame for this?”

Southampton Committeeman Ronald Heston, when reached for comment on this story May 1 and asked whether the electrical unit on Saint Davids Place had been approved by the township, replied, “I do not have an exact answer.”

“I was told that the engineering firm, ERI (Environmental Resolutions, Inc.) overseeing the project approved it,” said Heston, while pointing out he hadn’t spoken to the engineer directly, but that was information passed down to him by the township planner.

Southampton Administrator Kathleen D. Hoffman – who told this newspaper she did not recall the conversation with Martinelli, when asked May 2 who approved the unit, responded, “I am not sure, I would have to get back to you.”

but indicated he was concerned about this being the sort of situation in which “we saw something wrong, but didn’t do anything.”

“If all these people are complaining, then (maybe) you need to look at this guy,” Mills declared. “Maybe the police should go out there and if he had been arrested two or three times, maybe there’s something happening.”

The frustrations faced by both law enforcement and municipal officials in addressing these entreaties, however, soon became apparent in their attempts to explain the legal limitations on their authority when having to deal with such an aberrant set of circumstances, and why they had to tread cautiously in doing so.

Township Solicitor Chris Orlando, for example, when asked by Mayor Jaclyn “Jackie” Veasy if he wanted to expand on what he had told her earlier about the

She confirmed, however, when asked if a township engineer had been assigned to the solar project, that “yes, ERI.”

Heston, also a member of the township Planning Board and one of its two township committee representatives, when pressed if the planning board had been made aware of the plan for the electrical unit, responded, “it did not come before the planning board.”

“I wanted to know if it should have, and whether it could have been perceived as a change in the plan – as a member of the planning board, and the committee, and I have not gotten a direct answer,” Heston told this newspaper of the action he has reportedly taken since the equipment has come to light.

Hoffman, when asked if the electrical unit received planning board approval, again replied, “I would have to get back to you.”

“I am very surprised that this happened in Southampton and it just seems to me the problems are mounting here, and the community is being left out too often,” declared Doherty when reached by this newspaper for her reaction. “I have concerns about the people on Allentown Road (with a redevelopment project and related access road planned from Route 70 to Allentown Road) and with what happened here in LeisureTowne with the solar site on Saint Davids. If you go to the site, what one sees is an eyesore.”

Doherty noted that “my question is: did the original site plan have Saint Davids on it?”

“If not, then there would have been a deviation to the original site plan, which would have required a public hearing,” she added. “If the original site plan or any revisions did not include the Saint Davids’ site for a solar station, that in my opinion should have been presented to the planning board, appropriate people notified and a public hearing should have been held – that’s

need “to make sure things get done the right way,” acknowledged that there had obviously been “numerous complaints and the police are out there on numerous occasions, filing as many actions as they can,” and that he also understood the couple involved “have been arrested on different occasions for different things unrelated to anything with the township and unrelated to the neighbors.”

Orlando said that while he was relatively new to the situation, he knew the municipality had done an excellent job of exercising its policing powers in the situation under both the Constitution and state law. While “no one wants to hear it,” he added, “the defendants have rights, and when matters get to court, they have a right to defend themselves, and it is a process that takes a little bit of time.” As far as the municipal government is concerned,

my opinion.”

According to the township website, the governing body passed in a 4-1 vote Resolution 2022-051 on April 19, 2022, “supporting BEMS Southampton Solar Farm LLC’s (reportedly a subsidiary of CEP Renewables) revised site plan.” That resolution notes that the redeveloper, BEMS Southampton Solar Farm, LLC, was awarded participation in the Community Solar Program and will construct two independent solar arrays, one of which will supply electricity through connection with JCP&L and the second which will supply electricity through connection with PSE&G.

It then states, “the project plans show an array of approximately the same size, but the layout is slightly different because of this dual connection system” and the “dual system modifies previous concepts reviewed by the township committee.”

“The redeveloper presented the new layout to the committee and seeks the committee’s concurrence of the plan before proceeding to the Planning Board for site plan approval,” the resolution states.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the site plan had been revised at that time to account for the electrical unit on Saint Davids Place.

The following month, on May 19 of last year, the planning board held a workshop meeting in which a “minor site plan” for the solar farm was presented. Corresponding attachments on the township website for the May 19 session include a copy of the site plan to be heard that night, but this newspaper could not locate any drawing showing any impact to Saint Davids Place or a rendering close to what has been assembled there.

The maps and renderings in the site plan appear to contend with the solar farm itself. Two attachments contain the listing

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he said, “everybody on this side (has) done everything they possibly can to address residents’ concerns.”

“But there is a process,” the solicitor noted. “Cases get listed, cases get heard, actions get taken, and the worst thing that can happen right now is that we miss a step and we have to start all over again.

So, we’re trying to work through the process as expediently as possible.”

Veasy, for her part, noted that not only Chief Miller, but both Township Manager Robert Corrales and Director of Community Development Kevin Rijs “have all been involved” and would provide an update “if they’re able to give one.”

But, she added, “We can only say so much.”

Rijs responded by calling the situation “one of the more challenging things I’ve had

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A view of some more homes that are directly impacted by the presence of an electrical unit on Saint Davids Place.

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of which homeowners received a required 200 feet notice of site plan application. No properties on Saint Davids Place are included in the listing.

All the minutes for the Planning Board in 2022 were initially posted to the township website – notably except for the May 19, 2022, session when the minor site plan was heard, that is until this newspaper made a May 3 telephone call to a township official and pointed out these minutes were missing from the township website.

The minutes were published shortly thereafter.

As part of those minutes, it is stated, “Mr. Caballero (the solar firm’s engineer, Edwin Caballero, of Colliers Engineering & Design) outlined two options that the developer has been working with PSEG’s engineers regarding their innerconnection. One option would be for the cabling to be trenched underground down Huntington Drive (a southerly route); however, the second option would be trenched throughout the LeisureTowne development (a northerly route). Mr. Caballero stated that they have met with the Leisuretowne Association and has an approval/agreement regarding either the path of the inner-connection lines. All cabling would be trenched underground and not visible to residents. Mr. Heston questioned the strength of the PSE&G line to handle the capacity of the facility. Mr. (Mark) Bellin (an attorney representing BEMS Solar Farm) stated that PSE&G is checking the line and if the northerly route was chosen, PSE&G would upgrade the line to be compliant.”

An inquiry sent to PSE&G did not elicit a reply as of this newspaper’s press time.

The solar farm came up again for final planning board approval in July 2022, but minutes for that session do not make any reference to further changes being warranted for the project. Since that time, planning board minutes and agendas show no further discussion about the solar farm.

Heston, when interviewed, noted that since making inquiries, he has been told what is erected is called “a piece of electrical equipment,” and again denied even having an inclination that something like that would be installed on Saint Davids Place.

Various residents this newspaper spoke to, in an apparent sign they had no inclination of what was coming, told this newspaper they did not even know the proper terminology for the electrical unit installed.

Hoffman, when asked, initially couldn’t come up with it either, but ultimately recalled it is “the connector switch.”

A sticker placed on one of the doors of the

electrical unit identifies it as a 17 kV Incoming L.I. Switch, with an online manufacturer’s guide for such boxes classifying it as metal-enclosed “outdoor multiple bay load interrupter switchgear.”

17 kV is equal to 17,000 volts, according to various conversion websites. OSHA, the sites note, considers all voltages of 50 volts or above to be hazardous, with an electrical engineering site classifying 17 kV as medium voltage (though the danger sticker on the electrical unit warns of high voltage inside).

It was not immediately clear who owns the electrical unit at issue.

“Personally, I am not happy about it,” Heston declared. “If I was one of the homeowners on the curve of Saint Davids, I would be upset. I don’t know what can be legally done now because the solar project was approved.”

What Heston described to this newspaper had been discussed at the time of the general project’s approval is that there would be “two ways for electric (from the solar farm) to get on PSE&G’s system.” One of those possibilities, he said, entailed “going out Maidstone Place,” while the other option involved running power “out near Settlers (Hall)” and “pick up poles at the storage yard to connect to PSE&G.”

“And at the time of the approval, they said PSE&G controls which way it goes, and how it (the utility’s grid) could handle the volume of electricity it receives,” Heston said. “At time of the planning board approval, PSE&G had final say.”

The township committeeman and planning board member, when again queried by this newspaper if there was talk of putting equipment on Saint Davids Place, responded, “not that I remember.”

As for why Saint Davids Place is the location for the station that has been installed, Heston responded, “knowing what I know now, Saint Davids Place is the shortest distance” to PSE&G’s grid, which ends on Big Hill Road.

If one looks at the position of Saint Davids Place on a map and PSE&G’s territory boundaries, the aforementioned eyebrow is the closest piece of land (beside the proprieties for homes between it and Big Hill Road) to one of the last PSE&G utility poles on Big Hill Road (with Big Hill Road running behind some of the homes on Saint Davids Place).

“But I had no inkling there would be electrical equipment like that,” Heston emphasized to this newspaper. “I believe it was the engineering firm that signed on to any changes to the project. I do not know if it is factual, but I believe it to be a change, based on what I saw in the plans.”

One local questioned to this newspaper why a project of such scope on townshipowned land would not have required passage of some kind of resolution or ordinance at the township committee level providing

permission for use of municipal land, not having yet found one that was approved by the governing body for use of the township eyebrow.

Heston, when asked if he had visited the eyebrow of concern, responded, “the last time I was there, they had already backfilled most of the island, they had a foot left, and all the underground wiring and conduit is already in place.”

“At that time, I was informed there was going to be a 7-foot-high fence around the entire island,” he said. “I checked with the planner to see if that was indeed permitted because of the ‘no fencing permitted in LeisureTowne’ as such, and I was informed that it is a requirement for the electrical equipment, for safety, so nobody can get harmed.”

Heston, after being queried by this newspaper about the facility’s placement in the eyebrow (what essentially amounts to the center of a public street), as well as in such close proximity to the homes, and in particular, whether he felt it is conceivable that a vehicle could potentially crash into it, or an explosion could occur that would impact the nearby homes, responded, “it is an honest concern.”

“That is why they are putting a fence around it, to protect the equipment and residents from a potential accident,” Heston added. “That is the better way to look at it.”

It was not immediately clear whether permanent safety bollards are planned or are a requirement, or what the requirements are for the electrical unit. Site plans can also detail things such as a maintenance and inspection plan, but it was unclear what requirements have been imposed, if any, in that regard for the unit built.

Hoffman, when asked similar questions to that of Heston, denied having any contact with residents about the potential for safety, noise or health concerns, adding, “I don’t

know they wouldn’t run into the island that is there with or without it (precautions).”

She described that workers “may” put up safety bollards, but that she would “have to check with the engineer.”

As far as there being an explosion hazard to nearby homes, Hoffman responded, “I’d have to verify that.”

“Well, I know they are not finished, and they plan on putting a privacy fence around the switch, as well as landscaping, arborvitaes and different native bushes native to the area,” the township administrator responded when asked about the aesthetic concerns. “It won’t be done until fall, probably, or around the time the project is completed. And they would probably die now with summer (if planted now).”

The township administrator described that “I have to see it once the landscaping and fence went up,” when further pressed about the views Saint Davids residents would have in the future, before adding “the other option” would be “similar to what was done around a pump station” in Vincentown Village, or erecting a chain-link fence and grass slots. The project that might be an example solution, she noted, is “on Race Street, right before the firehouse.”

Preston maintained to this newspaper he believes there were other options for the placement of the unit, including in the woods, between Saint Davids and Big Hill Road, behind some of the homes. When asked if there were other options available, Hoffman replied, “I have to check to see if there were other options.”

Big Hill Road has been closed for the better part of a week in connection with the project, this newspaper has learned. Heston revealed in the interview that the road was closed “because the solar company had to

See SHOCK Page 12

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Construction crews tear up Saint Davids Place in LeisureTowne.

about the placement of the equipment. He said he would be reaching out to the agency as soon as possible.

Heston, in the interview with this newspaper, also recounted that Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has utility equipment on Route 70 in the area, and that he was advised they would be “taking the other half of electricity being generated by the solar system.”

But when asked if that would mean additional equipment in the community like what is on Saint Davids Place, Heston responded, “I don’t know – call ERI.”

Southampton’s representative at ERI could not be reached for comment on this story. Heston voted against ERI’s appointment as the township’s engineer in January, but was outnumbered, 4-1. A receptionist who answered at ERI described Southampton’s special project engineer as being in a meeting, before asking, “Is he expecting your call?”

SHOCK

by this. I am not a lawyer, and I don’t know the ramifications of what happened here, but it is just very surprising anything like this would happen in Southampton without any community input.”

Mikulski, an attorney in his day job, when reached for comment, said he is “reviewing the specifics and not in a position to comment” for this story.

Young, when reached for comment May 2, said this reporter’s description of the issue was the first time he was hearing about it and that he would have to drive out to Saint Davids Place, claiming that he would do so within a half hour of being contacted, and that he may call back with further comment. He suggested being stunned to hear there was such an electrical unit as described given he had “not gotten any calls,” but pointed out, however, “I was against this project from the beginning.” He could not be reached for comment the following day.

but I understand it is quite a large hole in the road.”

Hoffman, when pressed about their being any plan for additional units and advised of the nature of the comments posted online by residents who claimed to have spoken to the town manager, quipped, “Oh God, no!”

build a large manhole in the center of Big Hill Road in order to bring the electric out of LeisureTowne, and in turn, send it up the road to the closest pole to PSE&G.”

“And there are all kinds of changes that were made, as I understand it, ordered by the Pinelands Commission,” Heston continued. “They had said it is wetlands, and the pipe that is going to run through carrying electric had to be a double pipe, or a cast iron pipe with another pipe in it and any air space has to be filled with concrete so there is no water intrusion in actual electric lines. It is very similar to what they do on the oil pipelines. I have not gone down and looked at the hole,

Both Moschetto and Preston pointed out to this newspaper that there has also been a generator running behind their homes (which they attest has been disturbing their ability to sleep and enjoy life) for the better part of the last week, with Preston noting he was told it was to pump the water out of the ground where wiring is to be placed. When this newspaper arrived on Big Hill Road to take photographs for this story at 6:30 p.m. in the evening this past week, a generator placed in the road could be heard running and was unmanned.

The presence of a generator led Preston to question whether wetlands have been impacted that weren’t approved by the Pinelands Commission to be impacted, and what the commission knew, if anything,

“I mean … I don’t remember saying there would be additional (substations), because I know there would not be,” she maintained.

Doherty also questioned in recent months at township committee meetings why the township has allowed a long-held and enforced five-year road opening mortarium to be bypassed for the project with some of the purported openings having reportedly occurred on newly paved thoroughfares (she recounted a time when the township even went to court to have the law upheld).

“I don’t know what happened here,” in further reacting to the matter. “I feel sorry for the people. I drove through the other day – it is just humongous and unbelievable – the site. I feel for the people there and I believe the values of their property will be diminished

The Southampton Township Environmental Commission and Southampton Township Shade Tree Advisory Boards are supposed to serve as a further check and balance on proposed site plans, with the bodies designed to provide critical input, when it comes to such projects, but have reportedly become defunct. The township website last has a published agenda for the Environmental Commission from Jan. 24, 2018, and the Shade Tree Advisory Board from Aug. 19, 2021. Shade Tree Advisory Board meetings scheduled for Sept. 21 and Oct. 19, of 2021, were cancelled. State law requires public bodies to adopt a meeting schedule seven days following an annual reorganization meeting or no later than Jan. 10 of each year if a reorganization meeting is not held.

LeisureTowne Board of Trustees President Debbie Massey, when reached for comment,

(Continued from Page 11) See SHOCK Page 18

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari Stickers containing a “warning” to the public of high voltage on an electrical unit placed in the middle of a LeisureTowne neighborhood.

RUCKUS

(Continued from Page 2)

replied, “I am not immediately familiar with the statute you are referring to.”

The following day, Brown emailed this newspaper an additional response, writing, “As per your inquiry, at the last meeting Committeewoman Mull was referencing the Clerk’s Desk Reference which states a first reading of an ordinance is strictly by title only. I have attached a copy of the page from the manual. Additionally, and as you are aware since you attend most meetings, it has always been the past practice of Woodland Township’s Committee to not hold discussions at a first reading of an ordinance; but instead holding all discussions for both committee and public until second reading (public hearing).”

She added that she is “aware that at the meeting and on a Facebook page, Committeewoman Mull stated it was a law, but to clarify, it was stated in the Clerk’s manual.”

There have been plenty of instances where members of the governing bodies this newspaper covers will discuss a draft ordinance, or reasons for or against drafting particular ordinances, during workshop meetings, a time when the public and press can gain background information on such measures.

Some local governing bodies and municipal clerks will also briefly explain during first reading the intent of ordinances and even provide agenda summaries with explanatory statements. Prior to second reading, some governing bodies will also answer questions from the public about what was just introduced during general public comment sections.

Woodland officials and governing body members, in fact, have discussed the drafting of ordinances previously during an “agenda review” section of its workshop meetings. One can find such an example by viewing the workshop meeting minutes from May 6, 2022.

An existing state law requiring that a first and second reading be held on any

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(Continued from Page 5)

result, he said, of the previous engineer and “he’s gone,” as well as because the builder already installed a cellar for the new home in question, in addition to the driveway “not being so far out of line,” the borough won’t “have to make them change it.”

The Pine Barrens Tribune previously reported that the mayor explained

local ordinance mandates that a public hearing be held on second reading, and that is when comments pertaining to any proposed law are to be entered into the record for governing body consideration (not that other opportunities for public comment or discussion can’t be had before that time).

Woodland Mayor William “Billy” DeGroff, as he opened the April 26 public hearing on the proposed Woodland ordinance, declared, “there has been a lot of disingenuous information put out on Facebook about this,” or the ordinance pertaining to electric charging stations.

“This ordinance is required by the State of New Jersey as the state adopted the legislation to make these requirements,” he explained. “It will not cost the township any money. It is for new site approval plans for multiple dwellings of five or more units in that dwelling – therefore they have to place electric charging stations there, or for commercial, new properties.”

The Woodland mayor emphasized “all the cost” is on the developers, “not on the township,” and “therefore, it doesn’t affect the township at all.”

“It is just a mandate by the state,” he said. “They are pushing the Pinelands communities to adopt this too. It is mandatory.”

Sheerin, upon the explanation, declared, “I think had that been said at the last meeting, when there was so much chaos, and if it was laid out that way, it would have created less confusion.”

She posed a question to the governing body, “How is one supposed to get the facts unless this is discussed?”

“Do you think I want electric vehicle supply?” retorted DeGroff, a Republican.

“I don’t want an electric supply thing in the middle of our town!”

Township Engineer Tom Leisse explained that the proposed ordinance is based on the law that had been signed by the governor in 2021 to “promote renewable green energy.”

“It is a law that affects any new development coming up, or multiple housing dwellings development,” he said, noting information about the law is on the DCA’s website.

Given there are limited development

the municipality changed its longtime engineering firm in January after a dispute arose between a new engineer that had been assigned to the borough and the borough administrator, on top of delays with the borough’s anticipated road projects that left one councilwoman to express unhappiness with the situation.

The woman sounding off on the new homes being built in Hearthstone, a project which Griffin confirmed commenced about a month ago, also offered grievances that the siding on them “does not meet

opportunities in Woodland due to the Pinelands Commission’s regulations that are applied to the municipality, Leisse declared, “I don’t think it is going to affect the township that much in the future.”

“It is not going to require us to retrofit anything with electric, and it is only going to affect new development,” he further asserted.

Following the municipal engineer’s explanation, DeGroff pointed out “every town is passing this ordinance,” before declaring, “If you have any problems with it, I suggest you contact your legislators and the governor.”

“He is the one that came up with this idea and passed it on,” DeGroff asserted. “This is not Woodland Township’s idea.”

Donoghue maintained, in response, that “if what had you explained tonight, that this is a state mandate,” had actually been done at the preceding governing body meeting, “the clarity would have been much better” as well as would have prevented “everyone from going, ‘Why are we going to do this?’”

As the Woodland mayor began to respond, “Maybe things could have been …,” Mull quickly interjected, reiterating what she stated online, that, “when an ordinance is introduced, it is by law that there is no discussion by the committee or public.”

“It is read by title, introduced,” said Mull, a former municipal clerk. “At the following meeting, it is discussed, and the public gets to comment and then we decide whether it is adopted or not.”

Brown added that if “one looks at the law,” or the Woodland proposal for the charging stations, in the third paragraph, “it does say it is a state law, put into law in 2021,” and that Section D, page 5, “specifies requirements,” including that such standards have to be in preliminary site plans for multiple dwellings, etc.

Despite DeGroff recognizing its adoption is “mandatory” on a couple occasions during the April 26 session, and Brown informing the township committee that the Pinelands Commission “has been nagging at me to get an approved ordinance” adopted, DeGroff made a motion to table the ordinance until the governing body’s May 24 meeting – what is currently scheduled to be the governing

requirements” and that the shutters are black (this newspaper found three homes under construction, but did not observe any shutters and it was unclear whether they had already been removed).

“That is not a color on our pallet at Hearthstone,” she said, maintaining the requirements are that the “houses are supposed to look like those already there.”

Griffin responded that “some of those things you brought up have been addressed,” but that it is the “first time I heard that,” or that there is an issue with the color of the shutters.

body’s first in-person meeting since the COVID pandemic commenced more than three years ago – “so the committee has more time to talk to Mr. Burns about what happens if we don’t adopt this, because, in a way, this seems like it is being forced down by Pinelands.”

“We have to make an informed decision, and even if they are bugging us, we have to do it in our own terms,” Herndon declared.

DeGroff also addressed the one particular comment that was made in response to Donoghue’s posting that “‘we can’t even get the roads repaved.’”

The township committee, in March, approved of Leisse to put Panama Road out to bid, and also asked him to investigate potholes on Woodmansie Road, in addition to authorizing Leisse’s firm to prepare the bid specs for road improvements to Lebanon Lakes.

During the April township committee session, the governing body awarded a contract to Arawak Paving for the resurfacing of Panama Road. It was also announced that some deep patch work will be done on Woodmansie Road.

Leisse revealed an intent to have Panama Road done concurrently with repairs to a section of Sooy Place Road that was recently repaved, but reportedly became undermined due to a contractor issue and is the subject of “legal action.” Work to Panama Road “is probably going to be in the summer,” the engineer reported.

A state grant program is the source of funding for the Panama Road, Sooy Place Road and Lebanon Lakes improvements, while the Woodmansie Road repairs are expected be mostly covered by “sand plant money,” or money the township collects through an arrangement with an active sand mining operation that is based in the area of that road.

“If they paid attention, their road is going to be paved shortly,” declared DeGroff of the commenter, a Panama Road resident. “They want to put a comment on there how the committee won’t do this and that. It is sad. I wish just before you put things out there, you get the facts. You won’t see me on social media, or responding. That is all I have to say.”

“I have to discuss this with the building inspector – that is in his purview,” said Griffin, to which Borough Solicitor David Serlin interjected that “it is a Hearthstone issue – we would not control the colors, unless the buildings are in the historic district.”

Also drawing concern from borough residents – yet again – is what has been referred to as two “eyesores,” a home at 115 Hanover Street, or on the corner of Hanover and Antis streets, and Thompson’s Lawn & Garden

See BARBERSHOP Page 14

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(Continued from Page 13)

Supply at 200 W. Hampton Street. But before more complaints were heard about these two properties, Griffin declared, “the owner of 115 Hanover Street will be in court on the 26th of April” and “200 W. Hampton Street is still in violation, but work is going on.”

“There have been 30 dumpsters that have been filled and taken away from 200 W. Hampton Street,” Griffin told the residents.

Resident Lois Sickles, however, in recalling comments by officials at prior meetings that the alleged violators are brought into court, but merely pay off any fine and still continue to be in violation, asked, “Is there going to be something different (done this time)?”

“I don’t know what the judge is going to say,” replied Griffin of the 115 Hanover Street situation. “But the building inspector is taking him to court.”

Serlin, in also offering a response, maintained “there is only a limited number of things we can do.”

“The basic thing that we can do is take somebody to court and ask the judge to fine them,” Serlin added. “Unless the building is unhabitable, or falling apart, which it is not (in this case), and although it may not look as nice as you might want it to look, we don’t have the authority to do something.”

Sickles, however, retorted, “it has no windows in it!”

“For two years it has had no windows in it,” declared Sickles, to which the solicitor responded, “It may be an eyesore, but it doesn’t give us the authority to have it taken down.” Sickles, however, said that in comparing the home to what it looked like before, “it is pretty pathetic.”

“All I can tell you is it is being worked on,” Griffin said. “He will probably come to court, pay the fine and nothing will be done again. Every time I talk to him, he says he will take

care of it. I met with the owner several times.”

Griffin, on April 30, said that he knows the property owner was fined again on April 26.

As for Thompson’s, Sickles pointed out the “sign for it is all cracked” in suggesting it needs to be taken down or repaired. She also asked, “Has anyone approached them about putting up a fence?” Despite Griffin’s report, Sickles maintained that “all they really have done is nothing but pushed it (the equipment, etc.) back.”

“This is what you see coming into the borough and what you see going out,” she declared. “And it used to be such a beautiful place.”

Griffin replied, “We can look into that (the sign and fence requests) for you,” and contended the code enforcement officer has visited Thompson’s “many times the last couple weeks.” The mayor later told this newspaper “he (Dave “Butch” Thompson) still has more to do, but he has been very cooperative with our zoning officer.”

Former Borough Councilman Robin Mosher, in response to the concerns aired during the April 17 borough council meeting, “said that he hears everybody’s concerns about the way the town looks,” but “I see good things in town,” and “as far as the businesses go – I know we have had issues with some of them, but on other hand, we want to look at attracting businesses to our town.”

“We have been business-less for quite a while,” he added. “So, the more businesses we can get here, the better, and hopefully we will work with them the best that we can.”

Fanucci, who also volunteers to pick up litter from borough streets, offered a rebuttal specific to Mulligan’s reference of their being a comparison with Camden, asserting, “I do not think Pemberton Borough looks like downtown Camden.”

“I clean this town,” she added. “It would look like downtown Camden if we left the trash all over the place. But we are nowhere near downtown Camden and I just want that on the record.”

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Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A home at the intersection of Hanover and Antis streets that residents call an “eyesore.”

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A recent view of Thompson’s Lawn and Garden.

to deal with in my career,” maintaining that he was “doing everything I can do within the confines of what I can do, working with the police department, the prosecutor, the municipal attorney, the property owner, and some of the tenants that live there.”

“I’ve issued notices, complaints with the courts, I’ve had guilty pleas, I’ve had deals that have not been honored, penalties that have been issued, and penalties that have been paid,” he maintained.

But Rijs pointed out that “sometimes the court process takes time and there are special circumstances with certain individuals involved with this property and it’s a challenge for all of us.” And while saying he sympathized with the residents and concurring that the situation they had to deal with on a daily basis was “horrible,” Rijs pointed out that “the other individual also has rights,” meaning that local authorities needed to make sure “we’re not going to stumble and have to start from scratch again.”

He also emphasized that Evesham officials had been “working with the courts and even with the judge in the prosecutor’s office in trying to resolve this and in trying to get the individuals in that particular household to comply.

“But it is frustrating, and I’m not going to say it’s not,” he acknowledged.

Veasy told those in attendance that even her ability to comment on the matter was subject to legal constraints.

“I know we can only also say so much because we cannot put ourselves in a situation where we infringe on the person’s rights that’s going through the whole situation as well,” she asserted.

But she told the officials present that she was aware “you are all actively working on this and hopefully you will get it resolved soon.”

Chief Miller, in his regular address to the council, expounded a bit further on the responsibility of law enforcement to play by the rules. Noting how an agreement with the occupants to refrain from shining bright lights at neighbor’s homes had only lasted a short period of time before they “put them back and turned up the intensity,” he described how patrols had come by at 2:30 every morning and written citations for each instance, which would end up in court as part of the judicial process, adding that in most such cases, people do not need to be repeatedly issued a ticket for a lighting offense “and still not comply.”

The chief, however, pointed out, his department still had to be in conformance with the 4th Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits illegal search and seizure, and was obliged to observe due process, meaning “we can’t just go down there and knock the lights down, can’t just cut the trees down.”

“They have rights to that land and the use of it and we have to respect that,” he noted.

In fact, Miller ventured, “they have more rights in this than the victims, and that’s just the way the Constitution is written, and we are following that step by step.”

“I guarantee it’s going to a resolution,” he said, but added, “It’s going to take time.”

In reply to subsequent questions from the Pine Barrens Tribune, Miller said that while Ferraiolo’s mother, being the owner of the home, had been cited along with her son in some 54 code violations, none of which were of a criminal nature, she had no apparent involvement in the more serious charges against him, but “just lived in the same house.”

In fact, Miller said, he had subsequently met with her about the need to comply

with the ordinances related to lighting and zoning, and assisted her in “getting her house in compliance,” including removing a structure on the front lawn that didn’t meet code requirements and helping her to either discard or store other materials spread around the property that were also in violation.

While the police had no legal authority to interject themselves on that level, he explained, “we realized the situation she was in and offered her assistance, which she accepted.”

“She was nothing but cooperative,” he added.

The chief, in reply to another question, said no firearms had been found on the premises.

Miller said that it is now his hope for the residents of the neighborhood (with whom he held a prescheduled outdoor meeting on May 1) that the April 30 incident “provides a path forward for resolution” of the situation that has caused both them and township officials so much apparent consternation, and that the court will see fit to keep Ferraiolo confined pending his future appearances on “charges that are pretty severe,” although those against his wife are less so and “there is a potential she could be released.”

But when problems of this sort arise, he added, “We try to leverage what is legal to find an outcome without violating people’s rights.

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“the need for cold storage and related improvements” for the establishment to maintain “the proper functioning of their business operation.”

Aromando questioned why not just “turn the property over” to the businesses comprising the shopping center and that he was concerned the easement would bring about “liability” or “exposure to the municipality” in the event “anything happens to the business while they are on the easement.”

“My first choice would have been to somehow turn part of the parcel over to the businesses there,” the former borough councilman told the current council. “They sorely need that in the back. It is of no use to us. Just let them have the property outright!”

Heinold, however, countered that conveying an easement to the establishment “is the most expedient way to allow them to proceed,” as conducting a “transfer” is not only a “lengthy process,” but it would “probably trigger some Pinelands (Commission) issues.”

“It also gets into issues of who is going to be the bearer of costs, etc.,” the borough solicitor said, adding that an easement would also not bind future councils to the use of the municipal property in question.

As for the prospect of any potential liability, because it is a “storage-type use,” according to Heinold, “any loss there is going to be associated with their business use and I don’t really have concerns from a municipal standpoint,” pointing out that Riviera also carries commercial liability insurance.

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passed unanimously.

Following adoption, borough council unanimously introduced an ordinance pertaining to sidewalk responsibility, acting on a previous discussion, with Fields explaining the intent is to “basically have something on the books where people maintain their sidewalks when there is ice and snow.”

“We presently don’t have anything (requiring this),” Fields said. “This is for the ones (sidewalks) that are already there, that may need to be maintained during a snow and ice event to help kids get to school and things like that.”

With a substantial amount of the borough’s sidewalk currently existing in the borough’s commercial area, Burton noted he has “already had a conversation with the local business association.”

Not listed on the agenda for action, however, is long-discussed amendments to the borough’s tree ordinance, which was supposed to have come out of a meeting of the municipality’s Tree Committee that had been scheduled for late January. No update was given during the April 26 session, with Heinold, in a separate matter, noting that log cabin demolition criteria updates are still in the works.

“It is still a problem, whether you have another meeting or not,” declared Aromando of the prospective tree ordinance updates, alleging that the existing borough code enforcement officer is “mandating certain things that are unenforceable” and “mandated replacement trees that were never followed up on,” before quipping “we are a tree-based (lake) community,” and “trees and lakes should be the top two things we are concerned about.”

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NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 5th Annual Train, Toy & Collectible show has been cancelled. The show was to have been held on May 13 at the Air Victory Museum in Lumberton. The host, Pemberton Historic Trust, thanks you for your understanding. No new date has been determined.

told this newspaper she was “working on something for my job right now,” and when asked if there was a better time to speak, responded, “no … thank-you, bye.”

LeisureTowne residents have, as of press time, simply been told by the community association in a “community update” that “Reminder: As you know, LeisureTowne does not own the streets or the islands within our community, these areas are owned by the Township of Southampton. Questions should be referred to either the township or the solar farm project management company.”

This newspaper called the phone number given to LeisureTowne residents to relay their questions and complaints to the solar company, with the telephone line simply going to voicemail. A return call had not been received as of this newspaper’s deadline time.

When this newspaper reached out to the LeisureTowne Association office for comment, a woman who answered said she would have to check to see if there was someone who could take this newspaper’s questions. Upon coming back to the telephone line, she asked to take a message and informed this reporter that nobody was present to answer this newspaper’s questions. When asked for her name, she replied, “I don’t feel comfortable,” before wishing this reporter to have a good day.

Gregg Shivers, an attorney for the LeisureTowne Association, when emailed specific questions for this story about what the association received as far as compensation from the solar firm and what the exact arrangement entailed, did not respond as of press time. A telephone message left with his office was also not returned.

Notably, the association has now password protected the Board of Trustees minutes and newsletter (known as the Trustees’ Corner).

A source close to the trustees and having direct knowledge of the situation, described that as being intentional by the current board, a bid to restrict outsiders from the community from being able to access such information, with a board belief that what happens in LeisureTowne should stay there.

The source described the board had arrived at a consensus that if the residents should know something, it will be either revealed at a board meeting or through a letter to the community at large.

The source also described that the board members, and even including the maintenance workers, have been required to sign confidentially agreements to limit what information is shared with the public.

However, that source shared with this newspaper a pertinent “public” document from November 2022: the Trustees’ Corner for that month, with the “president’s corner” of this particular edition (with Massey listed as acting president at the time of publication), announcing an “agreement with BEMS Solar to accept a one-time payment of $400,000.”

The first $200,000, she wrote, “is for the easement” and the second $200,000 “is for projects in the BEMS solar contract that they suggested we can do.”

She goes on to say that “solar wiring will run through LeisureTowne.” Specifically, she stated the lines will run through Kingston Way, Huntington Drive, Buckingham Drive, Saint Davids Place and then Big Hill Road “where the connection will be made at the electrical box.”

She further described that “your board of trustees” will “decide where to put the money to best serve the members of LeisureTowne,” and that some “will go back into reserve to replace what we used for repairs to pools, air conditioning and other necessary repairs to our property.”

“As mentioned above, the second $200,000 will be for items in the BEMS solar contract,”

Massey wrote. “We will be doing some projects, but are still deciding on what is best for LeisureTowne. We will have to pay taxes on the easement money and any unused portions of the project monies.”

She contended that BEMS would be holding a workshop to help the community “in filling out paperwork for a possible electricity break” and that “no one from BEMS solar will try to sell anybody in LeisureTowne solar panels” as they are “a business-to-business only company.”

The source, in providing this information to the Pine Barrens Tribune , described a conflict having since developed with the use of the second $200,000, and added that an original plan worked out with the prior board (before three members were voted out last summer) to use the funds for putting solar panels on the community’s three buildings as well as install solar lighting had gone awry.

The person this newspaper interviewed contended because the money did not support the retirement community’s proposed solar projects, as intended, taxes are now going to be owed on the funds. The money, the source explained, would qualify for a tax exemption had the original arrangement been maintained and used for solar projects in the community.

“Basically $180,000 some worth of the money – our free money – has been handed to the government for taxes,” the source contended, a claim a second source also described to this newspaper.

The initial source – in also describing that O’Rourke is now a consultant for the solar firm – said he believed it would not be a “conflict of interest” for O’Rourke to work for the solar company after parting ways with the board.

However, the source added, “it is amazing how he came to be a consultant just like that,” or upon his board tenure expiring after having spent time reportedly negotiating with the solar firm, quipping, “normally you would not just go off the board and go the next day and be a consultant for them.”

The minutes of the May 2022 planning board meeting note that at the time of the session, O’Rourke, while representing the Board of Trustees for LeisureTowne, “read into the record the Board of Trustees approval and support of the minor site plan and solar farm.”

A couple of calls made by this newspaper to O’Rourke’s last known number solicited a busy signal. Another telephone number listed for him online went to an individual who answered for an unrelated business, and claimed this newspaper has the wrong number.

O’Rourke reportedly sold his home in LeisureTowne shortly after leaving the board.

The source, who requested to remain anonymous for this story because of a confidentiality agreement they had signed, having knowledge of the solar arrangement, said the electrical unit on Saint Davids Place was never brought to their personal attention as being part of the plan.

“I am sure people would be very unhappy,” the source declared. “I would be if something like that is built in front of my house.”

Resident Pat Perrine, on Nextdoor, declared, “I am so sorry for the families on Saint Davids Place.”

“First chance of coming by on a workday –so disappointing that our old board and some members still on our board would approve this horrible set up for a lousy $400,000,” she continued. “These poor people! We as a community really need to rally for them and our community. Just awful. Remember to vote??? Old members who voted for this are running again? Hmmm… now we know why some people got out of town? I can see some kind of suit coming.”

As far as what the township received from the solar firm, if anything, when the question was put to Heston, he responded, “I can tell you to the best of my knowledge, as a township committeeman, the township sold

its back-tax delinquency to the developer and we got $2.1 million back in unpaid taxes, plus the township is not responsible to pay for any cleanup of the Big Hill Landfill.”

Previously, he pointed out, “nobody bid on them (the tax sale certificates) because whoever would have bought it would have become responsible for the cleanup,” and the community solar program provides mechanisms otherwise unavailable to other prospective developers. He added it is “the solar company who paid for back taxes – they now own it,” or the landfill, and “they are done on the landfill – all the wiring for it is what is being done now.”

Hoffman put the amount the township received somewhere between $2.1 and $2.3 million. Mikulski, while choosing to largely

CANNABIS

(Continued from Page 7)

Chief Walt Miller said his department had undertaken a “test” relationship with Volunteers of America, an organization funded via state appropriations, in order “to help bridge a gap we definitely have with mental health resources,” and had already reviewed a couple situations involving homes “that were in dire need of services.” Miller said he hoped the current pilot program would be accepted by the state in July so that the department can actually have an in-house social worker resource.

The chief also reported that there had been an increase in catalytic converter thefts, especially in residential neighborhoods, with Hondas particularly targeted. He urged residents that “if you see any vehicles that do not belong in your neighborhood at night” and that slow down, stop, or park in the middle of the street, they should be immediately

refrain from commenting, did offer in a late message to this newspaper a sharp point that he wanted to make for this story: the money the township received was strictly for the tax liens and not for any access to allow the contractor to build/develop anything.

“The meeting that should be attended is the Southampton (Committee) Meeting –this is their responsibility,” wrote Resident Susan Stinson on Nextdoor. “This is one of those times when the people in LeisureTowne need to show solidarity for their neighbors. That gray monstrosity is an insult to all of us, that wouldn’t have happened in some of the high-end developments around us, and it shouldn’t have happened here. This is one of those times to stand up and make this right. There is strength in our numbers.”

reported to his department, as “that is how these crimes are committed,” with thieves crawling underneath cars and cutting the converters out “in two minutes.”

Addressing an earlier question from Warga concerning what measures the township was taking to protect residents from tornadoes, the frequency of which has significantly increased in the past few months, Miller noted that the fire department oversees the Office of Emergency Management, and that “there’s an operational plan we go by that is approved by the state,” which depends on whether an event is a relatively minor one with a few trees down or a “mass casualty situation,” in which resource allocation requires shared services to be coordinated with state, local, cunty and federal partners.

He also noted that both he and the fire chief are national incident commandcertified on every level and added that having two emergency command coordinators certified on every level in the same municipality is a “rarity.”

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

A view of the road work on Big Hill Road in Southampton related to the solar project, which has forced the closure of the road, as well as a generator that residents say has been a disturbance to some in LeisureTowne.

FREE UPCOMING HEALTH EDUCATION EVENTS

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Coping with School Shootings: Taking Care of Yourself and Your Child

Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 6 p.m. Location: Zoom Meeting

School shootings have become a tragic fact of life, and the impact of these events often extends beyond the victims and their families to the larger community. Join Dr. Kristina McGuire and licensed social worker Sarah Contor from Capital Health – Behavioral Health Specialists to learn about the far-reaching psychological impact of school shootings and support and coping strategies for children and families.

Introduction to Tai Chi

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 6 p.m.

Location: Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell NJ PURE Conference Center, One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534

Tai chi is a form of exercise that helps you to relax your body to reduce stress, release tension, and improve breathing, balance, and coordination. With these benefits, you are able to sleep better and heighten your body awareness, which gives you more energy and allows your body to stay connected. Robert Langley, a tai chi instructor from the Capital Health Wellness Center, will lead this program and help you experience tai chi for the first time! Please wear comfortable clothing.