Moving Forward

Coming This Spring to Veteran's Park

Township Budget Issues

Mayor's Corner

Council Meetings

Attention Dog and Cat Owners

Scholarship Benefit

Gloucester Township Scenic & Preservation Committee

Recycling is MANDATORY

“Pay it Forward” - Monthly Community Service

Katrina Relief News

Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee

Gloucester Township Day 2008

22nd Annual GTDSC Golf Tournament

Gloucester Township Public Library

Summer Reading Program

Police Department News

Senior Programs

Gloucester Township Senior Bus

Department of Recreation Office Information
 

Moving Forward     (Back to the index)

New Projects Continue in Township!

The Township's southern end continues to see growth in commercial development.

The Shoppes at Cross Keys (Stanbury) are breaking ground next to the AC Expressway along with retail stores and several new restaurants.

The Twin Oaks Shopping Center at Johnson Road and Cross Keys are finishing their construction with some new stores to open this Summer.

Other commercial properties along the Cross Keys corridor continue to progress.

A plan for the development of the old Nike Site has recently been approved.

All of these projects will add to the ratable base in the near future and help stabilize the tax rate. The Township is also working to improve various Parks with new, safe equipment; Mayor and Council are actively pursuing several properties for Open Space with Green Acres funding, utilizing the Open Space Fund and Grants.

COMING THIS SPRING TO VETERAN’S PARK     (Back to the index)

Check out the brand new fully handicapped accessible playground that will be installed at Veteran’s Park this spring! The unit includes ramps for wheelchairs, climbing walls, and a poured rubber safety surface. This unit was partially paid for with a grant.

TOWNSHIP BUDGET ISSUES      (Back to the index)

Trying to Manage with Less

Nearly everyone has felt the pinch of the struggling economy and the Township (and all government agencies) is no exception. The costs of energy, fuel, supplies, insurance and unfunded State mandates have increased.

The Township staffing has decreased over the last year due to retirements and resignations. Township Council has frozen all new hires and promotions in order keep control of the Budget. The fiscal year 2007/08 Municipal Budget was passed in January by Council with a 5-cent tax increase, after several months of trying to trim expenditures.

Mayor Rau-Hatton has been trying to maintain services to the residents with the reduced staff. Public Works Dept. and Dept. of Community Development are hardest hit with shortages. Many Public Works projects and services are taking longer to be completed.

The Mayor hopes residents will be patient and is looking for ways of being more efficient with the remaining staff. The Mayor's Task Force, with representatives from the schools, fire companies, residents, and Council, has been meeting monthly and is reviewing issues and means of shared services.

With more State cutbacks in Aid planned, it will be imperative to continue to find ways to be economical and avoid substantial property tax increases. On a positive note, the State has given more money to our school districts as well as kept the property tax relief programs (Senior Freeze and Homestead Rebate) in place.

MAYOR’S CORNER     (Back to the index)

As the season changes, we all begin to enjoy the outdoors and many people begin working on their yards. The Township has also begun the task of "waking up" the various ballfields, parks, recreation areas and grounds around the public buildings.

Much work is necessary to clean up areas and make repairs to facilities that have shown the wear-and-tear of yet another winter. Our Public Works Department has the enormous challenge of making the Township properties presentable for our residents. However, we need everyone to help "pitch in."

With the Township on a tight Budget and Public Works' staff slim, we appreciate the volunteers who have helped work on various areas, including those athletic organizations that help work on their ballfields.

Sadly, many people continue to discard trash along the roadsides which makes for a poor appearance in the town. We are utilizing, through Camden County Courts, defendants who are required to do community service (at no cost to us) to assist Public Works in clean-up projects. It's important for all residents and youth to help us keep the roads clean.

Our Police Department is now supervising Code Enforcement and we are seeing properties in violation being cleaned up and/or the owners fined.

We will be professionally upgrading our website to be interactive, resident friendly, and more informative.

I continue to meet monthly with officials on improvements to ease traffic on Berlin-Cross Keys Road. The Blackwood Clementon Road Greyfield study is complete and available on our website. We are moving forward to implement the plan. The Township has received a grant to assist in the revitalization of downtown Blackwood. These three (3) projects are top priorities for economic improvements.

We are also exploring the lease of the GEMS site for solar energy. This is an exciting project which has economic and environmental benefits.

I will continue to make myself accessible to all residents and visit many neighborhoods in the coming months. If anyone would like to schedule a neighborhood "Walk & Talk," please contact my office at (856) 374-3514.

With Pride in Gloucester Township,

Cindy Rau-Hatton

 

COUNCIL TOWN MEETINGS     (Back to the index)

The Gloucester Twp. Council will be having local town meetings throughout the Twp in 2008. This will be in addition to their regularly scheduled meetings. These meetings will be informal & will let the residents know about local government happenings. Below is a schedule of the dates and locations.

September 17, 2008 Chews Fire Company

November 12, 2008 Point Ariel Park

Meetings will be held at 7:00pm. For further information, contact the Township Clerk’s Office.
 

ATTENTION DOG & CAT OWNERS     (Back to the index)

Please take notice that the Twp. Clerk’s office is issuing new & renewal dog licenses for 2008 as well as new cat licenses. Any dog renewed after March 31, 2007 will incur a $15. late fee per dog. Any new dog or cat license will not be issued a late fee. The Clerk’s office will need to see a copy of an updated rabies certificate. You may obtain your dog or cat license in person or by mail.

For Mail-Ins:

Township of Gloucester
PO Box 8
Blackwood, NJ 08012

Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your check made payable to: Twp. of Gloucester.

Fee: Spayed or Neutered $21.00

Non-spayed or Non-Neutered $24.00

Please add a $15.00 late fee to the above fees when renewing after March 31st

Hours for dog licensing are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
 

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT     (Back to the index)

Tyler Richard Cardis Foundation

Friday, May 9, 2008 7-11 P.M.

Paris Caterers at the Palace in Blackwood

Donation - $30 includes buffet dinner and soda

Cash bar available. Music by Dance Party DJs and a performance by the Harmony Show Choir.

Basket Auction and 50/50 Raffle

Ticket and Foundation Info: Geri (856) 237-4275

Joan (856) 217-2563 or Donna (856) 238-1026

The Foundation was established in memory of GT Business Administrator Tom Cardis' 4 year old son who lost his courageous battle to a lung infection. To keep Tyler's memory alive, a charitable donation foundation has been established in his name with Scholarships to be awarded each year at Highland, Triton and Timber Creek High Schools.
 

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP SCENIC & PRESERVATION COMMITTEE      (Back to the index)

The 2007 season at Historic Gabreil Daveis Tavern began on Saturday, April 12. The tavern is located on 4th Ave and Floodgate Dr. in Glendora. The tavern is now open for tours every Sunday (except holidays and inclement weather). The hours are 1:00pm - 4:00pm. We hope to have you visit with us! We had an interesting opening day with visitors taking a guided bus tour of some historic sites in our township. Look for more upcoming events at the tavern in The Record Breeze.

Concerts once again will be held at the Tavern in July. They begin at 7:30pm. Bring a lawn chair.

The concert dates are:

July 10 Sweet Adelines

July 17 Emotions (50’s group)

July 24 Fab (Beatle’s Music)

July 31 Jonathan & His Orchestra
 

RECYCLING IS MANDATORY     (Back to the index)

All residents are required to recyle their household trash. Recyclables are picked up by the Twp. every two weeks on an established schedule. The primary residental recyclable items are all cans, glass and plastic bottles and paper products (new and mixed). Grasses, leaves and brush are picked up on a seasonal basis. The Township provides yellow containers for cans and bottles. The yellow containers can be picked up at the Mayor’s Office.

Recycling is beneficial to our community because it not only reduces the amount of materials going to the landfill (a cost to the Twp.), but also provides income to the Twp from the County as a reward for recycling. This amount of money can be increased if more people recycled.

Commercial business, apartments, condos and institutions are also required to recycle. NJ State law requires all businesses to recycle. Camden County has a Business Recycling Guide available.

This year there are several special waste collection programs in Gloucester Twp. A collection will be held on June 21 from 8:30AM to 3:00PM at Camden County College. The materials collected will be:

~Special waste - auto materials, paints & related

products, cleaners, pesticides, others.

~Electronic Recycles

If you have any questions about recycling please contact the Gloucester Twp. MUA at 856-227-8666.
 

“PAY IT FORWARD” MONTHLY COMMUNITY SERVICE     (Back to the index)

Drop boxes are located at the Recreation Center & Municipal Building. Groups may call 856-783-1737 to pick up and deliver items to the monthly recipient.

May -Women and Children in Crisis Center

Toiletry items, makeup & nail care, new board games

June- Canned Good Drive

Any non perishable food item

July- Pet Shelter Items

Wet & dry food, litter & pans, cloth buckle collars, treats, toys, used blankets & towels, etc.

August- School Supplies

Pencils, pens, crayons, notebooks, backpacks, etc.

September- Pasta Dinner Drive

Boxes of pasta, sauce, paste, clams, & tuna

October

Gloves, scarves and hats. New items only.

November

Canned /non perishable items

December

Toy Drive for Township Residents
 

KATRINA RELIEF NEWS     (Back to the index)

Gloucester Township, YOU have been awesome!!! Your efforts to support the Gulf Coast as they recovered from Hurricane Katrina are commendable. The residents of Ocean Springs, Mississippi have been blessed by your generosity and caring over these 3 years. You have truly made their world and ours a better place.

Rev. Carl King, Ocean Springs, Mississippi will always hold a special place in our hearts and we will in his. Thank you for your hospitality to him while he visited us this last time and for your support of our final week of fundraising, April 28 - May 2, 2008. We are eternally grateful for all your donations and support.

Please visit www.gloucestertwpkatrinarelief.org to see highlights of our 3-year campaign. Special Thanks to Glenn Smith, founding webmaster, and all those who contributed photographs and information.

May our community continue to bless and be blessed. As Hurricane Katrina forever changed lives in the Gulf Coast, it changed our lives in Gloucester Township, too. We remain a community that cares and gives!
 

GLOUCESTER TWP. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE     (Back to the index)

The Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee provides scholarship money to High School seniors who live in Gloucester Township and are continuing their education. If you would like to volunteer or participate in any of our events, please call the GTDSC Hotline at 856-374-5729.
 

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP DAY 2008     (Back to the index)

Join us on Saturday, June 7, 2008, as Mayor and Council take the field at Veterans’ Memorial Park when we recognize our Scholarship recipients while enjoying the extraordinary activities provided at Gloucester Twp Day 2008. Vendor packets are available at the Recreation Center.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

RIDES GAMES FOOD PRIZES MUSIC

CRAFTS ENTERTAINMENT FIREWORKS

Saturday, June 7th at Veterans’ Park

11:00am - 9:00pm


Come see the Gazebo and Showmobile entertainment! Visit www.glotwp.com for a schedule of the events. The raindate is Sunday, June 8th.
 

22nd ANNUAL GTDSC GOLF TOURNAMENT     (Back to the index)

October 3, 2008

Held at Valleybrook GC. Shotgun start at 12, putting contest at 11, registration opens at 10. Cost is $100. and includes golf, lunch, dinner, prizes and a donation to the Scholarship Fund.
 

GLOUCESTER TWP. PUBLIC LIBRARY     (Back to the index)

The Gloucester Township- Blackwood Rotary Library is a branch of the Camden County Library System. As a resident of Gloucester Twp, you are entitled to a library card when you bring identification showing you reside in our service area. Just bring in a valid picture ID or 2 other forms of ID with your name and address (ex: current bills, bank statement). We are located at 15 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood. Hours are Monday-Thursday 10-9, Friday and Saturday 10-5, closed Sunday. If you have any questions call us at 856-228-0022
 

ANNUAL BOOK SALE

Dates and hours:

Thursday, May 1, 10am- 8pm

Friday, May 2, 10am-4pm

Saturday, May 3, 10am- 2pm.

Items for sale range from $.50 to $3.00. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. All proceeds support Library programming and material.
 

SUMMER READING PROGRAM     (Back to the index)

The Gloucester Township Blackwood Rotary Public Library will be holding its Annual Summer Reading Kickoff party on Wednesday, June 18, from 1-3pm. All ages from Pre-K through teens are welcome to sign up for this year's programs "Catch the Reading Bug". Activities and food will be available for all participants signing up. Don't miss out on all the fun.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS     (Back to the index)

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKPOINT & BIKE RODEO

Gloucester Twp Police Dept. in conjunction with Safe-Kids will be holding a child safety seat check point & Bike Rodeo on May 31, 2008 at the Target Store on Berlin- Crosskeys Rd from 12:00 - 4:00 PM. This program is to assist parents in properly installing child safety seats. There will also be engraving of id numbers on bicycles being done by the GT Police Dept Crime Prevention Unit.

The Child Seat Law: 39:3-76.2a requires that children under the age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds be restrained in a properly installed age appropriate child restraint.

NJ HELMET LAW

Bicycle-Skateboard-Roller Skate Helmet Law:

New Jersey Law 39:4-10.1 and 39:4-10.5

This Law require persons under 17 years of age to not operate a bicycle, skateboard or any roller skate unless they are wearing a properly fitted and adjusted helmet which meet specified standards. A parent or guardian of the violator may be fined up to $100.

CELL PHONE USAGE LAW

Effective March 1, 2008 New Jersey law 39:4-97.3 made it unlawful to use a wireless telephone or electronic communiation device while operating a motor vehicle, unless it is a hands free device. An operator of a motor vehicle found guilty of this offense is subject to a fine of $100.

39:4-97.3 Use of wireless telephone, electronic communication device in moving vehicle; definitions; enforcement.

1. a. The use of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone or the electronic communication device is used hands-free, provided that its placement does not interfere with the operation of federally required safety equipment and the operator exercises a high degree of caution in the operation of the motor vehicle. For the purposes of this section, an "electronic communication device" shall not include an amateur radio.

b.The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only if:

(1)The operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or

(2)The operator is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorities a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medical or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A hand-held wireless telephone user's telephone records or the testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities receiving such calls shall be deemed sufficient evidence of the existence of all lawful calls made under this paragraph.

As used in this act, "hands-free wireless telephone" means a mobile telephone that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a conversation without the use of either hand; provided, however, this definition shall not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the telephone.

"Use" of a wireless telephone or electronic communication device shall include, but not be limited to, talking or listening to another person on the telephone, text messaging, or sending an electronic message via the wireless telephone or electronic communication device.

c.(Deleted by amendment, P.L.2007, c.198).

d.A person who violates this section shall be fined $100.

e.No motor vehicle points or automobile insurance eligibility points pursuant to section 26 of P.L.1990, c.8 (C.17:33B-14) shall be assessed for this offense.

f.The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall develop and undertake a program to notify and inform the public as to the provisions of this act.

g.Whenever this section is used as an alternative offense in a plea agreement to any other offense in Title 39 of the Revised Statutes that would result in the assessment of motor vehicle points, the penalty shall be the same as the penalty for a violation of section 1 of P.L.2000, c.75 (C.39:4-97.2), including the surcharge imposed pursuant to subsection f. of that section, and a conviction under this section shall be considered a conviction under section 1 of P.L.2000, c.75 (C.39:4-97.2) for the purpose of determining subsequent enhanced penalties under that section.

39:4-97.4 Inapplicability of act to certain officials.

2.The prohibitions set forth in this act shall not be applicable to any of the following persons while in the actual performance of their official duties: a law enforcement officer; a member of a paid, part-paid, or volunteer fire department or company; or an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle.
 

SENIOR PROGRAMS      (Back to the index)

Gloucester Twp. offers many programs for its senior residents. The Senior Drop In Center is located at 1571 Hider Lane. Gloucester Twp. Seniors may "Drop In" for fun, friendship and relaxation. The Senior Center is located on Chews Landing Road next to the Municipal Building. Any Gloucester Twp. Senior group that would like to use the facility may contact Ginny Varrell at 228-9015 for more info.
 

GLOUCESTER TWP. SENIOR BUS     (Back to the index)

To schedule an appointment call: 374-3525

Please call before 9am the day you would like a ride or the night before and leave a message.

Age Eligibility: 50 years and older or disabled

Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Bus Driver: Jean Gomez


SCHEDULE

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION OFFICE INFORMATION      (Back to the index)

Gloucester Township
P.O. Box 8
Blackwood, NJ 08012

(856) 435-5734 and (856) 374-3520
Fax: (856) 782-8962

Township website: www.glotwp.com