We are fortunate in Voorhees Township to have dedicated volunteers who give their time with no expectation of recognition or reward. As the year draws to a close, and on behalf of the other members of township committee, I thank those volunteers for their service to our community.
People such as our volunteer firefighters, youth sports coaches, scout leaders, theatre board members, animal welfare groups and environmental groups make Voorhees a better place in which to raise a family.
Our local government is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who serve on our various boards and committees to help maintain the quality of life in our community.
The New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law and the Voorhees Township Zoning Ordinance guide members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Whenever a resident attempts to use his or her real estate, change the use of it, subdivide it or build on it, permission must be obtained from the Planning Board or Zoning Board. The Planning Board generally meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month and the Zoning Board generally meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
Another volunteer group is the Environmental Commission, which meets the second Tuesday of every month. Among other roles, this commission reviews certain development applications and provides advisory opinions and guidance to the governing body about potential environmental issues and concerns. Among other projects, this commission is currently working toward the remediation and rehabilitation of the former Abbott’s Dairy site on Sycamore Avenue.
The Economic Development Committee meets the first Thursday of every month and works to maintain and increase business in our community. The committee helped launch www.voorheesprospector.com, a unique geographic information system (GIS) powered commercial property search website that allows business owners all over the country to learn about available commercial properties in Voorhees. This committee makes presentations at area chamber of commerce events and business expos to attract businesses to our community. EDC also recently partnered with the Voorhees Business Association to form the Voorhees Business Retention and Expansion Task Force.
The Citizens Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee meets the second Monday of every month and helps foster positive human relations through education and the encouragement of respect and understanding among our diverse population. The committee provides an opportunity for input from citizens of all races, ethnicities and genders in developing programs leading to a greater understanding of the value of a diverse community. Among other events, the committee sponsors an “International Day” every year to highlight and celebrate our community’s cultural diversity.
