Haddonfield’s African-American roots run deep.
During the Civil War, Haddonfield took part in the efforts of the Underground Railroad to bring African slaves to safety, according to a borough proclamation.
The area of the borough occupied by Mt. Olivet Baptist Church for the last 121 years was the ground for the first settlement of African-Americans in the community, said Mayor Tish Colombi.
Pastor Anthony Talton and congregants of the church were on hand to accept the proclamation at the Tuesday, Feb. 12 commissioner’s meeting to recognize Black History Month.
“It’s an honor for us to serve in this community,” said Talton.
The church holds a special place in Colombi’s heart.
Every so often, she will visit and quickly find herself called upon by Sister Camille, who plays the piano without sheet music, to sing the first song of the worship service.
“I guess I’m not a horrible singer,” she said. “She picks those old songs that I know.”
The church, she said, has about 70 congregants.
“It’s a wonderful way to worship,” she said.
American Heart Month
In February, heart health is also in the limelight for American Heart Month.
Several national organizations, including the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, have launched, “The Heart Truth” campaign, as a reminder to women to stay on top of their health.
According to a proclamation, women are increasingly dying from heart disease and many had no previous disease symptoms.
Colombi is a two-time heart attack survivor.
The 68-year-old suffered her first heart attack at age 53 with the other following a year later.
“It was in my family,” she said.
Commissioner Ed Borden gave the proclamation to her.
Grove Street project
The borough released a performance bond for the Grove Street Sanitary Sewer Extension’s third phase.
The project has been undertaken over the course of three years, said Borough Administrator Sharon McCullough.
The third phase of the sewer extension went around Farwood Avenue, down Longwood Avenue and demolished the pump station.
Paving of the area is to begin soon.
“I know the neighbors there will be happy for us to leave,” said Colombi of the long project.
Library lift
A bid was awarded to Levy Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $55,600 for the remodeling of the Haddonfield Public Library’s wheelchair lift.
There have been past issues with the library’s lift, said Colombi, and this will provide handicap access to the upstairs section of the building.
Soliciting hours
An ordinance was introduced on first reading to amend the borough code for soliciting and peddling hours.
According to Borden, the ordinance will provide that door-to-door soliciting and peddling may not occur after 8 p.m.
Previously, both were allowed until 9 p.m.
There were concerns about the lateness of the ordinance, said Colombi.
“We think this is an improvement,” she added.
Pothole markings
Colombi explained the process of filling potholes in the borough at the meeting.
Last year, she said, it was requested for residents to report potholes. Those potholes were then marked.
From there, the borough had to go out to bid.
In that time period, some of the markings had faded, hence the re-markings.
“We’re doing it for a reason,” she said.
Athletic fields
Dr. Susan Hoch suggested sand-cap natural grass fields at the meeting as a more cost-effective alternative to turf fields.
There are many perks to sand-cap fields, Hoch said, including the lack of need to wash them or worry about heat-related issues.
“What’s less expensive but more durable?” asked Hoch.
Sand-cap fields drain better and the sand is laid on top of dirt below the grass, she said, curious as to why the option was never looked into.
“I think they wanted a turf field,” replied Colombi.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Borough Hall.
