The township also plans to add a number of township events and take a closer look at enhancing its historic properties this year.
The new year marks the start of a number of new projects and initiatives in Cherry Hill.
From new township events to recreation upgrades, there will be a lot going in 2017.
One of the biggest projects township officials plan to tackle this year is a re-examination of the master plan. Township Director of Communications Bridget Palmer said officials plan to take a long and hard look over the entire master plan.
A big part of the re-examination will be reaching out to residents for their input.
“It’s going to be a lot of residential outreach and information sessions,” Palmer said. “We’ll have a public outreach campaign.”
Details on public meetings and the re-examination process will be made available in the coming weeks.
A major construction project is expected to get into full swing on Route 70 in a couple months. The repaving of the road is scheduled to begin in the spring.
The project was delayed last year after Gov. Christie halted non-essential state construction projects due to the transportation funding stalemate in the state legislature.
The township also recently completed a smaller project in the Woodcrest neighborhood. The installation of a new sidewalk will make it easier for pedestrians to reach the PATCO Woodcrest train station.
“It goes from the westernmost driveway from the Woodcrest Corporate Center over the bridge and ends at the stairwell that goes to the train station,” Palmer said.
The idea for a sidewalk came based on feedback from local residents who wanted better access to the station.
The township will be putting a focus on its historical properties this year. Work is finishing on the restoration of the Croft Farm outbuildings. Palmer said work is scheduled for completion in the next couple of weeks.
The township is also looking to make a comprehensive plan for both Croft Farm and Barclay Farmstead moving forward.
“We’re currently in the process of hiring a firm to create a big picture preservation plan for both Croft and Barclay,” Palmer said.
Township officials are hoping to come up with new ways it can enhance the experience and historic feel at both of properties in the coming years.
There will be a number of upgrades at township parks throughout 2017. One of the larger upgrades could be the installation of more pickleball courts. Palmer said the courts at Lion’s Den Park are so popular, the township is looking to add more courts to meet demand. A location for the courts has not yet been selected.
Cherry Hill will have a couple new events this year mostly aimed at the adult crowd. One will take place during the township’s annual Art Blooms event on April 13 at Croft Farm. The township will hold a Paint and Sip Night where participants can enjoy a night of painting and fun. The event is BYOB and will cost $45 per person. Tickets can be purchased at https://register.capturepoint.com/cherryhill.
The township is also planning on adding a bike-in movie event this year. Details are still being finalized, but Palmer said the event would likely take place in May.
One of the township’s most popular new events in 2016 was Al Fresco Affair at Croft Farm in August. Hundreds of residents enjoyed the tastes of local food trucks, a beer garden and music.
“The Al Fresco Affair we had last year was a huge success,” Palmer said. “We’re looking to expand that this year.”
The township is planning to hold the event multiple times this year to give even more residents an opportunity to enjoy it. Dates for the events are still being finalized.
Other popular events will be returning again this year, including Sustainable Cherry Hill Earth Festival on April 29 and National Night Out in August.
