As a Cinnaminson resident for more than five decades, I remember what Cinnaminson’s Route 130 corridor used to be like, and the great progress we’ve witnessed in recent years.
All the positive change didn’t happen by accident. Cinnaminson used to be called “Sin-aminson,” with 11 unsavory motels and a decaying mini mall. For decades, the motels were an obnoxious stain on Cinnaminson. Motel patrons — many from the county jail — were significant contributors to crime. They also dumped children into our school system, burdening local taxpayers.
More than 10 years ago, one man stepped forward with a vision for Route 130. He understood that the highway was the gateway to our town, and our face to the world. He has been the primary driving force behind unprecedented improvements. That man was Anthony Minniti.
First, he got rid of motel row on Route 130 North. Then, he propelled The Shoppes at Cinnaminson to replace the old mini mall. He’s a believer in “America’s Mayor” Rudy Giuliani’s effective governing philosophy of “broken windows” in maintaining civil order. Recent statistics show his approach is working: crime is way down in our town.
Even with significant achievements under his belt, Minniti and his team are still hard at work. Several major projects are in the wings. One of their biggest projects is eliminating the Garden State Motel and replacing it with the German food retailer, Lidl. At 96 units, the Garden State Motel is the largest the area. It will be a godsend to see it go.
One would have to be inattentive not to recognize the historic accomplishments taking place along Cinnaminson’s Route 130 corridor. In over 50 years of living here, no official has done more for us than Tony Minniti. One can’t even compare his record of achievement to the trivial nonsense of a few malcontents.
Let’s keep Cinnaminson moving forward into the future.
Tom Healy
