Find out what you missed at this week’s public meeting
Palmyra Borough Council convened Feb. 5 for its first public redevelopment meeting of 2018, where council updated the community about the progress of its gradual efforts to expand and clean up properties around the borough.
While no definitive conclusions were reached regarding how council would move forward with the Route 73 South redevelopment project, it was revealed that national developer CRG expressed interest and met with the council. Other firms are also being considered, according to Administrator John Gural, but the current owners of the redevelopment area did not disclose the names of those developers to council.
“While NAI continues to actively market their property working with at least two companies that remain, we have no idea who they are,” Gural said. “My guess is that it will become public in a month or two, as soon as they have a fully executed purchase and sale agreement.”
A number of appointments were also made Monday evening. Engineering firms CME and ERI were designated as borough engineer and special projects engineer, respectively. Municipal prosecutor was awarded to attorney Adam Malamut, and Eric Bernstein will assume the role of special counsel.
In other news:
• A $115,000 grant for improvements to Band Shell Park was given to the borough by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders as part of its municipal park development program. The borough will use the money for lighting, benches, landscaping and other general upgrades.
• Mayor Michelle Arnold announced that February is Random Acts of Kindness Month and called on the public to be on the lookout for people to nominate. Council will award certificates to nominees. Residents can submit their nominations to township employee Marie Nagle.
• Palmyra residents who are 15 years old may soon be able to volunteer with the fire department. At the recommendation of Chief Richard Dreby, council is reviewing possible liabilities and clearing legal concerns to allow the department to bring on younger volunteers.
• Volunteer firefighter Dale Palmer was awarded Fireman of the Year at the department’s annual dinner. Howard Dreby was recognized for more than 50 years of service.
• Liens were placed on four properties in violation of the borough’s Obnoxious Growth and Property Maintenance ordinance. Residents near Blk 53 Lot 18, Blk 130 Lot 12, Blk 3 Lot 11 and Blk 130 Lot 8 will be pleased to know steps were taken to address the abandoned properties near their homes.
