Burlington Township Council talks construction, shared services, more at August meeting
By SEAN DEVLIN
The Sun
In an attempt to soften citizens’ concern about the redevelopment of the McCollister’s Transportation Group property, some changes were made to the site plan. The site is on Route 130 and Neck Road. The major change is the additional buffering that, according to Mayor Brian Carlin, is meant to mitigate the effect to the surrounding community. The site for the warehouse butts up to residential property.
During a May 2017 meeting, residents of the township scoffed at the proposed plan and were less than happy with the size of the planned berm.
During this month’s council meeting, it was discussed that the berm is now planned to be 15 to 25 feet with a fence on top. This buffer will be set out 250 feet from the property line.
DCT Industrial Operating is the contract purchaser of the McCollister’s property.
Another item discussed at last week’s meeting was the resurfacing of multiple tennis courts throughout the township.
Carlin said each year the county offers grant money for recreation projects; the grant is referred to as the Parks and Recreation grant. The township has received this grant for the past six years and has received
approximately $1 million to date.
“This year’s project was to refurbish a number of the tennis courts people use. Most of our developments are coming up on 30 years of age,” Carlin said and noted that many of the courts were put in place during the 90s when “we were developing the town.” The request to put work into the courts was made by the Recreation Commission.
The mayor also mentioned that some of the courts will potentially be transformed into green space; however, the number of courts to be changed over is not determined.
The council awarded Nickolas Construction Company the job in an amount to not exceed $190,300.
In other news:
• The township and Burlington City renewed a shared services agreement for a shared municipal court.
Five years ago, the city closed their court and moved operations to the township.
“It is a shared service that has worked for and benefited both towns,” Carlin said. He mentioned that the court shared between the township and city is one of the busiest in Burlington County. Burlington City will pay the township $405,000 in 2018 for the use of the court services.
• The township has extended the due date for third quarter 2018 taxes until Sept. 4.
• The Masonic Village at Burlington is set to host the sixth annual We Honor Veterans Car Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22. Registration costs $20 on the day of the show and all cars are welcome. Spectator admission is free. For more information, call (609) 239–3857. Proceeds benefit the work of Acacia Hospice and Masonic Village.
