Cherry Hill residents have asked council to continue hybrid planning and zoning board meetings after a return to in-person sessions was announced.
“This is one of those where if we put three people in a room, we’ll get four different opinions on the matter, but it’s one we take very seriously,” said Council President David Fleisher during a recent meeting.
“From a council standpoint, we are one of the few towns – and very much in the minority – that still offers hybrid.”
He noted that comments from residents – heard at previous meetings – would be taken into consideration. Resident Martha Wright, one of the advocates for hybrid meetings, discussed the benefits, including a reduced carbon footprint and safety for residents with vision problems who have issues driving at night.
“It’s really encouraged transparency and openness in government and community participation,” Wright noted.
Councilwomen Carole Roskophe and Jennifer Apell said they are also in favor of continued hybrid sessions.
“As a community, we cannot talk about inclusivity and then do something that would exclude people from participating in government,” Roskophe observed.
A decision on the issue has yet to be made.
During her meeting comments, Mayor Susan Shin Angulo announced that the grace period for tax bills will be extended until Tuesday, Aug. 15, because of a delay in mailing, and that bills can be paid both online and in person. Residents with questions can call (856) 488- 7880 for assistance.
She also highlighted the success of the Music Under the Stars concert series and told meeting attendees that due to an increase in volume from recent storms, Republic Services is experiencing a backlog in trash collection. The mayor encouraged residents to continue leaving extra debris by the curb for pickup.
In other news:
- Council approved an affordable-housing agreement between the township and Habitat for Humanity of Camden County to build an affordable three-bedroom family dwelling at 117 Chapel Ave. and add a driveway at 110 Williams St. in Cherry Hill.
- Members also approved the grant-funded Barlow Park Improvement Project to improve accessible parking, create a new asphalt path, pave basketball courts and make improvements to baseball fields.
- Due to a recent shortage of books at the township library sale, council encouraged residents to donate old or unused children’s titles.
The next council meeting will be Monday, Aug. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
