Mantua Mayor’s Message for June 20

Dear Community Friends,

South Jersey Magazine recently named Mantua Township as the number three Best Town in Gloucester County and the number 10 Best Town in South Jersey for 2024. 

Mantua is ranked third best town out of the 24 municipalities in Gloucester County, and 10th best town out of the 169 municipalities in South Jersey. Mantua Township (third), Woolwich Township (second) and Harrison Township (first) make up the top three towns in G.C.

For many of us fixated on property taxes, Mantua’s taxes are by far the lowest out of the top three towns in G.C. Mantua’s average taxes are $7,705.00 by comparison to Woolwich’s which are averaging $10,583.00 and Harrison’s which are averaging $10,814.00. Our average property values are relatively close with Mantua’s being the lowest at $312,660.00, Woolwich’s being at $320,835.00 and Harrison’s being at $344,844.00.

South Jersey Magazine’s states during the recent write-up, “Our annual Top Towns spotlight celebrates our local communities and recognizes them for collectively impacting the quality of life in this wonderful place we call home. Our rankings were formulated using data from the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Education and the state’s Division of Local Government Services. Using a weighted formula, we combined average property values and taxes, crime incidents reported per 1,000 residents and high school performance numbers consisting of average SAT scores, graduation rates and more.” 

For the record, Mantua has ranked as a top three town in G.C. in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. We dropped very slightly to 4th in 2023. We’ve been in the top 10 in S.J. for the last four out of five years, dipping slightly in 2023 to #13. Love the stellar continuity of our wonderful little township.

We’re proud to be recognized as such a desirable place to live in S.J. and are incredibly grateful for this very special recognition.  Congratulations to all those communities who were recognized in this year’s “Top Towns 2024” by the South Jersey Magazine. Mantua is truly great and has been great for many years.

We’d like to congratulate all the recent graduates from Clearview Regional High School, and all those students who were honored at last week’s promotional ceremony at J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School.

As a resident for over three decades, I’ve witnessed and experienced first-hand the exceptional academics offered by our hometown school systems. Both Mantua and Clearview school districts create learning environments for all students to grow and prosper physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. Both institutions are second to none.

As these recent graduates embark on next level of academic challenges, I’m confident each will be well-prepared and will continue to flourish at the next level. In the meantime, enjoy the summer break and quality time with family. Best wishes to all and thank you for making the entire Mantua community proud.

On Wednesday, June 12, Committeeman John Legge had the opportunity to present a township proclamation to resident and friend, Marlene Laneader recognizing her as a Mantua Township Hometown Hero.

Marlene has done some astounding things to benefit others and showcase her care and kindness to the community.  In 2014, she founded Friends of Fairview Give Back which is a nonprofit organization that specializes in helping burdens faced by those, especially in Camden. She also assists the Good Samaritan Ministry at the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua which provides support to numerous people in the area.

On May 22 of this year, the Church of the Incarnation celebrated Marlene for winning the “You’re Awesome” contest hosted by Fox News, honoring outstanding individuals in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The township committee and I want thank Marlene for all of her efforts in making our community a better place and for sharing her kindness and generosity with all those she meets.

The township committee and I want to congratulate Det./Cpl. Jefferey Krieger on his recent graduation from the Philadelphia Police Department’s motorcycle training program on Friday, June 14.  Det./Cpl. Krieger performed at the top of his class during this grueling two-week course at the Philadelphia Police Academy.  Look for Det./Cpl. Krieger patrolling our neighborhoods on the MTPD motorcycle this summer.

Upcoming township meetings and events:

  • Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m.: Veterans Commission Meeting at the municipal building.
  • Saturday, June 29 (10 a.m. from 2 p.m.): Convenience Drop Off Center at the Public Works Garage.

On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, myself and the entire township committee – we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.  

Respectfully,

Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS

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