At its latest public session April 7 — conducted online due to coronavirus restrictions — Delran Township Council passed a pair of ordinances upon second reading that amended previously established codes regarding alcoholic beverages and traffic regulations.
Council unanimously approved an amendment that allowed for both retail and club licensees to conduct business that involves alcohol being served, or otherwise transacted, on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m.
Included in the amendment was the provision that all licensees would not allow the sale, delivery or consumption of alcohol on their premises between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays – with the exception of New Year’s Day – when the prohibitive hours last from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.
This new legislation was passed, in part, based on a request from VFW Post 3020 to allow the club to open at 10 a.m. on Sundays, as opposed to the previous township code, which limits “sale, service, consumption and delivery by the holders of a club license from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.” on Sundays.
The ordinance is set to take effect immediately.
During that meeting, council also gave its unopposed consent to adjusting previous code to establish new traffic regulations for a property owned by Victory Real Estate Development LLC, on the corner of Bridgeboro and Hartford roads.
Language in the amendment will prohibit left turns during all hours out of a proposed driveway on Hartford, as well as restrict left turns into or out of a proposed driveway on Bridgeboro, to between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., then also between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.
The corrections arose as a result of requirements by the Burlington County Planning Board for approval of the Victory’s site plan. That ordinance is set to take effect in the latter of 30 days between passage and publication and issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any building or unit within the planned development.
During the allotted council comments portion of the meeting, Ward 2 Councilman Thomas Lyon issued some words of caution to those who seek refuge away from their homes.
“I think everybody should pay attention to pedestrian safety, driving in the neighborhoods. With everybody home, there are kids walking around playing, or out on bikes, and I’ve seen a few near misses,” he revealed.
“Make sure you don’t text and drive, make sure you don’t text and walk. Make sure you adhere to social distancing. We want to come out of this unscathed as best as possible.”
Mayor Ken Paris concluded by offering some praise to his people, and hope for the coming days.
“I want to thank all the residents for taking this pandemic as seriously as possible. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday but continue to be diligent and safe.”
In other news:
• Hours before the meeting, Delran Democrats revealed that Council President Gary Catrambone would be its candidate for mayor, while Council Vice President Tyler Burrell and Zoning Board Chairperson Lynn Jeney would contend for the township’s two at-large seats.
• Council also unanimously passed resolutions authorizing CME Associates to perform engineering services for the reconstruction of Conrow Road for up to $115,200, to do the same for the township’s 2020 Road Program for up to $138,240 and to approve participation with the state of New Jersey in a Safe and Secure Communities Program.