From the privatization of sanitation services, to a new library and Town Hall opening, to the election that determined a change to township council in 2015, Moorestown had a busy year in 2014. As the new year begins, it seems Moorestown will also have a busy 2015.
One of the biggest topics on people’s minds in the beginning of this year will probably be the condition of the water. In October, two water wells were closed on Church Street due to trichloropropane, an unregulated compound and possible carcinogen, being found in the water. The levels were 15 times lower than the only state that regulates it, Hawaii, allows, however, the township closed the wells as a precaution.
According to township manager Scott Carew, council planned to appoint a new water/sewer engineer at its re-organization meeting on Jan. 6. That engineering firm will work with the township to find an expert consultant to advise council and the staff on the issue. As of now, the township continues to work with the NJDEP to identify treatment options that will ensure Moorestown continues to provide safe and clean drinking water.
“This is a top priority for the township. We will work diligently with the professionals previously mentioned and the NJDEP to move forward as quickly as possible while making sure we dot every ‘I’ and cross every ‘T.’ The NJDEP has indicated that they will provide funding for the capital costs of this investment,” Carew said.
There are many more projects and events that citizens should be aware of for Moorestown in 2015. Completing the engineering for the township parking lot on Second Street, commonly known as the Peter Pan parking lot, is one of those projects. According to Carew, the goal is to include the construction phase in the 2015 capital budget and go out to bid by summer.
In addition, the township will make final determination and complete implementation of a new metered parking system for Main Street and the Peter Pan parking lot.
The township is looking forward to completion of the scientific review of Strawbridge Lake and the completion of the dam repairs in 2015. The township is also looking to begin the third phase of Strawbridge Lake improvements, which is the review, planning and implementation of recreational improvements to Strawbridge Lake Park.
Residents should look forward to the creation and launch of the township’s new website. According to Carew, this will provide residents with a more interactive and responsive experience in communicating with the township. The township is also close to choosing a new vendor for community development software that will enhance the construction and zoning permit experience.
The year ahead may also see the demolition of the old library and a final determination of what that property will become.
Started in 2014, the new Lenola Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee will hopefully get up and running. This effort will incorporate previous efforts to improve the Lenola Business District along with a thorough look at current conditions so it may reach its full potential.
Completion of the Road Improvement Program analysis should be done in 2015 as well, Carew said. This will provide the township with the information necessary to remain proactive and fiscally responsible in regard to infrastructure improvements.
The continuation of a policy to search for grant opportunities to improve the town’s infrastructure shall progress during the year. This includes improvements to roads, utility systems, parks, streetscapes and bicycle pathways. Also for 2015, the investigation of the potential of utilizing solar power for the economic and environmental benefit of Moorestown shall be looked into.
The Moorestown Tree Planting and Preservation Committee, in partnership with the Moorestown Garden Club, Moorestown Improvement Association and the NJ State Forestry Services Community Forestry Program, will host the New Jersey State Arbor Day Event on Friday, April 24 at Wesley Bishop Park.
Additionally, the township just learned that the efforts of the Sustainable Moorestown group has led to the town reaching Silver Award certification status. Moorestown is one of only 28 New Jersey municipalities to reach this level.
“Town council and township staff will continue to work as a solid team to provide a level of excellence in municipal services while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the residents of Moorestown,” Councilman Phil Garwood said.
