As we enter the dog days of summer, there are a lot of things happening in town. We all see the new Inspira Medical Center taking shape, and they are on track for the projected grand opening in late fall 2019. The Medical Arts building at the corner of the Bypass and Clem’s Run enters its final phase of construction, headed for opening later this Summer. We also see the two liquor license-related projects moving forward, as I write to you today. The Naples Ristorante addition is in full swing, as they add a new two-story addition to their Warehouse location. The new construction you see at the southern entrance to the Mullica Hill Commons is our new liquor store. Both uses are significant additions to the Mullica Hill Village section of Harrison Township and both are slated for late fall 2018 openings.
And that’s only part of it, as the sustained surge in the economy has triggered an increased interest in several available parcels in town, both residential and commercial. In the coming months we will provide updates on some of the exciting potential projects that will complement the existing elements of our community and add to our tax base.
In case you’re wondering, our Master Plan philosophy has long been rooted in smart growth principles that accept the inevitable growth while seeking to maintain the essence and historic charm of Mullica Hill. Achieving that balance is paramount, but often difficult. In fact, that philosophy has been the source of some frustrations in the past concerning certain slated projects that haven’t come to fruition. But we maintain a high bar based on the controls allotted us by the land use laws and we will continue to do so. Though we definitely have a “business-friendly” mentality, we have never fallen victim to the “commercial tax-ratable chase,” which can result in sprawl-type growth and undesirable new uses.
We also pride ourselves in considering the regional impact of our plan. That calls for strong relationships and communication with our immediate neighbors in Mantua, South Harrison, Woolwich, Swedesboro, Pitman, Glassboro and East Greenwich. Coordination with county leadership has been an essential ingredient, and leveraging our relationship with the region’s biggest economic driver, Rowan University, has served us well. We are currently working closely with Mantua and Rowan on projects on their West Campus properties that lie in both townships. We have entered into a shared services agreement with Mantua and a developer is working on a plan for the facility. Check last week’s Sun for more details.
Feel free to email or call/text me directly with your thoughts or input since the philosophy implemented and path forward is based on what we hear from you. After all, this is your community.
