In 2008, there were five secondhand goods businesses in Cherry Hill.
Now, there are 27, said Township Spokeswoman Bridget Palmer, a significant increase.
An ordinance was introduced on first reading at the 15-minute long Monday, Jan. 28 council meeting to establish licensing and registration for the businesses, as well as to require owners to purchase computer equipment that will interface with the Cherry Hill Police Department.
“This is new,” said Palmer. “Right now, there’s no formal registration in place. It’s important to us that these places are registered.”
There will be an annual $300 fee for the businesses, including pawnshops and Cash For Gold, to register, she said.
Currently, all registrations are done through paper receipts that are dropped off at the police department.
The new system will help police to monitor the shops while cutting down on man-hours required.
“There’s a lot of efficiency,” she said.
Council President David Fleisher voiced his support for the ordinance, saying that it would “ensure greater regulation and safety.”
The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11.
Liquor controls
The township is looking at stricter controls for the available liquor license, Palmer said, including a minimum square foot requirement for an establishment seeking to sell liquor and designated cash resisters and a portion of the store.
The hope, she said, is to strike a balance of convenience and the health and wellness of the community.
A revised introduction on the ordinance may be ready for the next council meeting.
There has been some discussion of postponing the Feb. 12 auction in the township, but a decision has not yet been made as of publication.
Traffic regulations
Ordinances were introduced at the meeting to allow for two yield signs and a three way stop.
The yield signs potentially would be erected at Old Salem Road and Old Salem Court and Brookdale Drive and Brookdale Court.
The three way stop would be placed at Browning Lane and South Woodleigh Drive.
“It’s only the second multi-way stop intersection in the township,” Palmer said. “The state’s traffic regulations… they set strict criteria that not many intersections in town meet it.”
Traffic volume and accident statistics are determining factors, she said.
Audit completion
Mayor Chuck Cahn announced that the auditors in the township have completed the annual audit.
The audit came out clean, he said, “with no remarks whatsoever.”
Next meeting
The next meeting of council is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 820 Mercer St., Cherry Hill.
