The Tabernacle Township Committee’s June 20 meeting included discussion of the Wharton State Forest Fire earlier this month and other concerns from residents.
Resident Richard Cameron continued to address his concerns about the Stormwater Management Plan and associated 2021 drainage project, issues he had already raised. He told the committee at its last meeting that he had produced and sent a video that showed the drainage pipe after a brief thunderstorm.
Thomas Leisse, township engineer of Pennoni Associates, explained his company is administering the plan set forth by the prior engineer. He told the committee he had spoken to Cameron, but promised he will look into any issues that arise.
“Water pressure is causing property damage to my foundation,” Leisse said.
In other news, the annual Carranza memorial service will take place on July 9 at 1 p.m. at Wharton State Forest, despite a wildfire there on June 19. The event is hosted by American Legion Mount Holly Post 11, along with representatives from the Mexican consulates in New York City, New York and Philadelphia, to honor aviation pioneer Capt. Emilio Carranza.
According to the post, it was almost 95 years ago that John Henry Carr and Albertus Pepper were picking wild blueberries in the woods with their families when they discovered the wreckage of an airplane and later found Carranza’s body. For more than nine decades, Post 11 has honored the pioneer of early aviation dubbed the “Lindbergh of Mexico,” a reference to American aviator Charles Lindbergh.
Committeemen Mark Hartman and Robert Sunbury will attend the memorial service and present an honorary wreath.
Meanwhile, the Wharton fire that began on the morning of June 19 and spread to more than 13,000 acres is mostly contained, according to officials, who believe the blaze may have been ignited by an illegal campfire.
Mayor Samuel Moore cited the help of responders and others who helped contain the fire.
“Everybody’s made excellent progress on it, on containing this beast,” he said.”
The next committee meeting will be held via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on July 25, when the official 2022 budget will be presented and ,adopted. For more information, visit https://www.townshipoftabernacle-nj.gov/
