Cherry Hill council approved a resolution on Tuesday, April 14 to appoint both an administrative agent and affordable-housing implementation consultant.
“In accordance with state law, you’re allowed to hire an administrative agent to implement programming, to certify programs, to advertise,” said Business Administrator Erin Knoedler. “They (the agent) would handle all of that in lieu of community development.”
She said the agent would also be tasked with providing ideas for programs, handling administrative work and advertising.
“It could be anything from finding affordable-housing opportunities and buying up properties that have been abandoned,” Knoedler added.
Solicitor Howard Long expanded on the agent’s purview.
“They are really expert at taking some units that might be marketable and converting them to affordable,” he explained. “They’ll spend your money in the best possible way in order to maximize the value of that and do certain things to prevent say … having to build additional units or something like that that could prove problematic on occasion.
“If there’s that amount of money set aside, having someone like this to lean on to develop programs is very routine and typical.”
Mayor Susan Shin Angulo remarked on the beauty of newly bloomed cherry blossoms, but also an uptick in community burglaries reported in some areas of the township.
“I urge all residents to take the safety tips provided seriously,” she advised. “Remove all valuables from within your motor vehicles, lock your doors, lock the doors of your home and ensure that your garage as well as your shed is secure as well.
“Turn on the exterior lights and activate all alarms and security systems,” the mayor added. “And if you notice any suspicious activity or (anything) out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate to call the Cherry Hill Police Department’s non-emergency number hotline, (856) 665-1200.”
Residents who witness an active burglary or any other crime should call 911 immediately.
In other news:
- Council approved receipt of a grant for the parking lot of the Cherry Hill food pantry.
- Residents are encouraged to partake in the township’s Earth Day celebrations, including Pollinator Garden Day. That’s when residents can volunteer to help build and refresh existing gardens. They can also see an electric-vehicle car show at the Camden County College parking lot on Springdale Road.
The next council meeting is set for Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
