The township also adopted several new ordinances and addressed residents’ concerns.
By Krystal Nurse
The Sun
Mantua Township Committee members adopted an ordinance to partner with two neighboring municipalities for a redevelopment site in Gloucester County, addressed concerns from residents and provided updates on the police department’s order of operations during the committee meeting on Sept. 17.
An ordinance was adopted and approved by all committee members allowing the township to partner with Harrison Township and the Borough of Glassboro in the redevelopment project on Rowan University’s West Campus on Route 322. The project, called Motus, is expected to be open by March of 2021 and is planned to be the new home of several Rowan athletic teams, a 340-room hotel, multi-purpose arena and a retail space, among others.
Mantua Township has agreed with the two municipalities to develop on the land and to each be able to have access to the economic benefits of the facilities, possible sports bars and pubs and the retail space, if it falls in their boundaries.
Eventually, a bypass for the high-traffic Route 322 will be put in to alleviate congestion on the road, as well as create a pilot program.
All three municipalities will have use of the planned 5,000-seat multi-purpose building, as well as the technology park and several athletic fields if they are not being used by Rowan University and are allowed to be lent to the municipalities.
In addition to adopting the ordinance, first readings of the following ordinances were approved: changing the hourly wage of crossing guards to $15 per hour and prohibiting stopping and standing along the road of a new car wash on Tylers Mill Road.
A resolution was made to temporarily allow dogs in Chestnut Branch Park for the “Bark in the Park” event on Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mantua Township Police Chief Darren White noted the department had success with the “Booze it and Lose it” campaign after stopping more than 500 cars and issuing summons, tickets and making several arrests.
“We only had one [Driving While Impaired], which I consider to be successful,” said White. “It could mean that DWIs are down.”
The police department is also aware of the speeding complaints on Main Street and has been patrolling along the road, catching speeders. It posted a sign reminding drivers to slow down.
“I think it’s a good idea because when you see a police car, it makes you stop for a second and slow down,” said Mayor Pete Scirrotto.
White also noted the department is seeking qualified and state-certified Class II special police officers to assist in daily duties around the township, including court security, which he says has generated a lot of overtime for his officers.
Superintendent of Public Works Steve Alexander said the department is putting a hold on issuing additional waste and recycle containers due to the continuing construction of homes in Country Gardens and residents moving in the area.
During the public participation section of the committee meeting, resident Ashley Sullivan made the committee aware of a home at the corner of Norris Street and Wenonah Avenue that is in unfavorable condition.
“We’ve been contacting the Code Enforcement to try and have some resolution for the overgrown lawn, trash, deteriorating porch and front roof and broken windows,” said Sullivan.
Mantua Township Clerk Jennica Bileci and Scirrotto both said the township is aware of the property and have said property maintenance violations have been issued in the past, however there’s not much else the township can do until the current owners respond.
“If we don’t find them in court and we’re not favorable, it doesn’t hit their pocketbooks and it doesn’t matter,” said Bileci. “What we’re doing is being more aggressive on the property maintenance issues.”
Committeeman Shawn Layton said the Mantua Township Historical Commission is hosting a Night at the Museum on Oct. 11 and a cemetery tour on the 27th — both of which are on the commission’s Facebook page.
John Legge, liaison to the Veterans Commission, said they are working on a Veterans Day ceremony, however, they are in search of a veteran who would be willing to speak at the event. Deputy Mayor Robert Zimmerman added the township will have its Dec. 1 tree lighting ceremony with food trucks, fireworks and the lighting of the Christmas tree. Details will be released as the date approaches.
The next committee meeting will be held on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and township residents are welcome to bring any concerns or comments to all meetings.
