Dear Friends and Neighbors

I am writing this letter to provide an update to you on what is happening in our Town.

Acting Township Administrator – the Township has hired a part-time administrator to assist with the budget as well as contract negotiations, shared services planning, and management items that require his professional expertise.  Richard Schwaub comes to Delanco from First Jersey Municipal Assistance, LLC with 23 years of experience in municipal government.

Budget – the first budget workshop is scheduled for March 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building.  This workshop is open to the public.  As part of this process, we have asked all departments and committees to prepare spending requests that are based on “essentials only”.

Parking at the RiverLine – Township Committee has met with New Jersey Transit regarding the parking problems at the RiverLine.  We have specifically requested that they alleviate on street parking demand by adding more parking spaces at the Station on land they currently own.  In response to our request, New Jersey Transit is applying to NJDEP to obtain the permits needed to expand the parking lot.

Projects – Deputy Mayor, Joan Hinkle and I met with Congressman John Adler with a list of projects that need attention in Delanco.  This is our first attempt at obtaining relief from the Federal Government.  The projects discussed were:

1)      Zurbrugg Waterfront Stabilization;

2)      Delanco Light Rail Station Parking Improvements;

3)      Edwards Avenue from John to Fenimore Street Improvements; and

4)      Pennington Park Soccer Fields.

Recycling – The Township has partnered with the County and RecycleBank to reward you for doing your share by recycling cardboard and paper.  This program will cut our landfill bills by approximately $10,000 and reward you with discounts at major retailers and local businesses. The second and sixth districts will be receiving their blue carts in the late spring so they share in this program.

Spending Limits and & Hiring Freeze Policy - We have approved a policy that limits spending and placed a freeze on hiring new personnel.

Zurbrugg Mansion – the Zurbrugg Partnership applied for state and county financing to fund the senior housing project at the Mansion.  I have expressed Delanco’s support for this unique project to have the Mansion preserved and listed as a Historical Site as well as providing housing for low and moderate income seniors.

For a prompt answer to your issues and concerns, please feel free to call me at 856-461-0561 extension 271. 

Very truly yours,

Kate Fitzpatrick, Mayor