by Robert Holt
SWEDESBORO — At their May 18 meeting, the Swedesboro Council talked about the upcoming Pureland East-West shuttle service for the community. The bus service will provide more transportation options for Swedesboro residents traveling to east-west locations such as Swedesboro, the Pureland Industrial Complexes, as well as Mullica Hill, Glassboro, and Williamstown without the need for multiple transit routes.
Gloucester County employee Bob Jonas mentioned that details were still being worked out about the bus schedule. The service is set to run Monday through Friday, and Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm noted that it offers multiple stops during the day.
The shuttle connects passengers with many familiar New Jersey Transit bus routes. It schedules PM pick-ups in the location where passengers are discharged in the morning. Passengers will then be returned to where they boarded in the morning.
The shuttle service is open to the general public, and rides cost $1 each way.
Elsewhere, in Public Works, Fromm reported that the Department was still shorthanded, and he was looking to hire long-term temporary help for the upcoming vacation season. Councilmember George Weeks moved to authorize the mayor to begin the process of hiring help.
Casella also said that he had finally gotten a community census report, and proudly announced that 159 veterans were listed as residing in Swedesboro.
In Economic Development, Councilmember Diane Hale reported that the recent Outdoor Living and Garden Show had been very successful. “It was a very well run event, and the vendors were happy,” commented Hale. Fromm added, “It had great kid activities.”
Hale also mentioned that this year’s first Dancing in the Street Concert would take place on June 17. But in her Municipal Alliance report, the Councilmember said that the department’s money could no longer be used for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, because the state feels that it doesn’t encompass everything it needs to for kids.
And Municipal Clerk Tanya Goodwin announced that 10 out of 15 abandoned properties in the area had received attention with grass cutting. “The property has basically been walked away from,” Goodwin observed. “The owners are just not there.”
In resolutions, Council authorized additional funding for its Clean Communities Department.
During the public portion of the meeting, Council approved a block party on Hurff Court for Aug. 15. Mike Logan requested street closure from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on that date. Logan noted that he was expecting about 20 families from the area to attend the party.
“As long as you can confirm that no one on the block would have any problems with it, I’m okay with it,” said Fromm.
Woolwich Township Police Lt. Sheldon Lewis expressed a preference for the party lasting until dark, but Logan explained there was access for vehicle entry on the street in case of emergencies.
Fromm clarified that the borough’s noise ordinance required that the party be toned down by 10 p.m.
Also, the mayor reported that the Woolwich Fire Company had removed a tank from behind their firehouse, found evidence of contamination, and reported it to the state. Fromm said the fire company asked Swedesboro to submit a claim to JIF.
“I don’t see any evidence that it is covered by insurance,” Fromm commented. “I’m sure we’ll work something out.”
The mayor also mentioned that potholes on Railroad Avenue and Second and Broad Street were being repaired “in a professional way.” Residents seeing any potholes in the area are asked to report them to Borough Hall.
