By Jessica Zappasodi
SWEDESBORO — At the meeting on Nov. 21, Swedesboro Councilmember Joanne Gahrs reported that a fire had broken out at the entrance 
of Lake Narration Park on Nov. 14.
The 5 a.m. incident was called in to the Woolwich Fire Company that a fire had broken out between the park and the Lake Park Cemetery. According to one witness, the flames began at the foot of the electric pole and moved to a tree, reaching to about 13 feet high.
“It burned the bottom of the electric pole and the tree,” Gahrs stated. It is unclear whether the transformer sparked due to a lack of rain or other electrical problems. Police have not investigated the fire but the fire company will file a report and determine whether or not the flames were suspicious.
In other community news, the council discussed the possibility of a storage space for the VFW. Currently VFW members meet at the Beckett Country Club regularly but do not have anywhere to store materials such as the American flag.
VFW member Charles Wells asked if there was any place in town that has office space available. Council President Sam Casella spoke with Wells and said he believes that there might be space in the building across from the former Swedesboro Auction. However Casella indicated they cannot promise the building is in adequate condition.
“They just need somewhere to put a filing cabinet, a computer, and important VFW materials such as posters,” Casella mentioned.
The proposal coincides with the development of a memorial for the 9/11 piece. A meeting will be held in December to gather a committee to find a proper home for the object. In conjunction with the VFW, the memorial is anticipated to be ready by 9/11 of next year. The committee will meet on Dec. 6 to further elaborate on the process.
In Public Works news, there is a potential sewer line issue that has been brought to the attention of Mayor Tom Fromm. Engineers will be brought in to Second Street to see if the problem is severe or if it can be managed.
Economic Development is already expected to have a busy year. The last Saturday of January, February, and March will be reserved for Olde Kings Jazzfest. “We are still discussing the garden show for the spring,” Councilwoman Diane Hale added.
While the Outdoor Living & Garden Show was canceled last year, it is likely that this year it will come in May with food trucks. Dancing in the Streets will continue through the summer, as will the free kayaking at the lake.
The planning and zoning board had resolutions for an expansion of the Mexican restaurant, Restaurante Colosio. No further information was provided.
For Environmental Commission news, Casella is moving forward with online registration for the kayaking events. Next summer, the registration will be online with no fees and have blocked scheduling times.
Clean Communities will be having their annual shredding event on Dec. 10. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. In addition, there will be a $5 hard drive shredding opportunity.
