Increased Size Of New Electric Poles At Issue In Boro

THE INCREASED girth of the newly installed electric poles on Glenn Echo Avenue, like the one shown here, came as a surprise to Swedesboro officials. The differences in size of width and height between the old and new can be seen here because the poles are nearly alongside each other. The new, larger poles are now installed in front yards instead of in the easement between the sidewalk and the curb. The homeowner here lost part of his fence with the installation of this new pole. Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm said that the borough is now in a dispute with Atlantic Electric over their placement. Fromm said they are now trying to move the location of a pole to be placed near the Swedesboro Sewer Plant because he feels it will block the view of historic Trinity Church when entering Swedesboro. -- Photo by Karen E. Viereck, Editor/Publisher — THE INCREASED girth of the newly installed electric poles on Glenn Echo Avenue, like the one shown here, came as a surprise to Swedesboro officials. The differences in size of width and height between the old and new can be seen here because the poles are nearly alongside each other. The new, larger poles are now installed in front yards instead of in the easement between the sidewalk and the curb. The homeowner here lost part of his fence with the installation of this new pole. Swedesboro Mayor Tom Fromm said that the borough is now in a dispute with Atlantic Electric over their placement. Fromm said they are now trying to move the location of a pole to be placed near the Swedesboro Sewer Plant because he feels it will block the view of historic Trinity Church when entering Swedesboro. — Photos by Karen E. Viereck, Editor/Publisher

SWEDESBORO — Swedesboro introduced their 2017 municipal budget that will result in a 2 cent increase in the local municipal tax rate.

This will mean a $35 increase for residents with an average assessed home in Swedesboro of $172,000. A public hearing for the adoption of the budget will be on Monday, April 17.

The fire department will have an increase in budget to install two new dry fire hydrants as well as increasing the capital to purchase new equipment. “We have some good stuff here, all within our means,” Fromm said.

Swedesboro is in a dispute with Atlantic City Electric over pole installation. When the mayor agreed to new electric poles on Glen Echo Avenue and Kings Highway, he was not given a physical description. While the borough approved the locations, the poles are nearly four feet in diameter Fromm said and are too large for their placement.

HEIGHT and width difference can be seen here.

District 3 Legislature was notified and is working with Swedesboro to make Atlantic City Electric to change their locations. “At least 30 back feet would make some difference,” Fromm said. A solicitor is involved and Swedesboro is prepared to apply for a temporary injunction if necessary. “We are ready,” Fromm stated.

THE PLACEMENT of the new electric poles on Glen Echo Avenue are now in property owner's front yards. — THE PLACEMENT of the new electric poles on Glen Echo Avenue are now in property owner’s front yards.

The fire report was relayed by Woolwich Fire Deputy Dan DeBear. In February there were 23 calls three drills. They are hosting their annual Easter flower sale from April 13 to 16, with deliveries on Easter Sunday. They also are having a blood drive on April 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the firehouse.

“What we do, how we do it, and why, is important for the community,” he said.

In public safety, a suspect was arrested for last year’s homicide of Sylvester “Buttons” Combs Jr. The suspect was charged with the murder of the beloved community member and for arson at Lake Park Cemetery. “This is closure for the family and our community,” Councilmember Sam Casella said.

Fromm was proud to see Woolwich Police Officer Christian Beckett was a leading force in the investigation. The council thanked the Woolwich and West Deptford Police Departments.

The Economic Development Committee has several spring and summer events coming up. The main attraction will be the Swedesboro Food Truck Festival, appearing in June. The food trucks will be at Swedesboro Auction Park on June 29, July 27, and August 24, from 5 to 9 p.m.

There will also be another shredding event in Swedesboro on April 8 from 9 to 12 p.m. Both Swedesboro Woolwich Parks and Recreation and the Economic Development Committee are hosting a Harry Potter Festival to take place in October, but are hoping to keep it small for the first year. The first meeting to discuss the festival is April 19 at Swedesboro Borough Hall.

Municipal Alliance is looking to start a Police Explorers Club at Kingsway. With the budget completed, the money to fund the club will have to be split. Looking regionally, the alliance is seeking other opportunities to help start the club.

In Clean Communities, the countywide cleanup is still slated for April 22, with Swedesboro groups cleaning up local parks.

By Jessica Zappasodi