WOOLWICH TWP. — The Woolwich Township Committee, Kingsway Regional School District Board of Education, and Swedesboro Woolwich Board of Education signed a proclamation supporting and respecting all individuals within the community and school systems during the township’s meeting on Oct. 19.
All administrations convened to sign this proclamation not only supporting the community but demonstrating the positive partnerships the school systems have with Woolwich Township.
At that meeting, a bond ordinance of $3.5 million dollars was adopted by the Committee. This ordinance authorizes the completion of various road and drainage improvements in the township.
This adopted bond ordinance is money borrowed and paid back over 30 years. Marino said that the funds allocated for road damage was due to the storms over the summer but hopes to save money where possible and is hopeful to come under budget at the end of the project.
Committeeman Craig Frederick explained that the township is working on Oliphants Mill Road, which suffered a dam and roadway washout. The county will be working with the New Jersey State Department of Dam Safety to repair both the dam and the road.
A construction meeting was held regarding Rainey Road and Viereck Road. A contractor plans to start the drainage pipe work on Rainey Road in early November and weather permitting, Rainey Road will be paved. Viereck Road was an alternate bid and was not awarded so no repairs will be done to Viereck Road at this time.
When asked about improvements to Locke Avenue Park including new sporting fields, concession stand, potential parking lot, and trails, Frederick stated, “It’s set and ready. We have the money.” However, Deputy Mayor Natalie Matthias cautioned that since the geographical plans are not finalized, whether the trails or parking lot can even be added will have to be determined. One lot appears to have a deed restriction and could affect the path or the parking lot, Matthias explained.
Frederick also stated that new fitness and exercise activities signs around the trail at Locke Avenue Park are completed. In addition, Swedesboro Public Library is requesting approval for The Story Walk Project.
They are hoping to partner with the Parks and Recreation and Gloucester County Library System on this project. Children’s books would be selected throughout the year with laminated pages placed in kiosks along the trail in the park to promote reading and being outdoors.
The Shop Local, Dine Local movement continues as Committeewoman Marla DeLuca-Curran proposed ideas to promote small businesses such as “Takeout Tuesdays” and expanding in the future to include salons that have expressed interest in the movement.
DeLuca-Curran announced that Parks and Recreation events continue such as Yoga in the Park (socially distant). Curran also added that the Holiday Village and Tree Lighting will most likely be replaced with a fireworks show due to Covid-19.
The Environmental Commission hosted an outdoor event that brought more than 30 volunteers out to help clean the docks and shoreline of Lake Narraticon. Committeeman Michael Nocentino who was a part of the lake cleanup, stated that it was a huge success.
Nocentino also reported on Woolwich’s September trash and recycling. There were 327 bulk collections. Nocentino stated that this number remains high and is most likely as a result of people being home during the pandemic.
By Evan Mangifesta
