WOOLWICH TWP. – The construction of a new warehouse at 135 High Hill Road was announced to be in the preliminary stages of development during the Woolwich Township Committee meeting held on Monday, May 16. However, residents site concern over the lot’s proximity to several parks.
The location’s proximity to High Hill Park, Locke Avenue Park, and several ball fields was noted by a member of the community in attendance as concerning, specifically regarding possible confusion between entrances to the park and entrances to the warehouse.
“That was a major, major concern brought up,” Frederick said in response. “[That we will discuss] once we understand the actual parameters and what we can and can’t do, or negotiate.”
The proposed warehouse location was zoned light industrial roughly 10 years ago with the capacity for a warehouse of about 60,435 square feet.
Alasimo also stated that the design for the pavement and reconstruction of Swedesboro Avenue from Mill Road to Asbury Station Road has begun.
The committee also took the time to give a proclamation and honor Woolwich Township’s longtime building inspector, James Sabetta.
Sabetta has been serving the community of Woolwich as a Uniform Construction Code official, building subcode official, and building inspector since 1990, a time period in which Woolwich saw a rise in development. As of April 1, Sabetta officially entered retirement.
“James Sabetta lead his department and the township throughout a period of unprecedented residential and commercial growth,” Mayor Craig Fredrick said, quoting the proclamation. “James has conducted his position with the utmost dedication and knowledge of building trades.”
Sabetta is a member of the New Jersey Building Official Association, New Jersey Planning and Zoning Administration and many more. He was also the recent recipient of the 2022 Building Inspector of the Year Award from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
“He’s done so much for our town,” Frederick said. “So we certainly wish him all the best. [There are] certainly big shoes to fill.”
This meeting had few resolutions presented but did include the promotion of Woolwich Township Police Officers Brian Collins and Bay Kasten to the position of fifth class officers within the department.
Regarding the educational partners of Woolwich, Mayor Craig Frederick announced that the Kingsway Regional School district is 89% fully-funded. The Swedesboro-Woolwich School district also reports stabilization in its middle school population.
By Berry Andres
