WOOLWICH TWP. – The Woolwich Township Committee met on April 17 to discuss continued changes to the township’s 2022 Master Plan Re-Examination, the Warrington Mill Dam, and several other resolutions.
A new ordinance was introduced at the meeting regarding the 2022 Master Plan Re-Examination, specifically amending the chapter discussing the 5A Residential District. Land that falls into the 5A Residential District classification would be able to contain single-family dwellings, farm structures, public and nonprofit recreational athletic fields, swimming pools, and more.
“We can try to get homeowners to really have some flexibility in terms of what they’re looking to pursue,” said Woolwich Mayor Craig Frederick. “So for the preservation, it could be farmlands instead of just athletic fields, and different things as to that nature as to what they can do.”
According to Frederick, this is the first step of many in adjusting the 5A Residential District to the standards of the new master plan and that all landowners who will be “greatly impacted” have been met with to discuss the possible effects of this zoning, and ensure that all parties clearly understood the ordinance.
“We have met with them twice over the last three weeks to a month,” Frederick said. “We just wanted to make them aware of the modifications we have to offer them and that all parties are understanding of the report.”
An update was also provided regarding Warrington Mill Dam, which has been a concern for residents since September 2022 when the road above it, Mill Road, closed after weather damage. According to township engineers, the lake was lowered, pollution was removed, and a fish salvage occurred.
Nearby residents of Warrington Mill Dam have had several issues with water rising onto their property, with one resident who lives along Warrington Mill Pond stating that the water rose 18 to 20 inches. Although the lake being lowered eliminates a source of recreation within Woolwich, it will alleviate concerns of damage due to rising water levels.
The township committee also discussed the success of the township’s recent Easter Egg Scramble. According to Frederick, the event saw roughly 300 kids in just a two-hour period all looking to hunt for Easter eggs and take pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Several resolutions were also passed, such as adopting a flood hazard map, making a promotion within the Woolwich Police Department, and terminating a shared service agreement between Woolwich Township and Swedesboro’s uniform-construction code service.
— By Berry Andres
