WOOLWICH- During the Woolwich Township Committee meeting on June 17, discussions were held on the ongoing potential establishment of cannabis businesses in specific areas of the township and budgeting for various repairs.
Mayor Natalie Matthias provided an update on an adopted ordinance conditionally permitting certain classes of cannabis to be located within specific geographical boundaries within the township. Matthias assured that the township would continue to direct its focus on how they can control the licensing, reiterating its great news for agriculture in Woolwich.
Woolwich Administrator Jim Watson then went on to share some reports regarding road repair costs and retail development. Watson shared updates on plans to repair roads from the Swedesboro pump station lot going out through Garwin Road up to Route 322 and connecting with the Gloucester County Utility Authority line.
Woolwich is working along with the utilities authority and improvement authority to determine the cost of renovating Garwin Road. The first estimate the township was given was higher than anticipated, coming within the range of $160,000 to $300,000. Conversations with the utility authority are ongoing to see what can be done to renovate the road.
Matthias stated that this road damage was likely due to the volume of construction vehicles within the township. The committee plans to revisit this conversation regarding the road repair in July when they reconvene.
Watson reported that representatives from Ferber met with the Woolwich administration to initiate pilot project discussions. Ferber is hoping to construct a warehouse on the corner of 322 and Oak Grove Road.
The administration has plans to meet with the retail developers to show them potential retail locations within the township.
Watson also shared updates on the Wolfson residential project, sharing that they are currently out to bid and are hoping to have a site developer within the next couple of weeks, with the goal being to start moving dirt by sometime in September. Their desire is to start on the north side of Asbury Station, with a 55 and older community, and then make their way over to the south side of Asbury Station.
Deputy Mayor Michael Nocentino reported that his recent meeting with the environmental commission focused on whether to support Food and Water Watch’s opposition to state legislation. The commission debated its appropriateness but left the decision pending. The committee was informed, but no conclusion was reached.
Chief Valichka of the Woolwich Fire Company reported that the fire company was responding to a recent call when the ladder truck and the PTO for the ladder hydraulic pump broke, which caused the shaft to come apart and hit the side of the transmission housing, leaving a hole on the side. Valichka stated that he is currently in the process of reaching out to multiple dealers trying to figure out a solution to the truck’s issues, and hopes to have it resolved soon.
As for now, they have been pulling ladder trucks from nearby stations like Harrison Township and Logan Township. This has had no effect on the fire company response time.
The initial repair cost quote received was in the range of around $25,000. Valichka will have more updates following a meeting with a dealer later this week.
Committeeman Craig Fredrick shared that there are plans to organize a pickleball tournament for Aug. 17 and 18, with Aug. 19 being looked at as a possible rain date.
By Asiya Robinson
