SWEDESBORO — At the Swedesboro Council meeting on Oct. 21, the borough being awarded a $420,000 grant from Senator Cory Booker’s office to help with the decommissioning of the town’s aging sewer plant was discussed. This grant comes from Fiscal Year 2024 government funding bills that Senator Booker secured to help aid in funding for vital New Jersey projects.
Mayor Tom Fromm emphasized the importance of these funds for ongoing public works improvements, including addressing issues found during recent safety inspections of the town’s wells, one of which may need replacement.
A major point of discussion during the meeting centered around a deteriorating gas station property, which has become a long-standing eyesore. The council expressed frustration with the delays in addressing code violations and warned that formal violations would be issued if the property is not demolished by January as planned. The council emphasized that no more delays would be accepted due to safety concerns.
Traffic safety was also a concern, as Councilwoman Diane Hale raised issues of speeding on Park Avenue, particularly during school hours from 7:30 to 8 a.m. and in the evenings from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Drivers reportedly bypassed traffic lights, endangering children and pedestrians.
The Woolwich Police Department agreed to conduct a speed study and station an officer during these times to curb the speeding problem.
The council also addressed recent roadwork-related damage, including potholes and a resident’s damaged wall at the corner of Lake and Park Avenue. John Austin from the Gloucester County Office of the Fire Marshal attended the meeting, and the council stressed the importance of a final inspection and a punch list to ensure the work was completed properly.
Crosswalks on Franklin Street and Redrow Avenue will also be restored, and the council emphasized that ongoing roadwork should not interfere with the upcoming Christmas parade on Nov. 30.
On the economic development front, the council discussed upcoming community events, including the Sipping Shop on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. The council also discussed that they’ve begun visiting local businesses to get coupon information and Mayor Fromm is preparing to send out his annual letter to go out with the coupons.
The fire department provided updates on its plans for Christmas tree sales. Trees are expected to arrive in the week of Thanksgiving, and they are expected to have around 300 trees.
Kingsway Regional High School was also recognized for being ranked among the best high schools in South Jersey. In addition, a reminder was given for Kingsway High School’s upcoming craft show on Nov. 2nd, which is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In other community news, a shredding event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Swedesboro Auction site, offering residents a chance to securely dispose of sensitive documents.
By Asiya Robinson
