by Robert Holt
MICKLETON — At the East Greenwich Township Committee meeting on April 14, Committeeman Richard Schober announced that the community has received a $10,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey. Statewide the program awarded four grants of $20,000, eight of $10,000, and 20 grants of $2,000.
The grant funding is expected to assist the local Planning Board and Environmental Commission in creating a new Natural Resource Inventory. An updated NRI will contain geography, geology, hydrology, soils, vegetation components, and wetlands.
East Greenwich Mayor Dale Archer credited the community’s Green Team and its volunteers for the award. “The grant speaks volumes about the work that they did,” observed Archer.
The township received bronze certification from Sustainable Jersey last fall, one of only two communities in Gloucester County to do so.
East Greenwich is increasing their efforts to obtain grants, as the Committee authorized a resolution to apply for funding at the Hidden Acres ballfields. The township will be submitting a grant application for $55,000.
“Improvements will be made in handicapped accessibility and paved walkways,” commented Archer.
Also, in his Public Works report, Archer proudly announced that the community would be receiving a $175,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to repave Swedesboro Avenue. “Any time we can get a grant we are very grateful,” he said. “That road is in dire need of repair.” Repairs will be made between Harmony and Tomlin Station Roads.
Elsewhere, in Finance, Committeeman Stephen Bottiglieri reported that the numbers of the community budget were still being finalized, and it is being sent to the auditor.
In other resolutions, the Committee authorized negotiating a redevelopment agreement regarding commercial improvements for Excel Hydraulics LLC. “Excel has bought a facility on Berkley Road that was about to close,” Archer explained. “They’re going to expand their operation, and are making a commitment to East Greenwich.”
And the Committee accepted the resignations of Gerald Hall as Municipal Drug Alliance chairperson, and Jennifer Hall as Deputy Municipal Drug Alliance chairperson. Brett Pfeiffer was appointed as Municipal chairperson.
“He’s going to bring experience and enthusiasm to the position and we’re lucky to have him,” praised Deputy Mayor James Philbin.
In Parks and Recreation, Committeeman Robert Tice reported that the community was renewing its efforts toward a second East Greenwich Day parade in September. The town brought back the parade in 2014 after an extended absence.
Tice added that a Little Miss East Greenwich pageant is still in the development stage.
And Archer noted that the solar energy project between East Greenwich and the township school district has received two proposals. The cooperative is looking for a solar provider to operate and maintain a system at specific sites in the community.
