SWEDESBORO — At the Swedesboro Council meeting on Nov. 18, a proposed 139-unit inclusionary housing project on the Valley View property was discussed.
The developer, JAGRA Property Partners, plans to include 21 affordable units along with commercial and retail space. This project, part of the borough’s affordable housing obligations since 2008, will help meet its requirement of 2,392 affordable units.
The property is located along Woodstown Road and Ogden Road, across from Swedes Plaza. The council introduced ordinances to change the map and rezone the property back to an “inclusionary residential” zone to facilitate the development.
Traffic safety was also discussed as Councilman Salvatore Casella raised concerns about speeding in the south end of Kings Highway coming into town. He inquired about the possibility of putting up electronic speeding signs to help combat the issue.
Preparations for the holiday season are underway. Residents can also look forward to the Sip and Shop event on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., which will include vendors and photo opportunities. Councilman Casella also proposed declaring December “Shop Local Month” to encourage support for Swedesboro small businesses.
Councilwoman Diane Hale announced a free concert at Trinity Church on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. The council also approved a request from Our Lady of Guadalupe for their annual procession on Friday, Dec. 13.
Councilwoman Hale also shared the borough will have to re-evaluate its shredding event plans going forward since the county has now decided to stop reimbursing the borough for this service.
Mayor Tom Fromm congratulated the Kingsway Girls Field Hockey Team for winning the state championship, recognizing their achievement.
In regard to garbage and recycling, Councilman George Weeks highlighted the borough’s progress in reducing recycling rejection rates from 93 percent last year to 77 percent this year, emphasizing that it is a positive step forward and hopes for continued improvement in the year ahead. Recycling rejection occurs when items in recycling bins cannot be processed due to contamination, like food residue, or because they include non-recyclable materials such as plastic bags, often leading to more waste in landfills.
The Swedesboro Fire Company provided updates on public safety, urging residents to check their smoke detector batteries and avoid bonfires amidst the ongoing drought.
By Asiya Robinson
