Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gloucester Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Workers' compensation matters
Council went into closed session to discuss three workers' compensation cases with the township attorney, with follow-up expected once the attorney concludes.
Online tax sale hosting services
The township awarded a bid for services to host its online tax sale, which is how delinquent property tax liens are auctioned.
Tennis court reconditioning at Community Park
Council authorized advertising bids to recondition the existing tennis courts at Community Park, funded through the 2026 budget.
Unpermitted auto repair operation in Chestnut Glen
A resident on R Avenue says a neighbor is running an auto repair business in a residential area, with noise, fluid leaks, parking problems, and even threats when he photographed the activity. Township officials say zoning, code enforcement, and police all have open cases.
Deer carcass removal service
The township pays $67 per pickup for deer carcass removal on township-owned roads, usually within 24 hours. Residents can report carcasses via the police non-emergency line — 100 to 125 deer are picked up per year.
Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition
The Township honored seven residents — students, a school resource officer, a school translator, and community volunteers — whose service strengthens the community. A feel-good night that spotlighted how much schools and families rely on bilingual community members.
Blackwood West Redevelopment Plan Amendment No. 4
Council wants to allow personal service businesses — like the proposed barbershop — in the Art District South Development District. The public hearing at second reading is your chance to weigh in.
Lakeland Road connector trail moves forward
Council accepted bids and awarded the trail construction contract to Think Pavers Hardscaping for about $202,500, backed by a $267,000 NJDOT federal aid agreement. Councilman Nash noted the bike path is being extended toward Glendora.
$400,000 Grant for a New Electric Senior Bus
Council inserted a $400,000 state grant into the budget and applied for more funding to replace the aging senior transportation bus with a new electric 32-passenger vehicle.
Property tax increase concerns
A resident emailed that his bill jumped about 6%; the mayor clarified the actual increase is $412 and that only 32 cents of every tax dollar goes to the township, with schools, county, and fire districts making up the rest.
Overdevelopment concerns raised
A resident urged council to stop approving new housing, saying the township has met its affordable housing obligation and more homes strain schools, roads and property taxes.
ShopRite loading dock noise complaints
Timber Creek apartment residents say refrigeration units running 24/7 at the new Cherrywood Plaza ShopRite hit 70+ decibels and keep them awake. The township planner says the barrier meets state noise limits and recommends the county Board of Health take an actual reading.
Township-wide data center ban adopted
Council gave final approval to banning large-scale data centers in every zoning district, overlay zone and redevelopment area. A resident asked if an old website listing for the Gloucester Data Center site created a contract conflict; the solicitor said no signed agreement ever existed.
Purchase of 120 East Church Street property
The township is buying the former PNC Bank drive-through property for $355,000 for municipal purposes.
Disabled veteran tax relief
Council credited $7,114.47 of a totally disabled veteran's 2026 taxes and canceled his 2027 first- and second-quarter bills.
Opportunity Zone designation for Census Tract 6082.10
Council endorsed asking the state to designate Census Tract 6082.10 as a federal Opportunity Zone, which gives investors tax breaks for putting capital gains into businesses and property in the area.
Adaptive outdoor fitness grant application
The township is seeking about $15,520 from a state grant to build an outdoor fitness program serving all residents, including adaptive classes for people with disabilities.
Sustainability grant application
The township will apply for a Sustainable Communities Grant funded by Atlantic City Electric under the Sustainable Jersey program.
Diesel generator purchase
The township will buy a diesel generator and related services from Cummins via a cooperative purchasing contract for up to $159,250.
Primo Auto Styling designated redeveloper at 500 Davistown Road
A vehicle- and boat-wrapping business will occupy two units of an existing five-unit warehouse in the College Drive redevelopment area, with no exterior changes planned.
Oakland Drive sewer backups and misaligned lateral connections
A 62-year resident described recurring raw sewage backups affecting her home and six neighbors, including a camera inspection that couldn't pass toward the ball field. The business administrator will get the Sewer Utility to follow up.
Lack of before/after school care for pre-K 3-year-olds
A single mother told council that winning the pre-K lottery brought no childcare relief because there's no before/after program for 3-year-olds, saying she may have to sell her home. The mayor referred her to the Latch-Key program and the township's half-day preschool.
Emergency sewer main repair at Landing Road
A broken sewer main at Landing and Lower Landing Roads got emergency repairs costing $172,075.81, paid to contractor R.D. Zeuli under its standing emergency services contract.
Sewer approvals for Erial Road and Cross Keys developments
Council approved sewer service for a 216-unit project on Erial Road and 51 age-restricted townhomes at Cross Keys Road, subject to the township engineer's conditions.
Liquor license transfer to Innovative Catering Concepts
Council approved moving a liquor license held by Cava Canava, LLC to Innovative Catering Concepts for its location at 109 N. Black Horse Pike; no objections were filed.
Data center ban in all zoning districts
Council wants to ban large commercial data centers and AI/cloud facilities from every zoning district before any developer proposes one here, citing huge power and water use, constant noise, and few jobs per acre. Small in-building server rooms for individual businesses stay allowed. Final vote and public hearing September 14.
Pumpkin Festival road closure
Mainstage Center for the Arts got permission to close the Black Horse Pike from Church Street to West Lake Avenue on October 4 for the annual Pumpkin Festival.
Disabled veteran property tax exemptions
Two veterans — Michael Ferguson and Eric Began — received total disabled veteran tax exemptions, with 2025 credits and their first two quarters of 2026 taxes canceled.
Acquisition of 120 East Church Street
The township plans to buy the former PNC drive-through property at 120 East Church Street from Active Realty for public purposes. The purchase price hasn't been disclosed yet; hearing is August 24.
National Opioid Settlement funds
The township is inserting a $90,999.20 National Opioid Settlement grant into the 2026 budget for operations excluded from the cap.
National Night Out and community events
Council members repeatedly praised Chief Minosse and the police department for National Night Out, and Councilman Nash promoted local businesses and the Vets Park concert series.
Solar project at the Ecological Center
Council awarded the remote net metered solar project to Sunrock Distributed Generation, which will lease part of the Ecological Center site and supply credits against the township's PSE&G electric accounts.
Gloucester Township Little League achievements and community events
Council celebrated Blackwood's senior division state championship and regional run, plus the 12-year-old team heading to the state championship. Members also promoted Movie Night and National Night Out on August 4th at three township locations.
Vacation of portion of Cedar Lane
Council gave up the township's public rights to a stretch of Cedar Lane, effectively transferring that roadway section out of public use.
Emergency sewer force main repair — Central Avenue Pumping Station
Council approved paying R.D. Zeuli $6,516.25 for emergency repairs to a damaged sewer force main that posed a health and safety hazard.
Lakeside Avenue speed limit reduction
Council finalized a cut from 25 to 15 mph on Lakeside Avenue between Clifton and Pine Avenues. This should slow traffic and make the road safer for walkers and kids, though some drivers may find it restrictive.
Vacating public rights on a portion of Cedar Lane
Council introduced an ordinance giving up the township's public rights to a stretch of Cedar Lane. It gets a public hearing at second reading before anything is final.
Agreement with Aqua New Jersey
A resolution on the agenda would have the township sign a memorandum of agreement with water utility Aqua New Jersey. It wasn't taken up individually on the recording.
New senior transport bus
Council unanimously approved the bid for a 2026 large senior transport bus, supporting rides for the township's senior programs.
Settlement of Jehovah's Witnesses land-use lawsuit
The township's agenda carried a resolution to sign a settlement agreement and mutual release in the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses case against the township, pending at the Third Circuit. It was not taken up individually on the recording.
Green Acres website link and open space acquisitions
Resident Brian Burns says most residents don't understand the Green Acres open-space program and there's nothing on the township website about it. He wants a homepage link — and maybe workshops — explaining what it is and how to apply. The council president isn't opposed and will take it to the administration.
Batting cage access for all township youth
Sam Sweet pressed for updates on the promised indoor batting cages for Erial Little League and asked to be included in planning. The business administrator confirmed the project is fully funded and moving forward at Community Park.
Police Misconduct
A Gloucester Township police sergeant who also worked as a school resource officer was arrested for allegedly possessing child sex abuse material. This shocking arrest is forcing local parents and city officials to seriously question student safety and the screening process for our police force.
Juneteenth celebration and community events
Council members invited everyone to the Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 20, at Veterans Park from 1 to 4 p.m., with music, vendors, and cultural programming.
Brush dumping and drainage at Marksman site
A resident says a contractor dumped brush where wetland habitat used to be, leaving ducks and other wildlife without water, and state agencies plan to visit this week. The contractor denied the dumping.
SDK Millbridge apartments conditions and accountability
Dani Paris alleged the owner of SDK Millbridge overcharges 850 units for sewer, gas and hot water, and that a construction official approved gas ranges four feet from a playground. Council directed staff to follow up with construction official Jim Gallagher.
2026 Road Improvement Program bids
Council authorized advertising bids for this year's road improvement program — paving work is coming to township streets.
Cannabis license conversions and water quality claims
In response to a resident's questions, Council President Mercado listed six approved retail dispensaries, reported $232,752.82 in cannabis tax revenue for 2025 (up from $38,960.60 in 2024), and said there is no cap on licenses.
New part-time collection systems license operator position
A new ordinance would add a part-time sewer utility position paying $55–$95 an hour. It gets a public hearing at second reading before final adoption.
Primary Elections
Primary election day is finally here in Gloucester Township, and things are totally shaken up now that the old county 'line' system is gone. Voters are hitting the polls to decide wide-open races, including a fierce showdown for Camden County Commissioner.