Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gloucester Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
40 issues with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purchase of 120 East Church Street property
The township is buying the former PNC Bank drive-through property for $355,000 for municipal purposes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proposed Cooper University HealthCare Facility
Polidoro asked about a reported $300 million multi-specialty Cooper facility near the outlets and whether it has gone before planning or zoning boards. Council said it's a ratable and nothing has come before the planning board yet; an event is set for June 3.
Sewer Utility Sale Rumors
Residents asked whether American Water could condemn the township sewer without a public vote, and Polidoro predicted the township will sell the sewer within 18 months. Mayor Mayer said there have been no conversations with council about any condemnation.
Facebook Comments and Public Engagement Policy
Nancy Kelly Gentile asked council to restore public comments on the township's official Facebook page, noting officials post elsewhere but residents can't interact. Mayor Mayer said the administration chose to keep comments off, and Councilman Nash said Facebook isn't the right forum.
Camden County open space grant applications
Council locked in the open space tax at two cents per $100 of assessed value — $929,314.64 total — funding the voter-approved open space and preservation trust fund.
Landscaping debris dumped near Millbridge waterway
A resident reported Marksman Landscaping dumped cleared trees and brush into protected green land at Millbridge Apartments, harming ducks, deer, and water flow; the DEP was called. Council asked for follow-up.
Public Records Transparency
Gloucester Township is dodging a state records complaint after refusing to hand over files about a fired worker who misused police databases. This whole mess is a major test of whether your local government will actually be straight with you when police misconduct goes down.
Robert Marshall House Deterioration
The township is applying for a $150,000 state grant to preserve the historic Robert Marshall House, using $100,000 in county open space grants as the match.
Jake's Law Playground Bid Rejection
The only bid for the Valleybrook playground came in well over the township's estimate and budget, so council rejected it and will re-advertise for new bids.
Hickstown Road natural heritage site preservation (raised by resident)
Brian Burns urged the township to use its ~$900,000 open space fund to buy a pending 4-acre, $150,000 natural heritage site on Hickstown Road that faces warehouse proposals.
Township revenue from solar, dispensaries and the outlets
A resident pressed for a breakdown of revenue from solar panels at the GEMS Landfill and cannabis dispensaries, noting township debt rose from $32 million to $76 million over 12 years. The council said it would provide the figures, noting the outlets generate about $3 million.
Left-turn confusion at Wawa on Blackwood-Clementon Road
A Millbridge Road resident reported near-misses from drivers making left turns into the Wawa, unsure whether the turn is even legal. She was referred to a traffic officer for an answer.
Water contaminants and New Jersey American Water
A resident asked about PFAS-type contaminant litigation involving New Jersey American Water and Aqua affecting local water customers, and why required five-year public notices haven't been posted. Council asked her to provide documentation.
Church Street / Blackwood-Clementon Road potholes
A resident described years of potholes near the railroad on Church Street, which the council confirmed is a county road. The township said it will forward the complaint to the county.
Sewer fee billing date change
Sewer bills will now be due February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 instead of mid-quarter dates, with a 10-day grace period. Residents can still pay early if they were expecting a January 15 bill.
Ethics Complaint
Local politics just got messy and expensive as a school board member slams the city council president for filing a taxpayer-funded ethics complaint that got tossed out. Instead of solving community problems, public funds got dragged into a personal political feud.
Emergency Services
A huge three-alarm fire at a Gloucester Township apartment complex has left over 100 residents suddenly homeless. Local emergency crews and relief agencies are scrambling on the scene to assist everyone who lost their home.