Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pennsauken public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues with high priority
Stockton Park Improvements
A $918,179 state grant was inserted into the budget for the Lena Skelly Park Project, supporting park improvements in the township.
Police Chief Separation Agreement
A consent resolution would ratify the separation agreement for Chief of Police Phillip Olivo, marking a leadership change at the top of the township's police department.
CDBG street resurfacing - Bloomfield, Homestead & Terrace Avenues
The Township is applying for $353,294.70 in federal Community Development Block Grant money to rebuild streets on two blocks of Lafayette Avenue. Work would run from July through December 2026 — good news for homeowners on those blocks dealing with aging streets.
Traffic safety at Merchantville Avenue and Camden Avenue
A resident says box trucks parked near a crosswalk and mopeds and cars speeding 50-60 mph make it dangerous for kids crossing to school. He's asking for no-parking signage and crosswalk markings.
Remington Avenue sewer project condition and property maintenance
Pat Williams flagged leftover dirt piles, weeds, potholes, and crevices from the sewer separation project on Remington Avenue, plus deteriorating, vegetation-covered houses on 41st Street. Officials said they'd contact contractor South State and look into code issues.
Long-range stormwater and drainage plan
A new resolution requires the township engineer to map every storm drain, pipe, and basin the township owns and build a multi-year plan for flooding fixes — with funding weighed each budget year. Residents with flooding problems can weigh in as the plan develops.
Pennsauken Community Center Progress
The audio-visual and paging contractor at the new library/municipal complex got a third change order of $52,111, pushing the contract to $507,810 — total changes now exceed 20% of the original award.
2026 Municipal Budget Amendment
The township approved letting its 2026 budget grow up to 3% instead of the state's 2% cap, banking the difference for future years. It gives Pennsauken more room to fund services without an immediate tax bill decision.
2026 Municipal and Solid Waste Budgets Introduced
Public Works reported the township's trash hauler is dealing with broken machinery at the Camden incinerator, causing pickup delays while Seaside Waste works around the problem.
Redevelopment study near Pennsauken Transit Center
Several underused properties near the Transit Center are being studied as a possible 'Area in Need of Redevelopment' — the first step toward new housing, jobs, and investment there. The designation would be non-condemnation, meaning no eminent domain.
Estimated tax bills for third quarter 2026
Because the 2026 budget is late, the township will mail estimated tax bills for the third quarter. The anticipated general tax rate is $2.364 per $100 of assessed value — about 4% above last year's levy.
Criminal activity and safety concerns at Cooper River Plaza
A resident described break-ins, trespassing through unsecured roof doors, and homeless youth at the Cooper River Plaza complex, saying seniors are afraid to come home after 9 p.m. Township officials promised follow-up, and the complex owners face a rent stabilization board hearing July 29.
Zoning ban on carceral facilities
Pennsauken has now written a prohibition on detention centers, prisons, and similar facilities into its zoning code, township-wide. Only municipal detention facilities are exempt. Township leaders say these uses don't fit the town's residential character.
2026 Capital Improvement Bond Package
A $5.065 million bond package funds road repaving, storm drain repairs, police body cameras and radios, a $1 million tower ladder truck, park and pool upgrades, and public works vehicles. State grants cover about $1.77 million of it.
New fire department ambulance
The township is borrowing up to $304,000 to buy a new ambulance for the Fire Department. Final approval comes after a May 7 public hearing.
Lend-A-Hand home rehabilitation grant program
A $150,000 federal grant will fund home repairs of up to $18,000 for income-eligible Pennsauken homeowners, township-wide. If you've been putting off a roof or furnace repair because of cost, this program could help.
Election Logistics
Two new drop boxes at the municipal building let residents drop off tax payments, permit applications and clerk forms around the clock. One catch: no cash — and materials are only collected during business hours.
$850,000 Federal Grant for Public Works Facility
Congressman Norcross secured $850,000 in community project funding to renovate and improve the public works facility — safer equipment storage and better conditions for the crews who plow streets and respond during storms.
Sober living house oversight concerns
A resident living in a sober home told the Committee that operators demand undocumented rent payments, threaten quick removal, and claim recovery-housing protections without providing any licensed treatment. The Committee promised to contact the county health department and State Senator Nilsa Cruz the next day.
New fire ladder truck pre-payment
The township locked in production of a new $2.41 million ladder truck by pre-paying about $1.2 million through a cooperative purchasing contract. The truck replaces aging fire apparatus for the Pennsauken Fire Department.
Green Acres grant application to transform Lena Skelly Park
The township is seeking about $978,000 in Green Acres funding to modernize Skelly Park — a new walking path, inclusive playground, resurfaced basketball court, upgraded volleyball court, picnic grove and pavilion. Residents can give input via QR code through February 1; the grant application is due February 27.
Public Facility Closures
Pennsauken is locking its town buildings and libraries to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. You'll need to go online to handle your city business until things reopen.
Regional Policing Agreement
Pennsauken is looking into a regional policing deal with Camden County, which could completely change how cops are deployed and funded in your neighborhood. Expect potential shifts in local law enforcement operations and response times if this goes through.