Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pennsauken public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.