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LOCAL NEWS CLIPS - NOVEMBER 2006
Come ride the Santa Express Train in Richland. Santa will stroll through the train cars which are decorated for the holidays. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Santa Express running Saturdays 11/30/06 UPPER TOWNSHIP — The Santa Express will be making runs between Richland and Tuckahoe every Saturday in December. Children can hand-deliver their letters to Santa on this ride between Atlantic and Cape May counties with Cape May Seashore Lines. The route goes back and forth from the historic Tuckahoe train station to Richland in Buena Vista Township. On Saturday, former Absecon resident and author Michael Dutton will sign copies of his holiday-themed novel, “Christmasville,” at the South Jersey Railroad Museum in Tuckahoe. Dutton, a former casino employee and graduate of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, said the book is about a model train display with a yuletide theme in which the characters come to life. He will sign books from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 1721 Mount Pleasant Road, just off Route 50.
Land sale to offer glimpse at environmental history 11/29/06 Hidden beyond Route 40 and the woods behind Michael Debbi Park is the key to more than a hundred centuries of environmental history. The township is set to acquire more than 63 acres there, which includes 20 to 30 ponds in a wooded area that tell an incredible story of climate change over the past 12,000 years. "We have some of the best records of the Ice Age period in the world," said Mark Demitroff, a Pinelands geographer and University of Delaware fellow. "It's important to our cultural and environmental heritage. Very few places are so well preserved." The area, which is in the township's Richland section, was frozen and uninhabited for thousands of years. As the earth's climate warmed, it became an oasis for animals and American Indian tribes. The area is studied in laboratories across the world as researchers try to learn how the planet has changed over time, Demitroff said. "We don't have a time machine. We have these ponds," he said. The land has been virtually untouched by development, but many of the ponds started to dry up when towns started pumping for water starting in 1890, Demitroff said. The ponds are surrounded largely by brush and are an important source of grassland habitat and water for animals in the area, Demitroff said. But many ponds are not recognized fully, because a lot have dried up and trees have grown in them. "The hunters know about them, but that's about it," he said. "Many have been forgotten because they're drying up." The water in the ponds is an indicator of groundwater levels, Demitroff said. The decreasing levels in the pond show the water underneath is drying up. The township received money for the land purchase through Atlantic County's Municipal Open Space Financial Assistance Program. Mayor Chuck Chiarello said the area is a perfect candidate for open space because it contains wetlands. "All residents pay an open-space tax to the county," he said. "If we don't utilize it, we're basically giving money to other towns in the county." Township Administrator Ronald P. Trebing said Buena Vista made the decision to pursue the property when it discovered the current owners were willing to sell it. The area is mostly wooded, and Trebing said the township plans to keep it as open space for hikers and nature lovers. Demitroff said he's been lobbying the township to buy this property for years. "If you bring people to Richland Village, you've got to give them something to learn about," he said. "Unless protected, it's easily forgotten."
Fire company may absorb rescue squad 11/28/06 A verbal agreement was reached to combine Minotola Rescue Squad and the Landisville Volunteer Fire Company. The issue of who would pay for the merged operations has yet to be discussed. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Preserved land has age-old story to tell 11/27/06 According to Pinelands geographer Mark Demitroff woods behind the Michael Debbi Park is the key to 12,000 years of environmental history. The township is set to acquire more than 63 acres of land behind the park to preserve as open space with a grant from Atlantic County. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Rescue squad hopes for own rescue with merger 11/27/06 The Minotola Rescue Squad and Landisville Volunteer Fire Company have informally agreed to a merger. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Bake sale raises sweet take for food bank 11/24/06 Members of the Seniors of Newtonville Area had their annual bake sale for Thanksgiving and raised $700 to be donated to the Community Food Bank. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Northfield names new police chief 11/22/06 NORTHFIELD — The city got a new full-scale police chief Tuesday, more than four years after it lost its last one. Chief Robert James got that title following a unanimous vote from City Council and several years of being an acting captain in the department. James replaces Robert Carty, who was promoted from lieutenant to acting chief in October 2002, when Kenneth W. Adams, the former chief, was indicted on charges of stealing federal and city funds and with other irregularities. Adams was later convicted and sent to prison. Carty is in the process of retiring from the department, Mayor Frank Perri said. James, 42, is an 18-year Northfield veteran who has been an officer for 22 years — he started in police work at age 20 in Buena, where he still lives. He moved to Northfield as a patrolman and climbed steadily up the ranks in the department. In brief remarks after he was sworn in, James addressed an audience that was heavy with city officers — he called them his “extended family” — noting the troubles the department has had for more than four years. “We've turned a corner and we need to keep moving forward,” the new chief said. As officers filtered out of the council meeting room, most stopped to personally congratulate James, some with brief hugs for him and his wife. Perri said he was happy that the new chief got unanimous support on council. He said James' experience and professionalism made him the best candidate for the job, while adding that he expected the chief's youth to be an asset. “Mostly the whole department is young, through people either retiring or leaving,” the mayor said. Councilman Tim Carew also praised the chief, saying that finally giving the department a permanent boss “puts the city over a bridge. (The officers) need the structure, and now they have it in place,” he said. James alluded to that in a brief interview after his appointment, saying he hoped to move the police past its scars from the Adams investigation and its aftermath. “We need to get the Police Department back to the order of being one of the best departments in Atlantic County,” he said. “My job is to bring us back on line for that.”
Church celebrates hometown heroes 11/20/06 The Queen of Angels Parish held a special "Blue Mass" on Sunday. This mass for emergency service and other local officials in the community. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Corzine warns lawmakers against short-term property-tax fix 11/17/06
Gov. Jon Corzine warned legislators on Thursday that the state's financial
resources are limited. At right is Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts.
ATLANTIC CITY — Gov. Jon S. Corzine issued lawmakers a reality check Thursday, cautioning that any plan to dramatically lower property taxes must be backed by a permanent funding source. Corzine's remarks — delivered to state and local officials at the annual
League of Municipalities convention — came one day after lawmakers unveiled a
plan to lower property taxes 20 percent for most homeowners and pump an
additional Lawmakers said part of the funding for property-tax credits and increased school aid would come from this year's sales-tax increase. Although a price tag for the plan has not been set, it appears clear that more funding sources must be identified. Corzine warned that the state's financial resources are limited at best. “Providing relief and then retreating in a year or two because we don't have the money is neither desirable nor acceptable,” he said. “The effort to provide immediate property-tax relief cannot be done by creating a giant hole for future budgets. Let me be clear, whether the subject is the budget or property taxes, I can't support short-term fixes.” Corzine later added, “Relief is popular. Reform and sustainability are hard, very hard.” Democratic lawmakers, who controlled the legislative session that produced the property-tax recommendations, did not take offense. Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden, Gloucester, praised Corzine's speech and said lawmakers were on the same page with the governor. The goal, he said, is to provide tax credits to as many homes as possible, starting with those homeowners who need the relief most. “This is the first step of a multi-step process,” Roberts said. Later, Roberts and Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex, released a joint statement, confirming their commitment to identifying permanent funding sources. “We all agree that property-tax relief must not be a gimmick and must be funded through a responsibly sustainable program,” the statement read. “We are committed to working with the governor and his administration to ensure such an outcome. It would be a cruel hoax upon the people of this state to provide a tax cut that is not real or lasting and we have no intentions of engaging in any such exercise.” Republicans interpreted Corzine's speech as validation of their claim that the recommendations issued Wednesday are short-term fixes issued in an election year. “I think the governor recognized with me that sustainability has not yet been determined,” said Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance, R-Warren, Hunterdon. Assemblyman Frank Blee, R-Atlantic, said Corzine's tone of voice “reminded me very much of the budget battle,” with fellow Democratic lawmakers that resulted in a seven-day shutdown of state government. “There's going to be war on some of these issues, with both special interest groups and legislators,” Blee said. Corzine said he was encouraged overall by the reports issued Wednesday, but he added that more aggressive steps needed to be taken to convince local governments to consolidate and share services. Any consolidation plan should include deadlines and significant financial incentives, he said. Corzine also renewed his call for an independent comptroller's office that could investigate and audit all levels of government. Right now, he said, there is too little oversight of the money spent by state, local and county governments as well as school boards and independent authorities. “Nowhere in all this spending is there a consistent, transparent and independent auditing function,” Corzine said. “No business in the world could or should operate like this.” Corzine also suggested the state help municipalities by passing legislation to allow towns to assess impact fees on developers. He said he expected strong resistance to many of the proposals, but urged local officials in attendance to place the greater good of the state over parochial interests. “If some people aren't screaming at the end of the process, then I guess I'll know the reforms are not bold enough,” he said. Local officials said they need to see more details, particularly in regard to plans to consolidate or share services. “If we had to merge with a town that had more expenses, how would that help out our taxpayers?” asked Buena Vista Township Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly. Mullica Township Mayor Kathy Chasey said she wants to “see the bottom line” first, but she said she had faith in Corzine's ability to tackle a property-tax problem that until now has been dealt with through talk instead of action. “I have a sense that this is different,” Chasey said. “This is a man that comes from a business background.”
Tax ideas fall short on funding reforms 11/16/06 TRENTON — New Jersey Democrats presented 98 recommendations for lowering property taxes Wednesday, calling for unprecedented tax credits, a richer and more equitable school-funding formula and a revamped public employee pension system that politicians would no longer be able to abuse. Now comes the hard part — figuring out exactly how to pay for it all. The highlight of the package, or at least the proposal voters likely will find most immediately gratifying, is a tax credit that would lower property taxes by an average of 20 percent for most homeowners. The plan also would increase school aid by $1 billion, including funding for preschool and after-school care. Republicans questioned how the state could afford such changes, given that the list of recommendations did not include any limits on state spending or a prohibition on debt not approved by voters. “The problem is sustainability,” said Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance, R-Warren, Hunterdon. “That's been the historic problem with property-tax reform in New Jersey. “We don't want this to be a one-year thing to give the majority party re-election.” Democrats insist this effort, the result of 41 legislative hearings held since August, is different than past attempts to tackle the issue. “This special session (of the Legislature) exceeded my expectations because it was so thorough and it focused in such a detailed way on all of the cost-drivers associated with property taxes,” said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden, Gloucester. “This may be the most ambitious package of reforms to tackle property taxes in New Jersey history.” Homeowners pay an average of $6,000 in property taxes annually, a rate double the national average. The decision to freeze school aid in each of the past five years has driven a 7 percent annual increase in property-tax rates. Property-tax rebates have been provided to help lessen the burden, but the size of the checks has fluctuated dramatically with each budget year. Democrats are proposing to replace the rebate checks with credits of equal or greater value, although senior citizens would be able to request a check instead of the credit for at least the first year. Another $700 million in property tax relief funding would come from a sales tax increase approved in July. How much of a gap remains after that will depend on exactly how many homeowners receive an increased tax credit. “The relief plan that we come up with is going to be focused on those bearing the biggest property tax burden,” Roberts said. “We have to determine the cut-offs.” That's just one of the details that need to be worked out as lawmakers attempt to turn the 98 recommendations into legislation. The 400 pages of reports released Wednesday included plans for a new school funding formula but no details. Lawmakers want to remove the “Abbott” designation assigned to 31 urban districts. The change would not cut funding for Abbott districts or any other school district — at least not immediately — but the funding formula would be revised to take into account the number of students in each district with extra weight given to students with special needs. Assemblyman David Wolfe, R-Ocean, Monmouth, said no details were given about how the school funding plan would work or how it would be funded. “At best it as a one-year fix,” Wolfe said. “And while they attempt to eliminate the Abbott designation, the bottom line is that these districts will continue to receive funding at their current levels despite documented evidence that millions of dollars are routinely wasted.” Democratic Party officials said the Department of Education is still working on a new school funding formula and the final product could be months away. Still, Roberts said, eliminating the Abbott designation is a significant step because “it acknowledges some of the most distressed districts are suburban districts whose funding have been held static.” Also not yet decided is whether to place limits on property tax increases. Gov. Jon S. Corzine has called for a 4 percent cap. Corzine will give his response to the Legislature's proposal — and offer some of his own ideas — during a speech at noon today before the League of Municipalities Convention at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. The event, attended by mayors from throughout the state, will also give local officials a chance to voice their opinions on the Legislature's proposals. Many declined comment Wednesday, but there were a few immediate reactions. Ocean City Mayor Sal Perillo said he was disappointed that the proposals focused more on local spending than state spending and questioned how the state would afford the plan. He said the plan seemed to provide more revenue for next year at the expense of future years. “In terms of meaningful reform, there are more questions than answers,” Perillo said. Buena Vista Township Mayor Chuck Chiarello called the proposals a “bold move” and a “good step forward,” but acknowledged concerns about how much input local officials will have on plans to get local governments to consolidate and share services. “The bottom line is you have to start someplace,” Chiarello said. One of the committee recommendations sets up a nine-member panel — similar to the federal Base Relocation and Closure Commission — that would put out an annual list of municipalities that should merge or share services. Any merger plans or shared services agreements would then be put before voters in those municipalities. More than 40 of the recommendations came from a committee formed to control pension and health-benefit costs that help drive up property taxes. Under the recommendations, a two-tier pension system would make a 9 percent pension increase approved five years ago unavailable to new employees. Public pensions would be eliminated for new part-time legislators, new appointed officials and all professional service contractors, both existing and future. The committee also recommended raising the retirement age from 55 to 62 for new employees and a limit of one pension per public employee. Pensionable salary would be capped at $97,500. Holding more than one public office would also be banned, although current dual officeholders would be grandfathered. State Sen. Bill Gormley, R-Atlantic, and Assemblyman Kevin O'Toole, R-Bergen, Passaic, Essex — both of whom spearheaded several of the pension reforms — signed on to support the committee's recommendations. They were the only Republican committee members to do so. Yet both lawmakers said many of the committee's recommendations fell short by failing to include current employees. “Why would you change something you said is wrong and then grandfather someone in?” Gormley said. “They should just end dual office holding now … But we're not going to say they're wrong on everything. We're balanced.” Union officials were less in the mood for compromise. Carla Katz, president of the Communications Workers of America local 1034, said the efforts to prevent abuse and limit pensions to career employees were laudable, but lawmakers were out of line to propose legislation requiring health-care contributions when unions are currently negotiating a new contract. “We think it's outrageous that a huge part of the property tax proposals are slashing the retirement security of workers who are also property taxpayers in New Jersey,” Katz said, adding that a two-tier system would have a demoralizing effect on the state work force. Assemblyman Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic — who would benefit from two pensions as a teacher and the former mayor of Atlantic City — said he does not agree with some of the “blanket” changes to the state's pension laws but likely would vote for the package anyway. “I'm not going to say one pension, one job,” Whelan said. “What if somebody is a cop for 30 years and retires and they teach for 25 years? And are we going to say police officers can't retire until they're 62. Frankly, you shouldn't be 60 years old chasing after bad guys down alleys. But if on balance it's a package that makes sense, I'll support it.”
Buena man identified in fatal crash 11/13/06 PILESGROVE TOWNSHIP — State Police on Sunday identified the Buena Township man whose illegal attempt to pass on a Salem County highway caused a crash that killed himself and three others. Sgt. Stephen Jones, a State Police spokesman, said the driver was Richard A. Carrelli. The 40-year-old resident of Collings Lakes, in Buena Vista Township, was driving eastbound at about 11:15 a.m. Saturday on Route 40 in Pilesgrove Township when he tried to pass in a no-passing zone, Jones said. Late Saturday, police said the accident had killed four members in a car stuck by Carrelli. However, Jones said Sunday the hospital's report that Brook Loatman had died was erroneous. She remained listed in critical condition with head trauma Sunday. Police are investigating “conflicting information” regarding whether she was ejected from the vehicle. The accident began when Carrelli's truck sideswiped another pickup driven by Kelly Bonselaar, 22, of Elmer. It then collided head-on with the car driven by Tatum Loatman, 27, of Millville. Loatman and her parents — Barbara Loatman, 69, and Hartly Loatman, 75, also of Millville — were killed. Tatum Loatman's nieces and nephew — Brook Loatman, 17, of Glassboro, and Imon Loatman, 14, and Harlon Loatman Jr., 13, both of Millville — all suffered multiple injuries and were flown by helicopter to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Harlon Loatman was responsive and his sister Imon was responsive and talking Sunday, Jones said. No further information was available because their parents have asked that specific medical information be kept confidential. Bonselaar was being treated for unspecified injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The deceased have been autopsied, but toxicology reports will not be available for several weeks, Jones said. “The investigation continues, obviously with the primary focus for the cause being on Carrelli,” Jones said. He said it's possible Carrelli may not have seen the oncoming vehicles because he was passing in a no-passing zone, on a hill. Police are still interviewing witnesses. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Four dead in Rt. 40 collision 11/13/06 Four people were killed in a collision on Route 40 in Pilesgrove. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Route 40 crash kills 4 family members 11/12/06 Four members of a family from Millville and Glassboro were killed Saturday and two juveniles were critically injured when a pickup truck driver illegally passed another vehicle and crashed into the family's car head-on. The truck driver also died at the scene. A 40-year-old Buena Vista Township man was heading east on Route 40 in Pilesgrove, Salem County, at about 11 a.m. when he attempted to pass in a no-passing zone, State Police said. The driver's identity was not released because his next of kin had not been notified. As he drove into the westbound lane, the driver sideswiped another pickup truck, driven by Kelly Bonselaar, 22, of Elmer, Salem County. Bonselaar received minor injuries as her truck ran off the road. The man's truck then struck a car head-on, police said. Six members of the Loatman family were in the vehicle, but it was not clear how they were related. The driver, Tatum Loatman, 27; Barbara Loatman, 69; and Hartly Loatman, 75, were all pronounced dead at the scene. Hartly Loatman and three minors were in the back seat, according to police. They have not determined where each of those passengers was sitting, but did say none was wearing a seat belt. The younger Loatmans — Brook, 17; Emon, 14; and Harlon, 13 — were taken by helicopter to Cooper Health System in Camden with multiple injuries. A nursing supervisor could not release their conditions Saturday night because of their ages. Tatum, Barbara, Emon and Harlon Loatman all live at the same address, according to police. Hartly Loatman lived at a different address in Millville. Brook Loatman lives in Glassboro, Gloucester County. Trooper Michael Murray called the accident the worst he has seen. He is investigating the crash from the Woodstown State Police Station with help from the Fatal Accident Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit. The crash occurred at milepost 14.1, just east of Glassboro Road. Traffic was diverted for about four hours after the accident. To e-mail Lynda Cohen at The Press:
Buena Vista has new hangout for the little people 11/11/06 In September Barbarito & Beyers Learning and Caring Center opened in the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in Newtonville. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Incumbents win re-election in Buena and Buena Vista 11/8/06 This was the most relaxing campaign yet, for Democrats Mayor Chiarello and Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly who ran for their sixth terms on the committee. At the January reorganization meeting the committee will decide who will be the mayor and deputy mayor for the next year. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Marie Poggi started making business making homemade pasta in 1954. You can buy her homemade pasta at Vineland ShopRites, Giovanni's Deli, Wheat Road Cold Cuts, The Garden Room Restaurant, and Crown Market. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Newfield, Buena Vista Election blog (updated 6:25) 11/7/06 Buena Vista Township Democratic incumbents Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly are running unopposed for their sixth term. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Unopposed Buena Vista candidates focus on Richland 11/1/06 BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP — A lot is resting on a small percentage of the township's 42 square miles these days. Only 1.5 of those square miles is the total for the Richland redevelopment project, a possible age-restricted housing complex on Lincoln Avenue, and possible development near Komar's plastic plant on Route 40. Those projects, it is hoped, will revamp the township's economy, bring in new ratables and give taxpayers some relief. The only thing those 1.5 square miles likely won't affect is the outcome of this year's Nov. 7 township elections, which features current Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly running unopposed. This is each candidate's 15th year in their respective offices. They've both overseen the first concept and long approval process for the Richland redevelopment project, and the next three years may determine whether the idea was a success or bust. Both Chiarello and Kelly said in interviews Tuesday that Richland is the key to both retaining people who live in the township and giving them some needed breathing room when it comes to rising school and municipal taxes. The township and school district haven't received an increase in state aid in several years, causing most of the tax increases. “Richland and the other ratables are going to be our only hope, until something is done in the Legislature about property taxes” Kelly said. “We need to rely on those developments and consolidating services.” Chiarello said developers will soon submit ideas for how the Richland project will be designed and what kind of shops it will accommodate. “We should also be announcing the opening of a few new stores in the area by the end of the year,” he said. Both candidates said they thought that the lack of opposition was a vote of confidence in the current administration, and not a result of a lack of interest in the township. Each candidate will also have to be prepared to share services with other municipalities in the area to help alleviate the state's budget crunch. “We're looking at all scenarios,” Chiarello said. “There's been talk about the tax collector and assessor services being on the county level. That can work, if someone shows me that it makes sense.” Kelly placed a similar burden on Atlantic County's government to propose shared-service ideas. “County needs to take more of a lead more than they are, because shared services are going to be the future,” Kelly said. Another hot-button issue for many township residents is how officials will balance the need for ratables and businesses with many residents' desire to keep the township as natural as possible. “We want people to be able to afford to live here,” Chiarello said. “But the development will be of low impact to the Pinelands environment.”
Firefighter hangs it up after 40 years 11/1/06 Bob Casazza is retiring after 40 years of volunteer work with the East Vineland Volunteer Fire Company. A retirement dinner was held at the Merighi's Savoy Inn on Saturday night. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
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Address: Buena Vista Township
Copyright © 1999 [Buena Vista Township]. All rights reserved.
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