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LOCAL NEWS CLIPS - JANUARY 2009
Federal grant program / Affordable-housing boon 1/28/09 The rotten economy does have its silver linings. One upside is a new federal grant program that provides money for towns to redevelop foreclosed and abandoned properties. A big side benefit in New Jersey: It can help communities meet their affordable-housing requirements with federal funds - and without creating sprawl. The state's affordable-housing program has come under a lot of fire lately. Lawsuits charge that new rules unreasonably require too much affordable housing. Environmentalists worry the requirements will gobble up open space and create more sprawl. The state Legislature is now considering a measure that would waive what was supposed to be the funding mechanism for the program - a 2.5 percent fee that's levied on new commercial construction and renovations. (And the Legislature should delay implementing that fee: Only a fraction of what was expected to be raised from the levy has been collected, and it obviously discourages new business at a time when the state needs to encourage investment.) Still, there's no question that affordable housing is needed in the state. Defenders of the program often point out that there are many ways for towns to create affordable housing that don't require building new housing - such as rehabilitating existing units. So this federal grant program is a golden opportunity for towns that qualify for funds. New Jersey has a $53 million allotment from the program. Nine area towns are eligible for some of that funding: Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Egg Harbor City, Millville, Woodbine and Vineland. In the Newtonville section of Buena Vista Township, for example, there are at least 26 homes in foreclosure. Mayor Chuck Chiarello says the township is hoping to get $250,000 to $300,000 to renovate and rebuild as many as six of them. While that's a small dent in the foreclosure problem, Chiarello said he's also looking at the program as a way to help the town meet its affordable-housing requirements. Smart move. Other towns seeking a share of the funds should also aim to get a double bang for those federal bucks, both chipping away at their affordable-housing requirements while eliminating blight and stabilizing neighborhoods. The federal government has thrown hundreds of billions of dollars into economic stimulus. Critics say much of that has been ineffective, even wasted so far. But this is at least one economic-recovery program that provides taxpayers with real, tangible benefits.
Early towns may get check from Obama stimulus funds 1/27/09 BRIDGETON - Even as legislators in Washington haggle over President Barack Obama's planned stimulus package, towns and cities across New Jersey already have sent in requests for their share of the projected $825 billion pie. Compiled by the state League of Municipalities, the wish list includes projects in about 130 towns from Sussex to Cape May counties, totaling more than $762 million. The applications range from the relatively meager - Victory Gardens, Morris County, asks for $114,000 to make road improvements - to the high-priced, such as the $106 million plea from Edison, Middlesex County, for a list of about 10 projects. In cash-strapped Bridgeton, officials have asked for about $9.05 million that would fund improvements to the city's 100-year-old water system and its Alden Field recreation area. According to Business Administrator Arch Liston, three of the four projects Bridgeton specified in its appeal are ready to be undertaken. All that's missing, he said, is the cash to make it happen. "We're ready to move on them," Liston said Monday. "We have water projects that we need to address, and we're addressing them already. This will help get things moving." When the League of Municipalities started asking its members to submit their requests last year, one suggestion the group made was that the projects should be ready to begin in about three months. For many towns and cities in New Jersey, however, that requirement may have been too tall an order. Buena Vista Township Mayor Chuck Chiarello, who also serves as an executive board member at the league, said he believed the 90-day condition might have prevented many of the state's 566 municipalities from putting in requests. But that does not necessarily preclude towns from getting a cut if and when Congress approves the stimulus package. Judging from the recent discussions in Washington, Chiarello said, it seems the money will be distributed over the next two years, giving municipalities enough time to get all their project details in order. "There are a lot of towns that could use a lot of help, and once this passes, I'm sure there'll be a waiting line," he said. "I think with other towns, the minute they get the sign that something is going to happen, I think you'll see a lot more action." In the League of Municipalities' list, not many of the 86 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties are included. Only 13 towns in those counties sent requests, with those in Atlantic County taking the lion's share. Galloway Township asked for $7.6 million for road and sewer projects. Chiarello's own municipality put in a request for $29.9 million for various projects, most of which would make improvements to the township's transportation systems and public buildings. In Cumberland County, only Bridgeton, Deerfield Township and Upper Deerfield Township asked for financial assistance. Chiarello said he thinks another reason for the low response is the widespread municipal reluctance to spend the money it would take to even make the wish list projects deployable. For example, conventional wisdom dictates that 10 percent to 15 percent of a project's cost must be earmarked for preliminary engineering work, Chiarello said. So for a $1 million road improvement, a town or city would have to spend about $150,000 to get the project ready. "I think (municipal officials) know how bad the economy is now," he said. "They don't want to necessarily spend money on work for professional services that they may not have themselves right now. They're even hoping some of the monies that become available will actually allow them to do the preliminary work." Most towns and cities, Chiarello said, probably will wait to see what Congress does before they scramble to get applications together. And the receipt of any stimulus money would then depend also on how officials in Trenton decide to disburse it. Although the League of Municipalities survey may not be the final word on which towns get federal money, Chiarello said the effort was designed to illustrate to Washington that there is a pressing collective need. "We initially did it to show our legislators and our governor that there was not only dire need, but also dire interest," he said. "You just hope that maybe, by responding early, you'd have a more favorable decision in your direction."
Egg Harbor City hopes grant step toward revitalizing downtown 1/25/08 An abandoned ACME and an adult book store welcome travelers on Route 30 to an area Egg Harbor City officials lovingly refer to as "Gateway West." A newly announced federal grant, secured through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, could soon help transform this into a vibrant residential community with 78 upscale-style homes. But the city's long-term goal for that potential funding extends beyond its western entrance and to its long-delayed redevelopment project, which does not qualify for the federal aid. "If we can develop Gateway West, it could attract additional interest to our downtown area," Mayor Joseph Kuehner said. Many of the nine area municipalities that qualify for the grant want to use their potential share of the state's $53 million allotment in similar ways. So with the Feb. 6 deadline rapidly approaching, they are rushing to get their wish lists to the state Department of Community Affairs, which will dole out the federal dollars. Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Commercial Township, Millville, Woodbine and Vineland also are eligible for the funding, which can be used to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that could become abandoned or a source of blight within the community. Buena Vista Township officials hope to get $250,000 to $300,000 so the township can renovate or rebuild as many as six vacant properties. The Newtonville section of the township, where the properties are located, has at least 26 homes in foreclosure. "It will make a small dent in the problem, but it will by no means fix it," Mayor Chuck Chiarello said. "What it will do, however, is help make affordable housing available and help toward our (Council on Affordable Housing) obligation." Each municipality can apply for as much as $5 million, with no one project costing more than $2.5 million, according to Gordon Dahl, executive director of the South Jersey Economic Development District. Dahl is helping a couple of municipalities through the application process. "People are gearing up for this all over," Dahl said. "Some challenges will be hard to meet. But others, like the one in Egg Harbor City, have a real chance." Buena Borough Mayor Joseph Baruffi said his municipality is targeting an abandoned building on Route 40 in the Landisville section of the borough. Baruffi said the building is falling apart and becoming a safety hazard. "Pieces of it are blowing into neighbors' yards," said Baruffi, adding previous plans for a bank to renovate the property fell through. "This will help us beautify the area, which helps the entire borough. It's just a piece of the pie." Vineland is partnering with several entities to apply for funding, including the Cumberland Empowerment Zone and Millville, Administrator Denise Monaco said. "We are looking at 12 resale properties and 12 rental housing units that are foreclosed in our downtown," Monaco said. The new homes in Egg Harbor City would be built to look chic, officials said, but under the terms of the grant, they must be sold to families whose incomes do not exceed 120 percent of the city's median income. "It's a step in the right direction for us," Kuehner said.
Pinelands panel OKs clustering development 1/20/09 From Press staff reports The Pinelands Commission has approved a measure requiring residential development in certain areas of the Pinelands to be clustered. Clustering allows for reduced minimum lot sizes in exchange for keeping areas open for preservation. The clustering rule will apply to forest and rural development areas as designated by the Pinelands Land Capability Map, according to a statement released Friday by the commission.
BUENA: Smoke detectors offered through "Operations Save a Life" 1/18/09 Channel 6 ABC and Kidde Corporation sponsor "Operation Save a Life" to promote fire safety and distribute smoke detectors to fire departments in the tri-state area to give to residents in need. Smoke detectors may be picked up in the fire prevention office at Buena Vista Township Hall, 890 Harding Highway. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Area politicians try to persuade Eagles to win 1/18/09 If the Eagles advance to the Super Bowl today, fans may have John Murphy to thank. The Dennis Township mayor has developed a detailed list of superstitions to help his team win: Forget about passer ratings and injuries. True fans know it's the little things off the field that can help a team win. Bought a new jersey and the team lost? Burn it. Didn't shave and they were victorious? Better get used to the mountain man look. For Murphy, it's about the food. The first half is all about pepperoni, cheese and crackers in their appropriate spots on the table. The Eagles helmet bowl is full of shrimp. Four cans of soda are lined up just right. Right before the second half, the mozzarella sticks and potato skins must be set out. It's entertaining for Murphy's good friend Jeff Van Drew. "I think he comes over just to watch me," Murphy said. "He tries to disrupt me, but it doesn't work." "When the game doesn't go right, it's my fault," Van Drew said. The health-conscious state senator is always asking for alternatives to the fatty foods Murphy offers. But that's not how the Eagles win. "Everything has got to be the same," Murphy insisted. That is, unless the Eagles lose. Then changes must be made. After the Dec. 28 loss to the Washington Redskins, the four sodas were changed from Coke to Pepsi. That's when the winning streak began. Sorry, Coke. For Atlantic City Councilman Marty Small, it's all about the wardrobe. He starts with boxers and basketball shorts in the color of the opposing team. He covers that with shorts in Eagles green. Then comes the gray velour sweat pants. A Donovan McNabb jersey completes the ensemble. Along with black sneakers or boots - depending on the weather. "I started it with the Dallas game," Small said. Seems to have worked, so he's not taking any chances. He has his Cardinals red ready for the first layer of today's uniform. Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello doesn't have any superstitions. "I think they've managed to come about on their own," he said of the Eagles. Although, he has one tradition: "I usually cringe in the early part of the season wondering how the Eagles are going to do. But I'm always rooting for them." Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles always has on his Eagles gear for the big game. And when the Birds aren't at home, the season ticketholder makes sure he's surrounded by friends. "It's just about watching together, rooting for the Eagles," he said. For some leaders it's difficult to have a tradition when you can't be sure where the job will take you on any given Sunday. Freeholder Alisa Cooper may miss a few games during the season because of political obligations, but as the playoffs near, she makes a point to clear off her calendar so she can watch the game with husband, Doug Little, and son, David. And maybe a few dozen other fans. "I think there's more excitement being in a restaurant or bar or something," she said. "You have everybody rooting around you. It adds to it." Pleasantville Mayor Jesse Tweedle is in Washington for Barack Obama's inauguration, but he'll be sure to find a place to watch his beloved Birds. "Preferably a sports bar," he said. That means he can't follow his one big tradition: Closing all the windows and doors. It appears his wife, Beryl, is a little more passionate than he is. "My wife's usually screaming so loud, people will think I'm killing her," he joked. "She is a total fanatic." So, if the Eagles lose today, McNabb or Andy Reid might not be to blame. Instead, fans might take a look at what they can do differently next year. And someone might want to offer Van Drew a place to watch. "He came over one time they lost, and I told him he couldn't come back again," Murphy said. "Then he came back and they won, so I let him keep coming." He might not be so forgiving again.
2010 won't be any better, Corzine tells state's mayors 1/15/09 TRENTON - Gov. Jon S. Corzine told several dozen mayors that he expects next year's budget cuts will be as bad or worse than those experienced this year. But he touted a plan to allow municipalities to defer some pension obligations as "the only thing overall in this operating budget context that I think I can work in a cooperative way with those that request," Corzine said. "I'm not telling folks you have to take this - this is optional." Legislative Republicans have pledged uniform opposition to the plan, while enough Democrats oppose the measure that it failed to get a Senate vote in December. Greeting the dozens of mayors as fellow "executives and keepers of the purse," Corzine, speaking at the state League of Municipalities' annual Legislative Day in Trenton, gave a briefer, grimmer version of the State of the State speech he delivered earlier this week. Reacting to critics who said that there were few new initiatives in his Tuesday speech to the joint legislative session, Corzine asked, "Exactly how are you going to fund new initiatives when your budget is going from 33 and a half billion dollars down to, lets say 29, 29 and a half billion dollars over a 24-month period?" Beyond core interests of public safety and educating children, Corzine said, "We need to be realistic about what we could do." He warned of budget cuts, but declined to estimate their severity, saying that it would be too speculative considering the unknown state revenue figures or the uncertainty of the size of any federal stimulus package. Corzine is scheduled to deliver the state budget March 10. After mentioning the pension-deferral plan, he said, "I will be very hard-pressed about sustaining municipal aid at the levels we have. I'm going to be very hard-pressed to sustain educational aid at the levels we have. Hospital aid. Higher education. There are only so many things in the budget that you can adjust." Several mayors said they were uneasy about the pension-deferral plan, which eventually has to be repaid with 8.5 percent interest, a rate that Corzine said actuaries use to keep up with pension demand growth. Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello, who attended, said it would be a hard sell to local officials. They would see it essentially as a loan, albeit one at twice or greater the interest rates they are used to paying. Officials questioned Corzine about affordable housing regulations, complaining that they would burden towns with expanded infrastructure needs. Corzine has called for suspending a 2.5 percent affordable-housing fee on commercial development this year, while keeping current regulations in place. Asked about the possibility of replacing property taxes with income tax, Corzine said the concept was a great idea, but too many questions about implementation and distribution keep it from happening. Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Joseph Doria, who followed Corzine, received a chilly reception after defending affordable-housing regulations. He told one official who complained about the expanded need for schools that it is going to take place, "Times change and you have to change with the times."
All Aboard! Model-train enthusiasts display creativity 1/8/09 If you are one of many people for whom trains - large and small - hold a nostalgic fascination, now is a great time to check out the tremendous display lovingly built by the Patcong Valley Model Railroad Society. Inside the society's headquarters in the Richland Village section of Buena Vista Township, you'll find HO-scale electric trains going in both directions, through tunnels, over bridges and hills, along 1,000 feet of track. Tiny freight and passenger trains - and we mean tiny, at 1/87th actual size - chug or whiz past waterfalls, meticulously weathered buildings and artistically handpainted backdrops. Of course, there are whistles and other sounds, including mooing cattle in the cattle cars. A circus train carries animals. These are the days members of the society live for - when they show off handiwork they've been working on for the past year. By the time the upcoming weekend's open house draws to a close, thousands of curious railroad fans young and old will have admired the huge model replicating a 1950s era mountainous and coal-mining terrain of western Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey and New York. The society's roughly 30 members add to and fine-tune the giant display on Thursday nights and Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year, says Joe Natale, longtime member who lives in Hammonton. "The railroad is bigger with a lot more stuff," says Natale, whose late father, also named Joe, was an early member of the society, which dates from the 1960s. "It took us four years to get to where we are today." That's when the society moved to a former feed store from its longtime home in Egg Harbor Township. With donations and dues money, the society refurbished the town-owned building to resemble an old freight railway station, then set to work on the awe-inspiring display inside. "We moved in 2005 and started building the railroad," says Natale, who works as a chemical engineer in his day job. He says society members range from age 35 to 88 and have all different kinds of jobs, including doctors and truck drivers. They are united by their love of the hobby. Of course, even though the society has all its trains running now, part of the beauty of model railroading is that the fun is never done. "We're still expanding," Natale says. Don't despair if you can't make it to Patcong Valley Railroad Society's final open house of the season. Member Joe Natale says the society's doors are open for the curious to stop by while members work on the display Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Patcong Valley WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10 and 11 WHERE: Milepost 38.5 Route 40, Richland Village section of Buena Vista Township HOW MUCH: Free; donations accepted. MORE INFO:
Looking ahead to 2009: Power and solar power plans, theater reopening on tap 1/1/09 The township will be doing the a property revaluation this year, there will be an energy use audit scheduled and other projects including repaving as many as 19 roads, and switching to a new 9-1-1 dispatching service. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
RICHLAND: Model railroaders hold open house this weekend 1/2/09 The Patcong Valley Society of Model railroaders will have their annual open house from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday and on January 10 and 11 in Richland. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
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Address: Buena Vista Township
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