During my time as mayor, my council colleagues and I have focused intently on ensuring taxpayer dollars provide tangible benefits for residents. In this month’s column, I want to highlight some of the progress we’re making throughout the town.
Lenola Streetscape upgrades
We’ve continued to push improvements at the Lenola Town Center. We are working with contractors to develop a maintenance plan for Camden Avenue, which includes cleaning islands, replacing dead trees from the original installation and fixing streetlights that have been struck by trucks.
You may have noticed that last year, holiday banners were put up throughout the business district. Those streetlights are now raised and electrified, so this winter, families in Lenola will be able to stroll under holiday lights for the very first time. This is a small but powerful way to bring holiday joy to the neighborhood.
We’re also taking steps to encourage new business development. Council voted to launch a redevelopment study of the long-vacant gas station and shopping center. This designation gives us the tools to move forward with the demolition of the station, attract new businesses through tax abatements and bring much-needed amenities to the neighborhood.
Liquor licenses on Main Street and Camden Avenue
Council is also considering an ordinance that would make some changes to Moorestown’s liquor license zoning. The proposal would allow alcohol sales in certain restaurants and grocery stores on Main Street and in the Lenola Town Center, while keeping restrictions on bars and liquor stores. Restaurants would need to be food-first establishments and retailers would be limited in number and scope.
Our goal is to spur responsible economic development, support local dining and help attract an upscale grocer that can offer wine and beer alongside everyday goods. The ordinance is moving forward for a vote, and I believe this has the potential to make our commercial districts stand out as stronger destinations for both residents and visitors.
Main Street water main replacement
We’re making major progress on long-delayed infrastructure work. Phase 1 of replacing the 120-year-old water main under Main Street is nearly complete, and design work for Phase 2 along Chester Avenue is underway. Through our “Moore News: Main Street Edition” newsletter, residents and businesses have received regular updates, detour maps and construction timelines.
Once the replacement is complete, we’ll repave Main Street from curb to curb. I’m grateful to township staff for their hard work in keeping residents informed about a project that will enhance the quality of life for years to come.
New housing
Councilman Chris Keating, liaison to the reestablished Affordable Housing Committee, has led the way in finalizing our Round 4 housing plan after the state issued new mandates last year. That plan has been submitted to the Fair Share Housing Center.
Meanwhile, construction from Round 3 is underway at several sites: the mixed-rate developments at the Moorestown Mall, Sbar Boulevard off Lenola Road, Borton Landing Road and a 55-plus community on Centerton Road. The new Harper Drive apartments are now complete, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled this September. Thanks to federal tax credits, that project required less township subsidy, a real win for Moorestown.
We’ve also connected the school district with the Harper Drive developer so it can properly prepare for any students from the new development. The Round 3 Housing plan was finalized in 2018 by a bipartisan council. While other municipalities have ignored their obligations and lost control, we are committed to fulfilling our Round 3 and 4 obligations to ensure Moorestown keeps control of its housing plan.
Annual street-paving program
Every year, residents ask when their street will be paved. The good news is our 2025 overlay program is now underway, delivering paving, drainage, pipelining and patch repairs across town. This year’s work includes East Oak Avenue, East Central Avenue, Robin Road, Fernwood Road, Toll House Lane, Iron Post Road, Winterberry Road, Laurence Drive, Mill Street and West Walnut Street. These annual investments keep our neighborhoods safe, drivable and well-maintained.
Hockey rinks at Wesley Bishop Park
I’m also proud to share that the Burlington County Commissioners recently approved $125,000 in funding to upgrade the park’s hockey rinks. Thank you to the commissioners, the Moorestown Youth Street Hockey Association and township staff for securing the grant.
For the hundreds of kids and families who spend weekends at the hockey rinks, these upgrades will mean safer play, better lighting and a facility our community can be proud of.
Planning for the future
Looking ahead, council has directed each department to submit a short- and long-term list of capital needs. These include everything from equipment to major infrastructure. Working with township staff, we’re reorganizing our capital project plan to help us prioritize projects, budget responsibly and ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely.
From infrastructure to economic development, we are seeing these projects move forward with real results. I’m grateful to our residents, township staff and professionals who are helping us make progress every day.
