The township has laid out priorities for the new year that include maintaining good communication and transparency with residents, as well as making Mantua a safe and affordable place.
As the township enters 2026, it expects the opening of Wolf Fitness in the Timberline Shopping Center, a Tractor Supply and Dream Big child-care center on Bridgeton Pike, Driscoll Foods on Columbia Drive, New Age Powder Coating & Vehicle Wraps on Main Street and the potential start of construction for a Super Wawa at 455 Bridgeton Pike.
Intersection improvements will also be made to the pike and Mount Royal Road with a $2.8 million grant from NJDOT.
“As we forge ahead as a county-wide leader in the preservation of farmland and open space,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman, “these new commercial projects will bring balance and much needed ratables to help offset taxpayer dollars.”
The township will also reevaluate and reinitiate the bidding process for its only available retail alcohol consumption license. Two unsuccessful attempts were made last year, despite public demand for another restaurant that can servie liquor.
A challenge facing the township in the new year is an increase in the cost of health insurance for its employees.
“In 2026, we will be faced with greater challenges as we anticipate a 21.6% increase in health insurance premiums, compounded by soaring utility costs and other abnormally high cost of living increases, etc,” Zimmerman explained. “As an example, our health insurance renewal costs alone will increase close to $1 million over a three-year period from 2024 through 2026.”
“With that adversity being said,” he added, “we will always maintain strong fiscal discipline and will continue to tighten the belt on spending in an effort to prioritize affordability for our residents.”
