Officials focus on telecommunications plan

The borough board of commissioners met on Aug. 11 to discuss several items concerning the new telecommunications plan.

Administrator Sharon McCullough gave the board a briefing on recommendations from the most recent planning board meeting, where a consultant from CityScape who helped draft the telecommunications ordinance answered questions.

The ordinance is tailored to the borough’s infrastructure and allows for flexibility around height standards, meaning applicants must justify the proposed height of their projects based on the specific terrain of proposed building sites. Some of the borough’s wireless infrastructure has been set up on the New Jersey American Water (NJAW) tower, though the company plans to take it down in the near future.

To make up for any disruptions to wireless service in the area, the borough has proposed installation of a temporary wireless tower at the Department of Public Works’ headquarters. But the long-term plan is to replace the wireless infrastructure on the tower by going to bid for a small-cell network that will be permanent. Once the permanent structure is in place, the temporary one will be removed. 

Commissioners emphasized the importance of keeping up with wireless and cell service in the area, not only for convenience but also safety. In the event someone witnesses a crime or experiences any kind of accident, for example, reliable cell service is a must. 

Another major issue addressed at the meeting was homeless individuals inside the post office building after closing. The commissioners suggested – and are exploring – enforcement, as well as partnerships with area organizations who support the homeless.

“I’ve spoken to the state Homelessness Prevention Team, the county Homelessness Prevention Team,” said Commissioner Itir Cole. “I’ve spoken to several nonprofits that have expertise in this topic, and every single one of them (said their) advice is to not punish people with jail, because it exacerbates the problem.”

A new communication plan for how information reaches the public was also discussed at the meeting, since not all information the community needs is efficiently shared via Facebook or the Haddonfield app. Mayor Dave Siedell said he believes that burglaries, road closures and traffic advisories could be better communicated with the public by other means.

To increase youth civic engagement, commissoners broached the idea of adding student representatives without statutory authority to boards and commissions.

“I think it’s something that we should all be encouraging,” the mayor noted, “but I think we should actually make it something that we’re open to.”