By now, most have learned about the recent drone sightings in our area. Sightings were reported to our police department on Dec. 8. I sent the following letter to our 3rd District legislators:
Dear Sen. Burzichelli, Assemblywoman Simmons and Assemblyman Bailey:
“I am writing to you regarding the recent drone sightings throughout New Jersey, and more specifically the recent sightings in Mantua Township. Last night, the Mantua Township Police Department received four to five calls from concerned residents who said they observed large drones flying and or hovering over our community.
“This morning, I conversed with our police department administration, which verified the sightings. Our police have no knowledge, nor have they been able to obtain any intelligence regarding the nature of the drone activity or purpose. It’s also been reported to our police agency that the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has no knowledge pertaining to specifics of the drone activity.
“I am respectfully requesting that your office task the governor’s office and or applicable state officials with providing answers to these safety concerns, and or with assisting our local enforcement to ensure that our community’s safety is prioritized. Thank you in advance for your assistance.”
On Dec. 10, I spoke at length with Sen. Burzichelli. He is advocating to get answers for us at the state level, but to date, he has nothing relevant to report as there is no explicable information available at this time.
Mantua and the Knights of Columbus of Incarnation Roman Catholic Church partnered for their annual senior citizen holiday breakfast again this year. The Dec. 11 breakfast was the 10th hosted by the Knights with cooperation from the township. There were about 100 senior residents in attendance who enjoyed a delicious breakfast that was prepared by the Knights at the Incarnation hall right here in Mantua.
The township committee and I are thrilled to be a part of this annual senior breakfast. It’s always great to see all our senior friends during the holiday season and to bring them together for great food and conversations. We are truly blessed that our local Knight’s of Columbus are always looking out for the welfare of the community and our senior friends.
Our public works department is continuing the leaf removal process. Our team will be working regularly, and if need be on Saturdays, in order to pick up leaves in a timely fashion. We will be continuing removal services through December, weather permitting. Please make sure that leaves are placed curbside and are not placed in plastic bags.
During the month of November, the police department handled 2,549 calls for service, made 61 arrests, issued 140 motor-vehicle summonses, handled 136 investigation reports and investigated 46 motor-vehicle crashes.
Upcoming township meetings and events:
- Thursday, Dec. 26 is a holiday, and municipal offices will be closed. However, trash and recycling will be picked up as normally scheduled.
- Saturday, Dec. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is the next convenience dropoff at public works.
On behalf of the entire township committee, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
