I’d like to wish everyone a happy New Year and Black History Month here in Moorestown.
As we begin this new year, I’ll be using this column regularly to share township updates, including future discussions on affordable housing, road repaving, infrastructure upgrades and more.
At our council reorganization meeting on Jan. 6, we welcomed council members Sue Mammarella, Chris Keating and James Barry for a new four-year term. Sue was appointed deputy mayor, and I was honored to be appointed as mayor. I look forward to working alongside them and Councilwoman Nicole Gillespie to continue making tangible progress for Moorestown.
State Sen. Troy Singleton was there to swear us in, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker joined via video to deliver a message on the importance of service. As we move forward in 2025, I am excited to work with this council team to continue investing in infrastructure, historic preservation and traffic safety across our community.
Over the past few months, my council colleagues and I have heard from dozens of residents concerned with plans for the School District’s 2025 bond referendum. As mayor and a Moorestown High School alumnus, I felt it was important to write this column to address these concerns and communicate what the township has done thus far.
A bond referendum allows a school district to borrow funds through the sale of bonds in order to make long-term improvements. These funds are crucial because they unlock state aid, reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers. Investing in our public schools keeps Moorestown an attractive place for families. In fact, 65% of every tax dollar the township collects goes to supporting the school district.
While the town council has no authority over the school district’s decisions, we as residents believe we should all strive to ensure our children have the resources and environment they need to succeed.
I’ve spoken to and received emails from multiple residents who expressed concerns with the school district’s plans to move its bus depot – including bus parking, fuel storage and a maintenance facility – from Moorestown High School to the Upper Elementary School as part of its 2025 referendum. A petition is also circulating, signed by residents who raise concerns about traffic, noise and environmental impact.
My council colleagues and I see this as a significant issue that requires careful consideration, open communication and a willingness to listen to all perspectives. We believe it’s best for all residents if the township works together with the school board to find a solution, but any resolution must be reached in a way that is open, transparent and mindful of the concerns of all residents.
So here are the facts: The council directed our township staff to meet with the school district’s new superintendent and business administrator to discuss other options for a bus depot. While the township owns several undeveloped properties, many were acquired as dedicated open space with financial contributions from the state Green Acres program, which prohibits their use for a bus depot. This significantly limits our available options.
After an extensive review, the only viable township-owned site would be a portion of the Department of Public Works (DPW) property at 601 E. Third St. However, the council must weigh multiple factors, along with resident input, in order to determine whether or not this is actually a viable solution. Developing this space would require substantial investment, including clearing vegetation, improving stormwater management and ensuring it does not interfere with DPW operations.
While the township is open to discussions with the school district, the cost of making this space viable for a bus depot would be significant. No single township-owned property can accommodate the parking, fueling, maintenance and storage needs of a full-service bus depot. The township has also forwarded potential commercial properties for consideration and remains open to exploring other options. However, the final decision on the depot’s location ultimately rests with the school district.
At the same time, we recognize that any decision must be made in the best interest of our entire community. The council has not made any commitments at this time, but will continue to engage in discussions with the school district, residents and other stakeholders. I want to be clear that the council is not looking to shift the impact from one group of residents to another. We are approaching this issue with a spirit of cooperation, creativity and a commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard.
We will continue to provide updates as discussions progress. Your engagement is crucial, and I appreciate your commitment to making Moorestown the best it can be for all of our students.
