The Gloucester Township Council met on Monday, Nov. 10, conducting a full agenda that included redevelopment discussions, the adoption of an annual audit, and public questions on land use, environmental preservation, and transparency.
Council members approved several bid reports, including the broker of record for health benefits, online tax sale hosting services, and the 2025–’26 snow removal program.
The bulk of the meeting focused on redevelopment-related legislation.
All measures passed unanimously.
The township’s 2024 financial audit was pulled for an independent vote.
Council President Frank Matacotta praised CFO Diane Ehrich and Business Administrator Nick Caris for a clean audit with no findings, thanking staff for continued fiscal stewardship.
During the second public comment portion, resident Brian Burns of Gloucester Township addressed the council with several detailed inquiries related to redevelopment, land use, and open space planning in the township.
Burns questioned why the township was willing to pursue a redevelopment designation for a property located behind Target while declining to support a similar redevelopment zone for the ecologically sensitive land along Hickstown Road.
Burns also sought clarification on the organizational relationship between the Redevelopment Entity, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board.
He continued by revisiting the status of the Freeway Golf Course property. In addition, Burns asked council to identify what properties, if any, are currently under consideration for future open space preservation within the township. He also pointed out the Little Mill Tract is not yet listed on the township’s ROSI (Recreation and Open Space Inventory).
Council thanked Burns for his comments and noted that responses would follow where appropriate.
The Gloucester Township Council advanced several redevelopment actions and heard from residents on issues ranging from traffic safety to water quality.
Council adopted Ordinance 0-25-21, which amends the New Vision Redevelopment Area Plan as part of a settlement agreement with 1000 Williamstown NJ LLC. The ordinance pertains to several parcels within the redevelopment area.
Council also approved Ordinance 0-25-20 on first reading, which updates the Blackwood West Redevelopment Plan to allow personal service uses specifically a medical spa, at 100 North Black Horse Pike. In addition, Ordinance 0-25-22, also tied to the ongoing settlement with 1000 Williamstown NJ LLC, was introduced to incorporate Block 18302 Lot 5 into the New Vision Redevelopment Plan. Officials noted that the amendment is intended to enhance continuity of planning across the redevelopment area.
During the second public comment portion, resident Danny Paris addressed the council with concerns about roadway safety near the Wine Warehouse and the fire station. Paris described a recent car accident at the site, explaining visibility is severely obstructed by a large wall and two dumpsters, forcing drivers to inch forward into traffic to see oncoming vehicles.
She urged the council to work with public safety officials to install additional stop signs or reconfigure the traffic pattern before further accidents occur, especially once nearby construction concludes.
Paris also raised longstanding concerns about water quality, specifically PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)Â and other contaminants reported in water supplied by New Jersey American Water.
Council members and township professionals responded to several resident questions raised during the evening. Council President Orlando Mercado asked Solicitor David Burns to clarify the township’s redevelopment procedures for residents who had questioned why certain parcels can be studied for redevelopment while others are not.
Burns explained that, under New Jersey law, the governing body may designate itself as the redevelopment entity, and Gloucester Township has traditionally done so in order to maintain direct oversight of redevelopment matters. The redevelopment entity may then direct the planning board to conduct requisite studies to determine whether an area qualifies under state criteria.
In response to Paris’s traffic concerns, Police Chief Steve Manazi thanked her for reporting the hazard and said the Traffic Safety Bureau would review the site.
He noted that the area appears to be private property, which may limit the township’s authority, but assured her that police would examine the location and offer recommendations. Several council members acknowledged that the roadway configuration is confusing and agreed the situation warrants attention.
Regarding the water-quality concerns, Mercado said Paris’s remarks would be forwarded to the mayor for review.
The meeting concluded with council members offering updates and acknowledgments. Officials congratulated recently elected representatives, welcomed Chief Manazi to his first official council meeting in his new role, and highlighted upcoming community events.
They also expressed appreciation for the work of local emergency responders, extended prayers for residents and first responders affected by a recent major apartment fire. They reminded the public to honor veterans throughout the month.
