Mayor’s Column

MAYOR’S COLUMN

This year, South Jersey Magazine once again named Voorhees as one of the “Top Towns” in which to live. The Township Committee recognizes this and works to make sure we improve our services and infrastructure to continue to be ranked as a desirable location to call home.

The Township Committee has allocated funds for our multi-year road repaving program with 15 roads schedule to be repaved starting later this month and our Public Works Department continues to keep our streets regularly swept.

We continue to strive to make our township more walkable and bikeable, we added sidewalk along Somerdale Road and Old Egg Harbor and bike lanes. We added to Gibbsboro Kirkwood Road and Old Egg Harbor Road. Our Police Department is one of the most progressive in the state, having instituted our Safe Exchange Zone, Medicine Drop Box, Home Camera Registration Program, body cameras on all officers, online home property checks, anonymous tip line and more.

In addition, we have upgraded our neighborhood parks over the past several years. This year is no exception. With the assistance of several Camden County Recreational grants, we improved and expanded the playgrounds at Lions Lake Park, Maiaroto Soccer Complex, Sandpiper Park and Lake Villa Park.

At Kirkwood Park, we repaved and upgraded the parking lot including the handicapped parking area. Villa Playground had a new tot lot designed for children ages 2 to 5 installed. In addition, the swing set was replaced and fresh mulch was added. Lighting was added to Maiaroto Soccer field seven. Swings were replaced at Sandpiper Playground, including the addition of the new parent-child swings which has a child seat facing a parent seat for both to swing together. At Lions Lake Park, a new 400 square foot covered picnic pavilion has been installed, allowing for protection from the elements.

The Township Committee will continue to maintain and improve our municipal facilities utilizing grant funds whenever possible.

** The third show in our Summer Concert Series will be Thursday, Aug. 16 as we welcome the Asbury Fever Band, recreating the popular Jersey shore sound of the 70’s and 80’s. The band includes a three-piece horn section and covers such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, Bon Jovi and Little Steven. The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park. The “Beer Garden” and food trucks will open at 6:30 p.m.

**The Voorhees Township Cultural & Diversity Foundation is co-sponsoring a dance competition, Prime Time Breaks III. The event is open to all ages and will be held at noon on Sunday, Aug.16 at the Voorhees Town Center. The event is free and there will be cash prizes and trophies awarded. For more information contact Gwen at 856-751-1364 or Stephanie at 609-841-2727.

**The Camden County Care Management Organization in partnership with Republic Bank in hosting a one-hour financial literacy workshop Tuesday Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. at Two Echelon Plaza 221 Laurel Road in the first-floor training room. This program is free to anyone ages 14 and older.

** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. For more information about tickets visit www.voorheesnj.com.