Township Weekly Briefing for Sept. 18, 2009

Township joins “Live Where You Work” program
In an effort to reduce single-passenger vehicles traveling in and out of town, increase opportunities for alternative transportation, and strengthen local communities, Cherry Hill is participating in the state Department of Community Affairs’ new “Live Where You Work” (LWYW) program. At a press conference held Tuesday, Sept. 15, I joined officials from the DCA and its Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, which oversees the program, Sen. Jim Beach, and several of our community’s top employers on the steps of Town Hall to announce the initiative. See CBS-3 coverage of the press conference here: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=4226712&cl=1557 8504&src=news

LWYW is a home incentive program that provides low-interest mortgage loans and other enticements to potential homebuyers looking to purchase residences in the municipalities where they are employed, such as Cherry Hill. The goal of LWYW is to build stronger communities by promoting homeownership and encouraging people to live closer to their jobs. Locally, taking part in this program will increase opportunities for alternative transportation, such as walking, biking, carpooling and public transit, and lessen the amount of travelers driving in and out of town to work each day. Getting single-passenger cars off the road eases our issues with traffic congestion and air pollution – in fact, the overall concept of  ‘Live Where You Work’ perfectly dovetails with our ongoing mission to make Cherry Hill a sustainable community. For more information on the program, call my office at (856) 488-7878.

Public Works crews begin annual fall road-maintenance program
This Monday, Sept. 21, the Township’s annual Capital Improvement road-maintenance program will commence. Approximately $1.3 million has been allocated this year toward repair and resurfacing initiatives on 18 community roads throughout the municipality. Areas of roadwork will be easily identified by large posted signs and neighborhood notices, but should not result in traffic delays or inconvenience.

The nearly 20 roadways targeted this year will undergo resurfacing and concrete work as necessary, including the installation of handicap-access points where needed. The attention given yearly to portions of our 260 miles of local streets underscores our continued commitment to maintaining the special quality of life we enjoy here in Cherry Hill. If you have questions about the 2009 Capital Improvement Plan, contact Kevin McCormack in our engineering department at (856) 424-3203.

Cherry Hill set to replace SUV service vehicles with hybrids
The Township’s Department of Public Works is replacing three aging sport utility vehicles with 2010 Ford Escape compact hybrids. This move – part of our ongoing Green Action Plan – was pushed forward with a significant rebate toward the purchases from the state Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Program (CEP). At the Sept. 14 Township Council meeting, we passed a resolution awarding a state contract for buying the three hybrids, with CEP subsidizing $12,000 of the total cost. The vehicles themselves will save the Township anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 (depending on the price of gas) in fuel expenses over their lifetimes.

The utility trucks being switched out of our fleet emit an average of nearly 38 tons of greenhouse gases a year, while only getting 14 miles to the gallon. The Ford Escape hybrid replacements, on the other hand, each emit approximately 5.7 tons of carbon emissions annually, and net about 32 miles per gallon. Since passing the Green Action Plan in March 2008, we have been actively seeking out cost-effective opportunities to replace our fleet of four-wheel-drive and other service vehicles with hybrid models to achieve markedly better fuel efficiency as well as lower our carbon footprint. We’ll continue to take advantage of state rebate programs that get us closer to our goal.

SCH to host seminar on ‘the ABCs’ of home energy audits
Cherry Hill residents can learn how to save up 30 percent on energy costs, while increasing the comfort, safety and durability of their homes at an upcoming free seminar hosted by Sustainable Cherry Hill (SCH). The event, held in cooperation with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’s Clean Energy Program, will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 7-9 p.m. at the Cherry Hill Public Library, 1100 Kings Highway North.

This timely informational seminar will include a panel of experts explaining the how-to of home audits, with a focus on rebate programs at the state and federal levels, as well as on the potential for savings through enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. The panel discussion will be followed by an audience-driven Q&A. If you’re unsure of how to commence lowering your household’s carbon footprint – and dropping your utility bills significantly in the process – this seminar should not be missed. For event registration and more information, see the Sustainable Cherry Hill blog, email SCH Executive Director Lori Braunstein at Lori.Braunstein@Sustainab leCherryHill.org.

Free flu shots offered to seniors at upcoming county Health Fair
Cherry Hill Township will offer special bus service for seniors to and from the Camden County Senior Citizens Health Awareness Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jack Curtis Stadium at Cooper River Park. This popular, fun-filled festival will kick off the county’s seasonal Flu Shot Program, in addition to offering a workshop on living wills, blood-pressure, vision screenings, and chair massages, among other free heath-related activities. This day of community entertainment targeting area seniors will also feature live entertainment, bingo, raffles, prizes and more.

For questions regarding Cherry Hill Senior Bus pickup and drop-off times, call the Township Clerk’s Office at (856) 488-7892.

September deemed Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Cherry Hill
Township Council and I spotlighted nonprofit organizations working to help women with ovarian cancer at our Sept. 14 Council meeting, where September was deemed Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Cherry Hill. A survivor of the disease, Loretta Schatz, and her husband, Ray, were in attendance to receive a mayoral proclamation on behalf of the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, as was resident Joe Minitti, who founded and directs the Cancer Foundation for Personal Appearance, which provides free wigs, skin-care and makeup to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. If you know of a person, organization or cause that deserves to be spotlighted at an upcoming Council meeting, please let us know by calling my office at (856) 488-7878.