Township Weekly Briefing for Oct. 2, 2009

Roadwork on Windsor Circle begins Oct. 14, with more to come
A resurfacing and infrastructure upgrade project on Windsor Circle is set to begin in mid-October. Funded by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, it will result in the roadway being resurfaced, in addition to sewer-line upgrades where needed and replacement of curbing, sidewalks and aprons where necessary. During the period of construction, residents and motorists may experience some inconveniences, but our work crews will make every possible effort to minimize them. This project is part of the Township’s 2009 Road Maintenance Program, along with similar work planned for Rhode Island and Massachusetts avenues – also slated to be resurfaced this fall. Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining to these improvements, please contact Kevin McCormack in the Dept. of Engineering at (856) 424-3203.

2009 Road Maintenance Program targets 17 municipal streets
In addition to several major resurfacing projects, a number of streets targeted through this year’s road program are receiving milling and paving treatments only, including Chestnut Street, Queens Drive and Ann Drive, which are scheduled for work the week of Oct. 12. In total, 17 streets are receiving treatment this year. These projects are examples of my administration prudently investing in our town’s infrastructure despite these challenging economic times. Such investments preserve our quality of life, support public safety, and make Cherry Hill a great place to live, work and thrive. For questions regarding the Maintenance Program, contact the Dept. of Engineering at (856) 424-3203.

Cherry Hill promotes carpooling incentive program
In an effort to encourage Cherry Hill commuters to share rides, Township Council adopted a resolution in support of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s “Carpooling Makes Sense” incentive program at their meeting on Sept. 29. Aimed at both new and established carpools, it offers gas cards worth $100 for two-person ride shares, $150 for three people in the same vehicle, and $200 for a car of four. The registration process is simple: ride sharers fill out a form detailing their commute and listing those with whom they share a ride. Once approved, the carpool receives a cash-filled card to help them with gas expenses. This makes sense for your wallet and our environment. Go to www.DRiveless.com for more information or to register your carpool. You can also pick up applications in my office at Town Hall.

Public Works vehicles now powered by biodiesel
Township service vehicles are now running on cleaner, greener bio-diesel fuel. This summer, Cherry Hill entered into the state’s Biodiesel Fuel Rebate Program, which covers the cost differential between petroleum diesel and the more-expensive biodiesel alternative. This move is inline with our Green Action Plan, reducing the emission levels and toxicity of diesel exhaust from our 40-vehicle fleet, while substantially lowering the output of hydrocarbons, sulfate and particulate matter, among other hazardous air pollutants. If you have additional questions about this program, call my office at (856) 488-7878.

'Living History Day’ at Barclay Farmstead takes place Sunday
Travel back in time from noon to 4 p.m. on this Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Barclay Farmstead (209 Barclay Lane) for the Township’s 13th annual “Living History Day.” History comes to life through period games, costumed characters, demonstrations of early American crafts and trades, hands-on family activities, tours of the historic farmhouse and 32-acre property, and much more. This event is free, sponsored the Friends of Barclay Farmstead. For more information, please contact the Barclay Farmstead at (856) 795-6225, email: info@BarclayFarmstead.org, or visit www.BarclayFarmstead.org.

Community Police Unit launches ‘Lock It or Lose It’ campaign
Cherry Hill Police officers are some of the finest law-enforcement offers in the country, but often maintaining public safety and security requires collaboration with residents. Since the start of the year, there have been more than 300 reported incidents of items stolen from unlocked and locked vehicles. In a program aimed at reducing that figure, the department’s Community Policing Unit has started a public awareness campaign called “Lock It or Lose It.”

The message is clear: Everyone is strongly advised to lock their cars and remove any valuables each time they exit their vehicle – even if parked in the household driveway, and most certainly when in public parking lots. You’re belongings – and potentially your car – could be gone in seconds if the proper precautions aren’t taken. To Report any suspicious activity please call Police Dispatch at (856) 665-1200 or Dial 911.

Cherry Hill Township fan page debuts on Facebook
Cherry Hill made its social-networking debut this week, joining the Web site Facebook (www.Facebook.com). This adds yet another means of informative public outreach to our roster, which already includes a main Web site, weekly emails of news briefings, newspaper columns, a quarterly newsletter, and regular Twitter updates. For anyone who is already a member of Facebook, simply search “Cherry Hill Township” on the site; or, visit our main Web site – www.CherryhIll-NJ.com – and click the logo link next to the Twitter button. We will do our best to update the page with pictures, news and announcements, and we look forward to connecting with residents in a fresh new way.