Residents ask Egg Harbor Township to rename nature reserve for community volunteer John L. Carmen

Dozens of residents at the March 29 meeting urged the Egg Harbor Township Committee to rename the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve for John L. Carmen, Sr., and John L. Carmen Jr., citing long records of volunteer service, veterans advocacy and local civic leadership.

At the start of the public-comment period, Sue Carmen, who identified herself at the meeting as living at 91 Zine Road, formally requested the township rename the nature reserve “the John L. Carmen Nature Reserve” in memory of her father and brother. Carmen read a list of public-service roles held by John L. Carmen Sr. and John L. Carmen Jr., including committee and board service, founding the district ambulance squad, planning-board and zoning-board service, and veterans work. She said the family supports the request and that several organizations and residents are in favor.

Multiple township committee members and members of the public spoke in support. Committee members described Mr. Carmen as a longtime public servant who “knew this township better than any person on that board” and promised the committee would discuss next steps and involve the requester in those conversations.

Why it matters: Renaming a municipal property is a public-policy decision that typically requires formal consideration by the committee. Committee members acknowledged the public support and said they will discuss procedural steps with the requester.