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Absecon mayor outlines public-safety, parks and business priorities and creates task force on homelessness
Summary
Mayor Thomas Maron delivered his first State of the City on Jan. 2, prioritizing public safety, parks improvements and economic development, and announced a mayoral task force on homelessness to coordinate services for residents.
Mayor Thomas Maron delivered his first State of the City address at the Jan. 2 reorganization meeting, prioritizing public safety, infrastructure improvements and economic development while announcing a mayoral task force on homelessness.
"Public safety will continue to be my priority in 2025," Maron said, pointing to a recently negotiated police contract and the council's efforts to increase ranks in the department. "That is why I'm announcing tonight the mayoral task force on homelessness," he added, saying the group will "bring together the best minds to help those who find themselves homeless in Absecon" and focus on connecting people to social services.
Maron highlighted completed and planned public-works and parks projects, including the Crestview Avenue connection to local parks, a new playset at Heritage Park, resurfaced tennis courts and added pickleball courts. He also pointed to a rising business climate: White Horse Liquors made a significant investment in 2024, a local brewery is expected to open on New Jersey Avenue in 2025, and plans for a new Wawa-style convenience/gas station were mentioned.
Council members responded with brief remarks and committee assignments. Councilwoman Christine Parker, newly named chair of Public Safety, praised the approval of six new police officers: "I am proud to watch them in their new positions," she said. Alexander Clark was named returning chair of Finance and said the committee will incorporate economic-development duties to better assist local businesses. Councilman Light, chair of Public Works, emphasized incremental improvements to operations; Linda Evans, chair of Community Affairs, said she will work to be the "voice of the people."
Maron closed by urging residents to engage in the city's work and said the administration will seek state and county support for projects and grants. No specific dates were provided for the homelessness task force's first meeting in the meeting transcript.
The mayor's address came after the council completed its ceremonial and procedural business, including swearing-in of officials and approving appointments and contracts.
