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Residents petition after Maple Shade mayor urges correction of ‘misinformation’ about housing ordinance
Summary
Mayor Tallerico read a point-by-point rebuttal to circulating claims about a recently adopted housing ordinance as residents pressured council with a repeal petition and public comments raising procedural and equity concerns, especially for elderly homeowners.
Mayor Tallerico opened the Dec. 11 Maple Shade Township Council meeting with a direct statement aimed at correcting what he described as misinformation about a newly adopted housing ordinance. "Fact one, no one is losing their home. Fact two, there are no yearly inspections. Fact three, there are no surprise or forced inspections," he told residents, adding the ordinance was intended "for safety and fairness."
The mayor’s remarks preceded a lengthy public-comment period in which multiple residents called for greater transparency and, in at least one case, a repeal. Barbara of 200 East Road told the council she had organized a petition to repeal the ordinance and said an incorrect version of the ordinance was posted on the township website for 10 days, denying residents timely access to accurate text. "I am the one that wrote the petition for the repeal of the of ordinance 2025," she said, and said she would continue collecting signatures through Dec. 22 and pursue legal remedies.
Other residents amplified procedural and equity concerns. Harry Palumbo urged the council to put the ordinance to a public vote, saying many people oppose the changes. "Why can't we just make this a referendum and a vote?" he asked. Monica Ingram said she feared elderly homeowners on fixed incomes could be unable to sell their homes if repairs or upgrades are required before a sale, asking whether grant assistance would be available. "I just can't fathom having an elderly person on a fixed income lose their home because of this," she said.
Council members and staff replied with procedural clarifications during the meeting. A councilor noted they had contacted state officials and were told that when an ordinance is changed it often must be reintroduced, and Mayor Tallerico reiterated the points he wanted in the public record about the ordinance’s limits and purpose.
What happens next: residents said they will continue collecting signatures toward a potential repeal and stay request. Council did not conduct a formal new vote on the ordinance at the Dec. 11 meeting; the council’s next scheduled organizational meeting is Jan. 5, 2026.
