Pemberton council repeals tax-abatement program, approves parks, purchases and ordinances amid resident concerns over development and housing

The Pemberton Township Council voted on June 3 to repeal its local tax-abatement program and moved forward on a series of routine purchases and ordinances while residents urged clearer plans for the Greenberg Farm development and protections for long-term renters.

Council members adopted Ordinance 16-2026, which repeals township code chapter 162 (tax exemptions and abatement program). A council member said the change ‘‘eliminates the possibility’’ of what residents called ‘‘backdoor’’ tax abatements, adding, "We're wiping it out altogether." The ordinance was adopted after a brief public hearing in which councilors confirmed the repeal is prospective and does not retroactively void any existing grandfathered agreements.

The council also adopted Ordinance 17-2026 to revise construction-fee schedules under the Uniform Construction Code, an update staff said aligns local fees with state requirements; discussion focused on increases to certain demolition or tank-abandonment fees and the mechanics of lead-paint inspections for older rental properties.

Council introduced two additional ordinances for future hearings: Ordinance 18-2026 (amending rental-property regulations) and Ordinance 19-2026 (vacating a short segment of Wren Road to adjoining landowners). Both were set for formal consideration at the June 17 meeting.

On the consent and new-business docket, the council approved multiple routine purchases: a heavy-truck diagnostic scanner from OEM Diagnostic Tools for $12,025 (previously tabled for further review), sludge-pump parts for the wastewater plant ($7,550, sole source), three metal recycling receptacles and other recycling equipment ($4,097), and an annual website/WCAG accessibility contract ($4,800). Council members said the scanner will reduce outside repair costs by allowing more vehicle work in-house.

Public comment dominated the early portion of the meeting. Marty Graflinger, president of the BMIA, promoted upcoming community events and described completion of a triangle-beautification phase. Jasmine Poole, an educator and director of the Center Youth Outreach Program, described the program’s services for roughly 162 students and invited residents to a fundraising community day called "Peace on the Streets."

Several residents raised issues about the Greenberg Farm development, stormwater runoff and public-works timing. Sharon Roth asked where runoff would be directed and asked for entrance/exit details for the 345-unit, 55-and-over single-family project; township staff replied that retention ponds and state stormwater rules govern on-site runoff and that the development’s stormwater will be managed within the site once construction is complete.

Susan Sacco, who identified herself as a Sunbury Village resident, pressed the council on housing affordability and investor purchases that she and neighbors say have driven up rents and sales prices. ‘‘What are you gonna do for Sunbury Village?’’ Sacco asked, urging transparency and measures to preserve long-term residents’ ability to stay in the neighborhood.

Mike Salka alleged he had been threatened after a prior meeting and asked that the person who made the remark resign; he also raised detailed questions about the introduced budget, citing large line-item increases in several departments.

The meeting packet included a bill list totaling $2,695,681.20 (township-specific items: $642,588.70), which the council approved. The solicitor read a June 3 letter from Browns Mills United Methodist Church thanking police and public works for removing an encampment adjacent to church property. Code enforcement reported more than 2,220 property inspections since January.

The council closed with announcements about upcoming community events, a note that the Charter Study Commission question will appear on the November ballot, and a call for continued public involvement in local projects.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 16-2026 (repeal tax-abatement chapter) — adopted; Ordinance 17-2026 (construction code fee revisions) — adopted; Ordinance 18-2026 (rental-property amendments) — introduced for June 17; Ordinance 19-2026 (Wren Road vacation) — introduced for June 17; purchases approved — scanner $12,025, pump parts $7,550, recycling receptacles $4,097, website/WCAG services $4,800; bill list approved — total $2,695,681.20.

The council adjourned after the agenda items were completed; several residents said they plan to follow up on development, water-runoff, and housing-affordability questions at future meetings.