Residents press council on speeding, trash-yard access and utility meter charges

Residents used the Sept. 25 public-comment period to press the council for action on local safety and service issues.

Dominic J. Rota of 557 Hurffville Road told the council he is a new resident and is “very concerned about the speeders” on Hurffville Cross Keys Road; he said there is a pole identified as #PN6022 but no street light by his house and asked the council to consider a Hidden Driveway sign. Mayor Burns said she would look into the light-pole issue and asked the township engineer to review the Hidden Driveway sign request.

Zachary Abrams of 27 Auriga Lane said police patrols and digital speed signs have increased but that speeding persists. Abrams also asked whether the township could provide a dumpster at the township trash yard so residents would not need to travel to Swedesboro for items such as televisions. He said the park snack bar is not open and suggested recruiting students through a cooperative program or installing vending machines. Abrams said he locked his meter so Atlantic City Electric could not replace it with a smart meter and that the utility is now charging him $15 per month for manual meter reads; he also asserted that smart meters produce a lot of EMF radiation. Councilman Brown acknowledged increased patrols and praised the police department for enhanced enforcement and communications. Councilman Bennett suggested Atlantic City Electric should hold a public session and offered the township as a venue. Councilman DellaPia said past staffing patterns made the snack bar unworkable and that vending machines and rent were being considered.

The council took no immediate vote on the public requests; officials directed staff to investigate the lighting and signage concerns and noted community safety measures and communication would continue.