Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solid Waste And Public Comments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge council to allow smaller trash cans for 55+ communities; township says larger cans ordered
Summary
Multiple Heatherwood residents told the Washington Township Council that new one-size trash cans are too large for many older residents and conflict with community rules; Business Administrator Mr. Russo said the new cans have been ordered and will be delivered in the coming weeks while officials explore phased accommodations.
During the public-participation portion of the April 23 Washington Township Council meeting several residents of the Heatherwood 55+ community asked the council to permit smaller trash cans for senior households after the Township ordered new, larger wheeled cans.
"The new cans are large and bulky and may be a burden to older residents," said Rosemary Colombo, who said the average age of Heatherwood residents is about 75 and many generate only one bag of trash per week. Jim Sherry, treasurer for Heatherwood, and Gary Bellotti, board vice president for Heatherwood, urged the council to reconsider a one-size approach and noted community rules that prohibit keeping cans outside.
Business Administrator Mr. Russo told the council and residents that "the new cans have been ordered and will be delivered in the coming weeks," and that other municipalities were able to phase smaller cans in over time. Mr. Russo did not provide a schedule for exceptions or a list of alternative can sizes; he said delivery was imminent.
Other public commenters asked the council for a street light at Egg Harbor Road and the adjacent service road (Frank Tragno) and questioned the status of grant funds intended for dam and lake repairs (Lorraine Hilgen). Township Attorney Mr. Rooney and Mayor DellaPia said they would review the paperwork Hilgen provided and walk the site with staff; Colette Bachich clarified during public comment that a grant letter had not yet been received and that grant funds, if awarded, must be used for the grant's stated purpose.
Council did not vote on changes to the trash-can policy at the meeting; staff said ordered cans will be delivered and that municipalities often accommodate options over time. Council later entered executive session on litigation and adjourned without further action on the trash-can issue.
