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Residents press Riverside leaders on development density, trash pickup and EMS coverage
Summary
During public comment residents urged denser mixed-use development, complained about inconsistent trash collection and asked whether the township will change EMS providers. Mayor Kimble asked staff to put EMS coverage on the next work session agenda.
Several Riverside residents used the Sept. 16 public-comment period to press the Township Committee on zoning priorities, trash collection performance and emergency medical services coverage.
At the start of public comment, Jared Ainsworth of 119 Adams Street questioned the township's approach to economic development and zoning, asking whether the town prioritizes commercial or residential growth. Ainsworth told the Committee he "values density" given Riverside's small footprint and suggested mixed‑use development (citing Pearl Street in Burlington City as an example) to increase local employment and wages. Mayor Kimble replied that "the Committee does not want additional residential units," characterizing the Committee's current position on new residential development.
Two residents raised service complaints with the township's contracted trash hauler. Michele Higginbothom (222 Rancocas Ave.) said that during the hauler's initial week on her street a collector "picked out the bags and the truck's arm were not used," leaving bags at the bottom of cans; she also reported inconsistent bulk pickups. Christy Veasy (206 New Jersey Ave.) reported similar partial collection, saying a pickup worker removed two bags and left the remainder in the can. Committee member Giovanetti directed residents to email Administrator Meghan Jack with complaints so the township can track and follow up.
Veasy also asked, "Are we sticking with them or moving to Delran EMS?" Mayor Kimble said he was unhappy with the EMS provider for failing to submit reports, and Administrator Jack described current coverage arrangements, mutual aid and the township's practice of providing a donation to the provider. Jack said she would place EMS coverage and provider performance on the next Work Session agenda for Committee discussion.
The Committee closed the public portion after these remarks and adjourned the meeting.
No formal committee action on zoning, trash contract changes or EMS provider selection occurred at the meeting; the EMS topic was scheduled for further administrative review.
