Residents press council on Ellesmere Park restroom, cleanup funds, event deposits and land‑sale moratorium

A diverse set of residents addressed the Glassboro Mayor and Council during the Oct. 14 public‑comment period, raising concerns that ranged from park infrastructure and special‑event policies to land‑sale moratoria and cleanup funding.

Ellesmere Park restroom: Billy Roland (Evergreen Parkway) presented a petition of 'a couple hundred' signatures urging the borough to construct the planned park restroom from concrete or concrete block (stone‑faced block) rather than a wood‑framed building with siding. He argued a block structure would better resist vandalism and cited a much lower cost estimate; borough staff and council replied that the governing body had previously voted to proceed with the approved design but said they would work with the resident on veneer options and noted internal cost estimates for a block structure and optional brick veneer.

Cleanup funds: Linda Gallaschau asked about Resolution 2‑72‑25, the insertion of a special revenue item. Borough speakers said the amount — cited in the meeting as about $79,000 — is for cleaning up Lou's Auto (a former gas station) at the town square near the veterans' statue, and that the budget must be amended to receive the funds.

Event deposit policy: Diane Johnson complained that the Martin Luther King Center requires full payment up front and that deposits have taken a month or more to be returned. Borough staff said the refund timing depends on scheduling and invoice processing and offered to re‑check the outstanding refund and the department's procedures.

Community events and equity: A resident proposed an African‑American festival for Glassboro. Council members noted the borough supports events in the town square but that previous Juneteenth events have been organized by a community group; they encouraged the resident to submit a formal proposal to the mayor's office and to coordinate with the Parks & Rec team for borough‑sponsored event status.

Moratorium on borough land sales: Milton Moore Jr. asked why a bid to buy borough‑owned land in the South Academy area was denied. Council said a moratorium covers certain borough‑owned lots in areas targeted for coordinated redevelopment (South Academy and Ellesmere) so the borough can plan rather than selling lots piecemeal; no end date was provided and council said the public would be notified at a meeting if the moratorium is lifted.

Other items: Daryl Badley requested city help finding small commercial or nonprofit spaces for workforce training and ministry efforts. A resident asked whether an ordinance holding parents responsible for minors' crimes had advanced; the mayor confirmed it had been approved.

Council thanked speakers, closed the public portion and proceeded to routine business.