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Residents press council on protest plans, animal control and snow removal; Fire Commission reports construction delay
Summary
At the Feb. 11 Lindenwold meeting residents asked about a planned protest, animal control vendor and snow‑removal problems; Police Chief McCarthy said officers will monitor the protest and rely on mutual aid if needed. Councilman Raymond Morrisey reported a halt to new firehouse construction with a late‑September 2026 completion estimate.
Residents used the Feb. 11 open‑to‑the‑public portion of the Borough of Lindenwold council meeting to raise concerns about a planned protest, animal control services and snow‑removal operations. Council members and staff provided responses and updates.
Diane Veteri told the council she was concerned about a protest planned for Friday, asked whether permits are required and who would absorb potential police overtime. Mayor Richard Roach replied that no permit is required for the protest and that borough offices would be closed that day. Police Chief McCarthy said protesting is a constitutionally protected right; the department will monitor the event, has reached out to organizers and will call in mutual aid if additional resources are needed. On the question of overtime, the chief said the department would not know cost implications until the day of the event. Chief McCarthy also advised residents with concerns about interactions with immigration to consult the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Directive.
Veteri also asked about the borough's animal control vendor; Borough Administrator Dawn S. Thompson said she had not yet contacted the vendor and pledged to do so this month.
Resident John Magile thanked Public Works for snow removal but said vehicles left on streets impeded plows and created larger piles that froze into ice; Mayor Roach said the storm was rare, that the borough did not issue fines and that Code Enforcement would investigate a vacant property Magile reported now appearing occupied.
E.J. Hankin asked whether the borough plans to install electric vehicle chargers. Mayor Roach said two chargers will be installed and that the borough is seeking a contractor to perform the work and bill the borough.
Separately, Councilman Raymond Morrisey updated the council on Lindenwold Fire Commission activity: two December meetings, 96 calls covering alarms, gas leaks, carbon monoxide, emergency medical runs and motor vehicle accidents; 23 inspections and 17 re‑inspections; two free smoke alarms installed for residents; parade and Shop with a Cop participation; one vehicle out of service for suspension issues; and a pause in new firehouse construction due to weather with an estimated completion date in late September 2026. The commission's website (lindenwoldfire.com) is live and its next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
What happens next: Administrator Thompson will follow up with the animal control vendor; Police will monitor the protest and determine any overtime needs on the day of the event; Code Enforcement will investigate reports of occupancy at the vacant property. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.
