It’s the beginning of a new year, and that means a lot of new things on the horizon to look forward to in the borough.
Mayor Jeff Kasko is looking forward to completing several borough initiatives and projects already underway, and completing his current term of office in May.
“It’s been such an honor and privilege for me to serve as mayor. I’m looking forward to facing the challenges that await us in the New Year and continuing to work with others to get things done,” Kasko said.
Commissioner Neal Rochford said he is looking forward to the repairs at the public schools and a successful redevelopment plan for the Bancroft site.
“It is our goal as commissioners to work with school officials on parking and other logistical issues that could arise during the repair process. I am also looking forward to a successful plan for the Bancroft site that will benefit the community. It has been our goal to balance appropriate development, open space and historic preservation on the site,” Rochford said.
Commissioner John Moscatelli wanted residents to know the Centennial Tennis Courts will be reconstructed after the spring tennis season and out of service for awhile.
This year will be a big one for Haddonfield and its government officials, as this is election year for the Borough Commission. Residents will have the chance to vote for their next three commissioners on May 9.
Moscatelli and Rochford are not sure if they are running for re-election, but both have not ruled out the possibility. Kasko said he may run for one more term, but must talk to his family before a decision is made. They have until March 6 to decide. The term of office for each elected individual will begin on May 17. For more information about Haddonfield municipal elections, visit www.haddonfieldnj.org.
With that in mind, Moscatelli has a few goals he would like to accomplish before the end of his term. He would like to see a budget passed that adequately funds all required programs and services with little or no tax increase; update the borough’s land use ordinance to address issues such as building height, stormwater runoff, nonconforming structures and downtown restaurant parking; continue the Roads Program and add a few roads for 2017; and have a new five-year road plan developed and approved.
Rochford would like to see grant applications for repaving and streetscape of the Haddon Avenue corridor approved by the county and state; have the Haddon Fire Company equipped with its new pumper truck and new ambulance; and see the retirements of Haddonfield police officers go well, and fill those positions after a careful review process. He said he will continue to work with the police department on strategies regarding traffic calming, distracted drivers and safe routes to school.
“I received many calls from residents on excessive speeding, running of stop signs and aggressive drivers,” Rochford said.
Kasko has goals to complete unfinished business, continue listening to and working on behalf of residents, and make sure things are in good shape for the next Board of Commissioners.
Regarding Bancroft, professionals are working toward the next step in the process, according to Moscatelli, issuing a request for proposals to develop in accordance with the Redevelopment Plan. For Boxwood Arts, no plans have been formally presented on the proposal, Rochford said.
Other updates on the borough will be presented at the Annual Mayor’s Breakfast, hosted by the Haddonfield Lions Club. The breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan.14 at the First Presbyterian Church, 20 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield. Tickets are $7 each and will be available at the door. Kasko will deliver the annual State of the Borough Address and also present the Citizen of the Year award, which recognizes an outstanding member of the community. For more information, visit www.haddonfieldlions.org.
