The Monroe Township council met last month to provide reports and vote on upcoming plans to further the community’s well-being.
The most noteworthy plan was for a forthcoming dog park, about which Mayor Richard DiLucia offered details at the meeting.
“The reports that were made on the dog park … I just want to bring you up to date,” the mayor told meeting attendees. “The engineer will meet with us … to go over the conceptual plans. ”
DiLucia reported that the original park grant given to the township five years ago is financially back dated.
“When we put it out for a bid, the bid exceeded the amount of money we had been awarded in the grant by about $400,000,” he added. “We decided to do all the work in house, with the exception of some of the things we can’t do. We believe we can come within budget.
“I can hopefully say that before the end of the year, we will have a dog park.”
During the open forum segment of the council meeting, Miss Cape Shore Outstanding 2020, Alyssa Peacock, addressed township officials. The 9th grader from Gloucester County Institute of Technology was awarded a certificate of recognition for her efforts in supporting the community and helping local animal shelters.
“It’s interesting to hear that you’re starting the dog park, which is cool because my platform is all about adopting dogs from animal shelters,” said Peacock. “Hopefully, I can get some information on that and help out as much as I can.”
“Yeah, I’m looking for someone who can take care of the grounds,” the mayor joked, prompting good-natured laughs from council members and residents in attendance.
Peacock’s platform — PAWS For A Cause: Adopt Don’t Shop — helps build awareness about local animal shelters and how the community can do its part to ensure animal adoptions. The organization encourages people to donate, volunteer and adopt.
Aside from her efforts as an activist for animal welfare, Peacock has modeled for Brand A, which donates a portion of its proceeds to the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation for people with autism.
