At its most recent public meeting, Haddonfield’s board of commissioners gave final approval for the issuance of bonds to finance a portion of the Bancroft redevelopment plan.
The bonds total $1.1 million are expected to be applied to the removal of all properties on the Bancroft site targeted for redevelopment, save for Lullworth Hall and its associated structures.
“The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize us to spend for the purpose of demolition and improvements to the area,” explained Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich.
This legislation differs from the previously approved multipurpose capital bond ordinance passed on May 11, which earmarked $1.49 million in funds and authorized up to $1.415 million in bonds and notes to cover issues with parking and public works within the expected 2021 budget. The new bond ordinance will take effect 20 days after first publication following the approval.
Prior to the business portion of the meeting, Bezich officially swore in three new appointees to various duties within the fire department. With Fire Chief Lou Frontino and Explorer Program member Jason Kolbe looking on, Evan Meshanic officially became an active member of Haddon Fire Company No. 1, while Jack Bowman and Devon O’Neill gained membership as Explorers.
“These young men have given up their time to work with the department in these capacities. They have given up time they could spend with their families and doing anything else to serve our town,” Bezich noted.
In other news:
- This biweekly open public commissioners session in the auditorium of borough hall marked the first time the governing body met as a whole indoors, with residents and media attending, since a work session on March 16, 2020 that preceded a special session of the board of health to address the then-looming pandemic.
- Commissioners also approved the closure of Kings Highway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11 (with a rain date of Sept. 16) to accommodate an antique auto show sponsored by the Ankokas Antique Auto Club.
