With 2023 in the books, Mantua is looking ahead to the new year and has plans to enhance communication between residents and government.
“Enhanced communication and transparency have been a main focus of my tenure as your mayor,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman. “I’m extremely proud of Mantua Township and want to ensure that important information is constantly being disseminated to you in a timely fashion.”
To do that, Zimmerman will continue his weekly mayor’s message, where he discusses news in the community and the major events on tap. He also wants to expland on dinners for the community’s senior residents; two were held in 2023 at the recently reopened Community Center.
Six dinners for 2024 will be held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on the following dates: March 26, May 28, July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 22. Three additional dinners will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays: April 23 at Peking Buffet in Glassboro, June 25 and Nov. 14 at the Empire Diner in Brooklawn.
“It warms my heart to know that we have continually been a model of excellence for free and cost-effective services provided to our senior citizens here in Mantua Township,” Zimmerman noted. “Even through the most challenging budgetary cycles, our township committee has always insisted that senior services remain paramount and that our senior friends be a priority.”
Chestnut Branch Park will see a number of additions and rules this year. At around mid-year, residents will be able to walk dogs there, provided they have a leash attached to their collars. Owners will also be required to clean up any dog waste.
The Tornado Crossing disc golf course that opened in October will get an additional nine holes, for a total of 18. And spring will also see the expected opening of the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum of Rowan University on Woodbury-Glassboro Road, behind the Mantua Target store. The project has been in the works for a few years.
“The museum is expected to attract an estimated 200,000 guests annually,” Zimmerman noted. “This will boost our economy, provide educational opportunities and create jobs in our community.”
