As many of you already know, we excitedly await the grand opening of the world-renowned Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum of Rowan University in the Spring of 2024.
We recently had an inquiry about the property tax status of the park and museum. In gist, it is tax exempt, however, here are some things that the township committee had the foresight to implement in the early stages to help off-set the tax-exempt status of this project:
- Mantua Township purchased what was known as the “Ledden” redevelopment property back in the year 2016 for $452,000.00. We then authorized a RFP (Request For Proposal) seeking a redeveloper/developer to acquire and develop this parcel. In 2019, the property was sold to Ric & Jean Edelman for 655,000.00. The township netted a $203,000.00 profit.
- In order to help offset the loss of annual property taxes, Mantua Township entered into an agreement with Rowan University to have them pay a Municipal Impact Fee in the amount of $42,000.00 per year, for 10 years. Mantua Township will cumulatively generate another $420,000.00 by the end of the year 2025.
In order to sum things up, Mantua Township is on the verge of having a world-renowned Fossil Park and Museum right here in our own backyard behind the Lowe’s on Woodbury-Glassboro Road. Approximately 200,000 visitors are expected annually, and it will provide jobs to locals, educate our youth and help boost our economy by way of visitors patronizing local restaurants and other local businesses. The added bonus is that our community generated $623,000.00 in revenue from this project over a 10-year period.
I, Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and Committeeman John Legge attended the annual Lawson-Cox VFW Post 7679 Community Awards Ceremony this past Saturday, 4/22. We’d like to congratulate all the award recipients and especially recognize those who have contributed directly to the municipal government side of things. We’d like to recognize Stephen Wolfsgruber who was named the Mantua Township “2023 Police Officer of the Year” and Jacob Rogers who was honored as the “2023 Police Explorer of the Year.” We’d also like to acknowledge Ryan Sole who was named the Mantua Township “2023 Firefighter of the Year.” Finally, we’d like to congratulate our good friend and longtime resident, Mantua VFW Chairman Joe Heitman for being honored as the “2023 Citizen of the Year.”
The Mantua Township Historic Commission recently held its annual J. Mason Tomlin School Fifth Grade Class Union Center (Museum and Union Graveyard) visit. Over the two-day event, eight classes, including 160 students and their teachers participated. They learned about the many artifacts on display in the museum.
The purpose of the visit was to give the students an opportunity to see and learn about our local history as they prepare for the Historical Commission’s Essay Contest. Over the next month, each student will prepare an essay that focuses on a person, place, thing, or event that is associated with the history of Mantua Township. The entries will be judged by the Historic Commission membership and award recipients will be honored.
We’d like to thank the Mantua Township Historical Commission for helping to educate our youth about the history of our great community.
The Township was awarded $75,000.00 from the State of New Jersey for a Local Recreation Improvement Grant that will be applied toward the installation costs of a rubberized playground surface at Chestnut Branch Park. This was another successful opportunity to save our local taxpayer money by proactively pursuing these grant funds. Special thanks to employee Brett Fleming for basically handling this grant in its entirety. This is the first time we’ve ever received this grant in Mantua.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Bulk Trash Pick-up is on your regular trash day during the week of May 1 thru May 5.
- Board of Health Meeting is May 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Township Municipal Building.
- Historical Commission Meeting is May 4 at 7 p.m. the Historical Museum.
- Fire District Meeting is May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Sewell Fire House.
On behalf of myself, Deputy-Mayor Scirrotto and the entire Township Committee, we look forward to serving you with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
