Area 4 Meeting Minutes 2.25.2008

MEMORANDUM

To: File

FROM: Owen McCabe

DATE: March 4, 2008

RE: Presidential Lakes - Area #4 Meeting Minutes 2/25/2008

Circulation

• The residents requested that the Township finish paving all the roads that they started but never finished especially Louisiana.

• The residents asked the Township to evaluate the existing street widths and determine whether it would possible to add sidewalks/pathways.

• The residents requested that crosswalks be installed on New York, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. These streets are unsafe for children. They requested pedestrian crossing lines and signs on streets near the PL park.

• The residents requested that NJTransit and Burlington County bring a bus route to Presidential Lakes. Right now, there is no public transportation service to Presidential Lakes.

• The residents opined that there is no direct connection to downtown Browns Mills. It takes residents from PL approximately 20 minutes to drive to downtown Browns Mills. Residents in PL shop in other municipalities for their daily needs. According to one resident, “it is not worth driving to Browns Mills because it’s not safe and it does not have enough stores…It is easier for me to do all my shopping on my way home from work in Toms River.”

• The residents requested better road linkages between PL and the Township’s schools, Ft. Dix and Browns Mills.

• It was recommended that the Township negotiate with the State Forest a ROW easement to downtown Browns Mills and the Township’s schools.

• The police department and Fire Co. requested another access road into and out of PL. There will be only one access point into PL once Oregon Trail/Dam is closed.

Septic/Sewer

• The residents recommended that the Township evaluate the drainage in PL. Land in PL was re-graded when the new homes were constructed. The residents stated that the ground water level has shifted and some residents are seeing more water in their basements.

• The residents recommended that the Township evaluate the seepage pits in PL.

• The residents stated that they have a concern that too much waste from the septic systems is being absorbed into the ground.

• Rick asked the residents if they wanted sewer. ½ the residents want sewer and the other half do not. One resident stated that he wants the same thing the Pinelands has – sewer and water.

• The mayor stated he wants the Township and the MUA to bring sewer and water to PL. He suggested that he would like to bring Sewer and Water down Four Mile Road to PL. The line would be surrounded by State Forest land and would less likely encourage more development.

Community Facilities

• The residents would like a new community center in PL.

• The residents opined that the Presidential Lakes Firehouse/EMS is in poor condition. They recommended that the Township build a new Firehouse/EMS building in PL. They also recommended that the Township purchase new Fire and EMS trucks.

• The Police Force has a presence in PL. The residents of PL are organizing a Neighborhood Watch program and are looking for volunteers and block captains.

Open Space and Parks

• The residents opined that the Township needs better walking and biking trails. The existing trails are congested with 4-wheelers (ATVs) and horse. The residents recommended that new trails be restricted to pedestrians and bicycles.

• The residents requested that the existing trails (and any new trails) be ADA compliant especially for wheelchairs and older residents.

• The residents voiced concerned over illegal waste dumping in the State Forest (especially behind Montana). The Mayor stated that the residents should call the Police Department when they see illegal dumping in the State Forest. The NJ State Forest is responsible for cleaning the state forest land in the Township.

• The residents recommended that a soccer field be construct in PL. Councilman Prickett recommended the land directly behind the PL Firehouse.

• One resident recommended that a fenced in dog park be constructed near Presidential Lakes.

• The residents opined that they want their lake and beaches back. It was a great asset for PL.

Architecture and Landscaping

• The residents recommended that the Township develop a tree management plan. The residents opined that too many trees are being removed due to new construction and house additions

• Gypsy moths are a big problem.

• The residents suggested that more landscaping should be encouraged in Presidential Lakes. Rick recommended that an annual prize be given to the home with the best landscaping.

Lighting and Signs

• The residents requested additional street lights to improve safety at night. Also, they would like the Township to fix all broken street lights. The mayor indicated that residents should contact the Township regarding lights and they will fix and/or install them. The Mayor added that there is a form on the Township’s website regarding street light installation and repairs.

• The residents would like school bus stop signs.

• The residents would like a new Gateway sign for Presidential Lakes.

Economics and Retail Services

• There are no retail services in PL except for two convince stores – Pinelands Market and the Lake Store. These stores do not meet the daily needs for the residents of PL. Better stores are more than 20 minutes away from PL. The residents would like a dry cleaner, day care center and general store in PL.

• Several residents stated they would like to see a large commercial development in town such as a Walmart or another supermarket besides Acme.

• The residents recommended that the Township try to make existing farms more economically viable.

• The residents opined that all their income goes to other towns such as Marlton, Hainesport, Mt. Holly, Medford, Whiting etc. The Township does not provide the retail services required by the residents. The residents all agreed that they would rather spend their money in Pemberton

• The residents in PL stated that they feel like a “second thought” in Pemberton and that they are not part of the Township. They want the same services as the rest of the Township such as infrastructure, transportation, schools, and retail. The mayor assured them that they are part of the Pemberton community and he is striving to make PL more connected to the entire Township.

• The residents recommended that they would like to see the Old Acme center developed into an Ice/Roller Skating Rink or Movie Theater.

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