Willingboro Council Debates CarMax Facility Amid Various Town Concerns
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
04/16/2024
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Recording Published:
04/16/2024
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Duration:
234 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Burlington County
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Towns:
Willingboro
- Meeting Overview:
The most recent meeting of the Willingboro Town Council covered a range of issues, with the proposal for a new CarMax facility taking center stage. The proposed development, planned for the Route 130 Marketplace, would occupy approximately 29 acres and include 12,000 square feet of improvements. Estimated to cost between $10 to $15 million, the project aims to hire around 26 associates, consisting of seven managers and 19 clerical staff. However, residents during the public comment period voiced concerns over the number of jobs for locals, traffic congestion, security measures, and the appropriateness of the location. In response, CarMax representatives expressed a willingness to work with the township to address these issues, yet the council and residents requested more time for consideration and further discussion.
In addition to the CarMax proposal, the council also addressed updates on law enforcement activities. The presentation highlighted a 46% increase in motor vehicle thefts for 2023, linked to a social media challenge. Furthermore, there was a notable rise in applications for firearms purchasing and concealed carry permits. The use of force by law enforcement decreased by 5.5% from the previous year, with detailed statistics on arrests and types of force used by officers. The town’s new hires and promotions were announced, and future projects such as the “Arrive Together” program, shot spotter, active shooter training, and police licensing were discussed.
Another major topic was the dissatisfaction with the current sound system in the Performing Arts Center, which led to a debate over an $800,000 change order that would require structural modifications and could delay the center’s opening. The council emphasized the importance of a state-of-the-art sound system for high-caliber performances and expressed frustration with the consultants hired for the project. The potential increase in capital was considered, alongside the possibility of making modifications later. A decision on the change order was to be taken in an executive session.
Further, the council deliberated on a proposed ordinance to amend the property maintenance code, particularly concerning firewood and downed tree storage on residential properties. Additionally, resolutions on applying for a Historic Site Management Grant for the Futural House, accepting equipment donations for a boxing program, amending appropriation lines for the Performing Arts Center, and authorizing a cell tower sublease to T-Mobile were discussed. The municipal budget was introduced, including a 2-cent decrease, and further budget workshops were suggested to review capital accounts and funding for the Performing Arts Center. The council also authorized the advertisement for theater management services for the Performing Arts Center.
Residents also brought up various concerns during public comments. Speeding on Salem Road, the need for more speed signs due to children playing, and excessive vehicle speeds were discussed. Commendations were given for the council’s efforts in organizing events and awareness months, with a focus on an upcoming Health Day event and a Suicide Prevention Workshop. Concerns about tree removal, property reassessment, the development of Avery, and the potential environmental impact of a state-of-the-art theater were also raised. The importance of pet identification was highlighted by a founding member of Burrow Pet Project, announcing free ID tags at an upcoming rabies clinic.
The council addressed several administrative items, including updates from the municipal clerk’s office on dog licenses, marriage licenses, and public records requests. An upcoming rabies clinic was announced, and reminders about the deadline for financial disclosures were given. A golf tournament was proposed as a joint venture with major entities in town to raise funds for students, and there was a suggestion to name a local ballpark in honor of a community matriarch.
Kaya McIntosh
City Council Officials:
Nathaniel Anderson, Rebecca Perrone, Samantha Whitfield, Dr. Tiffani A. Worthy (Township Manager)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
04/16/2024
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Recording Published:
04/16/2024
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Duration:
234 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Burlington County
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Towns:
Willingboro
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