The proposed Ash Street Park aims to revitalize the area with an open lawn, sidewalk layout, shrubbery, existing trees, and a kayak launch to enhance public access to the water. The plan also includes benches, a pavilion for creek overlook, and bulkhead reconstruction, mirroring enhancements made at a nearby historic waterfront park. Picnic tables and permanent cornhole courts are also planned, with discussions suggesting relocating the cornhole setup to minimize noise disturbance for nearby residents.

Kate, presumably a member of the planning team, elaborated on the park’s layout, which incorporates existing sidewalks and potential parking areas along Ash Street. The plan includes crosswalks for pedestrian safety, a bike rack, and a pet waste station. Emphasizing preserving existing trees while clearing underbrush and dead trees, the intent is to begin cleanup shortly. Features like interpretive signage to share historical context and a grilling station to encourage family gatherings are also part of the design. Security measures, such as motion lighting and cameras, are included to deter vandalism, referencing past incidents at the Rancocas Trail.

While the conceptual plan has been approved by the recreation committee, it remains subject to further refinement as community feedback is considered. Concerns were raised regarding the park’s location in proximity to a floodway, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the area’s flooding issues while developing the park. A motion to accept the conceptual plan for submission to the DEP was unanimously approved, and discussions touched on the historical significance of the site, with mentions of a “sneakbox boat” that once belonged to Delanco.

In other notable discussions, the Field of Dreams lighting ceremony was highlighted as a notable moment, with Senator Troy Singleton participating in activating the lights. The context surrounding the event was described as incredible, with gratitude expressed to all contributors who made it possible. The lighting ceremony included local youth participating in a soccer game under the newly installed lights, with positive remarks about the event and the involvement of Senator Singleton.

The meeting also covered the ongoing initiative to locate an alligator, referred to as JR, in the marsh area off the Rancocas Creek. Alice Carl Smith has been leading this project for 20 years, and sufficient funds were raised through a GoFundMe campaign to scan the area for anomalies previously detected. Four drone flights conducted by REEW from Lancaster, PA, were employed, and the results are still pending. The conclusion of the project awaits approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with a slight delay noted concerning the pump station work reliant on the installation of a main control panel before completion can proceed.

The council addressed community concerns, such as the maintenance of a detention basin, which had become overgrown with weeds and was attracting wildlife. A resident emphasized the urgency of the situation due to recent heavy rains, and the council assured the resident that they would look into the matter, with cutting planned after the first frost. Another resident raised concerns about ticketing practices related to double parking in driveways and the legality of living in garages. The council explained that while occupancy regulations exist, garages are not intended for living space, as they must meet specific safety standards.

Election-related updates were also provided, noting that the county was mailing out vote-by-mail ballots, with secure ballot dropbox locations nearby, including Edgewater Park and Riverside. Early voting was scheduled from October 26 to November 3 at various locations, and residents were encouraged to utilize these options if they preferred voting before election day.

The council discussed the roof replacement and HVAC upgrade referendum for Pearson School, noting that if passed, the average taxpayer would incur a $75 annual increase, necessary due to the building’s deteriorating roof conditions. A previous bond referendum would be expiring around the same time, mitigating the net increase to approximately $20-$25 per year for taxpayers.

In committee reports, the police department noted 671 calls for service in September, with 125 motor vehicle stops and 62 violations. They hosted a successful community night event attended by approximately 100 residents and planned to purchase a midsize Gator vehicle. Technical issues arose during the meeting, causing the recording device to fail, necessitating repetition of prior reports for the record.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the proposed pet ownership ordinance. The current ordinance permits two dogs and two cats per household. A proposal was made to amend the ordinance to allow up to six pets combined, regardless of type. Some council members supported the increase to encourage pet registration and vaccinations, while others debated whether this might lead to more pets than manageable. The council leaned towards amending the ordinance to allow for an overall limit of four pets, regardless of type, to simplify enforcement and ensure reasonable pet ownership.