The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Bernie Platt, the late father of a council member and a respected figure in the community. However, the focus quickly shifted to the mall’s reopening, which has become a concern for local businesses. A sealed document detailing plans for the necessary permits to reopen was received, and the council discussed the urgency of addressing the delays. They outlined a plan for phased construction work, with the mayor instructing the construction office to give this matter top priority.

Business representatives voiced their frustrations during the public comment segment. A kitchen owner in the mall highlighted the impact of the closure, stating, “I had just finished setting up the former Qdoba section to reopen but I was told I couldn’t either.” There was a call for clearer communication and a firm timeline, with council members aiming to ensure the mall reopened by the first week of November, provided the necessary documentation was properly submitted.

Another business representative from the Tri State Archery Academy emphasized the need for inspections and permissions to move forward with renovations. The council discussed the broader issues at play, including various safety concerns such as deteriorating escalators and elevators, which the construction official needs to address before businesses can resume operations.

The council stressed the importance of a collective approach among mall tenants to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed by the mall management, Namar. There was a consensus that pressure must be maintained to adhere to the reopening timeline, with a focus on safety and operational readiness.

In addition to the mall discussion, the council moved through several resolutions. These included authorizing the acceptance of a $7,795 grant from the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety to enhance community safety, and agreements for pedestrian improvements along township roads to ensure safe access to local facilities. A settlement agreement with a local entity and the authorization of a public auction for unneeded inventory were also discussed.

Staffing changes were noted with appointments in the police and fire departments. The council also approved a deferred compensation plan with Empower Retirement LLC and issued a retail consumption license.

The council reminded attendees of upcoming community events, including the GVA Baseball annual golf outing, the VES Business Association bowling fundraiser, and the Wolfstock fundraiser by the Voorhees Animal Welfare Association. Additionally, the Department of Public Works announced a free shredding event, and the annual Halloween and Fall Festival was highlighted.