Residents from Balfor Lane were particularly vocal about the deteriorating conditions linked to rental properties. Leslie Jeresi described landlords as “slumlords,” attributing issues like overgrown brush and rat infestations to their negligence. Jeresi linked a recent incident of gunfire to one of these properties, emphasizing the need for better landlord controls, stating, “If the landlord has no investment in Willingboro, you’re not going to have a good situation.”

Concerns extended to safety for children, with Terresa Williams McCoy highlighting the dangerous lack of street lighting near a bus stop. She called for improved lighting to protect children during early morning and late afternoon hours in the winter. M God Glover shared similar frustrations, questioning the existence of a nuisance ordinance and how residents could effectively report ongoing disturbances.

Anna Callero recounted the fear experienced by her disabled daughter following recent violent incidents, urging the council to implement stricter regulations on landlords to ensure a peaceful living environment. The residents’ persistent concerns about rental property management underscored an urgent need for a more robust response from the township.

The council acknowledged the pressing nature of these issues, discussing the challenges municipalities face in enforcing property maintenance ordinances. A council member detailed the enforcement process, which includes issuing violation notices and potentially court summons, although many fines reportedly go uncollected. The council recognized the lengthy nature of this process and the need to place liens on properties as a last resort.

In response to these concerns, the council expressed a commitment to investigate the enforcement actions taken on Balfour Lane and improve communication with residents about progress. Suggestions included directly contacting landlords about violations and the possibility of providing rat poison to address rodent problems.

The meeting also addressed traffic and road maintenance issues, with residents like Shya Channer voicing concerns about hazardous road conditions on Spindle Top Lane. Channer described “multiple large potholes” exacerbated by recent PSEG work, calling for urgent repairs to ensure safety. The road maintenance dialogue highlighted broader frustrations with infrastructure upkeep in the community.

In other developments, Mr. Russell Chapola, the township engineer, provided updates on ongoing municipal projects, including Jake’s Playground and the pickleball courts. A $300,000 reduction in playground equipment costs was announced, sparking questions about the impact on the playground’s inclusive nature. Chapola acknowledged the lack of specific details about which equipment would be affected, stating that only a dollar value had been provided.

The council discussed the budget for the aquatic center, revealing an estimated cost of $11.5 million, with $4.2 million allocated for the Olympic-sized swimming pool. The financial magnitude of the project prompted reactions from council members, who sought further clarification on specific projects and budget impacts.

Personnel updates were also covered, with acknowledgments of retirements and new appointments. Mr. Harris introduced Mr. Anthony Buchcci as the new human resources manager and noted the retirement of long-serving public works employee Michael Vaughn.

The meeting featured discussions on ordinances and resolutions, including the tabling of ordinances 2025-17 and 2025-18 due to pending feedback. The council approved a consent agenda for several items and passed resolution 2025-230, appointing Matthew EPS to the Economic Development Committee.

Public comment sessions underscored the community’s call for more effective management of rental properties and communication with law enforcement. Residents expressed a desire for clearer processes to address nuisances and better engagement with township officials. The council members listened attentively and pledged to address these issues in future meetings.