The discussion on rent increases for Cranberry Run residents emerged as a prominent topic. A resident, Lan Lima, voiced concerns about the financial impact of proposed rent hikes ranging from 8% to 12%, particularly on seniors with fixed incomes. The mayor addressed these concerns, referencing a recent conference call with Legacy, the management company, which outlined the expected rate changes. According to the mayor, residents would be informed of these increases by mid-November, ahead of the official notification date.

In response to Lima’s concerns, the council discussed a pending rent cap ordinance, which has cleared several legislative hurdles and awaits a vote in the Senate and Assembly. Although optimism surrounds the bill’s bipartisan support, the three-month enactment period remains a concern for residents facing imminent rent hikes. The council’s engagement with community members on this issue underscores their commitment to addressing and alleviating resident concerns.

The meeting also celebrated the success of the Trunk or Treat event held on October 19. The event attracted an estimated 500 to 600 attendees, transforming a local park into a whimsical setting reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. Deputy Mayor Ellen Testa recounted the event’s popularity, noting the unexpected high turnout and the subsequent candy shortage. The council praised the township staff and volunteers for their exceptional organization, with particular recognition given to Anthony Poly, who safeguarded event equipment overnight. The event was described as akin to a “Creamy Acres type thing” but was completely free, emphasizing its accessibility and community focus.

Attention then turned to future community events, with the mayor announcing details of the upcoming Veterans Day ceremony on November 11. The ceremony, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., aims to foster community participation and honor local veterans. The mayor also highlighted the annual holiday toy drive, encouraging donations of popular items such as Barbies, Squishmallows, Nerf guns, and Lego products. Donations can be made at a designated box near the municipal building entrance, with a local store offering discounts to aid in collection efforts. The mayor underscored the toy drive’s importance, transforming the municipal building into “Santa’s Workshop” to support community members during the holiday season.

Additional community engagement included planning for the 9th Annual Community Thanksgiving dinner, a drive-thru event requiring reservations by November 20. The event, organized at the Martin Luther King Center, will involve volunteers cooking turkeys and hams, with a focus on meal distribution logistics and state police coordination. Donations of frozen or canned goods are encouraged to support the initiative.

Committeeman Aaron Krenzer provided updates from the Public Works department, detailing preparations for winterizing irrigation systems, leaf collection, and roadside maintenance. Residents were reminded to keep leaf piles clear of debris to prevent machinery damage. The council also addressed unauthorized use of four-wheelers and dirt bikes on township property, urging residents to report sightings to law enforcement.

In public comments, concerns were raised about stagnant water levels in nearby ponds, with potential health risks due to mosquitoes. The council directed the issue to the Atlantic County Health Department for further assessment, noting that pond maintenance was not the township’s responsibility. A resident, Rank Lewis, emphasized the environmental implications, seeking clarity on potential township actions.