Cinnaminson School Board Approves $70M Budget for 2024-2025

Overview: The Cinnaminson School Board has approved a $70.3 million budget for the 2024-2025 school year, which includes significant investments in educational programs, facility renovations, and safety improvements. The budget, which reflects a 2.48% tax levy increase, aims to maintain all personnel and programs from previous years and introduces new science electives at Cinnaminson High School, expands pre-kindergarten offerings, and adds new extracurricular programs in the arts.

Maple Shade Discusses Gun Range Concerns Amid Local Developments

Overview: The Maple Shade Town Council meeting, while covering a range of community and legislative issues, was notably marked by discussions surrounding a local gun range, eliciting concerns from residents over safety, noise, and the range’s tax-exempt status. This issue, alongside other topics such as the introduction of new ordinances, volunteer appreciation, and the announcement of a council member not seeking re-election, shaped the narrative of the council’s proceedings.

Delanco School Board Faces School Merger Vote Amid Financial Crisis

Overview: The Delanco School Board recently convened to tackle the pressing financial challenges within the district, with the most discussion revolving around the potential merger of Walnut Street School and Pearson Elementary School to address a substantial budget deficit. The merger’s urgency was underscored by the board president, who stated that the upcoming vote would be critical for the continued operation of the Delanco Township Schools, given the risk of a shutdown by the County Superintendent if the deficit was not resolved.

Maple Shade Advances EV Infrastructure with Elite Acura Charging Stations

Overview: In a step towards enhancing the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the Maple Shade Planning Board deliberated on an application for the installation of new EV charging stations at the Elite Acura dealership. The application, submitted by Charge Smart EV LLC, proposes six charging stations, with an initial rollout of three. This development is part of a larger trend as municipalities respond to the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.

Delran Discusses Route 130 Safety Project and Local Concerns

Overview: The Delran Town Council meeting covered an extensive array of topics, but the centerpiece was the discussion of the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJ DOT) project on Route 130 Union Landing Road. This proposed $7.5 million project aims to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as improve traffic operations. Notably, the project will involve a shared use path, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and crash cushions at median barrier ends. The council’s discussion with NJ DOT representatives focused primarily on land acquisition, including the possible use of eminent domain and its impact on existing township approvals and parking spaces.