Cumberland County Board Tackles Traffic Safety and Community Concerns Amidst Post Office Frustrations
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, concerns were raised about traffic safety at a problematic intersection, ongoing issues with local post office operations, and various infrastructure projects in the community.
A primary focus of the meeting was the traffic safety concerns at the intersection of Forest Grove and Central Avenue. A resident highlighted the frequent accidents occurring at this location, describing recent incidents that nearly resulted in harm to his family. Despite the presence of a stop sign, vehicles often fail to halt, leading to three major accidents on his property alone. The resident proposed reducing speed limits on both avenues or installing a blinking stop sign to enhance visibility and safety. The board acknowledged the seriousness of his concerns and confirmed that they had previously requested a four-way stop from the county, although they were still awaiting a response. Council members advised the resident to gather community support through a petition, which could strengthen their case for implementing additional traffic safety measures.
The discussion then shifted to the ongoing frustrations with the post office operations in Landisville. A representative voiced the community’s dissatisfaction with inconsistent service hours, which have resulted in residents being unable to access their mail or purchase stamps reliably. Efforts to address this issue have been ongoing, with outreach to Congressman Van Drew’s office over the past two years. A proposed resolution suggested consolidating the Landisville and Minas post offices under the Minas postmaster to provide regular hours and consistent service. This approach was described as a practical solution, and a petition was introduced to garner community support for the initiative.
The meeting also covered several infrastructure projects, including updates on the Men Estates Drive project, where contact with the bonding company is ongoing to ensure the road is repaved as directed. Additionally, discussions were held on a $3 million infrastructure plan involving the replacement of sewer lines on West Avenue and Wheat Road. While progress was noted, potential challenges as the project advances were acknowledged. The council also discussed a $100,000 application for lighting improvements at Bellini Park, with a submission deadline of November 30, and efforts to apply for additional I-Bank grants for 2026.
During the public comment segment, issues regarding the subdivision application for the Manitoba Methodists were raised. An attorney representing the group requested clarity on the abandonment of an alleyway, which could lead to new ratables if the subdivision process is completed. The solicitor explained the necessary process for negotiating a sale price with adjacent property owners and suggested that the council might need to adopt an ordinance to authorize the sale.
In the realm of public safety, the police department reported a total of 726 calls for service in August, including 237 vehicle stops and 165 tickets issued. Officer Brett Holdcraft was recognized as Officer of the Month, noted for his diligence in conducting 92 motor vehicle stops and issuing 73 tickets. The emergency medical services (EMS) reported 78 calls for service, with various incidents ranging from medical emergencies to motor vehicle crashes.
The meeting also included updates on recreation activities, such as the scheduling of trick-or-treating and the acceptance of a $5,000 greenhouse grant for the community garden. Discussions took place regarding the ongoing repair needs of local facilities, such as the digital sign and the hot water heater at the Joe Pistiti Pavilion.
To conclude, the board addressed the possibility of hosting a permit-free yard sale weekend following a low turnout for a previous event. This proposed initiative aimed to encourage community participation without the constraints of permit requirements. The council also discussed plans for a free shredding event later in the year, following its success the previous year.
Kevin Smaniotto
County Council Officials:
Douglas A. Albrecht, Robert Austino, Victoria Groetsch-Lods, Art Marchand, Antonio Romero, James Sauro, Sandra Taylor
-
Meeting Type:
County Council
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
09/22/2025
-
Recording Published:
09/22/2025
-
Duration:
70 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Cumberland County
-
Towns:
Bridgeton, Commercial, Deerfield, Downe, Fairfield (Cumberland County), Greenwich (Cumberland County), Hopewell (Cumberland County), Lawrence (Cumberland County), Maurice River, Millville, Shiloh, Stow Creek, Upper Deerfield, Vineland
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 12/04/2025
- 12/05/2025
- 46 Minutes
- 12/04/2025
- 12/05/2025
- 210 Minutes
- 12/04/2025
- 12/04/2025
- 21 Minutes