A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Ordinance 2024-18, which aims to update and clarify regulations for Hawk Island. This ordinance, originally enacted in 1978, restricts access to the area from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and bans alcohol consumption at all times. The ordinance update is intended to address outdated and ineffective laws, thereby preventing local residents from being classified as trespassers when using the land for recreational purposes.

Residents’ concerns about Hawk Island dominated the discussion. One resident expressed worries about potential parking problems if the area were opened to the public, noting experiences with noise disturbances from ATVs and dirt bikes during late-night hours. Another resident highlighted the ambiguity in property ownership, complicating enforcement efforts. The Police Chief acknowledged the challenge of managing increased traffic and potential disturbances, noting that the township is exploring purchasing an ATV and a drone to assist with patrols in difficult-to-access areas.

The need for improved mapping and clarity in property ownership was emphasized, with township officials stating that the new ordinance aims to provide law enforcement with clearer authority to act against undesirable behaviors and delineate acceptable activities within the area. The historical ambiguity surrounding the legal status of the land, which includes township, private, and state-owned portions, complicates enforcement efforts. The committee acknowledged previous citations for violations but emphasized that the new ordinance is intended to streamline and clarify enforcement capabilities.

The discussion also addressed operational aspects of the ordinance, such as the need for a pedestrian access gate to facilitate safe entry while preventing unauthorized vehicle access. The committee aims to balance public access with the need for protection and preservation of the land.

During the public comments section, multiple residents voiced their concerns about littering and disruptive behavior by visitors to Hawk Island. One resident described the trash situation as “shocking and disgraceful,” mentioning empty alcohol containers, bags full of trash, abandoned barbeque grills, and even a collapsed tent. Another individual shared experiences with public defecation and the accumulation of dirty diapers left behind, raising concerns about public safety and the potential liability for the township should a drowning occur in the nearby state-owned lake.

The council discussed amending township codes to address these problems, with suggestions for issuing citations for violations and implementing a parking permit system to manage weekend parking. Residents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of new ordinances, fearing they would not solve the problems but rather increase violations and littering. Calls for consistent enforcement of regulations for all individuals, regardless of residency, were prominent, with a desire for a system that holds everyone accountable.

The need for clear regulations and active enforcement was echoed throughout the meeting. Residents shared personal experiences with noise disturbances from off-road vehicles late at night and the frustration caused by delays in police response. Suggestions for proactive measures included increased police visibility and the installation of trash cans to help address littering. The Chief of Police noted that complaints tend to increase during the summer months and acknowledged the “gray area” regarding enforcement due to the lack of clear regulations.

The council also discussed the potential for issuing tags to residents to facilitate access to certain areas without the risk of trespassing, though limitations to this approach were noted. The importance of allowing responsible public access while addressing negative behaviors was emphasized, citing successful past efforts in other areas like West Avenue Parks.

Other topics included the discussion of a comprehensive traffic study, which is considered an important part of the master plan for Delanco. The study will include car and truck counts on various roads and address the impacts of new developments, such as upcoming residential projects, on local traffic patterns. Concerns were raised about the influence of surrounding communities on traffic conditions within Delanco and the need for accurate, current data to support planning efforts.

The meeting also covered updates on ongoing projects, such as the seawall construction and the Field of Dreams athletic lighting project. Public works updates included ongoing brush pickups and tree trimming, with preparations being made for an impending tropical storm.