The most contentious topic was ordinance 2024-19, which revises restrictions on Hawke Island. This ordinance aims to clarify acceptable activities and provide law enforcement with better guidelines to manage the area. It acknowledges the island’s closure in response to illegal activities and environmental destruction, but aims to allow residents to enjoy the island’s natural beauty without being treated as trespassers.

During the public hearing, several residents voiced their worries about the potential negative impact of reopening the island. One resident expressed concerns about parking congestion in local neighborhoods, suggesting that visitors might park in residential areas, causing disturbances. Additionally, issues with off-road vehicles operating late at night were highlighted as contributing to noise disturbances. The police chief acknowledged the challenges of managing increased traffic if the island became more popular, emphasizing that the ordinance aims to provide clearer guidelines to address problematic behaviors.

Another resident, Vincent Gami, raised concerns that the ordinance appeared to deregulate access to Hawke Island, potentially leading to increased violations and citations. Gami referenced historical data about public behavior. Another resident detailed incidents involving litter and unsanitary conditions on the island, questioning why the public works department should be burdened with cleaning up after visitors. This resident emphasized the need for clearer enforcement measures to maintain the area’s integrity.

The council members discussed various suggestions to mitigate the potential negative impact of reopening the island. These included implementing a permit system for parking, similar to one already in place on Delaware Avenue, to ensure that only local neighbors are allowed access. There was also discussion about placing signs as a deterrent against trespassing and issuing tags to distinguish between local users and non-residents. However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of these measures due to regulatory limitations concerning public access rights.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of recognizing responsible community members who access the area for recreational purposes. One participant noted, “We want that public access to not be punishable,” emphasizing that the ordinance should strike a balance between enforcement and allowing residents to enjoy the space responsibly.

Residents expressed frustration with the ongoing litter and trash problems at Hawke Island. One resident mentioned a previous cleanup effort involving local organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and suggested that similar community cleanups could be reinstated. The council recognized that trash cans had recently been placed in four locations, but the effectiveness of these measures was questioned as only one of the cans had been filled during the preceding week.

Concerns about safety and cleanliness were paramount among residents. One individual recounted encountering significant litter, including “four or five bottles of empty vodka,” and illegal activities such as gunshots and reckless behavior associated with four-wheelers and dirt bikes. The council acknowledged that without proper enforcement, these issues would persist indefinitely.

Following the discussion, a motion was made to adopt ordinance 2024-19, which received unanimous support from the council members. The urgency of the matter was reiterated, as members directed staff to begin working on the no parking ordinance and to amend regulations pertaining to coolers and barbecues associated with activities at Hawke Island.

Another topic addressed during the meeting was the management of traffic concerns in Delanco. Resident Dan Martin, a former planning board member, expressed frustration over the lack of new road developments and inadequate traffic studies. He urged the council to consider funding a comprehensive traffic study to address the increased truck activity and pedestrian safety. Martin criticized the reliance on traffic studies conducted by applicants, which often do not address critical intersections, and highlighted the dangers posed by trucks traveling at high speeds on local roads.

Council members acknowledged the need for a comprehensive traffic study and emphasized the importance of integrating these plans into the town’s master plan. They discussed the impact of surrounding communities on Delanco’s traffic and noted the importance of becoming their own advocates, given the lack of progress on critical traffic issues from county authorities. There was a motion to approve a specific proposal for a circulation plan element of the master plan, which received support from council members.

The meeting also included updates on ongoing construction and improvement projects, such as the installation of underdrains, grading, and sidewalk installation. Concerns about local tree health and the need for fertilizer injections were discussed. Upcoming work included striping at Newton Landing and River’s Edge, and the lighting project for the Field of Dreams athletic field was progressing.

In the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident inquired about Resolution 204-12, related to a grant submission for the Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug. It was clarified that the resolution permits participation in the grant program. Another resident raised concerns about the potential planting of oak seedlings, leading to a discussion about possible planting sites, especially in areas affected by recent storms.