One notable issue discussed during the council meeting was brought forth by Jennifer Demarco, a resident living on a dead-end street off Lake Boulevard. Demarco expressed deep concerns about her property and personal safety following actions by the Department of Public Works (DPW), which cleared a public access area next to her home without her knowledge. She described returning home one day to find the “whole left side was tore up,” transforming the area into something more akin to a four-wheeling site than a maintained public space. This clearing removed a natural vegetation barrier that she had relied upon for privacy and security.

Demarco’s concerns were exacerbated by a recent incident where an unknown individual trespassed into her backyard, attempting to enter a structure close to her young child’s bedroom window. She highlighted the vulnerability created by the removal of the vegetation, stating, “you can walk into the public access and you can walk right into my yard straight from there.” These events compelled her to call the police, and she articulated her frustration over the lack of timely communication from local officials, despite her efforts to reach out since June.

Another resident resonated with Demarco’s plight, recounting their own experiences with trespassing and emphasizing the importance of safety. This individual mentioned installing locks on all gates to mitigate their sense of vulnerability. Demarco made a direct appeal for the restoration of her natural barrier, underscoring her need for privacy and safety.

In response to these concerns, the Council assured Demarco that they would follow up on the matter, with a promise to involve the engineer to assess the situation. However, Demarco reiterated the urgency of her request, citing the prolonged duration of her unresolved issues.

The meeting also addressed another property-related concern raised by John McGill, a resident troubled by the condition of a vacant house on Columbia Avenue. McGill pointed out that the property appeared deserted, with no electricity, rendering it susceptible to vandalism or squatting. He questioned the borough’s ability to compel the owner to clean up the property, but a council member explained that the borough’s authority was limited due to the unresolved status of the property’s lien.

McGill showed willingness to contribute to the property’s cleanup but stressed the need for borough support in ensuring proper disposal of any collected debris. He conveyed a sense of urgency, noting the protracted nature of the situation and the need for prompt action.

Beyond these pressing safety concerns, the meeting celebrated community engagement and service initiatives. The council recognized the swearing-in of Officer James Wilson and congratulated Officers Wells and Ortiz for completing their police academy training. The mayor emphasized the community’s support for the police department’s mission.

A council member announced an upcoming community cleanup event at Kirkwood Lake, inviting residents to participate and contribute to local environmental efforts. This was complemented by reports from the fire department, which handled 76 calls and completed multiple inspections in the past month. The department also reminded residents about the availability of free smoke alarms, a vital safety measure.

In a community-oriented move, a parade was announced to kick off from Kingsro Apartments, culminating at the library with festivities including Santa, cookies, and hot chocolate. Additionally, the White Oak Baptist Church was commended for its initiative in providing Thanksgiving meals to seniors, and discussions for future partnerships were initiated.

The council also highlighted the Volunteers of America’s program seeking sponsors for families in need during Christmas, noting that 33 families still required assistance. This prompted a call for community support to ensure all families receive sponsorship.

In a practical update, a council member provided insights into the Real ID requirements for air travel effective February 2026, detailing a temporary $45 fee option for those without a Real ID, offering residents a short-term solution.

Senior community events were also announced, including a free bingo event and a Holly Jolly Senior Dance organized by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. Additionally, the success of a recent New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission mobile unit event was acknowledged, with plans for a future week-long event to provide further services to residents.