HARRISBURG – Attorney General Tom Corbett urged Pennsylvania seniors to be wary of mailings and other unsolicited offers that attempt to charge consumers a fee for information about Pennsylvania\’s property tax rebate program. 

\”Pennsylvania seniors are NOT required to pay a fee to apply for the state\’s property tax and rent rebates program,\” Corbett said. \”Rebate forms and instructions are available free-of-charge and can be easily obtained from the Department of Revenue, as well as Area Agency on Aging offices and the offices of many state legislators.\”

All the water created problems for any residents who had errands to run. Also, with this much water, the chances of the rainwater mixing with the sewer water, and then going directly into the Delaware River, are much greater.

President Obama spoke of stimulus money being used to put people to work to address infrastructure problems. This would be a perfect case.

The Water Street corridor almost seems to be a forgotten area – abandoned land and burnt-out buildings. Something has to be done.

WILDLIFE PARKS

My proposal would be to create a wildlife refuge and nature park at \”the dunes.\” Also, where the old factories were, perhaps wind mills or solar panels could be installed to create clean energy.

By starting to fix up the area, some businesses – especially associated with the shipping and maritime industries – would be encouraged to open up down in Southport.

The way it looks now is not very enticing to attract new businesses to the area.

Also, there is a chance to create a small nature park at the curve of Essex Street and Johnson Boulevard.

After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completes its thorium clean-up, they put in remedial landscaping. Working with Gloucester City, this could become a nice place for residents to walk around and watch the birds and animals.

The strongest selling point for the future of Gloucester City is the Delaware River waterfront, and all of its tributaries – the Newton Creek and the Big and Little Timber creeks.

FOOD PANTRY

Due to the Great Recession, and the high unemployment rate, this is a very difficult time for many families in Gloucester City, Brooklawn, Westville, Mount Ephraim and Bellmawr.

Currently, some 1,400 people a month avail themselves of the services at the Touch New Jersey Food Pantry on the Black Horse Pike in Mount Ephraim. The food they get is essential to the survival of the parents, and the children.

The building the pantry uses belongs to Sacred Heart Parish in Mount Ephraim, which did not charge rent.

However, under the new Camden Diocesan restructuring plan, Sacred Heart is merging with Holy Maternity Church in Audubon. Because of the additional people in the parish, more parking spots are needed.

The food pantry needs a new home. Perhaps a place can be found in the area to help continue serving the needy.

I pay my taxes own my home so my reward from this city is to take something away from me that I’ve worked my balls off to achieve it isn’t right

I park my pick up in front of my house even during sweeper day. I move it to park my company van when I’m done work, have dinner , shower , then at 730 move pick up back put van on King and leave for work 7 in the morning.

So at $25 a week and $100 a month I can keep my eye on my perk of having a company vehicle. Thank you Gloucester City government and hey $1,200 for a parking space, can I claim that on my taxes next year??

And hey I’ll sweep my own front yard beings as the only thing the sweeper does is move my dirt next door and so forth down the road.

Oh and hey my son stops by for lunch no parking available on Morris Street plenty on King Street guess he has to park a block and a half away??

Christmas morning can my family park on King to come see us??? My daughters friend has a car, wants to stay overnight, she has to park a block and a half away when there’s plenty of spots 100 feet from my house on King do you feel that’s safe for your daughter?? I don’t.

John Krimmel

The above resolution was introduced for passage at the March 25th, 2010 council meeting

NOTE: From Councilman Dan Spencer, March 22, 2010

Bill,

I believe in a recent article, you said it costs @$80,000 for benefits and/or Opt Out for the 7 members of the Governing Body.

At this point in time, I do not know the exact figure, but what I do know is that I DO NOT take the City benefits nor do I receive Opt Out in lieu of the benefits.

Also, at the recent Caucus meeting, the Mayor proposed we take a 20% reduction in our compensation. I also agreed to this.

I am sure the Mayor will be doing an article about the reduction for Mayor and Council.

Also, I am donating my $1,000 Council salary to the St. Mary School Development Fund. (well now $800, I will put up the other $200)

\”The teachers are always available to help you,\” said Farley, who is also the program’s student secretary.

Highland Park Principal Victoria Ernst praised Farley for her creativity and talent, adding that one of the student’s paintings currently hangs in her office.

Haylee Courant, a sixth grader at Mary Ethel Costello School, spoke about some of the programs there. She has enjoyed her time at Costello School, and will take many fond memories with her when she begins junior high school next year. Courant said her favorite activities are drawing and playing softball.

\”She is one of our most well-rounded students,\” Principal Ken Wagstaff said.

Second grader Alina Matejkowski, 8, spoke about upcoming events planned for the children at Cold Springs School.

Matejkowski, who also plays the violin, gave a very articulate speech about events at Cold Springs.

Gloucester City High School Senior Brandon Labbree read his winning essay from the VFW Voice of Democracy contest, as did Krystal Underwood, the junior high winner of the Patriot’s Pen competition.

Members of VFW Post 3620 were on hand to present both Labbree and Underwood with sweatshirts and checks in reward of their outstanding ac-hievement.

Spaventa praised GHS science teacher Mark Lattanzio for his work with students in his \”Mad Science\” lab, a program he put together to get students interested in learning about science.

\”Mad Science\” was included on New Jersey Network’s Classroom Close-up show, which highlights ac-hievements in education throughout the state.

Spaventa showed Board members and those in attendance a portion of the program, which featured Lattanzio and several of his students.

During the public forum, resident and Cold Springs parent Margaret Donahue shared her concerns about the parking and traffic situation along Cold Springs Drive when children are being dropped off and picked up.

Board President Louisa Llewellyn suggested Donahue contact the Gloucester City Police, adding that maybe a crossing guard could be placed at the location to ensure student safety at those hectic times.

The Board will meet again at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, for a caucus session, and the next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in the GHS media center.

The 2010 School Board Election will be Tuesday, April 20, from 2 to 9 p.m. Voters will be choosing members to fill four seats—three three-year terms and one two-year term.