Middle Mayor, Police Chief Give Progress Updates

COURT HOUSE – The second floor of the Bellevue Tavern played host to a meeting of the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce March 8 when Middle Township Mayor Michael Clark gave the annual State of the Township address. 
Police Chief Christopher Leusner joined Clark and delivered his annual report on public safety.
Clark began with a summary of progress in the Rio Grande section of the township. He pointed to the opening of the police substation and the effort to install LED (light-emitting device) lighting along the area of the intersection between Routes 9 and 47.
A 28 percent decrease in crime in Rio Grande in 2016 was, in large measure, a result of the greater presence and visibility of police in the community, he said.
Later Leusner spoke of the success of the reestablished Street Crimes Unit in the area.
Clark spoke of other initiatives in Rio Grande including a rapid response code enforcement capability and better lines of communication and collaboration with residents and merchants in this shopping area of the township.
Turning to economic development, Clark highlighted increases in construction activity and its ratable base.
Citing new businesses launched in 2016, Clark mentioned the township’s loan program that aided in establishing new endeavors including 7 Mile Brewery across from Walmart. 
With a tax abatement program and loans available for business expansion, Clark said the township was positioned to support growth.
The past year was a significant one for the development of recreational amenities. Clark pointed to county Open Space funds gained by the township for the extension of the bike path both south, as a connector to Lower Township, and north from the zoo area to Dennis Township.
Of particular note was progress made on the development of the Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex, where years of effort have started to pay off in new recreation fields and opportunities for residents.
Clark also emphasized the township’s stronger position for attracting more of the tourism dollars that are the lifeblood of the county economy.
As eco-tourism experiences a greater emphasis on history and culture and an interest in wineries and breweries expand traditional tourism boundaries beyond the beaches, the mayor sees Middle Township positioning itself for the future.
The traditional focus on the municipal budget that has played a big part in former states of the township addresses was absent this night. That is because the township has not yet introduced its 2017 budget.
Clark invited chamber members to attend the Township Committee work session at 4 p.m. March 20 when he said the budget would be presented before being formally introduced at the 6 p.m. business meeting that follows.
Clark said that the budget for 2017 would probably contain a “small increase” in the local purpose tax rate. He provided no details of what that increase might be or specifically where the monies would be directed.
Public Safety
Leusner followed Clark with an upbeat presentation of progress on public safety issues in 2016. It was, he said, more than once, “a good year.”
Leusner noted that while the Rio Grande crime rate had dropped by 28 percent, the township as a whole also saw a double-digit decrease of 11 percent.
While the chief touted the success in enforcement activities, again mentioning the new Rio Grande substation, better lighting, and the street crimes unit, Leusner also created efforts by police at early intervention, education programs and increased community outreach.
As an example of the intervention efforts, Leusner singled out a new program, done in partnership with The Lighthouse Church, to reimage the police department as a place where those struggling with addiction can get help.
The effort is an attempt to impact the epidemic of drug and alcohol dependency that often feeds the local crime rate.
Leusner said that any addict seeking help could go directly to the police. The individual would then be connected to Christians United for Recovery (CURE), an organization positioned to connect the individual to appropriate resources and programs.
Leusner said that 10 people had been referred in 2016 through that new program.
A new program aimed at education and entitled “What to Expect in Encounters with a Police Officer,” met with a good reception, he said. At a presentation at Middle Township High School over 100, many in their teens, attended.
Leusner spoke of new efforts that include body cameras for police officers, initiated in January, and criminal justice reforms that need to become part of the ongoing process of policing.
Education programs in the schools continue to grow. Leusner pointed to the fact that just a few years ago the department had one in-school program aimed at fifth graders. Now, three programs try to impact students in fifth, seventh and 11th grades.
Both Leusner and Clark spoke of the new township ordinance requiring the registration of vacant properties. The expectation is that registration will result in more effective code enforcement and decrease the probability that the properties will attract criminal activity.
During the question-and-answer period, it was not surprising that an audience of business owners expressed concern about a recommendation from the Economic Development Committee, a volunteer advisory body for Township Committee, concerning a potential requirement for businesses to register with the township and pay a registration fee. 
As many spoke against the recommendation, the recurring theme was fear that this would be one step on a slippery slope leading to a township mercantile license requirement.
Clark tried to assure attendees that this was only a recommendation to the township and that it has not yet had any substantive discussion or exploration.
He said there would be a work session discussion, possibly March 20, where the committee would welcome input from the business community.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.