PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee met Aug. 10 and looked into litter.
Committeeman Hobart Young noted that he has observed grass-cutting operations by road crew especially along county roads that are “spewing chopped up litter all over the township.”
“They are not picking up the litter before they mow, it’s blowing all over, residents are complaining as well,” continued Young.
In response, township Engineer Paul Dietrich said, “If it’s in front of a residence or commercial property, they won’t pick up anything” to which Young responded, “I’m talking about areas in front of vacant properties, which are numerous in this township or where there is no owner like woods or natural acreage. I’m asking you (Dietrich) to send a letter to NJDOT (state Department of Transportation) to ask them to fix this problem.”
On an earlier occasion, Mayor Richard Palombo responded to residents’ complaints that Upper’s litter blight is not being addressed as happens in other neighboring municipalities through clean-up grants and municipal initiatives. Palombo defended the township stating Upper is in receipt of a clean-up grant although it apparently has not yet been disbursed nor has he given any timetable or objective such as actual cleanup and/or educational campaign for its use.
Beach Erosion
Palombo talked about new beach erosion “over the weekend in Strathmere similar to the ‘cliffs’ that Avalon experienced.”
“There are decent drops that are very noticeable, they go straight down with a significant drop in depth, we should get these smoothed out,” he continued. Deputy Mayor Edward Barr commented, “We really need to show the Army Corps of Engineers the results of the contractor’s work rather than just meeting with them as you (Dietrich) do.”
Dietrich promised to inform committee of the timing of his next meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers and perhaps set up a site visit to provide visual evidence of the erosion that seems to already be taking place along the newly replenished Strathmere beach.
New Water Tower
Upper’s new water tower, constructed behind the Acme supermarket on Route 9 in Seaville is almost ready to go per Dietrich. “We’re waiting for the American Water logo to be put on and some connections to be made at which time it will be functional,” he said.
Gypsy Moth Survey
The township received an invitation from the state to participate in a free gypsy moth survey with its application to participate due for submission by Aug. 21.
“We dropped the ball last time and did not get our request to participate submitted in time,” said Palombo. “We can’t afford to let that happen again, the problem has subsided for the last five to eight years but before that it was really bad and we had real difficulties because of that and we should be included this time.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
Villas – Look what happened on Jan 6 th with Trump, I do not blame’ Michelle Obama for not coming! You cannot trust his allies for it to be a calm day, for her safety she is safer at home.
