Mayor Doesn’t Want To ‘Be In The Recycling Business’

WOODBINE – Borough council read a letter from Cape May County MUA Executive Director Charles Norkis at its meeting March 20. The letter, sent to the mayors of all 16 municipalities in the county, is a formal offer to continue electronics recycling past the original June 30 deadline. The MUA plan will assess the charges associated with the electronics recycling against the recycling rebate each municipality receives annually. In doing so, municipalities will not have to find a way to pay for the recycling in their already lean budgets.
Mayors are required to notify the MUA in writing if they wish to participate. Any municipality that does not participate will have to store and properly dispose of the discarded electronics on its own.
“We don’t want to be in the recycling business,” said Mayor William Pikolycky. “I think this will go across the board, all 16 municipalities. This will not solve the problem if recycling revenues drop, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Council also reminded residents of the grand opening of the Born Learning Trail in Lincoln Park. The interactive learning and nature trail meanders through the 22-acre park, in the heart of the borough. A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held April 1, at 11 a.m. The ceremony coincides with the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service.
Pikolycky took a few minutes to discuss recent efforts by several local officials, such as Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Sam Fiochi, to garner support for the proposed natural gas pipeline to the B.L. England generating station. “I hope they give it a serious look,” said Pikolycky. “There may be some real economic benefits for fixed income residents.”
While pollution concerns have generally been an argument in opposition to the pipeline, Pikolycky, chair of the Pinelands commission municipal council, said there are environmental benefits of its construction. “Converting more homes to natural gas abates older oil tanks and burners. A residential 275 gallon oil tank leak remediation can cost thousands itself.”
Council also discussed two grant renewal applications. The safe routes to school and transportation alternatives grant applications must be filed with New Jersey Department of Transportation by May 15.
Before closing the meeting, Council Member Louis Murray, property and small business committee chairperson, reminded everyone that spring had arrived, by announcing that the Custard Ranch had reopened for the season.
To contact Don Tozer, email dtozer@cmcherald.com.