PETERSBURG – Upper Township Committee met Dec. 14, a week earlier than usual because of the Christmas holiday.
The meeting opened with a raucous and happy group of dozens of boys ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old from two championship-winning township teams and a standing-room-only crowd of parents and supporters.
The Upper Township Indians Pee Wee Football team was honored for winning the 2015 Cape Atlantic Junior Football League Championship and the Upper Township Indians JV Football Team was recognized for its clinch of the 2015 Cape Atlantic Junior Football League Championship.
“I was involved with the start of this sports program in 1974 with 14 kids who played every division up to varsity, and the parents turned on their car lights around the field so we could practice and play in the dark,” said Committee member Hobart Young, with more than a note of jubilation.
“We’ve come so far and now have the makings here with these boys of more than just football champs since many of them play lacrosse, soccer, basketball or wrestle and it’s a real tribute to our township that we have this kind of support. Much better to have a vibrant rec program than having to expand our police because the kids have nothing to do and make mischief,” he added.
Municipal COAH Process
Paul Dietrich Sr., township engineer, reported that he had attended a meeting with the appointed special master and others involved in the affordable housing process. “This was a good opportunity to share with other municipalities where do we stand, where we’re headed, our projects and processes on affordable housing issues under COAH (Council on Affordable Housing),” explained Dietrich. “In 2016 we’ll need to consider what projects we might want to implement such as the proposed senior affordable housing across from the township’s senior center on Stagecoach Road.”
Additional Dredging Request
Mayor Richard Palombo informed committee that he, along with the mayors of Ocean City, Jay Gillian and Sea Isle City, Leonard Desiderio, had written a letter to U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) requesting consideration of additional sand dredging in the wake of recent nor ‘ester, Joaquin.
“We don’t have official confirmation but it is looking positive, they need to consult in D.C. regarding contractor pricing and there may be changes in permitting and other hurdles since this new sand is not part of the original dredging provisions so the Army Corps of Engineers and the state Department of Environmental Protection will need to be consulted as well,” said Palombo.
No Parking
Dietrich said he had consulted with County Engineer Dale Foster and has ironed out no parking delineations in the areas that have proved dangerous and the site of several recent accidents.
“The county said to proceed with our township ordinance and then they will do a companion county resolution to support better safety along this problem stretch,” said Dietrich.
Possible Lacrosse Tournament
After some discussion of benefits versus the potential costs of hosting a major lacrosse tournament in July, committee decided to move forward with tentative approval for an item of new business, “Corrigan Sports request use of Amanda’s Field for boys lacrosse tournament July 15-17 2016.”
Final approval is to be tied to identification of any additional costs for hosting the tournament which would include 40 teams and attract crowds of up to 2,000 spectators.
Township Solicitor Daniel Young noted that the township already has on the books an ordinance which outlines costs to use township fields and recommended committee do further research on other potential costs including unusual wear and tear of the fields, emergency medical services and time of public works employees for clean-up and maintenance.
“This seems to be a very reputable, professional and experienced organization so it would be great to make this work since Upper, unlike Ocean City, Sea Isle City or others doesn’t have any major sports event. And it would be good public relations to get the word out better about all the advantages Upper offers,” said Young.
During public comment, Michael Jones, a public works employee, underscored the need to make sure that the township maximizes the revenues it can generate because of the event while at the same time protecting township fields and potential outlays for staging the tournament.
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.
