Board of Education Meeting on November 27th

On November 27, 2012, Haddonfield High School held a special Board of Education Meeting to discuss the potential purchasing of the adjacent Bancroft School property. 

According to a draft proposal made available to those attending the meeting, purchasing costs will total about $16.8 million for the 19.2 acres of land. Unfortunately, none of this is eligible for NJ State support through the Department of Education. However, to help pay the bill, the school district  has received a grant commitment from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program, the Camden County Open Space & Farmland Preservation Program and the Borough’s Open Space. These funds total about $3.5 million.

Haddonfield has applied for a bond in the amount of $12.5 million. Haddonfield residents will vote on whether or not to approve the $12.5 million bond on January 22, 2013. 

It is this bond that became the hot topic of the evening as the BOE meeting progressed. The Board heard comments by many residents in favor and in opposition to the purchase.

Some residents voiced complaints about taxes increasing and expressed that they did not have children that went to the high school and did see any reason to purchase Bancroft.  Others enthusiastically supported the acquisition of additional land.  

The borough and school district have joined forces and entered into a  “Shared Services Agreement.” In other words, both the town and the students would be permitted to use the land.  Proponents of the purchase at the meeting suggested that this arrangement should make the proposal more appealing to voters.

One resident, who referred to himself as Mr. Harrison said, “You have received $45 million since 1995, and now you are asking us for more. Where did all of that money go?” President of the board Steve Weinstein replied, “Mr. Harrison you were on the board when those bonds were passed. You had access to the audits. You know very well where all that money went. All of that money went into the school and to suggest that we got approval and then took the money and it’s sitting in a drawer somewhere is a misconception.” 

Haddonfield resident, Cynthia Brown, who does not usually go to the BOE meetings said after the meeting, “I was impressed with the Board’s response to the criticisms made by some of the other residents... I was surprised at some of the disrespectful behavior that I observed.” She also stated, “I think Haddonfield would be crazy not to buy that land...it would be shameful for us not to get the big picture.”

Residents wait as the Board of Education meeting is called to order

Board members Richard Perry, Steve Weinstein & Glenn Moramarco listen to a resident's concerns

Mr. Steve Weinstein responds to a resident's questions

Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy on Haddonfield

Hurricane Sandy, also known as Super Storm Sandy, crossed paths with Haddonfield, New Jersey, on October 29, 2012. Computer models predicted that the eye of the storm would pass over the Camden County area. Just hours before arriving in Haddonfield, the storm was pounding the Jersey Shore. Residents of Camden County expected the worst. 

The Haddon Police Department had been preparing since it became clear that the town was in the path of the hurricane.  “By the time the storm hit, we were as prepared as we could be,” said Lieutenant Ed Wiley.  Lt. Wiley explained that they prepared in advance for the storm by ensuring generators at headquarters and shelter locations were operational. In addition he said, “Our Emergency Management Coordinator, Department of Public Works, Fire and Ambulance Personnel, and Police all got together before the storm to discuss available shelters, equipment, manpower and fuel, as well as debris removal.” 

To prepare the residents, the Haddonfield borough frequently updated its website. Residents were encouraged to move their cars from low lying areas before the storm arrived and to stay indoors once the storm began.

In the end, other areas of New Jersey were hit harder than South Jersey. “We got off pretty easy,” said local resident, David Jones, who rents an apartment in town.

For Haddonfield, the biggest effect of Super Storm Sandy was tree damage and downed power lines leading to electric power outages. A house on the corner of Euclid and Homestead Avenue was just missed by a large tree in the front yard. The tree fell onto Euclid Avenue and ripped up the sidewalk beneath it. A large tree at Hopkins Pond came down, knocking down other trees behind it.  However there was no property damage to any houses. 

On Haddonfield’s website it was reported that residents living on Cedar, Woodland, Mount Vernon had incurred power outages. Bancroft, a residential school for developmentally disabled clients, also lost power. Lieutenant Wiley stated that there were no storm-related injuries within the town, although two police cars sustained minor storm-related damage.

On November 1, four days after the storm, it was posted on Haddonfield’s website that there was free wi-fi from Comcast available at the Borough Hall for residents and that cell phones could be charged for free for anyone who had lost power. 

Haddonfield Schools were closed for a week.  In addition, town-wide events were also affected. The Halloween parade that was schedule for October 31 was cancelled and

Governor Christy announced that trick-or-treating would be postponed until Monday, November 5. Haddonfield, however, decided to have their Halloween on Friday, November 2. 

Lt. Wiley explained that the Police Department is preparing to meet with FEMA to make application for reimbursement for overtime, equipment, and damages incurred during the storm.

Large tree just missed a house located on Euclid and Homestead Ave

Damaged sidewalk on Euclid & Homestead Ave

Fallen tree at Hopkins Pond

Scorched earth from a downed electric wire at Hopkins Pond

Haddonfield's Hope & Help Concert

Haddonfield's Christmas Candlelight Shopping Tradition

It was cold and the air was damp from rain that had passed through earlier in the evening. Luminaries lined the sidewalks and gave off a warm glowing light. The trees and store front windows were wrapped in white lights and covered in scarlet colored bows. Carolers in festive attire sang Christmas songs and in the distance a trumpet could be heard boldly playing “O Come All Ye Faithful.” 

Haddonfield’s Candlelight Shopping tradition was up and running for another holiday season celebration. 

“I think it’s great!” said Haddonfield resident Danielle Dayton. “It’s family-friendly, very festive and I’m really glad the rain stopped.” Danielle was waiting in line for the carriage ride with her family. “This is our first year and so far we’re having a good time.” 

This year, every Friday evening from November 23rd through December 21st, downtown Haddonfield celebrates the Christmas holiday with extended shopping hours, horse drawn carriage rides and special appearances from Santa Claus. 

“I love coming here,” said Mr. Kris Kringle. “I never get tired of it.”  When asked how long he has been appearing at Haddonfield’s Candlelight event, he said, “Oh I don’t know, maybe four or five years. Time flies when you’re having fun.” In response to questions about what most people were asking for this year, Santa said, “This year I’ve gotten some requests for American Girl Dolls, horses, and a lot of iPads.”

Not far from where Santa was greeting the children, the Essential Brass Ensemble could be heard playing popular Christmas carols in the Kings Court Gazebo. One of the band members, Nathan Gable, plays a bright red, plastic and fiberglass trombone, which is incredibly light-weight compared to a traditional brass instrument. “I’ve been playing the trombone since seventh grade,” he said. “I’ve been with this group for eleven years. This is our first year playing here in Haddonfield.  It’s great fun!” 

Down the street from the Brass Ensemble, Christine Schrader, a computer programmer by day and a Volunteer Auxiliary Police Officer by night was found hard at work directing traffic and helping pedestrians cross the street. “I’ve been doing this about eight years.” she said. When asked about any major issues that happen during her shift, she responded, “The drivers get very distracted by everything that’s going on, and sometimes I worry about that. People get excited- they don’t wait for the traffic, but honestly, it’s a pretty fun gig!” 

Standing outside one of the shops was Alan Moore, who has lived in Haddonfield for 60 years. Mr. Moore said that the Candlelight Shopping event was not his idea of entertainment, but thought it was a good time to promote the opening of his new bookstore to passers-by. “I’m opening a book store [December 8th]. It’s going to be called ‘None Such Books’ and it will be located on 24 Ellis Street near the Kings Court Gazebo.” 

Not far from where Mr. Moore stood, MP4! could be heard singing “Jingle Bell Rock” and other Christmas carols. The group members of MP4! are a part of the “Sweet Adelines,” which is one of the world’s largest groups of women singers that use a barbershop quartet harmony. “We’ve been together for five years. This is our fourth year here in Haddonfield and we’re here every Friday night,” they said. 

This year’s Candlelight Shopping event began with a Tree Lighting at the library on November 23rd. Next Friday, December 14th there will be a live nativity scene at the Baptist Church, Mimes from Cherry Hill East High School, and a special appearance from Woody the Stilt Walker. Carriage rides and caroling begin at 6:00 p.m.

Luminaries lined along the sidewalks

Children listen as the Essential Brass Ensemble play Christmas songs

Nathan Gabel poses with his bright red trombone

A new group loads onto the carriage, children introduce themselves to a new friend

MP4! performs "Jingle Bell Rock" on the street corner

Haddonfield Farmers Market

This Saturday was the last day for this year's Haddonfield Farmers Market. This year, the market ran from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm every Saturday from May through Mid-October.

Around Haddonfield

“Welcome to Historic Haddonfield” sign seen on Kings Highway while leaving Haddon Heights N.J.

 

 Haddonfield Borough Hall located on Kings Highway East

 Haddonfield High School’s football field begins to lose its grass

 

Haddonfield High School; View of the football field from the 50-yard-line

 

Haddonfield High School’s Athletic Director, Lefteris Banos poses for a photo outside of the school 

Bancroft

Haddonfield High School needs more room to expand their buildings and sports fields. For at least 10 years, the Borough and the Board of Education have been discussing the idea of purchasing the property next to the high school, which is currently owned by The Bancroft School. Bancroft provides housing and education for children and adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities.

Haddonfield Mayor Letitia Colombi said that she is very excited about the possibility of the purchase. She said. “If this happens, this would be a way for the students to get more of what they need. Of all of the schools in the Colonial Conference, Haddonfield High School has the smallest amount of land.”

Despite the Mayor’s excitement, purchase of the Bancroft property may prove to be easier said than done. According to an article from “Haddon Patch” by Bill Duhart, the BOE announced back in July that they wanted to purchase the property for $12.19 million.

Mayor Colombi explained that in order to help pay for the purchase, the Borough has approached Camden County about receiving Open Space grants. According to the Camden County Free Holders website, these grants “are presented to existing publicly owned recreation facilities planning to expand their utilization for recreational purposes”. The Mayor said “we also have... two Open Space grants from the State of New Jersey that add up to about $900,000 that we have access to. So we are in a position, depending on how much the County is willing to give us, to contribute to the cost of the property.”

These grants will only be a portion of the money needed to complete the purchase. A referendum will need to be voted on by the Haddonfield residents to decide if they want the BOE and the Borough to purchase the property. In a previous interview, Haddonfield High School Athletic Director Lefteris Banos explained that the voting is scheduled to occur on January 22, 2013.

When asked about concerns residents might have about money, Mayor Colombi responded, “Any time you have to raise taxes, it’s hard. So we have to be very careful about our budget... I think that’s what has a lot of people worried. They want to know if they can afford it. But it makes sense to own that property next to our high school.”

Bancroft has been in Haddonfield since 1883 and many of its facilities are in need of an upgrade. According to a Philly.com article by James Osborne, Bancroft has actually been seeking buyers for the property since 2005 and are willing to sell it to the school and Borough.

Sarah Miduski, Case Manager for the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, worked with Bancroft for twelve years. During an interview, she said, “I think it would be good for Bancroft to move. I think they’ve outgrown that campus. It would be nice to improve some of their buildings because I know the housing [for the kids] is pretty bleak at this point. They’re kind of worn down and there’s only so much you can do to repair it. I think having a nice big clean slate to work with would be really great.”

I asked Ms. Miduski if she knew if Bancroft was prepared to move, and she responded, “I don’t think they have identified anywhere specific. It’s a difficult path because most of the housing that isn’t on that campus is still in the area, so if they move too far away, they still have to transport all the kids in the group home. As far as I know they are still looking in [Camden and Burlington County] for a new property.”

According to the “Bancroft Property Letter of Intent,” if the January referendum passes, Bancroft has two years to “sign an agreement of sale for a new site.” As soon as the Borough and the BOE obtain the property, Bancroft is permitted to stay on the property up to four years.  It can stay for two years free of charge, but if it remains on the land for more than two years, rent payments will be required during the third and fourth year.