This afternoon the Local Finance Board of the Department of Community Affairs approved the dual application of Cherry Hill Township and the Borough of Merchantville for the proposed municipal consolidation. The vote was unanimous.
I've only lived in town for going on four years, so I don't know much about all of this, but I just read the local observer and I'm wondering why the Merchantville council rejected it's previous support for this study commission if it was going to go forward anyway? Why do this unless you're just looking to disrespect the folks who volunteered to serve? And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they previously endorse a study and then rescind later last time. They look like clowns to me. A study is good because the people will have a vote. Clowns only get one vote each.
It's my understanding that flipflopping was over controlling who appoints the commissioners. A friend of mine asked the mayor during the campain why they passed the study resolution and he basically said it was to control the process. Its no secret that he'd appointed commissioners who could be relied upon to derail the process. The commission officially approved yesterday looks pretty earnest about doing this study and having a popular referendum.
Let's commend the members of the Merchantville Commission who volunteered for this thankless job. They will no doubt be thrown many insults from council and elsewhere throughout the study. Good luck!
I'm against any merger with Cherry Hill. I'm afraid that this town will become a yuppy magnet like Collingswood or Manayunk. I hope you people like sushi and Tai food! That's what will be available downtown. Merchantville diner will be gone. Yuppys don't eat that. I'm worried about being priced out of my home. I rent my home and wont benefit from the increase in property values. That being said, I'm pretty impressed that this loud annoying group kept at it for two years. I thought they'd just give up. They have balls. I will be voting NO on any merger, but I'm impressed to see young people who still have some balls. Good for you! I hope you fail.
Bring on the study! We all have a vote. The yuppys will lose. If Tai food and male fashion boutiques are your thing, go ahead, but you'll be way outnumbered by normal working people who want to preserve what we have.
and whats with thinking that yuppies don't like diners?
i do love though that opponents of th emerger think that the downtown area of merchantville will be magically whisked away into some vortex and replaced with cafes, or worse a home depot. give me a break reality check, you're ridiculous.
I cannot see Merchantville becoming developed anything like Collingswood. And Collingswood has a lot of vacant stores today. The restaurants seems to have favor but even among those there are turnovers and disappearances.
Compare that to Cherry Hill... a huge economic engine that little guys cannot compete in. Look at the marginal stores along Route 70 in Erlton. You'd think the Garden State racetrack was still on its border and still vacant. Have you been to the Diamond Diner since it was demolished? Or the San Susi (sp?) behind it?
Merchantville will not fare any better than Erlton, Ashland or Pennsauken where Route 70 meets Rte 38. That triangle of empty and underutilized retail space is even closer to the heart of Cherry Hill complete with arteries and parking, yet the area is dead economically.
It takes a lot to create a thriving commercial spot. Who would get one going here? And where is the high speed line parking lot where everyone would park? St. Peter is asking to develop 0.27 acre to expand its parking lot. The entire amount of Borough public parking is 0.30 acre.
CH batteries, I hope you right, but don't share your optimism. We already get lots of young people moving here from center city and elsewhere. They usually stay for a few years and move on, but with access to the Cherry Hill school district, who knows how long they'd stay on here. How would that effect the nature of or hometownfeel? Collingswood doesn't have fancy schools. This will become yuppy central in three or four years.
Reality check is against higher property values, because he/she rents. He is against cafe's because of yuppies. I will simply state that his reasoning is exactly why I welcome and support a study to merge the town. Only delusional fools are against higher property values, better schools, a vibrant shopping district, and single family homes staying that way and not becoming apartments. Thanks for such a sound argument in support of merging a town, that by your description, seems to be hanging on by its finger nails. Kudos.
actually, his argument is very hypocritical to begin with. He is against people moving here and actually staying for more than 3 or 4 years, yet he rents.
I've lived in Merchantville over twenty years and I welcome a merger with Cherry Hill. I'd love to have a growing and vibrant town full of young upwardly mobile families.
I thought that the yuppies disappeared soon after HBO stopped airing Working Girl and Wall Street on Saturday nights. I can just see whatserface with that crazy 80's hair crossing the Staten Island Ferry with Carly Simon singing in the background. Thanks for the laugh, Reality Check.
By the way, Thai food is delicious. You should try it sometime. It makes a nice alternative to the 4,700 Italian restaurants in Camden County.
By the way, has anyone considered that a merger would possibly a good thing? Not because of improved secondary and intermediate schools. Not a comment on Police forces in either town. Not for reasons, like Merchantville becoming a hometown filled with yuppies(although that term is not current) eating only at Thai and Sushi restaurants. BUT because our current boards and council are controlled by the very same people who spent over 1.3 or 1.4 million dollars of surplus funds to acquire buildings while sacrificing over $65,000 or more in annual property taxes while having no written commitment from any buyer or renter for the use of these properties! Could the governing bodies of Cherry Hill be any worse? Another reason for merger is the obvious-consolidation of local municipalities will be mandated by the state in the next few years and it seems better to be proactive in this movement. If we are not, then we will be screaming when we are paired with Pennsauken and Camden since they are 2 of the 3 contiguous communities. Think about these things and then decide if saving our current police force or identity as "Merchantville" is worth saving the jobs of these elected persons who are making decisions at Council and on Mayor appointed committees controlling zoning and planning in town. More reasons to think about getting out of town.
Guess he doesn't vote either. He and half the petitioners could change every council member and the mayor in the next three years. That's before a merge could be enacted.
voting and gaining control doesn't change our sorry budget trajectory. The borough burns up $300K per year more than it brings in. We're about to hit the brick wall. Without merging, we need to both raise taxes and cut services dramatically. If you disagree with reality and prefer magical thinking, just hold out for the study and a thorough, leave no stone unturned, audit and investigation. Let's all have a look.
so let's merge with Cherry Hill who burns more than they take in every year and have absolutely no surplus to use, sounds like a fine financial decision to me.
@ better argument: our surplus will be exhausted this year. Then what? Higher taxes combined with cuts in services that will be much more drastic than if we'd addressed our problems a couple years ago. The time to act was two or three years ago. When did we buy that damn bank building?
You people think this is a joke? We'll all be priced of living here, if we merge with Cherry Hill. We've got all the ingredients for a huge population turnover. Merchantville is 10 minutes from center city with giant Victorians and tree lined streets. This will attract yuppys from all over. What's to stop my landlord from selling my home to a rich doctor or lawyer who kicks us all out and turns this building back into a giant single family home? And if that doesnt happen, I'm sure my rent will at least double with all of the young yuppys hoping to live here. Look around and say hi to your neighbors because most of them will be gone in 5 years.
According to the Merchantville Observer this month, The Courage To Connect website says that approval of a merger requires a referendum, a resolution, or both.
I guess all the talk about the voters having the last say is just calming talk. Merchantville will need a referendum because our Council would not pass a resolution to merge.
But who is to say what the Cherry Hill council would do? My guess is a resolution sponsored by Dan Seeker, the talker over there.
The method of approval is specified in the application for the Study Commission. While referendums & resolutions are both options under the law, the application that was approved specifies that if recommended by the commission the question will go to a referendum in both communities. That can not be changed except by returning to square one with a new application.
I just wanted to clarify so this does not become another source of wild speculation. If the Commission recommends consolidation move forward it will be decided by referendum in both towns.
You obviously understand that Merchantville residents will get to vote. This should after all be foremost Merchantville decision. Why are you concerned that Cherry Hill residents get to vote? Are you holding out hope that Cherry Hill residents will vote no because you don't like your chances here?
Naah, I raised the Courage To Connect point (merging by resolution without a referendum) for blog readers to see that possibility.
You remember, C.T.C. orchestrated the petition in Merchantville but went the resolution route in Cherry Hill. Then C.T.C. marshalled legislators to change the consolidation law in Trenton to get around Merchantville's appointed commission. Recently, the petitioners met the three-public-meetings law by scheduling the Merchantville public meeting on a day's notice and a double, back to back meeting (making two in the eyes of the law) in Cherry Hill a week later.
Every step in the consolidation process appears to have been a MANEUVER to get to the goal line, irrespective of the kinds of plays employed -- tell me, do you think the consolidation public meetings (1 without notice and 2 the same night) enabled residents to contribute ideas and concerns the way the four monthly public meetings functioned when Merchantville's Master Plan was being developed? I think not.
So, perhaps with a touch of jaundice, I concluded that maybe, just maybe, Courage To Connect was planning another fake-right/go-left trick for its winning touchdown.
Back before some blog commenters were born there was a period of time when "sensitivity" was a big thing. Books like "I'm Okay, You're Okay" became popular and employers conducted sensitivity workshops with their employees.
One instance was a series of meetings a certain school superintendent ran with his administrators at the nearby sports club to create a better working relationship in the administrative team. Well, everybody in the ranks knew that the Super was setting up his ducks to fire one of the assistant principals. Astutely, the Assistant went to the opening sensitivity workshop and announced, as part of his "sensitizing" openness, that he feared the Superintendent was out to get him. Of course the Super had to deny the allegation on the spot and pledge to foster a warmer, friendlier, more positive working relationship. At the end of that day the employee could do no wrong ... and he outlived many others on the job including the superintendent.
Today I put lavardera on record for both sides getting a referendum. Thanks, Lav, it was very considerate of you.
Great story KTBW, but Courage to Connect orchestrated nothing here. They were used in an advisory capacity only after the first petition. Lavardera's statement is correct though. Both towns will need to vote in a referendum. That is not speculation- it was written into Senator Gordon's amendment/clarification to the 2007 law which passed in April. Read it for yourself.
Courage to Connect C.T.C. as you put it, did not orchestrate anything. They gave the Petitioners expert advice about the Consolidation Laws that were in place. The Petitioning was done by the Petitioning group, neighbors, and many of you.
The change to the Consolidation law was led by Senator Gordon, who was the sponsor of the original 2007 Consolidation Law. The lawmakers were watching and saw that the law was not playing out the way they intended and they immediately took steps to correct it. I'm not sure what you mean by "marshaled" but I can assure you the legislature is not taking orders from C.T.C. Ridiculous.
The Merchantville Hearing was advertised as required by law. And true, we did not have time to get the word out widely, but did so for the next meeting in Cherry Hill. The law intends these meetings to inform the public of the intention to have a study, something Merchantville was already well aware of since the Mayor sent several letters to each citizen in town. The input and feedback you are desperate to give really wants to happen during the coming Commission meetings. These will occur on a published schedule and will be open to the public.
You are being paranoid about "putting me on the record" regarding referendums, as much as this blog can be considered "the record". Again, its the format set out in the application. Its not going to happen any other way.
So, I'm sorry you see everything with such "jaundice". You are spinning a conspiracy where there is none. The Petitioners mission was to have the question studied. That's done. The petitioners role is done. Maybe you'll be happy to be done with us then.
"Reality Check is afraid...that property values will rise and people will want to move here."
Reality Check has a good point. None of you remembers before I-95 severed the Delaware river front from Philadelphia that one section of residences called "Society Hill" became a hot spot for affluent folks to buy colonial-period properties and refurbish them into exquisite homes. For two decades block after block of Merchantville-type people were forced to sell under the financial pressure of escalating property values and taxes -- people like blue collar workers and tradesmen and average-level white collar employees. Doctors, rich lawyers and businessmen replaced them. Much of the exodus to the fringes of Philly and to New Jersey was caused by this massive displacement of middle class America from those hot spots in the City.
At first thought you might say, "Good for Philly!" And it was and still is today. If you have a million five in your pocket, perhaps it would be to you too.
Society Hill in Philadelphia is nothing like this. That was a massive redevelopment project that involved the demolition and redevelopment of dozens of abandoned and dilapidated properties. Nothing like a consolidation, replacing one local government with another.
Displaced person certainly has the Society Hill story wrong. Prior to its redevelopment in the 1950s, the place as an abysmal mess of worn out, marginal properties. The prevalent practice then was for an individual affluent doctor, lawyer or businessperson to buy a vacant "shell" and entirely rebuild it, with strict controls over the exterior appearance and the uses to which neighboring properties could be put. The place was full of derelict, vacant shells. This individual redevelopment process was viewed with considerable risk. It was not something which initially was done by real estate developers. They came later when vacant lots and industrial buildings were redeveloped. Residents were not displaced but many left, jumping for joy at the high prices their properties coud obtain. Many happily stayed until they otherwise chose to leave. There was no forced displacement of anyone.
In short, the condition of the area was a mess and the result of the change was that it became beautiful. Prioe to its redeveloipment, it hurt the development of surrounding areas. Subsequently it spawned quality redevelopment in surrounding areas. It is a great American success story.
Redevlopment of places like Society Hill did not cause the exodus to the suburbs. That exodus was caused by the automobile.
It's pretty obvious that the petitioners have forged alliances with state level politicians to get this done. I'll bet the state will shower funding on this community post merge to create a "success story". This is bullshit.
This entire effort was the work of newcommers. Pretty young house wives carrying $600 hand bags, talking about budgets!!! Reduculous. The real Merchantville has more in common with Maple Shade than Collingswood or Haddonfield. If you ladies want Yuppytown, I can give you a phone directory and you might want to look under "real estate agents". They can help you reach your goals much quicker!
If Merchantville merges with Cherry Hill, do you think THEN we will get wired for FIOS? I think Verizon thinks we are too close to Camden for FIOS now. I hate Comcast.
Reality check is very much wrong in the statement that "this entire effort was the work of newcomers." Plenty of long-term residents were involved. I have not been involved in the effort but would be in a second if I was asked. I have been here over 30 years.
Realiy check's blog brings up the concept of the "real" Merchantville. This is a good point to discuss. I think the real Merchantville is a blend of higher and lower income people. Such is evident from the structures in the community. The blend is a good thing. One of Merchantville's problems is that the community is now viewed less favorably by persons seeking to live here. When persons needing housing review their options, Merchantville comes up less favorably in comparison to other communities. The whole package of what Merchantville has to offer is not as good as that of other communities. The high school and the tax rate are part of that whole package. The older homes with their great asthetics but high maintenance costs are also part of the whole package. Higher income people have better ability to choose other communities, so, over time, fewer higher income people choose Merchantville. This ruins the beauty of the blend. In time, if the whole package is not continuously improved and maintained, the community will become a low income community.
Merging with Cherry Hill will cause a substantial improvement in the whole package of what Merchantville has to offer. The economio diversity of Merchantville residents will be maintained. Families with the wherewithal to preserve the old houses and the time to devote to community matters will become an increasing part of the mix. The real Merchantville will be maintained.
In any event, the other towns mentioned by Reality Check are not eligible places for Merchantville to merge with. Effectively, the choices of Merchantville in the next several years are Cherry Hill or Pennsauken. Those being the choices, Cherry Hill is the far wiser decision to preserve Merchantville, the real Merchantville.
Cruiser: Your analysis is spot on. I have lived in Merchantville since 1988 and am in favor of the merger, unless and until I see a reality and evidence based argument against it. I'm still waiting.
Cruiser: Higher income people have better ability to choose other communities...fewer higher income people choose Merchantville.
That is true for any community. All the kids I graduated Haddonfield High School with left their family homes and rooted in Medford, Medford Lakes, Tabernacle, Shamong and the world.
Merchantville's drain is like that in any other urban setting. You don't have to blame the schools or taxes or lack of parking. It's the nature of the beast to migrate out and on ... and that is why we are not still in Africa.
As a kid I had a friend who was to be given his family's business, a successful florist shop and nursery. He walked away from it and started his own a thousand miles away in his new backyard with seeds and cuttings, selling to local K-Marts and ACME's. So the father leased the business to an outsider who ran it into the ground taking the family's retirement income and the son's inheritance.
You wonder why young adults need to strike out on their own at very high risk. Maybe we should ask ourselves because most of us did the very same thing.
It is not Merchantville; it is something in a man's soul that makes him leave.
worst argument ever KBFW. Re-read the post. It is not about kids growing up in Merchantville leaving town. It is about families etc... if that is the best you got, you got nothing. KBFW defeated yet again by Cruiser....
I second BobLoblaw's opinion that Cruiser hit this one out of the park.
My perspective is as a resident since the late 1980's. I've seen the blended socioeconomic balance of the town shifting lower; fueled by the greater than average exodus of middle class families that can't justify cost of private pay secondary education.
This results in transience, rather than stability for our community and increasingly, the replacement owners / renter trend towards lower socioeconomics.
"greater than average exodus of middle class families that can't justify cost of private pay secondary education."
Is that a fact! How can you be sure the Exodus was not caused by the big snow storms over the past few years? Remember, Nurse complained about our unplowed streets. And then there was the leaf machine breakdown leaving the piles that "middle class families can't justify".
What I think caused Exodus is the size of your hat. Those families couldn't deal with so much talking through it.
Let's see...One can either a) talk to their friends, neighbors and parents of schoolmates or, b) look for answers whilst performing a colon self-examination.
I Liken this consolidation storm to Hurricane Irene, lots of hype and buildup dominating the news but in the end just a fizzle for Merchantville (Thankfully)
The difference between Irene and the consolidation movement: Irene is gone and we are not. To your dismay it has not fizzled. In fact, it is really just getting started. Stay tuned.
Cruiser's analysis is correct. I believe he also knows that the value proposition for Cherry Hill is weak. There is nothing in this for Cherry Hill. The people and architecture of Merchantville are charming but the school issue is a deal breaker.
CH Town Council is beginning to sort through the political rhetoric. There are going to be many changes in Town Council come Nov including a new Mayor. With the lack of school funding CH cannot absorb a non proficient group of students. The Governor will not give CH Merchantville's funding. We will be told to absorb the community. Also, when the Merchantville parents are told their school will close they will vote no as well.
Merchantville needs to merge to be saved but they will need to merge with Pennsauken. Too much room for error for us in CH. Sorry.
These parents won't vote no if we are told our school is going to close. Don't make assumptions for other people. We are anxiously awaiting the study. We won't mind if Borough Hall becomes defunct and the building is used for other purposes. The days of Merchantville thriving are behind us and we need to move forward. So there.
To answer the question above if no one else will: too many of us would lose too much money if we move and can't afford to. We are not corrupt and steal from taxpayers so we are not rich like you. This town codles a priviliged few and not the majority. We'd like to see them go before us. Our taxpayer money has to be better utilized to bring our services and home values up to speed. We are so so so behind a community right next to us like Cherry Hill. And why? Can Merchantville promise better services to its own? A long shot but we'll see...
Some of us are not thinking as you do, Anon. We do not want more services. We have been saying "enough is enough". Has anyone missed the quiet cut in police force over the past two years? The reduction of maintenance personnel from 5 to 2? The Boro not buying Wellwood Manor? Tell me, did we need the town to buy out PNC bank, now losing $57,000 each year in tax revenue in order to create the building at Chapel which remains half empty two years later? Do we need to put up our matching funds to double the walking path with a separate bicycle trail?
Our town goes too far and mistakenly we are saying. For example, a church that is the largest property owner in the Boro wants to take and demolish the eighth revenue-producing property on its perimeter in order to expand its parking lot. For one day a week the church will not do what every Merchantville family does when it owns two cars with a one-car driveway ... park one behind the other.
Our Boro with its back against a budgeting wall, instead of saying "NO" to the parking lot expansion, our Boro with its "ever more services" mentality in recent days in a closed meeting offered to slice a parking lot out of our railroad parkland --there is no more parkland-- for the church to use in exchange for the church not taking our revenue-producing property.
That deal tells me two things. First, the town fathers realizing there is a money wall are willing to give away our public land. Second, our largest house of God is willing to take it from us.
When does "enough is enough" arrive? When all is gone?
Enough is entitled to his/her opinion but I do not think it is the opinion of the majority of residents. Also it is not factually correct.
I did miss the decrease in borough publc works personnel (2010 leaves which were never collected).
The borough never had any intention to buy Wellwood Manor. The borough intended to merely declare it an area in need of redevelopment. The threat of this declaration was sufficient to cause potential slumlord buyers to lose interest in acquiring it. The borough should do those things which maintain the quality of life in the community. If doing that requires goverment acquisition of property, that is a good thing.
I applaud the mayor and council for taking a chance on the bank deal. There is risk in all of these things. There is risk in doing nothing. The principal risk in this case is the negative effect on the community of the deteriorated, going nowhere buildings at Maple-Chapel before the area was rebuilt. The jury is still out on the old bank side of this deal. There is signficant investor interest in the land acquired as part of the bank deal.
I and my family use the trail quite a bit. I think the extension of it in Merchantville would be money well spent. For what is obtained in the deal, the cost to Merchantville is very low, really a bargain.
The statement that the town fathers are giving away public parkland is incorrect. The "parkland" in question is owned by Transit of New Jersey. It is leased to the Borough for $1 per year. If TNJ ever decides to improve the site, any improvements made to the site, such as parking areas, gazebo, etc., would be removed. I would say that it will be at least 50 years before TNJ would want the site. If the borough arranges for the church to install public parking spaces on the site (which effectively would only be used by the church), that would be a good use of resources. This is a good suggestion by the borough. It solves the church's parking problem and better utilizes a section of the TNJ property which is under utilized. No taxpayer money is involved.
Having said all of that, I acknowledge that the borough's (and the school district's) budegeting back is against the wall. However, the mayor and council have done a good job in the areas cited.
In these times, the "way out" for Merchantville is to take full advantage of the merger deal with Cherry Hill. The merger deal is a golden opportunity for Merchantville.
so i am hearing "merchantville is so so so far behind cherry hill" and the "merger deal is a way out for merchantville".
does this sound like a good deal for cherry hill? we are not here to help merchantville find a way out.
your way out is to merge with pennsauken. there is going to be a huge push back regarding this merger. you will spend more money on a study that should go toward your services. you will be further in a hole and this will never come to a vote. you will then be in a position that even pennsauken won"t want you.
It sounds like it makes sense to amend the Commission Sudy application to include a study of a merger of Pennsauken and Merchantville.
If this is not ALL ABOUT THE SCHOOLS (AS THE STUDY GROUP CONTINUE TO EXPRESS),this would make perfect sense to determine the savings of ALL services.
Can this be done? How quickly?
Extreme efficiencies can be seen immediately. Ben franklin Elementary school has the bandwidth to take all Merchantville elementary school kids as well as Pennsauken Intermediary and Pennsauken Middle.(unlike the cherry hill elementary schools kilmer and barton-that are at capacity. Same savings with the closing of MES. The children are of the same academic caliber so no concern of altering AYP. Pennsauken virturally surrounds Merchantville so police and fire coverage expansion will be minimal. This sounds like a win win. How can this comparison be added to the Commission Study? This would be money well spent.
Can't be done. Studies can only be between two towns, not a menu of selections for one town. Furthermore the application has been made, approved, and the Commission underway. The ship has left the port.
In order to do what you are suggesting, a separate study would have to be made, which means a separate application would have to be filed, and separate petitions signed or resolutions passed. I do not know if DCA or the Local Finance Board would entertain such a study until the current one runs its course.
The Petitioners experience was that the hundreds of people we spoke to were not interested in that, nor was Pennsauken Township. If you decide to pursue it I wish you good luck.
There is a new charter school in Cherry Hill accepting students from Lawnside Cherry Hill and Voorhees. Why doesn't merchantville puts its efforts into petitioning so that Merchantville students can attend as well?
You can keep your town and change schools. Isn't that what you really want?
Seems like the greater burden of that Charter School is being carried by Cherry Hill. Do you think the Merchantville School Budget can take on another school? What is the tax fall-out of this charter school. Do more homework and come back with answers please.
the charter school is expecting 169 students from cherry hill. that means $1.9M from cherry hill's budget. it is only k-8. we had people from cherry hill testfy in front of the legislative committee last week. there are some red flags in this application and not sure why it was approved. cherry hill is a very high performing district so no charter is needed as the Superintendent has stated many times.
we have mobilized against the charter school as it isn't in the best interst of cherry hill. we have also rallied around the bills in the legislature that support voting for charter schools. how can $1.9M (not including transportation) of taxpayer dollars be spent on something and we don't have a vote? however, the commissioner has said that because there has been an approval doesn't mean they are going to open their doors. the charter school wants to buy the property they rent and it is a church. now tax dollars are being used to buy a church. also the same management is running an outpatient prison program in the property behind the church. something doesn't seem right.
sorry lavardera but we will also be mobilizing against the study and any kind of merger with merchantville. we need to do what is in the best interest of cherry hill towp and the students of cherry hill. to absorb merchantville and its students is a bad deal for cherry hill.
the charter school is expecting 169 students from cherry hill. that means $1.9M from cherry hill's budget. it is only k-8. we had people from cherry hill testfy in front of the legislative committee last week. there are some red flags in this application and not sure why it was approved. cherry hill is a very high performing district so no charter is needed as the Superintendent has stated many times.
we have mobilized against the charter school as it isn't in the best interst of cherry hill. we have also rallied around the bills in the legislature that support voting for charter schools. how can $1.9M (not including transportation) of taxpayer dollars be spent on something and we don't have a vote? however, the commissioner has said that because there has been an approval doesn't mean they are going to open their doors. the charter school wants to buy the property they rent and it is a church. now tax dollars are being used to buy a church. also the same management is running an outpatient prison program in the property behind the church. something doesn't seem right.
sorry lavardera but we will also be mobilizing against the study and any kind of merger with merchantville. we need to do what is in the best interest of cherry hill towp and the students of cherry hill. to absorb merchantville and its students is a bad deal for cherry hill.
Anon, there's a much bigger focus than just the schools. Also, Cherry Hill would get our tax dollars, not "absorb" a non-paying student body. In fact, if the charter school happens and takes from the CH school budget that may end up being a bigger incentive for CH to want Merchantville students for the tax revenue. Don't assume you know it all just because you want to vent about the schools. Bring on the study - bring it!!!
unfortunately it doesn't work that way. CH will never be given Merchantville's school aid. it has aready been discussed. also, it is not enough to bring the non proficient population up to proficiency. we are not interested sorry.
also, a new ch mayor coming in and again we have already spent some time with him. hmmmm...
Merchantville is already lost, it should be absorbed by anyone willing to take it. It was destroyed by a apathetic school board and a self serving town council over the last 10 years.
We should sell the property we own and use the money to try to sweeten any deal, CH, Pennsauken, anyone willing to take this mess on.
There is no merger on the table with Pennsauken, just Cherry Hill so any talk of that is just nonsense at this point. However, there is a merger on the table with Cherry Hill so why keep saying it's over go merge with Pennsuaken? That's just not what Merchantville is dealing with at this time. Get it straight or leave it alone already.
I like Merchantville. I have family members and relatives that can trace their roots back 100-110 years. I have fond memories of visiting my grandmother and other relatives there. I also like researching the history of Merchantville. A lot of notables either lived or grew up here. I would hate to see a merger. The basic gist is that taxes are too high, the school is failing, services are deteriorating and a merger will staunch the flow of tax dollars and services will magically improve. Maybe-Maybe not. Currently you have a voice, maybe not as loud as you would like. But at least you have a voice. Can that be said with a merger? What guarantees do you have that anyone will listen to those folks from Merchantville? None. So is it worth it? Give up representative democracy to save a few dollars? Any voice or influence with the Mayor, Council, School Board or School. I don't think so. The expression, be careful of what you wish, is so appriorate for this discussion. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
I wish for higher property value, a better school, more efficient services, and a stable community. Right now we have decreasing property values, declining school, cut in services (leaves), and an annual loss of young families. Not good. Bring the merger on to keep the character of merchantville as a quaint village for another 100 years.
Can't talk us out of going for the merger. Agree with Anon above - bring it on. The quaint Merchantville of years gone by is in a sad state of deterioration. Those in charge have helped bring it down for their own self-interests. The voices once listened to in years gone by have turned into taxpayers that get tuned out while the town has it's hands out lining it's pockets. We deserve better and we will try or go down trying.
Have you met the mayor and everyone on Council? I can assure you that they are not lining their pockets, I’m sure some of them could use the money, but they serve at our request for the betterment of the Borough. The positions and decisions they take and make may not always agree with my own opinions, but I know that they try to do their best to improve Merchantville as they see fit. There is an election next week. Four of our councilors are up for reelection and running unopposed. Surely you could have petitioned to be on the ballot and knocked one out, right? Then you could start lining your own pockets and pee out of the tent instead of into it.
election next week in cherry hill as well. new mayor in town. hoping council will rescind their vote for the resolution of the study. we'll be pushing for it.
Both candidates realize any merger is a loser for Cherry Hill.
Another elephant in the township living room — albeit a shrinking one — is the ongoing talk of the possible township consolidation with Merchantville. Buividas opposes the plan, saying that such mergers usually lead to increased taxes for the larger municipality.
“I’ll be opposed to (the merger) if the studies come back and say that our schools will be overcrowded and our taxes will be raised,” said Cahn. “But if the merger committees say there might be some benefits for the township, we’ll certainly look at it.
“But I think (the plan) is losing traction. On the Cherry Hill side anyway.”
There are big things happening in Merchantville and they are going unreported and meetings that impact the future of the community that are not well attended. Did any hear that the School Board is completing the send-receive agreement with Haddon Heights? Also, there is a public meeting of the merger commission at 7pm on tuesday and the community center.
Where is the discussion regarding these two major initiatives?
approximately 35 people Attended. There was a guy from ch that had calculated that merchantville would gain $1.4m in tax dollars, therefore lowering taxes in merchantville. However, ch would lose $1.4 m.
Not sure how this would benefit ch?
Also may questions on how this study would be funded. I think they are looking for the state to pay it but that will never happen.
84 comments:
I've only lived in town for going on four years, so I don't know much about all of this, but I just read the local observer and I'm wondering why the Merchantville council rejected it's previous support for this study commission if it was going to go forward anyway? Why do this unless you're just looking to disrespect the folks who volunteered to serve? And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't they previously endorse a study and then rescind later last time. They look like clowns to me. A study is good because the people will have a vote. Clowns only get one vote each.
It's my understanding that flipflopping was over controlling who appoints the commissioners. A friend of mine asked the mayor during the campain why they passed the study resolution and he basically said it was to control the process. Its no secret that he'd appointed commissioners who could be relied upon to derail the process. The commission officially approved yesterday looks pretty earnest about doing this study and having a popular referendum.
Let's commend the members of the Merchantville Commission who volunteered for this thankless job. They will no doubt be thrown many insults from council and elsewhere throughout the study. Good luck!
May their skin be thick.
I'm against any merger with Cherry Hill. I'm afraid that this town will become a yuppy magnet like Collingswood or Manayunk. I hope you people like sushi and Tai food! That's what will be available downtown. Merchantville diner will be gone. Yuppys don't eat that. I'm worried about being priced out of my home. I rent my home and wont benefit from the increase in property values. That being said, I'm pretty impressed that this loud annoying group kept at it for two years. I thought they'd just give up. They have balls. I will be voting NO on any merger, but I'm impressed to see young people who still have some balls. Good for you! I hope you fail.
My understanding is that "yuppy" means young and upwardly mobile. Something rather rare in this economy.
What makes you say Collingswood is "a yuppy magnet"?
What is wrong with being a "yuppy magnet"?
Is Cherry Hill a yuppy magnet?
Bring on the study! We all have a vote. The yuppys will lose. If Tai food and male fashion boutiques are your thing, go ahead, but you'll be way outnumbered by normal working people who want to preserve what we have.
and whats with thinking that yuppies don't like diners?
i do love though that opponents of th emerger think that the downtown area of merchantville will be magically whisked away into some vortex and replaced with cafes, or worse a home depot. give me a break reality check, you're ridiculous.
I cannot see Merchantville becoming developed anything like Collingswood. And Collingswood has a lot of vacant stores today. The restaurants seems to have favor but even among those there are turnovers and disappearances.
Compare that to Cherry Hill... a huge economic engine that little guys cannot compete in. Look at the marginal stores along Route 70 in Erlton. You'd think the Garden State racetrack was still on its border and still vacant. Have you been to the Diamond Diner since it was demolished? Or the San Susi (sp?) behind it?
Merchantville will not fare any better than Erlton, Ashland or Pennsauken where Route 70 meets Rte 38. That triangle of empty and underutilized retail space is even closer to the heart of Cherry Hill complete with arteries and parking, yet the area is dead economically.
It takes a lot to create a thriving commercial spot. Who would get one going here? And where is the high speed line parking lot where everyone would park? St. Peter is asking to develop 0.27 acre to expand its parking lot. The entire amount of Borough public parking is 0.30 acre.
CH batteries,
I hope you right, but don't share your optimism. We already get lots of young people moving here from center city and elsewhere. They usually stay for a few years and move on, but with access to the Cherry Hill school district, who knows how long they'd stay on here. How would that effect the nature of or hometownfeel? Collingswood doesn't have fancy schools. This will become yuppy central in three or four years.
Reality check is against higher property values, because he/she rents. He is against cafe's because of yuppies. I will simply state that his reasoning is exactly why I welcome and support a study to merge the town. Only delusional fools are against higher property values, better schools, a vibrant shopping district, and single family homes staying that way and not becoming apartments. Thanks for such a sound argument in support of merging a town, that by your description, seems to be hanging on by its finger nails. Kudos.
actually, his argument is very hypocritical to begin with. He is against people moving here and actually staying for more than 3 or 4 years, yet he rents.
I've lived in Merchantville over twenty years and I welcome a merger with Cherry Hill. I'd love to have a growing and vibrant town full of young upwardly mobile families.
I thought that the yuppies disappeared soon after HBO stopped airing Working Girl and Wall Street on Saturday nights. I can just see whatserface with that crazy 80's hair crossing the Staten Island Ferry with Carly Simon singing in the background. Thanks for the laugh, Reality Check.
By the way, Thai food is delicious. You should try it sometime. It makes a nice alternative to the 4,700 Italian restaurants in Camden County.
I'm still laughing at the first comment in this string. Do they have any idea how petty they look?
By the way, has anyone considered that a merger would possibly a good thing? Not because of improved secondary and intermediate schools. Not a comment on Police forces in either town. Not for reasons, like Merchantville becoming a hometown filled with yuppies(although that term is not current) eating only at Thai and Sushi restaurants. BUT because our current boards and council are controlled by the very same people who spent over 1.3 or 1.4 million dollars of surplus funds to acquire buildings while sacrificing over $65,000 or more in annual property taxes while having no written commitment from any buyer or renter for the use of these properties! Could the governing bodies of Cherry Hill be any worse? Another reason for merger is the obvious-consolidation of local municipalities will be mandated by the state in the next few years and it seems better to be proactive in this movement. If we are not, then we will be screaming when we are paired with Pennsauken and Camden since they are 2 of the 3 contiguous communities. Think about these things and then decide if saving our current police force or identity as "Merchantville" is worth saving the jobs of these elected persons who are making decisions at Council and on Mayor appointed committees controlling zoning and planning in town. More reasons to think about getting out of town.
Anon, you would make a good point if any of your points were correct and factual
Guess he doesn't vote either. He and half the petitioners could change every council member and the mayor in the next three years. That's before a merge could be enacted.
Anon's problems would be solved.
voting and gaining control doesn't change our sorry budget trajectory. The borough burns up $300K per year more than it brings in. We're about to hit the brick wall. Without merging, we need to both raise taxes and cut services dramatically. If you disagree with reality and prefer magical thinking, just hold out for the study and a thorough, leave no stone unturned, audit and investigation. Let's all have a look.
so let's merge with Cherry Hill who burns more than they take in every year and have absolutely no surplus to use, sounds like a fine financial decision to me.
I think i just saw a yuppie with a Starbucks cup downtown going into that trendy corner market. Is it starting already?
Grab a rail, lets run them out of town!
@ better argument: our surplus will be exhausted this year. Then what? Higher taxes combined with cuts in services that will be much more drastic than if we'd addressed our problems a couple years ago. The time to act was two or three years ago. When did we buy that damn bank building?
You people think this is a joke? We'll all be priced of living here, if we merge with Cherry Hill. We've got all the ingredients for a huge population turnover. Merchantville is 10 minutes from center city with giant Victorians and tree lined streets. This will attract yuppys from all over. What's to stop my landlord from selling my home to a rich doctor or lawyer who kicks us all out and turns this building back into a giant single family home? And if that doesnt happen, I'm sure my rent will at least double with all of the young yuppys hoping to live here. Look around and say hi to your neighbors because most of them will be gone in 5 years.
According to the Merchantville Observer this month, The Courage To Connect website says that approval of a merger requires a referendum, a resolution, or both.
I guess all the talk about the voters having the last say is just calming talk. Merchantville will need a referendum because our Council would not pass a resolution to merge.
But who is to say what the Cherry Hill council would do? My guess is a resolution sponsored by Dan Seeker, the talker over there.
The method of approval is specified in the application for the Study Commission. While referendums & resolutions are both options under the law, the application that was approved specifies that if recommended by the commission the question will go to a referendum in both communities. That can not be changed except by returning to square one with a new application.
I just wanted to clarify so this does not become another source of wild speculation. If the Commission recommends consolidation move forward it will be decided by referendum in both towns.
Reality Check is afraid the town will become to attractive, that property values will rise and people will want to move here.
God forbid!
@ maybe no vote,
You obviously understand that Merchantville residents will get to vote. This should after all be foremost Merchantville decision. Why are you concerned that Cherry Hill residents get to vote? Are you holding out hope that Cherry Hill residents will vote no because you don't like your chances here?
"...you don't like your chances here?"
Naah, I raised the Courage To Connect point (merging by resolution without a referendum) for blog readers to see that possibility.
You remember, C.T.C. orchestrated the petition in Merchantville but went the resolution route in Cherry Hill. Then C.T.C. marshalled legislators to change the consolidation law in Trenton to get around Merchantville's appointed commission. Recently, the petitioners met the three-public-meetings law by scheduling the Merchantville public meeting on a day's notice and a double, back to back meeting (making two in the eyes of the law) in Cherry Hill a week later.
Every step in the consolidation process appears to have been a MANEUVER to get to the goal line, irrespective of the kinds of plays employed -- tell me, do you think the consolidation public meetings (1 without notice and 2 the same night) enabled residents to contribute ideas and concerns the way the four monthly public meetings functioned when Merchantville's Master Plan was being developed? I think not.
So, perhaps with a touch of jaundice, I concluded that maybe, just maybe, Courage To Connect was planning another fake-right/go-left trick for its winning touchdown.
Back before some blog commenters were born there was a period of time when "sensitivity" was a big thing. Books like "I'm Okay, You're Okay" became popular and employers conducted sensitivity workshops with their employees.
One instance was a series of meetings a certain school superintendent ran with his administrators at the nearby sports club to create a better working relationship in the administrative team. Well, everybody in the ranks knew that the Super was setting up his ducks to fire one of the assistant principals. Astutely, the Assistant went to the opening sensitivity workshop and announced, as part of his "sensitizing" openness, that he feared the Superintendent was out to get him. Of course the Super had to deny the allegation on the spot and pledge to foster a warmer, friendlier, more positive working relationship. At the end of that day the employee could do no wrong ... and he outlived many others on the job including the superintendent.
Today I put lavardera on record for both sides getting a referendum. Thanks, Lav, it was very considerate of you.
Great story KTBW, but Courage to Connect orchestrated nothing here. They were used in an advisory capacity only after the first petition. Lavardera's statement is correct though. Both towns will need to vote in a referendum. That is not speculation- it was written into Senator Gordon's amendment/clarification to the 2007 law which passed in April. Read it for yourself.
To "Said In Public"
Lets clear up some of your conspiracy theories.
Courage to Connect C.T.C. as you put it, did not orchestrate anything. They gave the Petitioners expert advice about the Consolidation Laws that were in place. The Petitioning was done by the Petitioning group, neighbors, and many of you.
The change to the Consolidation law was led by Senator Gordon, who was the sponsor of the original 2007 Consolidation Law. The lawmakers were watching and saw that the law was not playing out the way they intended and they immediately took steps to correct it. I'm not sure what you mean by "marshaled" but I can assure you the legislature is not taking orders from C.T.C. Ridiculous.
The Merchantville Hearing was advertised as required by law. And true, we did not have time to get the word out widely, but did so for the next meeting in Cherry Hill. The law intends these meetings to inform the public of the intention to have a study, something Merchantville was already well aware of since the Mayor sent several letters to each citizen in town. The input and feedback you are desperate to give really wants to happen during the coming Commission meetings. These will occur on a published schedule and will be open to the public.
You are being paranoid about "putting me on the record" regarding referendums, as much as this blog can be considered "the record". Again, its the format set out in the application. Its not going to happen any other way.
So, I'm sorry you see everything with such "jaundice". You are spinning a conspiracy where there is none. The Petitioners mission was to have the question studied. That's done. The petitioners role is done. Maybe you'll be happy to be done with us then.
"Reality Check is afraid...that property values will rise and people will want to move here."
Reality Check has a good point. None of you remembers before I-95 severed the Delaware river front from Philadelphia that one section of residences called "Society Hill" became a hot spot for affluent folks to buy colonial-period properties and refurbish them into exquisite homes. For two decades block after block of Merchantville-type people were forced to sell under the financial pressure of escalating property values and taxes -- people like blue collar workers and tradesmen and average-level white collar employees. Doctors, rich lawyers and businessmen replaced them. Much of the exodus to the fringes of Philly and to New Jersey was caused by this massive displacement of middle class America from those hot spots in the City.
At first thought you might say, "Good for Philly!" And it was and still is today. If you have a million five in your pocket, perhaps it would be to you too.
Society Hill in Philadelphia is nothing like this. That was a massive redevelopment project that involved the demolition and redevelopment of dozens of abandoned and dilapidated properties. Nothing like a consolidation, replacing one local government with another.
Displaced person certainly has the Society Hill story wrong. Prior to its redevelopment in the 1950s, the place as an abysmal mess of worn out, marginal properties. The prevalent practice then was for an individual affluent doctor, lawyer or businessperson to buy a vacant "shell" and entirely rebuild it, with strict controls over the exterior appearance and the uses to which neighboring properties could be put. The place was full of derelict, vacant shells. This individual redevelopment process was viewed with considerable risk. It was not something which initially was done by real estate developers. They came later when vacant lots and industrial buildings were redeveloped. Residents were not displaced but many left, jumping for joy at the high prices their properties coud obtain. Many happily stayed until they otherwise chose to leave. There was no forced displacement of anyone.
In short, the condition of the area was a mess and the result of the change was that it became beautiful. Prioe to its redeveloipment, it hurt the development of surrounding areas. Subsequently it spawned quality redevelopment in surrounding areas. It is a great American success story.
Redevlopment of places like Society Hill did not cause the exodus to the suburbs. That exodus was caused by the automobile.
It's pretty obvious that the petitioners have forged alliances with state level politicians to get this done. I'll bet the state will shower funding on this community post merge to create a "success story". This is bullshit.
This entire effort was the work of newcommers. Pretty young house wives carrying $600 hand bags, talking about budgets!!! Reduculous. The real Merchantville has more in common with Maple Shade than Collingswood or Haddonfield. If you ladies want Yuppytown, I can give you a phone directory and you might want to look under "real estate agents". They can help you reach your goals much quicker!
If Merchantville merges with Cherry Hill, do you think THEN we will get wired for FIOS? I think Verizon thinks we are too close to Camden for FIOS now. I hate Comcast.
Reality check is very much wrong in the statement that "this entire effort was the work of newcomers." Plenty of long-term residents were involved. I have not been involved in the effort but would be in a second if I was asked. I have been here over 30 years.
Realiy check's blog brings up the concept of the "real" Merchantville. This is a good point to discuss. I think the real Merchantville is a blend of higher and lower income people. Such is evident from the structures in the community. The blend is a good thing. One of Merchantville's problems is that the community is now viewed less favorably by persons seeking to live here. When persons needing housing review their options, Merchantville comes up less favorably in comparison to other communities. The whole package of what Merchantville has to offer is not as good as that of other communities. The high school and the tax rate are part of that whole package. The older homes with their great asthetics but high maintenance costs are also part of the whole package. Higher income people have better ability to choose other communities, so, over time, fewer higher income people choose Merchantville. This ruins the beauty of the blend. In time, if the whole package is not continuously improved and maintained, the community will become a low income community.
Merging with Cherry Hill will cause a substantial improvement in the whole package of what Merchantville has to offer. The economio diversity of Merchantville residents will be maintained. Families with the wherewithal to preserve the old houses and the time to devote to community matters will become an increasing part of the mix. The real Merchantville will be maintained.
In any event, the other towns mentioned by Reality Check are not eligible places for Merchantville to merge with. Effectively, the choices of Merchantville in the next several years are Cherry Hill or Pennsauken. Those being the choices, Cherry Hill is the far wiser decision to preserve Merchantville, the real Merchantville.
Cruiser: Your analysis is spot on. I have lived in Merchantville since 1988 and am in favor of the merger, unless and until I see a reality and evidence based argument against it. I'm still waiting.
Cruiser: Higher income people have better ability to choose other communities...fewer higher income people choose Merchantville.
That is true for any community. All the kids I graduated Haddonfield High School with left their family homes and rooted in Medford, Medford Lakes, Tabernacle, Shamong and the world.
Merchantville's drain is like that in any other urban setting. You don't have to blame the schools or taxes or lack of parking. It's the nature of the beast to migrate out and on ... and that is why we are not still in Africa.
As a kid I had a friend who was to be given his family's business, a successful florist shop and nursery. He walked away from it and started his own a thousand miles away in his new backyard with seeds and cuttings, selling to local K-Marts and ACME's. So the father leased the business to an outsider who ran it into the ground taking the family's retirement income and the son's inheritance.
You wonder why young adults need to strike out on their own at very high risk. Maybe we should ask ourselves because most of us did the very same thing.
It is not Merchantville; it is something in a man's soul that makes him leave.
worst argument ever KBFW. Re-read the post. It is not about kids growing up in Merchantville leaving town. It is about families etc... if that is the best you got, you got nothing. KBFW defeated yet again by Cruiser....
He's the one who named me. (smile)
I second BobLoblaw's opinion that Cruiser hit this one out of the park.
My perspective is as a resident since the late 1980's. I've seen the blended socioeconomic balance of the town shifting lower; fueled by the greater than average exodus of middle class families that can't justify cost of private pay secondary education.
This results in transience, rather than stability for our community and increasingly, the replacement owners / renter trend towards lower socioeconomics.
Time to stop the bleeding!
"greater than average exodus of middle class families that can't justify cost of private pay secondary education."
Is that a fact! How can you be sure the Exodus was not caused by the big snow storms over the past few years? Remember, Nurse complained about our unplowed streets. And then there was the leaf machine breakdown leaving the piles that "middle class families can't justify".
What I think caused Exodus is the size of your hat. Those families couldn't deal with so much talking through it.
Let's see...One can either a) talk to their friends, neighbors and parents of schoolmates or, b) look for answers whilst performing a colon self-examination.
I've chosen to do the former.
I Liken this consolidation storm to Hurricane Irene, lots of hype and buildup dominating the news but in the end just a fizzle for Merchantville (Thankfully)
The difference between Irene and the consolidation movement: Irene is gone and we are not. To your dismay it has not fizzled. In fact, it is really just getting started. Stay tuned.
Cruiser's analysis is correct. I believe he also knows that the value proposition for Cherry Hill is weak. There is nothing in this for Cherry Hill. The people and architecture of Merchantville are charming but the school issue is a deal breaker.
CH Town Council is beginning to sort through the political rhetoric. There are going to be many changes in Town Council come Nov including a new Mayor. With the lack of school funding CH cannot absorb a non proficient group of students. The Governor will not give CH Merchantville's funding. We will be told to absorb the community. Also, when the Merchantville parents are told their school will close they will vote no as well.
Merchantville needs to merge to be saved but they will need to merge with Pennsauken. Too much room for error for us in CH. Sorry.
@ anon 10:41: you've got this wrong on so many points. Wait for it Joan... :)
These parents won't vote no if we are told our school is going to close. Don't make assumptions for other people. We are anxiously awaiting the study. We won't mind if Borough Hall becomes defunct and the building is used for other purposes. The days of Merchantville thriving are behind us and we need to move forward. So there.
Why don't you just move to Cherry Hill?
To answer the question above if no one else will: too many of us would lose too much money if we move and can't afford to. We are not corrupt and steal from taxpayers so we are not rich like you. This town codles a priviliged few and not the majority. We'd like to see them go before us. Our taxpayer money has to be better utilized to bring our services and home values up to speed. We are so so so behind a community right next to us like Cherry Hill. And why? Can Merchantville promise better services to its own? A long shot but we'll see...
"Can Merchantville promise better services "
Some of us are not thinking as you do, Anon. We do not want more services. We have been saying "enough is enough". Has anyone missed the quiet cut in police force over the past two years? The reduction of maintenance personnel from 5 to 2? The Boro not buying Wellwood Manor? Tell me, did we need the town to buy out PNC bank, now losing $57,000 each year in tax revenue in order to create the building at Chapel which remains half empty two years later? Do we need to put up our matching funds to double the walking path with a separate bicycle trail?
Our town goes too far and mistakenly we are saying. For example, a church that is the largest property owner in the Boro wants to take and demolish the eighth revenue-producing property on its perimeter in order to expand its parking lot. For one day a week the church will not do what every Merchantville family does when it owns two cars with a one-car driveway ... park one behind the other.
Our Boro with its back against a budgeting wall, instead of saying "NO" to the parking lot expansion, our Boro with its "ever more services" mentality in recent days in a closed meeting offered to slice a parking lot out of our railroad parkland --there is no more parkland-- for the church to use in exchange for the church not taking our revenue-producing property.
That deal tells me two things. First, the town fathers realizing there is a money wall are willing to give away our public land. Second, our largest house of God is willing to take it from us.
When does "enough is enough" arrive? When all is gone?
Enough is entitled to his/her opinion but I do not think it is the opinion of the majority of residents. Also it is not factually correct.
I did miss the decrease in borough publc works personnel (2010 leaves which were never collected).
The borough never had any intention to buy Wellwood Manor. The borough intended to merely declare it an area in need of redevelopment. The threat of this declaration was sufficient to cause potential slumlord buyers to lose interest in acquiring it. The borough should do those things which maintain the quality of life in the community. If doing that requires goverment acquisition of property, that is a good thing.
I applaud the mayor and council for taking a chance on the bank deal. There is risk in all of these things. There is risk in doing nothing. The principal risk in this case is the negative effect on the community of the deteriorated, going nowhere buildings at Maple-Chapel before the area was rebuilt. The jury is still out on the old bank side of this deal. There is signficant investor interest in the land acquired as part of the bank deal.
I and my family use the trail quite a bit. I think the extension of it in Merchantville would be money well spent. For what is obtained in the deal, the cost to Merchantville is very low, really a bargain.
The statement that the town fathers are giving away public parkland is incorrect. The "parkland" in question is owned by Transit of New Jersey. It is leased to the Borough for $1 per year. If TNJ ever decides to improve the site, any improvements made to the site, such as parking areas, gazebo, etc., would be removed. I would say that it will be at least 50 years before TNJ would want the site. If the borough arranges for the church to install public parking spaces on the site (which effectively would only be used by the church), that would be a good use of resources. This is a good suggestion by the borough. It solves the church's parking problem and better utilizes a section of the TNJ property which is under utilized. No taxpayer money is involved.
Having said all of that, I acknowledge that the borough's (and the school district's) budegeting back is against the wall. However, the mayor and council have done a good job in the areas cited.
In these times, the "way out" for Merchantville is to take full advantage of the merger deal with Cherry Hill. The merger deal is a golden opportunity for Merchantville.
so merchantville is "so so so far behind cherry hill" and we have to clean up your mess? i dont think so.
move to cherry hill is you desire to be part of cherry hill.
so i am hearing "merchantville is so so so far behind cherry hill" and the "merger deal is a way out for merchantville".
does this sound like a good deal for cherry hill? we are not here to help merchantville find a way out.
your way out is to merge with pennsauken. there is going to be a huge push back regarding this merger. you will spend more money on a study that should go toward your services. you will be further in a hole and this will never come to a vote. you will then be in a position that even pennsauken won"t want you.
It sounds like it makes sense to amend the Commission Sudy application to include a study of a merger of Pennsauken and Merchantville.
If this is not ALL ABOUT THE SCHOOLS (AS THE STUDY GROUP CONTINUE TO EXPRESS),this would make perfect sense to determine the savings of ALL services.
Can this be done? How quickly?
Extreme efficiencies can be seen immediately. Ben franklin Elementary school has the bandwidth to take all Merchantville elementary school kids as well as Pennsauken Intermediary and Pennsauken Middle.(unlike the cherry hill elementary schools kilmer and barton-that are at capacity. Same savings with the closing of MES. The children are of the same academic caliber so no concern of altering AYP. Pennsauken virturally surrounds Merchantville so police and fire coverage expansion will be minimal. This sounds like a win win. How can this comparison be added to the Commission Study? This would be money well spent.
Can't be done. Studies can only be between two towns, not a menu of selections for one town. Furthermore the application has been made, approved, and the Commission underway. The ship has left the port.
In order to do what you are suggesting, a separate study would have to be made, which means a separate application would have to be filed, and separate petitions signed or resolutions passed. I do not know if DCA or the Local Finance Board would entertain such a study until the current one runs its course.
The Petitioners experience was that the hundreds of people we spoke to were not interested in that, nor was Pennsauken Township. If you decide to pursue it I wish you good luck.
There is a new charter school in Cherry Hill accepting students from Lawnside Cherry Hill and Voorhees. Why doesn't merchantville puts its efforts into petitioning so that Merchantville students can attend as well?
You can keep your town and change schools. Isn't that what you really want?
Seems like the greater burden of that Charter School is being carried by Cherry Hill. Do you think the Merchantville School Budget can take on another school? What is the tax fall-out of this charter school. Do more homework and come back with answers please.
the charter school is expecting 169 students from cherry hill. that means $1.9M from cherry hill's budget. it is only k-8. we had people from cherry hill testfy in front of the legislative committee last week. there are some red flags in this application and not sure why it was approved. cherry hill is a very high performing district so no charter is needed as the Superintendent has stated many times.
we have mobilized against the charter school as it isn't in the best interst of cherry hill. we have also rallied around the bills in the legislature that support voting for charter schools. how can $1.9M (not including transportation) of taxpayer dollars be spent on something and we don't have a vote? however, the commissioner has said that because there has been an approval doesn't mean they are going to open their doors.
the charter school wants to buy the property they rent and it is a church. now tax dollars are being used to buy a church. also the same management is running an outpatient prison program in the property behind the church. something doesn't seem right.
sorry lavardera but we will also be mobilizing against the study and any kind of merger with merchantville. we need to do what is in the best interest of cherry hill towp and the students of cherry hill. to absorb merchantville and its students is a bad deal for cherry hill.
the charter school is expecting 169 students from cherry hill. that means $1.9M from cherry hill's budget. it is only k-8. we had people from cherry hill testfy in front of the legislative committee last week. there are some red flags in this application and not sure why it was approved. cherry hill is a very high performing district so no charter is needed as the Superintendent has stated many times.
we have mobilized against the charter school as it isn't in the best interst of cherry hill. we have also rallied around the bills in the legislature that support voting for charter schools. how can $1.9M (not including transportation) of taxpayer dollars be spent on something and we don't have a vote? however, the commissioner has said that because there has been an approval doesn't mean they are going to open their doors.
the charter school wants to buy the property they rent and it is a church. now tax dollars are being used to buy a church. also the same management is running an outpatient prison program in the property behind the church. something doesn't seem right.
sorry lavardera but we will also be mobilizing against the study and any kind of merger with merchantville. we need to do what is in the best interest of cherry hill towp and the students of cherry hill. to absorb merchantville and its students is a bad deal for cherry hill.
Anon, there's a much bigger focus than just the schools. Also, Cherry Hill would get our tax dollars, not "absorb" a non-paying student body. In fact, if the charter school happens and takes from the CH school budget that may end up being a bigger incentive for CH to want Merchantville students for the tax revenue. Don't assume you know it all just because you want to vent about the schools. Bring on the study - bring it!!!
unfortunately it doesn't work that way. CH will never be given Merchantville's school aid. it has aready been discussed. also, it is not enough to bring the non proficient population up to proficiency. we are not interested sorry.
also, a new ch mayor coming in and again we have already spent some time with him. hmmmm...
Non proficient population. What a maroon. Go bag some leaves.
its over. go merge with pennsauken. its your last opportunity to do it on your own terms.
Merchantville is already lost, it should be absorbed by anyone willing to take it. It was destroyed by a apathetic school board and a self serving town council over the last 10 years.
We should sell the property we own and use the money to try to sweeten any deal, CH, Pennsauken, anyone willing to take this mess on.
There is no merger on the table with Pennsauken, just Cherry Hill so any talk of that is just nonsense at this point. However, there is a merger on the table with Cherry Hill so why keep saying it's over go merge with Pennsuaken? That's just not what Merchantville is dealing with at this time. Get it straight or leave it alone already.
I like Merchantville. I have family members and relatives that can trace their roots back 100-110 years. I have fond memories of visiting my grandmother and other relatives there. I also like researching the history of Merchantville. A lot of notables either lived or grew up here. I would hate to see a merger. The basic gist is that taxes are too high, the school is failing, services are deteriorating and a merger will staunch the flow of tax dollars and services will magically improve. Maybe-Maybe not. Currently you have a voice, maybe not as loud as you would like. But at least you have a voice. Can that be said with a merger? What guarantees do you have that anyone will listen to those folks from Merchantville? None. So is it worth it? Give up representative democracy to save a few dollars? Any voice or influence with the Mayor, Council, School Board or School. I don't think so. The expression, be careful of what you wish, is so appriorate for this discussion. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
I wish for higher property value, a better school, more efficient services, and a stable community.
Right now we have decreasing property values, declining school, cut in services (leaves), and an annual loss of young families. Not good. Bring the merger on to keep the character of merchantville as a quaint village for another 100 years.
Can't talk us out of going for the merger. Agree with Anon above - bring it on. The quaint Merchantville of years gone by is in a sad state of deterioration. Those in charge have helped bring it down for their own self-interests. The voices once listened to in years gone by have turned into taxpayers that get tuned out while the town has it's hands out lining it's pockets. We deserve better and we will try or go down trying.
Anonymous 8:31,
Have you met the mayor and everyone on Council? I can assure you that they are not lining their pockets, I’m sure some of them could use the money, but they serve at our request for the betterment of the Borough.
The positions and decisions they take and make may not always agree with my own opinions, but I know that they try to do their best to improve Merchantville as they see fit.
There is an election next week. Four of our councilors are up for reelection and running unopposed. Surely you could have petitioned to be on the ballot and knocked one out, right? Then you could start lining your own pockets and pee out of the tent instead of into it.
I agree with Drew. Anonymous 8:31 has it completely wrong. Council, past and present, are honest, honorable people.
election next week in cherry hill as well. new mayor in town. hoping council will rescind their vote for the resolution of the study. we'll be pushing for it.
Cruiser and Drew are wearing rose colored glasses AND drinking rose-colored Kool-Aid if they believe what they wrote.
tonto, agreed. not drinking the kool-aid here, either.
Did anyone see this from the Courier today?
Both candidates realize any merger is a loser for Cherry Hill.
Another elephant in the township living room — albeit a shrinking one — is the ongoing talk of the possible township consolidation with Merchantville. Buividas opposes the plan, saying that such mergers usually lead to increased taxes for the larger municipality.
“I’ll be opposed to (the merger) if the studies come back and say that our schools will be overcrowded and our taxes will be raised,” said Cahn. “But if the merger committees say there might be some benefits for the township, we’ll certainly look at it.
“But I think (the plan) is losing traction. On the Cherry Hill side anyway.”
Has anyone heard when the merger committee is planning their next meeting? I thought these meetings were to be public.
is this next merger meeting public? lavardera, anyone? i hear there is a meeting tues afternoon.
Its strange...
There are big things happening in Merchantville and they are going unreported and meetings that impact the future of the community that are not well attended. Did any hear that the School Board is completing the send-receive agreement with Haddon Heights? Also, there is a public meeting of the merger commission at 7pm on tuesday and the community center.
Where is the discussion regarding these two major initiatives?
I was at the commission meeting this evening. I love marvin!
How many people were there?
approximately 35 people Attended. There was a guy from ch that had calculated that merchantville would gain $1.4m in tax dollars, therefore lowering taxes in merchantville. However, ch would lose $1.4 m.
Not sure how this would benefit ch?
Also may questions on how this study would be funded. I think they are looking for the state to pay it but that will never happen.
Anyone else have any thoughts on the meeting?
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