Patti Chacker

This Executive Summary provides an overview of the Master Plan for the Township of Cherry Hill, NJ. It analyzes existing conditions, including demographics, land use, economic market conditions, and zoning trends. The document outlines key challenges such as plateauing population growth, an aging demographic, the changing retail landscape, rising transportation costs, and the influence of millennial preferences. It poses critical questions to frame a shared vision for future growth, development, and policy, emphasizing sustainability, resiliency, and adaptability to evolving community needs and regional dynamics.

The document details the agenda for a combined Caucus and Annual Reorganization Meeting. Key agenda items included the swearing-in ceremony for the new Council members, nominations and swearing-in of the President and Vice President of the Township Council, public participation, communications, and department head reports. A significant portion of the meeting involved the presentation and passage of numerous resolutions for 2026, covering the establishment of the order of business, designation of official newspapers, setting the schedule for council meetings, authorizing cash management plans, designating fund commissioners, appointing members to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment, and appointing various professional services for the year, such as auditor, labor attorney, engineer, bond counsel, and planners. Additionally, resolutions were introduced for contract extensions, the purchase of sewer pumps, a shared services agreement for roadway improvements, and supporting the Immigrant Trust Act. Finally, three substantial Bond Ordinances were introduced on first reading concerning appropriations for equipment, IT, park upgrades, road improvements, and sanitary sewer improvements, along with an ordinance for utilizing local fiscal recovery funds.

This document outlines the agenda for the Annual Reorganization Meeting, preceded by a Caucus Meeting for agenda review and discussion. Key activities for the Reorganization Meeting included the swearing-in ceremony for Council Members, the election and swearing-in of the President and Vice President of the Township Council, and various communications and reports. A significant portion of the agenda involved the passage of numerous resolutions, primarily to appoint officials and professionals for the 2026 calendar year, including the designation of newspapers, establishment of meeting schedules, approval of various professional services (e.g., Labor Attorney, Auditor, Engineer, Planner), and the appointment of board and commission members. Resolutions also covered financial matters such as establishing a Cash Management Plan and authorizing the maintenance of Petty Cash Funds. Additionally, the agenda included the introduction of Bond Ordinances for equipment, IT, park improvements, road/sidewalk improvements, and sewer upgrades, as well as an ordinance appropriating Local Fiscal Recovery Act Funds for sanitary sewer improvements.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting addressed several zoning applications. Michael Liska's application for a variance to construct a six-foot vinyl fence was approved. Christopher Connolly received approval for variances to construct first-floor additions to improve ADA accessibility. Christopher and Patrice Gibbon's request for a variance to construct a living room addition was also approved. Jeremy Lippman's application for variances to construct a master bedroom and bathroom addition was approved. Additionally, resolutions for Sussex House Realty, LLC, and Habitat for Humanity South Central NJ were ratified.

The meeting included discussions and a motion to approve an application for bulk variances to construct a one-story addition connecting a house and detached garage. Testimony was provided by the applicants, and the board members expressed their support for the application, citing property improvement and hardship considerations. Additionally, resolutions regarding fence construction and living room additions were ratified. Another case regarding first floor additions was also reviewed. Finally, a case regarding the construction of first floor additions to expand an existing garage and rooms for ADA accessibility was postponed.