Fellow residents,

It has been a difficult week indeed as we pick up the pieces left by a storm that has ravaged many homes in town. The response to clear our roads and restore power to every street was quick and by most counts, effective. I spoke with a representative at the Governor’s office and the Borough’s needs were communicated prior to his visit. There were two homes that were rendered uninhabitable and many others with varying levels of damage to them and surrounding structures.

As you have seen first-hand, our public works, along with the assistance of fellow neighbors have worked tirelessly to clear debris and begin repairs. This work is expected for many weeks to come. Many thanks to those that have volunteered time, effort, food, water, and sweat in the help of those in need.

Our public works will continue to remove debris along our roads over the next few weeks along with continuation of our usual Borough Services of Trash/Recycling. If you have any questions as far as collection efforts, please contact our Public Works Superintendent Ryan Wells at (856) 848-2832 ext. 35

FEMA Information packets will be hand delivered to each residence in the area by Thursday and are also posted here: https://drive.google.com/…/1VaA9wt6c8XZgEgUjyXAm8H6veA3… for your use in seeking needed financial assistance. A Home Cleanup Assistance Hotline has also been established; please see the flyer here: https://drive.google.com/…/1Zr9…/view…

A Reception Center has been established at the Gloucester County Municipal Library and temporary shelter facilities, should you need them, are available through Rowan University. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our Emergency Management Coordinator, John Witasick, at (856) 300-2622 or by email at oem@bwhnj.com.

Regarding Construction, Building, Electrical, plumbing, and zoning issues/permits, should you have any issues, questions, or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our Property Liaison Mike McCabe at (215) 704-1020.

Our Fire and Police departments have continued to provide excellent service and protection throughout this ordeal. Their efforts serving you are much appreciated and were certainly recognized the day of the storm. They continue to work with our Emergency Management Office in damage assessment and needs reporting to the County and State.

With the possibility high winds and more rain expected tonight, aside from securing your homes, please report to our OEM any safety hazards that need to be addressed. This has been mainly reports of large tree limbs that are hanging from partially damaged trees. The Fire, Police, and OEM will be on a heightened state of alert given the short term weather forecast for tonight.

Lastly, if you have any questions not answered above, or need specific assistance do not hesitate to contact me directly at (856) 381-3866 or by email at wpacker@bwhnj.com.

Wishing everyone a speedy recovery, stay safe.

Mayor Packer