Today I attended a meeting with FEMA representatives and the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management in Harrison Township. In attendance were also the Mayors of the towns most affected by the storm. At this meeting, I conveyed various concerns and questions I’ve heard first hand from those residents dealing with the cleanup and recovery.
Please see the following items I would like to note from that meeting:
The recovery center can assist answering any questions you may have regarding the recovery process and can also assist with registering and submitting your request for disaster assistance. If your vehicle is damaged / undriveable and you require transportation to the recovery center, please email oem@bwhnj.com and we will attempt to arrange transportation.
Cleanup efforts are expected to continue for some time. I met with volunteers this past Friday who have been assisting our residents in their clean up efforts. Their hard work is appreciated. Our own public works equally is working very hard keeping up with debris removal, and equally appreciated as so many of you have told me personally.
As you continue the process of recovery and a return to normal, please be safe and If you have a question, do not hesitate to contact me directly at (856) 381 – 3866.
Thank you,
Mayor Packer
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
Fellow Residents of Woodbury Heights,
I just concluded a call with the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management. We have lots of trees, power lines, and damaged houses around Chestnut, Glenwood, Spring, Sunside and Boundary. Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported in Woodbury Heights.
We have requested assistance with tree removal, damage assessment, and have contacted PSE&G to clear our roads that are impassable. A State of Emergency for the County of Gloucester and The State of New Jersey has been declared. Our Public Works Department is dealing with Pump Stations out of power, and will aide with tree removal along with the County & PSE&G as soon as possible.
If anyone needs shelter, The Gloucester County Institute of Technology is open for residents. Police, Fire and The Office of Emergency Management will be out early this morning in the most affected areas.
Please stay safe, and check on your neighbors.
Mayor Packer
Due to current disaster activity, we are experiencing heavy call volumes. But you can apply for assistance and check the status of your case online.. Once you have applied for FEMA assistance, your case will be reviewed.
Donations through the United Way of Gloucester County. United Way of Gloucester County is accepting donations to support the immediate and long term needs of the response and recovery efforts from the September 1s tornado and accompanying flooding and high wind damage in Gloucester County. All donations to this fund will be used for response and recovery.
Residents,
Due to the extensive clean up from Wednesday’s storms, Recycling has been cancelled this week. Please put your recycle cans out at the curb on Wednesday evening, 9/8/21 for pick up on Thursday, September 9th.
NO PLASTIC BAGS IN RECYCLING
Single Stream Recycling collection throughout the Borough
Recyclables include: newspapers, other paper (junk mail), cardboard, plastic containers #1 and #2, glass, aluminum and steel cans.
Brush Collection will resume on Monday.
Branches must be bundled 3’ wide by 4’ long.
Please place grass clippings in cans if possible. (PLEASE DO NOT BAG GRASS CLIPPINGS)
Only leaves in bio-degradable bags or 35 gallon cans will be picked up.
They should not exceed 50 lbs in weight. Please do NOT dump your yard waste in easement areas or the woods.
Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Stay safe!
Ryan Wells
Public Works Director
Council Meetings for the Year – 7:30pm
January 17, 2024 July 17, 2024
February 21, 2024 August 21, 2024
March 20, 2024 September 18, 2024
April 17, 2024 October 16, 2024
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June 19, 2024 December 18, 2024
Planning Board Meetings for the Year 2024 6:00 PM