On Thursday, April 11th, the Township Council introduced the 2024 Municipal Budget, which calls for an approximate $1 million increase in expenditures compared to the amended 2023 budget. This will allow for anticipated increases to operational budgets such as police, fire, sanitation, landfill/solid waste, utilities, and pension and insurances.

The budget includes the hiring of replacement employees in the Police and Public Works departments to fill vacancies left by retirements and resignations. Additionally, provisions are made for hiring in the Fire Marshal and fire department budgets, aligning with our commitment to enhancing services for residents.

To mitigate the impact on taxpayers, budget cuts were implemented. While some departments experienced overall reductions compared to last year's amended budget, these cuts are not anticipated to adversely affect departmental operations.

For homeowners with properties assessed at the average value of $161,708.00, an annual increase of $20.38 is projected. For properties assessed at values higher than the average, the anticipated annual increases are as follows:

$200,000.00: $25.21

$250,000.00: $31.51

$300,000.00: $37.81

$350,000.00: $44.11

An open public hearing preceding the vote for adoption is scheduled for the May 9th, 2024 Council meeting.

On Wednesday April 3rd, Congressman Donald Norcross presented Township Officials with a check for $850,000.00. The presentation was a result of a grant request made to the Congressman’s office for Community Project Funding. The funding will be used towards replacing the Kings Highway Water Treatment Plant with a modern and efficient treatment process.  

The Township Council has proposed an ordinance that, if approved, will modify the municipal code to establish regulations for marijuana establishments within Maple Shade Township. On March 28th, the Council introduced an ordinance permitting specific types of marijuana businesses to operate within designated areas of the municipality.

If adopted, the Ordinance will allow for only 5 licenses to be made available throughout the Highway Commercial, Business District & Business District -1 zones for the following classes of cannabis:

• Cannabis Cultivator (Class 1) – 1 license
• Cannabis Manufacturer (Class 2) – 1 license
• Cannabis Retailer (Class 5) – 3 licenses

A copy of the ordinance can be found on the township webpage by clicking HERE.

The public hearing on the ordinance is set for April 25th, during the council meeting.

Please contact the Senior Freeze Information Line at 1-800-882-6597 to request an application booklet.

First-time filers or those who must reestablish a base year may print the PTR-1 application and/or instructions or file online. You may also print a copy of Form PTR-1 from the website at https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/.

Those residents who received a reimbursement check in the previous year will automatically receive their personalized Form PTR-2 in the mail, please contact the Senior Freeze Information Line at 1-800-882-6597 if you have not receive yours.

If you have any questions filing out the PTR application, please contact the Senior Freeze Information Line at 1-800-882-6597.

The 2024 DOG LICENSE APPLICATION is available now.

You can access it at www.mapleshade.com or by click HERE.

Please note the LATE FEE for payments made after April 5th.

SPRING BRUSH & LEAF CURBSIDE COLLECTION

Sustainable Maple Shade Invites you to Attend their April Meeting.

The next Sustainable Maple Shade General Meeting will be held on April 9th at 6:00PM in the Maple Shade Library Meeting Room. All are welcome to attend.

Join Us In Celebrating Arbor Day!

The 152nd Arbor Day will be celebrated nationally on April 26th this year. Maple Shade will celebrate this event by planting trees in our parks supported through a grant from the Woodard & Curran Foundation. The grant, awarded to non-profit organizations, was provided to Sustainable Maple Shade in support of organizations working to protect our water and environment.

As stated by the Arbor Day Foundation, trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. They clean our air, filter our water, and even slow storm surge and flooding in our cities. Trees also provide shade and cool our cities by up to 10 degrees, which can help prevent heat-related deaths in urban areas. Even as social and economic issues fracture our society, trees continue to connect communities, cultures, and generations. Neighborhood trees have shown the ability to reduce stress, improve overall health and development in children, and encourage physical activity. And a healthy community-wide tree canopy fosters economic advantages as well as an increase in civic pride among residents.

As we finalize our Arbor Day plans, please keep an eye on our website and our Sustainable Maple Shade Facebook page. You can also help celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree or trees on your own property or organize a tree planting with a community organization, school, scout troop, etc. you may belong to.

Join us for the Clean Communities Spring Community Clean Up!

Mark your calendars! The Clean Communities community clean up is scheduled for Sunday, May 19th from 9AM to 11AM. Groups can pick up supplies at the Municipal Building. See below for more details. 

Sustainable Maple Shade's Green Fair is Back!

Mark your calendars on May 19th for Sustainable Maple Shade's Annual Green Fair. Come check out all things "Green" going on around town. Plus free food and entertainment. See you there!

Maple Shade Community Garden Coming Soon!

Sustainable Maple Shade is working hard to get our community garden up and running. See the flyer below for all the details. Reserve your plot today!

CONCERT IN THE PARK

LAWN MAINTENANCE REMINDERS

A friendly reminder that grass needs to be below 6" per Maple Shade Code.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

RESIDENT SURVEY

Attention Maple Shade residents! This is your final opportunity to participate in the BEDC Community Survey and enter for a chance to win Shade Bucks! Your feedback is crucial as the BEDC strives to enhance communication, foster growth, and improve our community for all residents. Take a few moments to share your thoughts and ideas with us. Together, we can make Maple Shade an even better place to live, eat, and play! Survey closes on April 30, 2024.



Don't miss out - complete the survey today by clicking HERE.

DARE BUSINESS NETWORK 30/30 EVENT

We've got some thrilling news to share! Maple Shade has been handpicked to take part in the Dare Business Network 30/30 Event. 

But what does that mean for our town?

Well, imagine this event as a big gathering of key players - developers, investors, and us, representing Maple Shade. It's like a marketplace of ideas and opportunities where developers will explore potential projects and investments. This is a fantastic chance for our town to shine and attract new businesses and investments that could boost our local economy.

Why is this event such a big deal? 

Because it puts Maple Shade on the map for potential investors. We get to showcase all the great things about our town - our people, our community spirit, and our potential for growth.

So, what's next?

We're gearing up to put our best foot forward. Our team is working hard to create materials that highlight Maple Shade's strengths and opportunities. And we're here to make sure our community's voice is heard loud and clear at the event. This is a big moment for Maple Shade, and we're excited to see where it leads. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!

TOWN YARD YARD SALE

Click HERE to Register your House for the Yard Sale

*NOTE: Registering your property allows the township to advertise your address & also provides you with a lawn sign.

2024 HOUSEHOLD CLEAN-UP

2024 PRIMARY ELECTION TIMELINE

April 10

Deadline for Change of Party Affiliation Declaration Forms for Primary Election to be Filed with County Commissioners of Registration

April 20 Ballots will be mailed

May 14

Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election

May 28

Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for Primary Election

May 29 – June 2

Early Voting Period

June 3 – by 3:00PM

Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for Primary Election

June 4

Primary Election Day

Early Voting

All Early Voting locations can accept any voter from Burlington County

Primary Early Voting Dates: May 29th - June 2nd

General Early Voting Dates: October 26th - November 3rd

VOTER HELPFUL INFORMATION ONLINE RESOURCES

• ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION/ADDRESS CHANGE/PARTY CHANGE
• AM I REGISTERED TO VOTE?
• VOTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Voters should call 609-265-VOTE (8683) if they have not received their ballot by the beginning of Early Voting.
• Voters can tract their Vote-By-Mail ballot at vote.nj.gov
• Burlington County Elections Hotline: 609-265-VOTE (8683)

FALL SOCCER REGISTRATIONS

Fire Marshal Dan Kerr, recently completed The Expert Witness Courtroom Testimony course in Knoxville TN from March 22nd – 24th. The invite only course provides a comprehensive guide to the process of testifying as an expert witness in an actual legal case. Throughout the course, participants have the opportunity to interact with practicing attorneys, including giving depositions, preparing for testimony, and experiencing the courtroom environment during direct and cross-examination.

The course requires 40 hours dedicated to preliminary case work, with a six-week period allocated for preparation and submission. Students must update their Curriculum Vitae (CV), develop an opinion analysis and court testimony plan, and craft two courtroom exhibits.

Upon successful completion, students earn the opportunity to test for the highly regarded Certified Fire Investigator designation issued by the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Congratulations Dan!

Join us for the Downtown Dog Parade on May 22nd at Gazebo Park. Pups and their humans are invited to a fun event of tail-wagging fun, furry friends, and fantastic festivities! The winner of the Downtown Dog award is determined by popular vote, so be sure to bring along all your human family and friends too!

Don't miss out - mark your calendars and join the paw-ty! 

Canines can register for free HERE.

Do you ever wonder if our school district is prepared to handle an active threat? We would like to assure you, they are! 

This month the Maple Shade Police Department spent some time with the Maple Shade School District training and preparing for several different emergency situations.

Under the guidance of Chief Christopher Fletcher and Superintendent Beth Norcia, law enforcement officers and school personnel joined forces for some very important training. Thank you, Mrs. Norcia, for giving us the opportunity to train with your team! 

During the month of March, our officers were lucky enough to participate in Read Across America at Maude Wilkins School. Thank you for opening up your classrooms to us! 

K9 Ripley has been a great addition to the Maple Shade Police Department! She has been making her rounds and even doing some investigative work. She was recently spotted updating Detective Jeffrey Engel on some of her open cases and then taking a much-needed break with some of her school friends. 

The 200 Club of Burlington County honored several Maple Shade Police Department Personnel on March 8, 2024 for their heroic actions during an attempted bank robbery where the armed suspect fled on foot and was hiding in the area of Steinhauer School at dismissal time.

Thanks to these quick-thinking officers, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Congratulations Dsg. Scot Wallace, Detective Diego Alvarez, Detective Justin Jericho, Officer Anthony Marshall and K9 Sitka, Officer Matthew Shaw, and Officer David Preibs. 

On Feb 28, 2024, The Maple Shade Police Department and Maple Shade PBA 267 participated in Maple Shade High School’s Class of 2024 Volleyball Tournament. It was a fierce competition! The "PBA” walked away with the title of 2024 Champions. They are already practicing for next year.

Reminder: The Maple Police Department, in partnership with the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department, is excited to announce we will be hosting our first ever Senior Citizens Police Academy.

Some topics that will be covered include K-9 demonstrations, narcotics awareness, consumer fraud, home security, and many more. The academy will run from April 25, 2024 through May 30, 2024 from 1PM - 3PM and will conclude with a graduation ceremony. This is absolutely free to all seniors. See the flyer below for more information.

The Maple Shade Police Department Records Bureau has, “No Solicitation” Stickers available. If you would like solicitors to skip your house, stop by and pick one up.

Tip of the Month: House numbers should be visible day and night for emergency responders. Make sure your house number can be seen clearly and obviously from the street. 

While awaiting emergency response it is always helpful to responders if you flash your porch light to catch their attention.

Did you know that a flashing porch light is a sign you need help?

A flashing porch light is meant to be a distress signal, for anything from a fire to a medical emergency. You may see it if someone in the house is unable to call for help themselves. By turning the porch light on and off, it alerts neighbors and bystanders to hopefully call for help to the residence.

RECREATION

LIL SOUS CHEFS MAY COOKING CLASSES

Register using the QR codes on flyer OR contact Chef Nina: 609-469-COOK (2665) 

LIL SOUS CHEFS JUNE COOKING CLASSES

Register using the QR codes on flyer OR contact Chef Nina: 609-469-COOK (2665) 

PAINT PARTY

Saturday, June 1st from 12PM - 2PM

2024 FREE TECH HELP SESSIONS

The Township of Maple Shade's Recreation Department

would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2024 Township Events

Gold Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

If any business is interested in becoming a sponsor for 2024 Township events,

please email Recreation@mapleshade.com for more information.

WATER & SEWER UTILITIES

Spring Hydrant Flushing

Starting on April 21st, Maple Shade Utilities will be performing Spring hydrant flushing. The crews will be out from 10PM – 6AM, Sunday through Thursday, to complete the flushing to minimize the impact to resident’s water.

The Spring flushing will take two weeks, with an expected completion date on the night of May 2nd. Please use caution around the crew’s work area.

Irrigation

As Springtime approaches many people will begin their outdoor activities and chores more often. Most will be eager to get their gardens in bloom, grass greener and shrubs more vibrant then the previous year. With that said there are a few steps to take to ensure there are not water leaks that you are unaware of.

Inspect your Sprinkler System:

• You don’t want to start your system up too early. Early starts may lead to damaged pipes.
• Check your local weather forecast to ensure there is not going to be any more freezing temperatures.
• Look for damage in and around sprinkler heads throughout the system.
• If you have rotor style sprinkler heads, it's best to remove the nozzle from each rotor to clean out any debris which may have collected.
• Check the entire system for any possible leaks.

Other areas of concern that should be checked around the outside of your home are:

Hose Bibs & Hoses-

• Ensure that packings are not leaking and that the hose bib shuts off completely.
• Inspect the threads for the hose connection for any defects.
• Inspect the condition of hose for kinks, wear, dry rot, or cracking. Inspect the hose ends for any damage, along with the washer.
• It is not a good idea to run a hose under any structures, such as decks crawlspaces or landscaping. They could develop a leak that you may not see or hear resulting in higher-than-normal usage.
• Inspect the hose washers in all your accessories, replace with new if needed.

Heavy Rains and Excess Discharge Tax Municipal Systems

Maple Shade, like much of South Jersey, has experienced consistent rainfall over the past three weeks. While our area has seen a total of 8.6 inches of rain since January 1st, Maple Shade alone has received over 5 inches since March 17th. This deluge has strained not only the sump pumps of our residents but also our municipal systems.

During the weekend of March 23rd, the heavy rainfall led to a force main break on Route 73. Road closures and an emergency repair to the main were quickly put in place and although plans have been underway to repair and replace this main, the urgency escalated due to the recent issue. The again on April 3rd, both the Wastewater Treatment Plan and Euclid Pump Station experienced significant overflow from the excessive rainfall and illegal sump pump connections into the sewer system. These incidents must be reported to the NJDEP; the Township has also been notified that the EPA is focused on Maple Shade for illegal sump pumps connections creating high flows at the WWTP. 

In the coming months, the Council will explore solutions to address the problem of illegal sump pump connections. The discharge of sump pumps into the sewage system is illegal in Maple Shade as this not only creates an overload to our sewage treatment facilities, sewage could back up into homes or the sewage water may only get partially treated before being dumped into local streams and rivers. We urge residents who have these types of connections to voluntarily correct the issue and help protect our system from further strain and ensure its sustainability.

STOCKTON PARK DAY

MAPLE SHADE LIBRARY

APRIL'S TOWNSHIP MEETINGS:

Wednesday, April 10th - Zoning Board Meeting at 7:00PM *Cancelled

Thursday, April 11th - Town Council Meeting at 6:30PM

Wednesday, April 24th - Planning Board Meeting at 7:00PM

Thursday, April 25th - Town Council Meeting at 6:30PM