MUNICIPAL OFFICES

HOLIDAY CLOSURES

TOWN WIDE YARD SALE

Click HERE to access a printable version of the flyer & registration form

Register by Friday, April 11th

HOUSEHOLD CLEAN-UP EVENT

April 30th - May 3rd

Public Works Facility

ACES PARK RENOVATION PROJECT UNDERWAY

Exciting improvements are coming to ACES Park! The long-awaited renovation project has officially begun, bringing a host of upgrades to enhance the park’s usability and safety. This project is made possible through a Burlington County Municipal Park Development Grant Award in the amount of $250,000, which was awarded to the township back in 2020.

Residents will soon enjoy a brand-new basketball court featuring upgraded seating, a modern basketball hoop system, and freshly laid asphalt. Additionally, new stormwater pipes and inlets are being installed to improve drainage, while low-level lighting and security lighting will ensure better visibility and safety.

The project also includes the installation of portions of new perimeter fencing, helping to define and secure the park area. To revitalize the landscape, topsoil, fertilizing, and seeding will be carried out, promoting a lush and inviting green space. Alongside these structural and functional improvements, the park amenities will be upgraded with new waste receptacles, picnic tables, and benches, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable environment for visitors.

ACES Park’s transformation reflects our commitment to creating welcoming and safe public spaces for the community to gather, play, and relax. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!

COUNCIL ADDRESSES

FLOODING & SPEEDING CONCERNS AT RECENT MEETING

At the most recent council meeting, community concerns regarding flooding and speeding were front and center. Council members, along with the township engineer, discussed ongoing flooding issues affecting residents on Thomas Avenue and Cutler Avenue. The engineer presented several potential solutions to mitigate water accumulation, including upgrades to drainage infrastructure and improved stormwater management practices. The council is committed to addressing these persistent problems and will continue to work with experts to develop a comprehensive plan.

In addition to flooding, the meeting also addressed speeding issues on High Street and various other roadways throughout the town. Residents have expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians and drivers due to excessive speeding. The engineer offered suggestions to calm traffic, including improved signage and increased enforcement in problem areas.

Council members emphasized the importance of community input and encouraged residents to continue voicing their concerns. The township will explore the proposed measures and evaluate their feasibility in the coming weeks. Updates will be shared as plans progress, demonstrating the council’s commitment to enhancing safety and quality of life in Maple Shade.

COUNCIL INTRODUCES

2025 MUNICIPAL BUDGET

At the March 27th Council Meeting, the 2025 budget was introduced, highlighting the financial challenges and strategic decisions facing the township. This proposed budget calls for a 2.9 cent increase in the local municipal tax rate, raising it from 0.938 in 2024 to an estimated 0.967 for 2025. This increase, which follows a previous rise from 0.925 in 2023, is expected to equate to just under $50 per year for the average assessed home valued at $162,095. 

The 2025 budget, totaling approximately $21.2 million, is about $32,000 larger than the adopted 2024 budget. New Jersey budget law requires a balanced budget, and the council discussed the anticipated revenues that will fund the $21.2 million in appropriations. These revenues currently total $8.333 million, which is slightly lower than the $8.668 million from 2024 due to reduced grant monies and the absence of one-time revenues used in the previous year.

Besides local tax revenue, other key revenue sources include surplus savings, alcohol licenses, fees and permits, municipal court fees, interest on delinquent taxes and investments, hotel occupancy fees from the state, local fire safety fees, energy receipts (state aid), construction code fees, receipts from delinquent taxes and shared service agreements. One significant revenue challenge is the absence of cannabis-related income, which was anticipated when planning the 2024 budget but has yet to materialize. The council encouraged efforts to support the opening of cannabis businesses, as their revenue could benefit future budgets.

The 2025 draft budget sets the local purpose tax levy at $12.8 million, up from $12.5 million in 2024. This increase reflects the need to balance reduced revenues from other sources. While reducing spending is one approach to lowering the tax levy, the reality is that significant cuts would be needed to make a substantial impact. To reduce the local tax burden, the focus remains on increasing sustainable revenue sources rather than relying solely on spending cuts.

A public hearing and adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 24th, 2025. 

GAZEBO PARK SHINES BLUE FOR AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Maple Shade is proud to support Autism Awareness Month by lighting up Gazebo Park in blue throughout April. This vibrant display serves as a visual reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, fostering acceptance, and celebrating the unique talents of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate the community, support families, and advocate for those with autism. By lighting up Gazebo Park, we join countless other communities around the world in spreading the message of understanding and inclusion.

We encourage residents to visit Gazebo Park during April to see the beautiful display and take a moment to reflect on the importance of acceptance and support for those affected by autism. Let’s continue working together to create a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.

STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT DAY:

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS

The Business & Economic Development Director and Township Manager are excited to host Mayor Talarico’s Students in Government Day on Thursday, April 10th. This unique program is designed to give students a hands-on experience of how municipal government functions, providing them with valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of each department.

Throughout the day, students will rotate through various departments, participating in 30-minute sessions led by staff members who will share their expertise and discuss how their work impacts the community. This immersive approach aims to deepen students' understanding of local government operations, fostering civic engagement and awareness.

The day will culminate with a mock council meeting, where students will apply what they’ve learned by debating and making decisions on issues presented to them. The mock agendas are being carefully crafted to reflect the knowledge gained during their departmental sessions, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience.

As preparations continue, departments are encouraged to finalize their session plans and share any teaching materials to help align the mock council discussions with the day’s lessons. Mayor Talarico and the entire township team are looking forward to welcoming our young leaders and guiding them through this exciting opportunity to learn about local governance.

"THE HERITAGE ON MAIN"

NEW HOUSING IN MAPLE SHADE

The Township of Maple Shade has received numerous inquiries regarding the construction at 109 W Main St, formerly known as the Baron Building. We want to clarify that the Township does not have control over the leasing of any residential or commercial spaces within this project.

We have been in contact with the developer, RPM Development Group, and have informed them of the public’s interest, particularly regarding housing waitlists. At this time, no waitlist is available. RPM is in the process of adding this property to their website at https://www.rpmdev.com. Please check their site for updates. The Township will also make a formal announcement once we receive any new information regarding the property.

The property will be branded as “The Heritage on Main” and will have the following specifications:

• Target Population:

Income & Age-Restricted

• Households earning 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) or less, and residents aged 55+

• Total Units:

59 Residential Units

• 57 One-Bedroom Units
• 15 of the one-bedroom units will be reserved for individuals with developmental disabilities, referred by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and supported by vouchers.
• 2 Two-Bedroom Units

For further updates, please visit RPM Development Group’s website or stay tuned for official announcements from the Township.

CROSSING GUARD JOB POSTING

CONCERT IN THE PARK

2025 DOG LICENSE APPLICATION

The 2025 DOG LICENSE APPLICATION is available now.

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

Late applications are being accepted with an additional late fee.

Late Fees:

$7.00 Late Fee for Renewal Applications

$5.00 Discounted Late Fee for Senior Citizens & Veterans

PUBLIC WORKS

SPRING CLEAN-UP - LEAVES

Leaves will be collected curbside ONLY until April 30th. After April 30th, leaves MUST be bagged & be brought to the Public Works Facility at 620 Cutler Avenue. Leaves will NOT be picked up after April 30th by the Department of Public Works.

GRASS CLIPPINGS

Grass clippings MUST to be bagged and placed curbside with your trash. The Department of Public Works does NOT pick up grass clippings regardless of if they are bagged or placed loosely in the street/curbside. 

REMINDER: Please do NOT blow grass clippings in the street as it is a hazard and pollutes the stormwater.

SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES

Please slow down in all work zones. The safety of our workers is of the utmost importance & our #1 priority.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

UPCOMING BEDC MEETING

The next Business & Economic Development Commission (BEDC) Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6:30PM in the Senior Room.

CUSTOMIZED PAVERS FOR MAIN STREET

There’s still time to be part of Maple Shade’s history! The Business and Economic Development Commission’s Paver Drive is continuing, so you can still purchase a custom-engraved paver to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or show pride in our community. Pavers will be installed along Main Street in Spring 2025, leaving a lasting legacy in Maple Shade. To learn more or place an order, please visit https://mapleshade.com/business-economic-development/

Click HERE to access the Paver Order Form

JOIN OUR TEAM

The Maple Shade Police Department is hiring! Please join us on Monday night, April 7, 2025, and we will provide you with all the details.  

OUTREACH EVENT

The Maple Shade Police Department will be hosting an outreach event on April 17, 2025 from 11am-3pm in the Municipal Lot on N. Forklanding Rd. They will offer Narcan training and kits, ID cards, housing assistance and recovery coach assistance. Stop out and see some of your favorite officers.

COMMUNITY REMINDER

Welcome Spring!

With the nicer weather upon us, we are seeing an increase in traffic violations. 

Please watch your speed, stop completely at stop signs,

and PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY!

We want you to safely enjoy this new season!

CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT

EV CHARGING STATION PERMITS

EV CHARGING STATION PERMIT GUIDELINES

Submit a Completed UCC Construction Permit Application

UCC Forms printed from online or copies of UCC Forms are required to be signed & sealed when submitted

o  UCC Forms must be legible & not have "Office Only" sections blacked out

o  UCC Application MUST include the following:

1.     Electrical Subcode Technical Section

·        Must be signed & sealed by electrician

·        Must indicate outlet AMP size on the application

2.     Manufacturer Cut Sheet for EV Charging Outlet/Station

3.     Load Calculation Worksheet

4.     Incomplete application cannot be accepted

o  Homeowners can perform their own electrical work & make application to do so

o  Exterior Free Standing EV Charging Stations may require zoning approval

1.     Please contact the Zoning Official at 856-779-9610 ext. 151 or zoning@mapleshade.com

o  A FINAL INSPECTION is required upon completion of work

For additional information regarding the installation of EV Charging Stations, please contact the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes & Standards, Code Assistance unit at 609-984-7609.

WATER & SEWER UTILITIES

NOTICE

As a reminder, the Spring hydrant flushing is scheduled to start on April 6th and end on April 18th. The crews will be out from 10:00PM -6:00AM, Sunday through Thursday, to complete the flushing to minimize the impact to resident’s water. Please use caution around the crew’s work area. Notice is posted on the Township’s message board on Main Street and a Nixle will be sent at the beginning of April, prior to starting. 

WATER UPDATE

Water system improvements on Rose Ave, from W. Woodcrest Avenue to S. Coles Avenue, are scheduled to begin in April. Please use caution around these areas during those times.

With springtime quickly approaching, many people will want to begin their outdoor activities and chores. Most will be eager to get their gardens in bloom, grass greener and shrubs more vibrant than the previous year.  A few steps that should be taken to ensure there are not any water leaks that could lead to higher-than-normal water usage.

Inspect your sprinkler system:

• 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. Remove any debris, dirt, or vegetation that’s collected on or around sprinkler heads.
• 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.

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 them with new if needed.

SEWER UPATE

The 1st phase of the Main Street Pump Station’s force main replacement project is ongoing. The project tie-in work is scheduled to be completed in April.  

WATER SERVICE LINE INVENTORY UPDATE

Per NJDEP regulations, all water systems must identify the water service lines that supply water to residential and commercial buildings. In 2022, the Township sent out 2 rounds of letters asking those with unknown lines to contact the utility to make an appointment. At that time the unknown lines total was over 500, our inventory currently stands at 157.

We need your help to complete the inventory. If you received a letter in November, please contact the utility to set up an appointment. The appointment takes just a few minutes, otherwise an excavation may be required to determine the service line material. The current inventory can be viewed HERE.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

Receive a text message and/or an email regarding emergencies such as main breaks, upcoming utility work, important announcements, water shut offs, etc. through NIXLE. Please visit https://nixle.com/register/ to sign up. 

Receive email updates from our website by subscribing at http://www.mapleshadeutilities.com where we post upcoming work, hydrant flushing updates, and much more. 

The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available online. To view the report please click HERE.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

EASTER EGG HUNT

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2025

1:00PM

ACES FIELD

191 E. BROADWAY

AGES 10 & UNDER ~ REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED

IMPROV FUN DAY FOR KIDS

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025

12:30PM - 2:30PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING

AGES 9-16

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

LIL SOUS CHEFS

MAY COOKING CLASSES

MAY 1ST, 8TH, & 15TH

KEEP PETS IN THEIR HOMES DRIVE

DONATE USING THE AMAZON WISHLIST QR CODE

DROP OFF DONATIONS AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING

2025 RECREATIONAL SPONSORS

SUSTAINABLE MAPLE SHADE

SUSTAINABLE MAPLE SHADE IS LOOKING FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS

Are you someone who cares about the environment? Do you want to get more involved in your community? Then Sustainable Maple Shade is looking for you! We have jobs small and large that can have a huge impact in our community. If you are interested in helping ensure a greener future for Maple Shade, you can email us at sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com. Or, you can attend Sustainable Maple Shade's general business meetings.

The April business meeting will take place on April 8th at 6:00PM in the Municipal Building Senior Room. The May business meeting will take place on May 13th at 6:00PM in the Municipal Building Senior Room. 

COMMUNITY GARDEN KICKS OFF ITS FIRST OFFICIAL FULL SEASON

The Maple Shade Community Garden opened for its first official season on March 23rd. Mayor Talarico was in attendance to cut the ribbon and welcome gardeners. All plots are sold out for the 2025 Season! Thank you to everyone who purchased one.

JOIN US FOR THE SPRING TOWN CLEAN UP & GREEN FAIR

Maple Shade's Spring Town Clean Up and annual Green Fair are happening May 18th! Clean up begins at 9:00AM. Meet at the Municipal Building for your supplies and location assignment. Then head over to Gazebo Park at Forklanding Road and Main Street from 11:00AM to 2:00PM to enjoy the 11th Annual Green Fair. The Green Fair is open to everyone and features free food, games, giveaways, and more. There will be live music by Lost in Brunswick.

To volunteer for the clean-up or to help out at the Green Fair, email sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com.

COMING THIS SUMMER...MAPLE SHADE FARMERS MARKET AT GAZEBO PARK!

Join us for a vibrant evening market featuring fresh, local goods and a great community atmosphere. Shop, eat, and enjoy live music and activities while supporting local farmers and small businesses.

Are you a vendor? We’re looking for more farmers, artisans, and people who sell foods, meats, cheeses, homemade goods or anything that fits the description of a true farmers market.

Email sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com for more information.

WE WANT YOUR USED SNEAKERS AND CLEATS

Sustainable Maple Shade is collecting used sneakers and cleats for re-homing or recycling with the help of www.gotsneakers.com.

Email sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com to schedule a pick up. Thank you for your help! 

ADDITIONAL RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES 

The Recycling Station is at the Maple Shade Municipal Building located at 200 Stiles Avenue on the 1st floor. It has multiple bins to recycle stuff not accepted in the regular stream. There’s a box to recycle balloons and other party decorations. There’s also NexTrex bins to bring any stretchy plastic film and bags, a PakTech can for plastic six- and four-pack holders and bottle holders and receptacle for food pouches with lids and Entenmann's Mini Muffins bags. Do the green thing and dispose of these items the proper way. 

ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

& AUCTION FUNDRAISER

MAPLE SHADE ROTARY'S 32ND ANNUAL

PANCAKE BREAKFAST & TICKET AUCTION FUNDRAISER

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025

8:00AM - 12:00PM

RJ STEINHAUER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(CHESTNUT AVENUE ENTRANCE)

SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY THE EASTER BUNNY FROM 9:00AM - 11:00AM

TICKET INFORMATION:

ADULTS: $8.00 *updated price since March Newsletter

CHILDREN (UNDER 10 YEARS OLD): $3.00

CONTACT MAPLESHADEROTARY2023@GMAIL.COM OR 856-465-9636

FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION

MAPLE SHADE LIBRARY

BURLINGTON COUNTY BOOK FESTIVAL

Burlington County Library

5 Pioneer Boulevard

Westampton, NJ 08060

Saturday, April 5,2025

10:00AM – 4:00PM

Spend the day meeting talented authors, mingling with fellow book lovers and enjoying inspiring presentations at the third annual Burlington County Book Festival taking place on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Burlington County Library. Co-hosted by the Burlington County Library System and the BCLS Foundation, this popular event offers attendees of all ages a wonderful opportunity to discover new books and writers, while having fun celebrating the world of literature.

During the festival, BCLS will present dozens of notable authors ready to discuss, autograph and sell their work. Books for adults, young adults and children will be featured, and a wide variety of genres will be showcased, including mystery, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, romance, graphic novels, memoir and more. Check out which vendors and authors will be in attendance, and plan your visit by browsing the planned activities ahead of arriving on April 5. Whether you’re a fan of fiction or nonfiction – or both – if you love books, you’ll love this event!

Be sure to mark your calendar and join us for an amazing day at the library. Sponsored by Holman and PSEG.

APRIL'S TOWNSHIP MEETINGS:

*Denotes change in regularly scheduled meeting day