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"Nice Town, Friendly People"
MAY 2025 EDITION
(updated 5.08.2025)
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REGISTER FOR NIXLE ALERTS
Want to stay informed of Maple Shade Road Closures, upcoming events, and other important information? Sign up for NIXLE alerts and receive text messages with updates. Text your 08052 to 888777 to opt-in or sign up online for specific notifications.
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Please Note: A previous version of the newsletter advertised on
May 7, 2025 contained an incorrect start time for Independence Day Parade on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The CORRECT Parade Time is 12:00PM
not 11:00AM as previously advertised.
Please see the updated Save-the-Date Flyer below.
More detailed information will be provided soon.
We apologize for this error and inconvenience this may have caused.
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INDEPENDENCE DAY EVENTS
SAVE-THE-DATE
*Correct Parade Time is 12:00PM*
(not 11:00AM as previously advertised)
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If you are interest in entering your organization/vehicle into the parade,
please email recreation@mapleshade.com to receive an application.
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MEMORIAL DAY
MUNICIPAL OFFICE CLOSED
| | TOWNSHIP COUNCIL ADOPTS 2025 MUNICIPAL BUDGET | | |
On Thursday April 28th, the 2025 budget draft was adopted by the Township Council. This year’s budget highlights 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 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 $31,000 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 $7.966 million, which is notably 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.
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, 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 budget sets the local purpose tax levy at $13.2 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.
As we progress through 2025, all departments will maintain responsible spending practices while continuing to deliver the high level of service our residents expect and deserve.
Click HERE to access the 2025 Budget Presentation
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2024 HEALTHY TOWNS
UP-AND-COMING AWARD
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We are proud to announce that the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute has awarded the Township of Maple Shade as one of the "2024 Healthy Towns Up-And-Coming".
We are pleased to share that Maple Shade was recognized by the Mayor's Wellness Campaign as one of the New Jersey's towns that are "Doing the Most to Improve Health and Wellness in Their Communities" after just our FIRST year joining the campaign.
Click HERE to see the NJHCQI Press Release announcing
all of NJ's Healthy Town Awards for 2024!
| | GUIDE ON ENERGY AFFORDABILITY MEASURES | | |
Click HERE for a printable copy of the
Affordability Guide provided by PSE&G
(photos shown below)
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UTILITY BILLS GOT YOU STRESSED OUT???
THERE IS HELP!
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If you need help with your utility bills, are in danger of utility shut off, or are currently disconnected, apply for one of the free utility grant programs below
and inform your utility company immediately.
Don’t delay, apply for energy assistance today!
Click HERE for More Information
Energy Assistance Brochure - English
Energy Assistance Brochure - Spanish
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PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Polls Open 6:00AM - 8:00PM
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PRIMARY ELECTION TIMELINE - JUNE 10, 2025
Following passage from the legislature and the Governor's signature, the Primary Election date was moved from June 3, 2025 to June 10, 2025. All deadlines required to be met ahead of the primary election shall correspond to the rescheduled primary election date except for deadlines related to nominating petitions, the drawing for ballot position, and the deadline for mailing vote-by-mail ballots to voters.
WHO CAN VOTE?
- If you are a registered Democrat or Republican, you can cast your ballot in your party’s primary election.
- If you are registered as UNAFFILIATED, you can choose to affiliate with either the Democratic or Republican parties and cast your ballot in that party’s election. After voting in that party’s primary, you will be a registered member of that party.
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If you are eligible, but not registered to vote, you MUST REGISTER by May 20, 2025 to participate.
HOW TO VOTE?
Primary Election voters have 3 WAYS TO VOTE in New Jersey.
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In person on Primary Election day June 10, at your LOCAL POLLING PLACE.
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In person at ANY Early Voting Site in YOUR county during the Early Voting Period from June 3th - June 8th. Check vote.nj.gov for your EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS hours.
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By Mail, using your mail-in ballot, returned either via mail, in person to your County Board of Elections, or at a SECURE BALLOT DROPBOX in your county.
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Use the above QR Code to Access a Video on
"How to Vote Using Burlington County Voting Equipment"
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INTERESTED IN BEING A POLL WORKER?
Already registered and have your plan for the primary?
Take it a step further and become a Poll Worker!
Counties are ACTIVELY recruiting poll workers. New Jersey poll workers are paid $21.43 per hour on in-person early voting days and $300 on Election Days. Serve your community and earn a little extra cash! Sign up at pollworker.nj.gov to get trained in your county!
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"THE HERITAGE ON MAIN"
NEW HOUSING COMPLEX
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The Management Company, RPM Development Group, for
The Heritage on Main Housing Complex
provided the following information to the
Township of Maple Shade for prospective residents:
- The targeted population for housing is for income & age-restricted residents with a household earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less, and 55+ years of age.
- There will be a total of 59 residential units, which will consist of 57 one-bedroom units & 2 two-bedroom units. Fifteen of the one-bedroom units will be reserved by individuals with developmental disabilities who are referred by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and supported by vouchers.
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Prospective residents can email Leasing@RPMDev.com with inquiries and to be added to the company’s database for future communication.
- An approximate date the portal will be accessible is in July or August, three months prior to construction completion.
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The housing website at www.heritageonmain.com is now live. Please refer to it for helpful information and future updates.
The Township of Maple Shade does not have control over the leasing
of any residential or commercial spaces within this project.
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CROSSING GUARD
JOB POSTING
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CONCERT IN THE PARK
SERIES DATES
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CONCERT IN THE PARK - MAY 6th
FEATURING THE BEAT TELLS
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CONCERT IN THE PARK - MAY 20th
FEATURING PARKWAY SOUL
| | Click HERE Register for the Parade | | |
GRASS CLIPPINGS
Grass clippings MUST 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.
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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.
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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
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NOTICE
The Spring hydrant flushing was completed on the night of April 15th. All crew members are back to normal working hours. Thanks to all the residents for your cooperation during this flushing period. The next scheduled hydrant flushing is tentatively scheduled for October 2025.
Our valve preventative maintenance program is scheduled to begin on or around May 5th. Our crews will be exercising the water main valves in the roadways, along with completing regulatory inspections. Please use caution around the crew’s work area.
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WATER UPDATE
Water system improvements on Rose Ave are scheduled to begin in May. Please use caution around these areas during those times.
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SEWER UPDATE
The 1st phase of the Main Street Pump Station’s force main replacement project is completed. The project tie-in work was completed on the night of April 24th.
Just a reminder for keeping your sewer lines flowing more efficiently, only flush toilet paper down the toilet.
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KEEPING YOU IINFORMED
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.
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BRING YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAY
National "Bring Your Kids to Work Day was on April 24th". Maple Shade Police hosted this annual event at the Police Department. This year the kids were involved in team building activities, demonstrations, and hands on to some of the tools Police Officers use every day. The goal of "Bring Your Kids to Work Day" is to have kids meet mentors in their specific fields and learn all about the job. Thanks to all the volunteers and officers that took part in this event.
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NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s theme is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention". Supporters are encouraged to wear blue and display a blue pinwheel in support for children who are victims of abuse or neglect. If you know a child in need of help please call 1-877-NJ ABUSE or visit https://www.nj.gov/dcf/
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MAPLE SHADE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S RECRUITMENT NIGHT
Maple Shade Police held a Recruitment Night in April. Several young men and women attended to learn more about career opportunities with the Department. We also hosted a Physical Fitness Test to assess these potential candidates on their physical strength, mobility, and endurance. Candidates that successfully met all Police Training Commission requirements will be eligible for the next step in the hiring process. If you got what it takes to be a part of the team, submit your resume to apply@mapleshadepd.com
For information on Civil Service tests and announcements, follow NJ Civil Service Commission on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/njcivilservice/?hl=en or https://www.nj.gov/csc/
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OFFICER SPOTLIGHT: MEET DETECTIVE CORPORAL JEFFREY ENGEL
Detective Corporal Engel joined Maple Shade Police in 2007. He served as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer and is currently a Detective in the Investigative Bureau. Detective Corporal Engel is also a trainer in the department and helps Officers train in taser, de-escalation training, firearms, and various technical and tactical tools. More recently, Detective Corporal Engel is an unmanned aerial drone operator and is proud to share and help other agencies with this new technology.
Detective Corporal Engel is also a member of the Armed Forces. He has served in the United States Air Force and is currently serving as a Senior Enlisted Leader in the Air Force Reserve. Detective Corporal Engel is a recipient of multiple awards for his work in investigations throughout his career. He enjoys spending time with his family and getting involved in a multitude of activities.
Detective Corporal Engel’s goal each day is to live by his core values, always challenging himself and others to do better than yesterday, providing a positive engagement with those he encounters, and conducting thorough investigations.
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2025 LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
It’s that time of year again. Maple Shade Police will be participating in the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the New Jersey Special Olympics. This year’s event marks 42 years that Law Enforcement members take part in 26 legs throughout the state. The over 3,000 strong “Guardians of the Flame” will run to raise awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey. The Special Olympics New Jersey Games will be held at The College of New Jersey from June 7th & -8th. Come out and cheer our runners on Main Street June 6th and support the Special Olympics Athletes throughout the State.
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KEEP PETS IN THEIR HOMES DRIVE
DONATE USING THE AMAZON WISHLIST QR CODE
DROP OFF DONATIONS AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING
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SUSTAINABLE MAPLE SHADE NEEDS 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, email us at sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com. Or, you can attend Sustainable Maple Shade's general business meetings.
The May Business Meeting will take place on May 13th at 6:00PM in the Municipal Building Senior Room. The June Business Meeting will take place on June 10th at 6:00PM in the Municipal Building Senior Room.
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TOWN CLEAN-UP & GREEN FAIR ON MAY 18th
Help beautify Maple Shade, have fun learning about helping the earth, or do both on Sunday, May 18th!
Starting at 8:30AM, meet at Gazebo Park on Main Street to get clean-up supplies and spruce up Maple Shade. We’ll send groups out to various spots. Participants under 18 will need to fill out a permission form.
Then, starting at 11:00AM, everyone in town can join us at the Gazebo for the 11th Annual Green Fair. There will be free food, games, giveaways, and learning. Come chat with a bee keeper, make a seed bomb, plant a seed, enjoy live music from Lost in Brunswick, and find out more about all of Sustainable Maple Shade's projects.
There will be a plant and seed swap, so brings some to trade or take some home for a small donation.
Something new this year... we will be collecting any and all used clothing, shoes, sheets, stuffed animals, and other textiles. Whether they’re stained, stretched, ripped, or in good or great shape, Helpsy will be there to recycle it all.
And don’t forget you can bring any unused drugs to be disposed of properly with the MSPD.
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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.
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MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH "BOUQUETS & BRUNCH"
sponsored by:
Maple Shade Business Association & Fox Meadow Apartment Complex
| Click HERE for more information or to purchase tickets | | |
MAPLE SHADE LIBRARY
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Visit bcls.lib.nj.us or call (856) 779-9767 for more details.
LIBRARY CLOSED:
Saturday, May 24th - Monday, May 26th:
CLOSED for Memorial Day
We have some exciting events happening in May at the Maple Shade Library.
For a complete list of Library Youth & Adult Services, please click HERE.
Stop in the library anytime! We're in the lower level of the Municipal Building.
| | | Wednesday, May 14th* *New Meeting Date -changed from May 7, 2025 | Zoning Board Meeting | 7:00PM | | Thursday, May 8th | Town Council Meeting | 6:30PM | | Thursday, May 22nd | Town Council Meeting | 6:30PM | | Wednesday, May 28th | Planning Board Meeting | 7:00PM | | | *Denotes change in regularly scheduled meeting day | | | | |