Press Releases

Blackwood- Today, the Mayer Bring Change to GT team unveiled plans to tackle persistent problem properties that pose ongoing safety and quality of life challenges for township residents.

"Gloucester Township is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.We must ensure a high quality of life for all residents across the township," said Dave Mayer, Democratic Candidate for Mayor, "dilapidated, vacant and abandoned homes and rental units drain township resources and bring down home values for entire neighborhoods."As Mayor, Mayer will create a Problem Properties Unit to identify dilapidated homes and apartment complexes. This interdepartmental task force will meet monthly and be comprised of the mayor, the police chief, a fire official, construction official, code enforcement official and the chairman of the economic development corporation.A special prosecutor will also be appointed to oversee the legal action taken against violators, whose salary will be performance driven.An anonymous hotline will also be provided for the reporting of problem properties.

"In such tough economic times we need to ensure that all of our public services are being well managed" said Michelle Gentek, candidate for council.

The unit will draft an ordinance that fortifies the existing state legislation regarding renting property and a "nuisance" ordinance for excessive calls for police services.A license ordinance will mandate licensure of rental properties throughout the township.As well it will ensure that the license can be revoked by the township if nuisance laws are violated.

Councilman Dan Hutchison noted "Paulsboro has had success with this kind of ‘nuisance’ program.It makes landlords more accountable for their renters and will give the township direct leverage over absentee and apathetic landlords."

"When you live down the street from a property that is rundown or derelict it drags the whole community down.The point is to improve the quality of life for our residents so they can take pride in their neighborhoods" said Frank Schmidt, current councilman and lifelong resident.