Mayor's Message – June 2010 Issue

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Property Taxes: In 2009 the Borough reduced its property taxes $165 or 2.2%. This was the 17th largest property tax reduction in the State out of 571 towns and the 4th largest of towns with more than 5,000 residents. It was also 3rd largest out of the 101 towns in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties and #1 of towns with more than 1,000 residents. This ranking is a testament to the work of the Governing Body, Borough employees, Board of Education and County in listening to the 2008 "333" Mayors Challenge and the 2009 "Net Property Tax Reduction" Mayors Challenge to reduce tax levy requests. The 2010 2.0% blended property tax reduction is expected to once again be one of the larger in the State and County.

Borough Employment: This year the Municipality won't layoff or furlough any employees. We have been very careful about the number of full-time active employees on payroll in order to control salary and health benefit expenses as well as to ensure we have headcount that we absolutely need. In 2007 the Municipality had 46 full-time active employees, today we have 30. This is a reduction of 16 or 35% from the high in 2007. In 2008 we terminated 8 Public Works employees to right size the operations and an additional 8 employees have retired. Our current employees work hard, appreciate their jobs with the Municipality and are highly productive allowing us to do more with less. Thank you to all our Municipal employees.

Shop Haddon Heights First: When we started the Shop Haddon Heights First campaign in Spring of 2008, the shopping district vacancy rate was 9% versus a national vacancy rate of over 10%. Today I am happy to say our vacancy rate is in low single digits with a national vacancy rate still hovering at 10%. We have added 7 new central district businesses including: Simply Charming, Trendy Sweets, Station Avenue Café, Emmy's on the Avenue, Project Skate Shop, Work-Up Physical Therapy, and The Piano Studio. Our banner poles and Heights report seem to be doing its job in promoting our businesses and the events held throughout the year. Fourth Fridays with the bands, outside vendors, skate board demos. In June we will have a BBQ cook-off open to anyone interested. July will be Christmas in July and August will be Casino night on the Ave. Please mark your calendars.

Community Center: The Community Center is now open for business. The center is a 3,000 square foot facility with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, senior's room, office and main event room. I was able to talk with many during the recent HHYA baseball pictures and I heard nothing but complements on how nice it looked. All were very impressed. The first ever Borough Community Center will provide a location for recreational, educational and athletic activities. For example, Zumba classes have begun and will run through July. We are already generating new revenues for the Borough from the Cabin.

Memorial Day: I want to thank the servicemen and women for working to help the people of the world realize their God given right to freedom. This is an enormous task which requires the dedication of both the servicemen and women and their families. There will be a ceremony at 10am at the American Legion Building and 11am at the VFW memorial at the Cannons.

4th of July: I want to reminder everyone that the Haddon Heights 4th of July celebration will begin on July 3rd at 8am with the Fire Cracker 5K run starting at 3rd and Station. The Parade will start at 4th and Station at 9am, and immediately following the parade will be the Family Party at 8th and West High Streets. All are welcome!

Political Survey: Unfortunately there is a political "survey" being distributed sporadically around town with the intent to confuse and mislead residents about Project Garnet. This unprofessional survey is not endorsed by the Governing Body and we encourage you not to respond, as many residents have told me they will not do. I am appalled once again by the politics in the Borough and the direct attempt to discredit the good work of the Governing Body and hurt our residents. Have no fear that Project Garnet will continue to move forward as supported by our residents and Governing Bodies in 2009 and 2010. Visit www.hhprojectgarnet.com for more information on Project Garnet.

Remember to take time to enjoy what the Borough has to offer in terms of sports, recreational programs, facilities and parks. You can have an enjoyable relaxing summer without ever leaving Haddon Heights!