From the Desk of the Mayor
In today's age of social media, the demand for information is ever-present. While the Borough of Glassboro strives to maintain transparency within our community and share updates from our council meetings, we understand that not everyone can attend these meetings due to busy schedules.
To address this, I am pleased to introduce "From the Desk of The Mayor" - an electronic publication that will be distributed through the Borough’s marketing platforms. Through this initiative, I aim to provide updates on the current issues facing our community.
I look forward to providing you with regular updates and information through "From The Desk of the Mayor." Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our community.
12/19 | Happy Holidays
As we approach the end of 2024 and the holiday season is upon us, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of the great Borough of Glassboro.
Whether you are observing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply embracing the festive spirit, now is the ideal moment to engage in timeless traditions and eagerly anticipate the creation of unforgettable memories that will be treasured for years to come.
During this holiday season, I extend my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the entire community for your ongoing collaboration, involvement, and support. The strong sense of community was evident throughout the year at our events and festivals.
I am constantly moved by the kindness and generosity of our residents who unite to support one another in times of both joy and adversity - whether it be lending a helping hand to a neighbor, checking in on a friend, or simply sharing a smile. Through our collective efforts, we can nurture the resilient and supportive community that makes Glassboro truly exceptional.
It’s clear we have much to be grateful for in Glassboro. Our Borough continues to attract new residents, grow businesses, and gain popularity. As your Mayor, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what the future holds for us. Together, we will continue to build a Borough that shines as a beacon of community spirit, innovation, and prosperity.
On behalf of my family, the Council, and the Borough staff, I extend warm wishes for Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year to each one of you. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones.
In partnership,
Mayor John E. Wallace III
12/13 | Facade Improvement Grants
I am pleased to announce that the Borough of Glassboro has recently been awarded $25,000 in grant funding to homeowners for facade improvements through our 2024 Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) funding provided by the State of New Jersey.
The objective of this program is to foster a sense of pride in homeownership, enhance the value of residential properties, and enrich the aesthetics of neighborhoods. Eligible repairs included gutter and door repairs, window replacements, and improvements to hardscaping.
The Façade improvement grants have not only helped to augment the physical surroundings but have also brought residents together which nurtures our strong sense of community. Myself, along with my administration remain committed to making our great Borough a better place for everyone.
In partnership,
Mayor John E. Wallace III
11/28 | Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and expressing gratitude for the many blessings we experience daily. I am deeply grateful to my supportive family and truly honored to be serving as the Mayor of the Borough of Glassboro.
This Thanksgiving, I am overwhelmed with appreciation for each individual who plays a role in making Glassboro the great municipality that it is – from our extraordinary staff, and to those who serve on our boards and commissions volunteering their time, energy, and resources to enhance our community, and your unwavering commitment to promoting unity and compassion which serves as a source of inspiration to us all.
Looking ahead to the holiday season and the approaching New Year, I am filled with optimism for the continued progress we as a community can achieve together. Let us all continue to foster a community that embraces inclusivity, growth, and unity.
On behalf of our Council Members, Council President Anna Miller, Councilman Tim Brown, Councilman George Cossabone, Councilwoman Deanna Garlic, Councilman Andrew Halter and Councilwoman Daniele Spence, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving.
In partnership,
Mayor John E. Wallace III
11/22/24 | Re: Cannabis
Greetings Glassboro Family,
I would like to give you an update on cannabis as it relates to the Borough of Glassboro. In 2020, our residents voted to legalize cannabis with a whopping 72% majority. What this means is the Borough can now place a 2% municipal tax on all cannabis sales, thus generating revenue for our municipality.
When it comes to cannabis licensing in the State of New Jersey, there are six different cannabis business categories. To operate a retail cannabis establishment, one must apply for a Class 5 license, and per the Glassboro ordinance only two Class 5 cannabis licenses were issued in the Borough. The first of the retail cannabis establishments will be located at 210 E New Street, the site of the former Fosters Building where the demolition phase of this project is well underway. The second retail cannabis establishment will be located at 11 State Street, and they have recently received their tenant fit out permits. It is important to note, both locations are in alignment with the Borough’s zoning regulations.
So, there you have it - Glassboro is diving into the world of legal cannabis, and we're keeping things nice and tidy with just two retail locations in town. Exciting times ahead!
In partnership,
Mayor John E. Wallace III
11/15/24 | Re: Rental Properties
Greetings Glassboro Family,
For today's "From the Desk of the Mayor", I'd like to provide you with an update on regulating rental properties. Rentals have posed a challenge for the Borough of Glassboro; however, we are optimistic that new developments will bring about positive changes.
Recently, we passed an ordinance prohibiting single family dwellings from having more than 5 bedrooms. That ordinance also created an area adjacent to the University where larger homes could be built after site-plan review. The Borough has also gotten the green light from the NJ Residential Site Improvement Standards Advisory Board for a Special Area Standard for parking.
These crucial steps taken by the Borough mean that property owners must ensure that there is enough parking for everyone living there. And to refresh your memory, the Glassboro administration continues to stay on top of dealing with any rental property deemed problematic. We meet every week to discuss any issues, and if a specific property continues causing trouble, the Borough is prepared to take steps toward moving to revoke that landlord's rental license.
I also want to express my gratitude to the Glassboro Fire Department, Gloucester County OEM, and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service for their diligent efforts in containing the wildfires and ensuring the safety of all residents. While we still see a few hotspots, I can ensure our residents that we are actively monitoring with drones and will provide any new updates as they come in.
In partnership,
Mayor John E. Wallace III
11/8/24 | Re: Wildfires
The primary objective of “From the Desk of the Mayor” is to keep our residents informed about important matters and topics in a timely manner. It is crucial that I address the ongoing wildfire situations in Elsmere Park and the Cleveland Avenue area. On Friday, October 25th, the Glassboro Fire Department responded to a large brush fire at Elsmere Park, which was contained within the 16 acres at that time. Since the initial outbreak, the Glassboro Fire Department, along with the New Jersey State Forestry Fire Service and the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), have been actively monitoring the area for any potential flare-ups.
Yesterday, at approximately 1:40 pm in the vicinity of Carpenter Ave. and Delsea Drive, crews were dispatched to the Glassboro Wildlife Management area for a multi-acre wildfire. Throughout the afternoon and into the night, Forest Fire Service crews worked diligently to construct a fireline and execute a backfiring operation. This operation strategically burns fuel in the path of the fire to slow its advance and aid in containment efforts.
I urge everyone to stay informed by following the Glassboro Fire Department and Gloucester County OEM on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on the wildfires.
Glassboro Fire Department Facebook Page >>
Gloucester County OEM Facebook Page >>
I would like to express my gratitude to the numerous first responders from Glassboro, Clayton, OEM, and the New Jersey State Forestry Fire Service for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. Additionally, I extend my thanks to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for personally contacting me last night to reassure the Borough of the state’s support.
In partnership,
Mayor John E. Wallace III
