Discussion Of Drug Rehabilitation Facility Highlights Gloucester Township Reorganization Meeting

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township's reorganization meeting included a discussion about a controversial drug rehabilitation facility that appears to be on its way to the township.

During the public comment portion of Tuesday night's meeting at the municipal complex, resident Sam Sweet asked council about Recovery Centers of America's proposal to bring 317-bed drug rehabilitation facility to Gloucester Township, on Peter Cheeseman Road across from Camden County College.

Last month, the Zoning Board gave preliminary approval to the site in a court-ordered vote. The initial phase calls for 125 beds, clinical and therapy rooms, a kitchen and a dining area.

Some residents are concerned about the impacts on safety and property values, and on Tuesday night, Sweet suggested following in the footsteps of recent actions taken in Cherry Hill.

Cherry Hill recently settled a lawsuit by Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS) by using open space funds to purchase the Masonic Lodge site in which ARS was proposing to install a similar facility. Officials in that town were also concerned about the facility because it would've been in a residential area.

Instead, Cherry Hill will use that spot for open space, and allow ARS to revitalize the long-vacant Baker Lanes property on Cuthbert Boulevard, which is away from a residential area.

Cherry Hill worked in conjunction with the county to get the deal done, and Sweet inquired as to whether Gloucester Township would be open to doing something similar.

"It's a conversation that could take place," Mercado said. "I'll share your comments with the administration and have a conversation with the mayor."

Mercado said he wasn't familiar with the details of the Cherry Hill plan, and there were a number of factors that would play into any decision by the township.

Recovery Centers of America argues a drug rehab facility is a permitted use for the targeted site. Sweet reiterated on Tuesday that he understood there's a problem with addiction, but thinks residents would be more comfortable if the site was moved elsewhere.

As for the main portion of the meeting, Orlando Mercado was reappointed as Gloucester Township Council President, and Tracey L. Trotto was reappointed as Gloucester Township Council Vice President.

Mercado was first appointed council president last year, and was unanimously re-elected to that post. Trotto's re-election was also unanimous.

They were each sworn in by Assemblywoman Gabriela M. Mosquera (D-4).

"I'd like to thank the mayor for the relationship we've had working together over the last year," Mercado said following his swearing-in. He also thanked various members of the administration for the work they've done together.

"I'd like to thank the council for their continued support and congratulate Orlando," Trotto said in her remarks.

In Gloucester Township, the mayor is elected separately from council. Council selects its own president and vice president at its annual reorganization meetings.

Mayor David Mayer is up for re-election this year, as are council members Dan Hutchison, Michael Mignone and Michelle Winters.

The seven-member council is made up completely of Democrats.

During the largely ceremonial meeting, council also made appointments to numerous committees and boards.

To see a list of those appointments, visit glotwp.com.