Woods Gang Before Capture by Sheriff's Office!
From the left in the front row Roxane Shinn (
Cherry Hill Environmental Protection Advocates, Secretary, CHEPA), Helen Kushner ( Cherry Hill
Environmental Advisory Committee, CHEAC) Lew Gorman (CHEAC, Chairman), Satjeet Khalsa (Woodland Civic Association), and Bud Kaliss ( CHEPA and CHEAC).
As these residents were walking out the Township-owned 20 acre wood adjacent to the Probation Office in order to classify it's rank in importance to save as permanent open space, they were encouraged that two Sheriffs officers hustled into the trails and questioned their activities. All were subsequently let go on their own recognizance. The interest by CHEAC and CHEPA is much appreciated by the nearby residents who have enjoyed using this forest and adjoining park for many years and hope to make it a permanent element.
Save Woodland Park - The last open space in the West end of Cherry Hill.
Cherry Hill Officials Ignore Residents Request for Green Space Preservation in West End
We, the residents of Cherry Hill Township, own the approximately 20 acre wooded area between Kenilworth Park and the new Probation Office. We have addressed this issue with both the Mayor and Council and have formally requested that these woods remain permanent open space for a continuing habitat for wildlife and future generations of residents to enjoy.
Township officials hired the Alaimo Group to survey the property and determine how much of it is actually wetlands. Once established, the township will know how much of the land is buildable. We feel this survey was undertaken in contemplation of sale of the last and largest open space in the western end of the township. A petition to preserve this space is now in circulation.
Update - A message from the Mayors Office
Alaimo was hired about a year ago to perform this evaluative research* at a cost of $16,401.03. The Township is not in the real estate business, however, and the lot remains vacant and wooded. There still are no plans for the parcel.
Please share this information with your neighbors and members.
Matt Toyer
Constituent Relations
* We are not sure what "evaluative research" means but we are determined that this last and largest parcel in the West end of the Township be preserved for all time.