New Jersey

Gloucester Township voters to decide whether to sell sewer system

Published

1 year ago

November 2, 2024

Gloucester Township voters to decide whether to sell sewer system

Rates would gradually increase by about $16 a year after five years. Any other rate increase would require approval from New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities. New Jersey American Water would offer senior discounts, and assist customers struggling to pay their bills, McDonough said.

Still, some residents say they’re skeptical, and are encouraging neighbors to vote against the sale by handing out flyers outside the local ShopRite and assembling yard signs throughout town. Meanwhile, American Water has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on canvassing efforts, and advertisements.

Resident Dena Hendry said she doesn’t believe American Water won’t pass sale costs down to Gloucester Township residents.

“It’s money that I’d rather spend making memories, and doing things with my family. It’s an unnecessary cost,” she said. “And, everything is going up. The price of groceries is going up.”

Those who oppose the sale argue the town’s sewer system doesn’t need saving. Unlike other small towns that sold their water systems because of failures or contaminated drinking water, Gloucester Township’s sewer system is in decent shape, according to a 2023 engineering report.

Residents voice distrust in local leaders

Residents have become suspicious about the motivations behind the sale, as their mayor, David Mayer, is the director of government affairs for New Jersey American Water. Mayer has recused himself from the acquisition, however, and McDonough said the mayor has never been involved in any conversation about privatizing the town’s sewer system.

Residents also accuse township officials of being fiscally irresponsible, and say they don’t trust them to spend the proceeds wisely.

Gloucester Township’s business administrator, Tom Cardis, said the town’s debt was accrued because of necessary expenditures for road repairs, law enforcement and other infrastructure projects.

Cardis said not only would the sale pay off the debt, but it would also help the town reduce property taxes, and pay for improved recreational opportunities for residents.

“The proceeds of the sale are going towards helping the community at large,” he said. “It’s reducing taxes, and stabilizing taxes.”

If the referendum fails, the city may raise the sewer bills, Cardis said. The town’s utilities authority, which was dissolved last year, also had not raised rates since 2002. Though the sewer system isn’t currently failing, its future maintenance would require a significant investment, Cardis said.

Residents campaigning against the sale say they understand rates may rise if the referendum fails, but believe residents will have greater say in how the sewer system is operated.

“If our bills do [increase] there’s not a darn thing anybody can do about it,” Denise Coyne said about privatization. “It’s not like we could go purchase our sewer back. It’s gone forever.”

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New Jersey

New Jersey would ban plastic utensils in takeout orders under new bill

Published

12 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

New Jersey would ban plastic utensils in takeout orders under new bill

NEW JERSEY – Legislation that would ban single-use utensils from takeout orders advanced this week in the New Jersey Senate.

The bill aims to reduce unnecessary waste and environmental impact. If customers need utensils, they would have to request them specifically, as they would no longer be included in their orders automatically under this bill.

The bill would prohibit food service businesses from automatically providing condiment packets to customers, as well. Instead, they would be required to offer them reusable utensils.

According to the bill, businesses that fail to comply with the law would ultimately be fined. A third of the fines collected from businesses who violate the law would be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund, “a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986.”

460 million tons of plastic

What they’re saying:

Supporters of the initiative argue that reducing plastic waste is crucial for both environmental and human health. Plastic utensils often end up in landfills and oceans, contributing to pollution, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The WWF says that every year, humans produce over 460 million tons of plastic, 90% of which pollutes “almost all areas of our planet.”

Some critics believe there are more pressing plastic issues to address, like packaging for sodas and chips. They also question the practicality of expecting people to carry utensils.

Dig deeper:

The proposed law would not apply to schools, prisons and health care facilities, meaning they would remain exempt if the legislation passes.

A companion bill has been introduced in the state Assembly. Both chambers must pass the bill before the governor can sign it into law, however.

What we don’t know:

The potential cost impact on businesses and how consumers would adapt to the change are still unclear.

The Source: Information from a FOX 5 NY report, the World Wildlife Fund, the bill’s text and NJ Clean Communities.

PoliticsFood and DrinkNew JerseyNews

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New Jersey

Hischier | PRE-RAW 12.11.25 | New Jersey Devils

Published

24 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Hischier | PRE-RAW 12.11.25 | New Jersey Devils

NewJerseyDevils.com is the official web site of the New Jersey Devils, a member team of the National Hockey League (“NHL”). NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2025 New Jersey Devils and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.

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New Jersey

Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for Dec. 10, 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 10, 2025

Press Room

Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for Dec. 10, 2025

APP.com Digital Desk
| Asbury Park Press

Powerball winning numbers are in for the Wednesday, Dec. 10 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $930 million ($429 million cash option).

The winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing are 10, 16, 29, 33, and 69, with Powerball number 22. The Power Play number is 3.

Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?

No one won the Powerball jackpot.

When is the next drawing of the Powerball?

The next Powerball drawing is Saturday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?

In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.

What does it cost to play Powerball?

Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.

Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.

Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.

To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.

What is the Powerball payout?

The complete guide to winnings is:

Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
Match 4 White Balls: $100
Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
Match 3 White Balls: $7
Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
Match Powerball: $4
Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.

How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.

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