Boro
2020 Census Response
The American Community Survey (ACS) from the U.S. Census Bureau helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses understand the changes taking place in their communities. It is the premier source for detailed population and housing information about our nation. As of May 3, 2020, Merchantville's 2020 Census self-response rate is currently 61.1%, Camden County's is 59.9% and NJ's response rate is 58.3%. Completing your Census questionnaire online is easy and takes about 10 minutes. It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected. Merchantville wants to get to 100%. "Be Counted - Because YOU Count!" Go to https://my2020census.gov and complete your 2020 Census today.
New Trail Project Funding Awarded
The Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently awarded Merchantville and Pennsauken $100,000 in grant funds for two trail projects. Pennsauken has been awarded $65,000 to extend the multi-use trail along Chestnut Avenue, from Euclid Avenue to the former 130 Railroad bridge, while Merchantville has been awarded $35,000 to realign the existing multi-use trail near Centre Street. Currently, users of the multi-use path are directed to ride their bicycle into the street. The trail realignment project will keep the trail off-road. The project is scheduled to coincide with County led Centre Street reconstruction work slated for this summer.
Easter Sunday
Today, on Easter Sunday, a number of churches and their congregations in Merchantville will conduct and participate in remote or virtual services, worshiping with each other from a distance. One thing that area pastors appear to agree on is that no matter how the sermon is delivered to the faithful on this holy day, it will contain the message to not only remember, but celebrate Christ’s resurrection. This morning, in his message at the Vatican, Pope Francis focused on what he called “the contagion of hope” amid “a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family,” Vatican News reported. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, he said, marks “the victory of love over the root of evil.”
Give Blood at MES
Help save a life by donating at The American Red Cross blood drive at Merchantville School, 130 S. Centre Street, on Tuesday, April 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Red Cross encourages healthy, eligible people to donate blood and reminds us there is no evidence that shows coronavirus can be transmitted by blood transmission - no cases of respiratory viruses have ever been reported through blood transfusions. Further, the Red Cross has asked potential donors to postpone their donation for 28 days following travel to China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Iran, Italy and South Korea or diagnosis of COVID-19, contact with a person who has or is suspected to have the virus. Appointments can be made through this link.
The Borough Brief
Hot off the presses! On April 1st Mayor Brennan introduced The Borough Brief - a digital newsletter containing updates on Borough of Merchantville happenings. Please subscribe on the front page of the Borough's website. Articles in this first edition include conducting virtual Council meetings, how to track the spread of coronavirus across the state by county on the dashboard at NJ DOH, the re-opening of The Blue Monkey Tavern and some ideas on how you can support our businesses to keep our local economy going during this difficult time. Links are also provided to the coming virtual Council meeting, NJ 2-1-1 and Camden County Covid-19 updates.
Virtual Town Hall Tomorrow
The Freeholder Board and Congressman Donald Norcross will be hosting their second virtual town hall to address public concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Facebook Live. The event will begin at 3 PM on Thursday, March 26, 2020. The town hall event will be streaming on Camden County’s Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to view live videos, but will need an account in order to utilize Facebook’s live chat feature. Residents who do not have access to internet services will now also have the opportunity to dial-in to the event via telephone so they can listen live. Anyone interested in listening to the town hall live should dial (855) 962-1051 at 3 PM.
Residents are invited and encouraged to join live Thursday afternoon as our panel answers your questions and addresses the state of affairs in Camden County. If you can’t join us live, don’t worry, the stream will remain available on our page immediately after it concludes for future viewing. Participants will be responding to questions submitted via Facebook’s live chat function and a submission form available online. If you would like to submit a question, please complete the form at https://bit.ly/Covid19_
Boro to Host Video Meeting
The Merchantville Borough caucus meeting will take place using zoom.us video conferencing on Monday, March 23rd, at 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the meeting by emailing Denise Brouse at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive a sign-on email. Interested residents will need to download the zoom.us app. The agenda for Monday evening is on the Borough website, outside bulletin board and posted on the doors of Borough hall. To participate in the Council Caucus Meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight go to zoom.us, click "Join a Meeting", enter the Meeting ID code 741-427-423 then, the password 724089 when the dialog box appears.
Hazardous Waste Cancelled
The Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs has canceled their Household Hazardous Waste collection event in Cherry Hill scheduled for Saturday (3/21) due to concerns over the Coronavirus. This event was originally scheduled at the Cherry Hill Public Works Complex, 1 Perina Boulevard, Cherry Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Future hazardous waste events may be found here. If you have any questions please call 856-858-5241.
Census 101
Once a decade, America comes together to count every resident in the United States, creating national awareness of the importance of the census and its valuable statistics. It counts Merchantville's population and households, providing the basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to support states, counties and communities’ vital programs. Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. The Census 2020 NJ Coalition is a statewide outreach and awareness campaign to coordinate nonprofit and community-based efforts to ensure an accurate 2020 Census count for our state.
From Shoes to Lamps
Merchantville Antiques and Salvage came across a photo of his grandfather's Shoe Repair Shop the other day. The picture, taken in 1928, shows shop owner Orlando Ricci posing in front of his storefront. Upon finding this treasure, Michael and Jaclyn Ricci remarked on how amazing it is to think that in a couple years their family will have lived here for 100 years. Truly, one of the most valuable characteristics of Merchantville life is the rich history of each generation owning a small business at 37 South Centre - from shoe repair shop to luncheonette to dress shop, and now their antiques and lamp repair shop.
Mayors at PMAC
Network with local business owners, have lunch, meet and hear from Merchantville Borough Mayor Ted Brennan and Pennsauken Township Mayor Tim Killion on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. The Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization dedicated to fostering business growth in Pennsauken, Merchantville and the surrounding area. PMAC assists in developing, promoting and encouraging greater and more successful business and industrial activity in our towns. Membership is open to all businesses.