The Hammonton Gazette 04/08/15 Edition | Page 2

Police make 245-bag heroin bust p. 2 A look back at the history of flying p. 25-32 Read this week’s movie review! p. 41 Wednesday, April 8, 2015 CAPE BANK TO BUY LOCAL SUN BANK Volume 19 • Issue 14 by Gina Rullo Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—On March 31, Cape Bancorp inc., the holding company for Cape Bank, announced that Cape Bank has entered into a definitive agreement with Sun National Bank to acquire Sun’s branch location in Hammon- www.hammontongazette.com Currently has loan office on White Horse Pike; planned for July ‘15 ton, New Jersey. the purchase includes approximately $34.1 million in deposits and approximately $4.9 million in loans. Subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the branch purchase is expected to be completed in July of 2015. “Cape Bank is excited to expand our franchise into Hammonton, New Jersey, an area in which our company is very familiar. We look forward to welcoming new customers to Cape Bank and providing them with full service banking and excellent customer service,” Cape Bank President and CeO Michael D. Devlin said. a loan office for Cape Bank opened in Hammonton on the White Horse Pike in 2014. Sterne, agee & Leach, inc. is serving as financial advisor and Luse Gorman, PC is serving as legal counsel to Cape on the transaction. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. is serving as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, rosen & Katz is Board examines Wawa Easter Eggstravaganza downtown redevelopment zones by Paul J. Macrie IV Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—On april 2, a discussion for development of two blocks and lots on the corner of route 54 and 206, along with the White Horse Pike (route 30), which is the proposed Wawa and See BANK, Page 12 gas station site, took place during the Hammonton Planning Board meeting. Board planner Kevin Dixon presented the board with his recent findings in relation to possible redevelopment of the site. a public hearing on the matter will take place on Wednesday, May 6 at town hall at 7:30 p.m. Chamber to honor Schenk, Varga’s by Paul J. Macrie IV Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—On tuesday, May 19, the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual awards and installation banquet at Villa Manor, Hall Street, in Winslow. this year’s See PLANNING, Page 10 major award recipients are Varga’s Bellevue Drug Company and Bob Schenk, while new businesses will be recognized. New board of directors and trustees of the Chamber will be named during the ceremony and the search for legacy award winners continues. the event begins at 5:30 with a Stations of the cross by students Community garden from Green Cmte. See CHAMBER, Page 14 THG/MarySusan Hoffman. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Laila and Adrianna Palmore have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny outside of Sassy Sweets during the downtown Easter Eggstravaganza on April 3. For more photos, see Page 36. by Paul J. Macrie IV Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—the Hammonton Green Committee remains active in its role of promoting a greener community. the committee has a lot occurring during the next few months with its main focus of creating a Hammonton Community Garden. it has been discussed to bring a community garden to a location in town by this spring, and it is nearly a reality. Green Committee chairperson amy Menzel said the group continues to put a lot of time and en- Understanding the Smith Tract at the lake by Paul J. Macrie IV Gazette Staff Writer THG/Lauren Crescenzo. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish religious education students performed the stations of the cross on Good Friday, April 3 at St. Joseph Church. ON SALE AT 70+ LOCATIONS • SUBSCRIBE TO The HaMMONtON—the William Smith Conservation area encompasses approximately 90 acres of undeveloped land, according to the map’s description located in this area and a rendering of it given to The Gazette by Hammonton environmental See GREEN, Page 3 Commission chairman robert reitmeyer. also known as the Smith tract, it is located on egg Harbor road and owned by the State of New Jersey. to be more specific, the Smith Conservation area is located in the wooded area in the Hammonton Lake Park away from the lake itself. Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS See SMITH, Page 4