The Hammonton Gazette 05/21/14 | Page 2

Local lawyer relocates to Bellevue Avenue p. 9 News and photos from uptown Hammonton p. 18-21 Local woman visits the Philippines p. 25 POLICE OFFICER RESIGNS Wednesday, May 21, 2014 Volume 18 • Issue 21 by Lauren Bucci GazeTTe STaff WriTer HaMMONTON—During its meeting on May 19, Hammonton Town Council accepted the resignation of Hammonton Police Officer Michael Corrado Jr. effective May 19. Mayor Stephen DiDonato told The Gazette on april 28 that Cor- www.hammontongazette.com Town council accepts Corrado’s resignation rado had been suspended with pay. “He is suspended with pay, pending investigation,” DiDonato said in april. Officials would not comment on the matter at that time. “i can’t comment on any ongoing investigation,” Hammonton Police Chief robert Jones said in april. Hammonton Town Solicitor Brian Howell also declined comment at that time. “i cannot comment on personnel or administrative police matters,” Howell said in april. in other business, the council passed a 2014 budget for approxi- mately $11,700,000 resulting in a 2.94-cent tax increase for taxpayers of the town, according to DiDonato. “This budget has a 2.94-cent tax increase, it’s an $11,700,000 budget and change,” DiDonato said. Council passed a resolution au- thorizing the town to enter into an interlocal service agreement with the Hammonton Board of education to provide two School resource Officers (SrOs) to the school district for the 2014-15 school year. Under this resolution, the town will maintain its relationship with the district from the 2013-2014 Stabbings, fight lead Sharing quality time at Cruisin’ to multiple arrests by Gabe Donio GazeTTe STaff WriTer HaMMONTON—according to a press release from the Hammonton Police Department and comments from Hammonton Police Captain Nick Salvatore, a fight in- See COUNCIL, Page 16 volving young adults and juveniles led to two stabbings at 9:09 p.m. on May 14 on N. Washington Street. a total of 19 arrests were made from the initial incident as of press time Monday, according to Salvatore. More arrests could be coming, Salvatore said. Republicans to hold primary on June 3 by Paul J. Macrie IV GazeTTe STaff WriTer HaMMONTON—On Tuesday, June 3, five republican Primary candidates will be vying for the opportunity to run for three, two-year seats on Hammonton’s Town Council in November. The newlyformed Hammonton United re- See FIGHT, Page 10 publican Club will have three candidates running in the primary: Michael Torrissi Jr., Steve furgione and Otto Hernandez. The Hammonton regular republican Club has two candidates: Sal Mazza and Jerry Vitalo. each of these five candidates hope to have a chance to vie for Streitfeld returns to downtown See PRIMARY, Page 12 THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Charles Bush with daughter Olivia sit on a street bench in front of a 1953 Chevrolet 210 during Cruisin’ MainStreet held on May 17. The event was originally scheduled for May 16; rain moved the event one day. For more photos, see Page 17. by Paul J. Macrie IV GazeTTe STaff WriTer H a M M O N TO N — D e s p i t e having to push the annual spring Cruisin’ MainStreet event a day later because of rain on the regular date, a family-friendly crowd gathered in downtown Hammonton on May 17. The rain date didn’t deter the classic car portion of the event, while kids and even parents participated in the hula hoop and bubble gum blowing contests, stationed on the corner of Bellevue and Central avenues. Cars lined up on the side park- ing spots of Bellevue avenue and continued along egg Harbor road and Orchard Street. it was a fantastic evening for local businesses, and the improving weather conditions added to the success. rocky Logiovino of Nesco had his 1952 Chevy Pickup at Cruisin’ MainStreet, as he was one of the many individuals with their classic cars parked along the side spots of Bellevue avenue. it was Logiovino’s first time at the event, while displaying his classic car. “This is the first time i have had my car at this event. a matter of fact, it [the pickup] still isn’t 100 Town plans to remove more Grape St. trees by Paul J. Macrie IV GazeTTe STaff WriTer THG/MarySusan Hoffman. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Dr. Leonard Streitfeld, 92, (right) toured his former building, located at the corner of Bellevue and Central Avenues, on May 16. New owner John DiDonato of Vision Properties toured Streitfeld through the renovated building. DiDonato and Streitfeld are pictured inside JoJo’s FroYo Bar, previously home to Streitfeld’s optometric practice. SUBSCRIBE TO HaMMONTON—The Hammonton environmental Commission had its regular meeting on May 14. During the lengthy session, a presentation from adams, rehmann and Heggan (arH) The Gazette! ONLY $20 FOR 52 WEEKS! CALL: (609) 704-1940 See CRUISIN, Page 4 representatives robert Vettese and Caleb Nelson was made in regards to additional tree removal cases for the road reconstruction project on Grape, Pratt, Packard and Second Street. The potential new tree removal cases, mainly along Grape Street, came about after the initial phase of the proj- See COMMISSION, Page 2