DeMarco honored by council
GRIBBIN , from Page 1 county of Atlantic in the state of New Jersey recognizes Susanna DeMarco on her 100th birthday ,” Gribbin read .
DiDonato offered his wellwishes .
“ Congratulations . God bless ,” DiDonato said .
Also during the meeting , a presentation was given by Andrew Silipino , president and co-founder of
Wednesday , September 14 , 2022 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
Troopers United Foundation , and Harry Carney , senior-vice post commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars ( VFW ) Passalaqua Post 1026 regarding that organization ’ s hall at 390 S . Egg Harbor Rd .
Silipino said that Troopers United Foundation , which is affiliated with the New Jersey State Police , is a registered non-profit 501 ( c )( 3 ) charitable organization that raises money for first responders and their families experiencing tragedy or illness .
“ We accomplish that mission by hosting fundraisers and events , as well as sell related merchandise on our website ,” Silipino said .
Silipino said that Troopers United Foundation has raised more than $ 500,000 since 2016 and was instrumental in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the state police in 2021 . Silipino noted that the original state police headquarters was the Raleigh Hotel , which is now home to the VFW . During that celebration , a dialog was opened with the VFW for the possible placement of a historical marker , where it was discovered that the VFW was experiencing financial difficulties .
“ They ’ re having a hard time paying their utility bills . Their membership is extremely low , and they are , at this point , in danger of shutting down the post . Once we learned about this information , Troopers United decided that a historical marker is not what our mission should be at this point ; it is to save the VFW ,” Silipino said .
Silipino said that , as Trooper United Foundation grows , it needs a headquarters of its own . Subsequently , the organization consulted a lawyer to develop a contract for a tenant-based program with the VFW to share the building — specifically , the basement and part of the meeting hall .
However , Silipino said , a tour of the building revealed a number of structural problems , and Troopers United Foundation cannot begin their contract unless they can occupy the building , which would require renovation to the property . To that end , Silipino said , trade unions offered help via apprenticeships to do the required work .
Carney handed a booklet containing concept sketches to members of council .
“ Some of that vision is to erect a veteran ’ s memorial , put up a pole barn ... do renovations to the building so this is going to be a location Hammonton can be proud of ,” Silipino said .
Silipino said that they were requesting a waiver of site plan approvals and permits to proceed with renovations . DiDonato said that he spoke with Construction Official Anthony J . Berenato regarding the matter .
“ AJ said he would — if council approves it , since it ’ s a nonprofit — he would work with them with all permits ,” DiDonato said .
Councilman William Olivo inquired if that was the reason the application was before council , which DiDonato affirmed .
“ It won ’ t go in front of the planning board , since it ’ s a non-profit . They ’ re basically just doing the basement and this one area where they ’ re going to put a garage . The garage is going to be used because they sell merchandise , correct ?” DiDonato said .
Silipino confirmed the mayor ’ s assertion , noting that the bulk of the merchandise is currently shipped and received at his home . He said that they were hoping to construct a 20-foot by 40-foot pole barn . Gribbin asked if they had looked at what the setbacks would be for the pole barn — and if the pole barn would be within said setbacks , or if a waiver would be sought .
Silipino said they would be seeking a waiver , and Town Solicitor Michael Malinsky said that council does not have the authority to grant one .
“ The planning board is the only entity that has the authority to grant variances from our zoning regulations . We have no authority to usurp the planning board ,” Malinsky said . DiDonato responded . “ But we can let them do the building , as long as they stay within setbacks . This is what AJ told me ,” DiDonato said .
Malinsky said that if the applicants fit within one of the site plan exemption requirements , they are not required to go before the planning board .
“ That still doesn ’ t mean they don ’ t need to go before Pinelands , because just the change of use by adding the additional tenant and everything else is considered development under Pinelands ,” Ma-
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