BERKELEY – The governing body accepted the number of affordable housing units that the state requires them to provide.
Years ago, it was determined that the town of Mt. Laurel was effectively zoning poor people out. Since then, every town has been required to provide a certain number of units for low-to-moderate housing. Proponents of this have said that this has slowed down the housing crisis. Critics of this say that this takes control away from towns while not actually solving the problem of the lack of affordable housing.
The new round of numbers has been published showing how many units each town has to set aside. Berkeley is responsible for 209 units.
Township officials are given a chance to appeal this decision and try to lower that number. However, “that would almost certainly invite a legal challenge,” Business Administrator Scott Tirella said.
“We have more than 209 Affordable Housing credits” so the township won’t be impacted by these new figures, he said.
Personnel Changes
Business Administrator Scott Tirella stepped down from the position to pursue other opportunities. Members of the governing body thanked him for his service and his hard work.
A former police officer from Lacey Township, he took on the position when the former business administrator, John Camera, passed away from cancer last year after serving the town in that capacity for a decade.
Mayor John Bacchione praised Tirella’s work, listing a series of accomplishments, including adjusting overtime, successfully receiving a $2.8 million grant from the county, and working with the State Department of Environmental Protection on projects. He also reduced costs for the township and settled contracts that had expired prior to 2023.
Gabrielle Napolitano was appointed to the position of assistant township clerk. She was sworn in by Mayor John Bacchione, joined by her parents. (Photo by Chris Lundy)
“I am very sorry to see Scott leave. I think he did a great job for residents and for us,” Bacchione said.
Members of the Township Council also thanked Tirella for his work and wished him well.
During a special meeting held at noon on February 11, several personnel changes were made. Michael Tier, Sr. – who serves as director of staff operations – stepped up as interim business administrator while the town seeks someone to handle the duties full time.
Paul Bodine was appointed as chief financial officer and public agency compliance officer. Gabrielle Napolitano was appointed to the position of assistant township clerk (The former assistant township clerk, Vanessa Borio, is now the confidential secretary to the mayor).
Shawn Thomas was appointed as the recycling coordinator.
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