The Combined Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Board is currently writing a new Gloucester City Master Plan. A Master Plan is supposed to reflect the community’s vision and long-term interests. A Master Plan outlines problems and proposes solutions for healthy, viable, and desired growth. Such an endeavor should keep citizens informed about the process and involve them in the solutions; after all, it is our city. Master Plans and zoning laws were invented to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods, to protect our property values, and to make sure we have a voice. Right now, even though they have the best intentions, the P&Z Board is preparing a document that will have a lasting impact for Gloucester City. The P&Z Board intends to inform the citizens about the outcome when those discussions are over. That is unfortunate, as the best reform efforts have citizens at the table. Ignoring citizens wastes valuable problem solving resources.

Cox and Ruff responded to Mr. Toomey’s home and, using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), re-started his heart function.  Then, they took him to a local hospital.

A very thankful Toomey was at the meeting for the presentation. Well-known to residents, he is a retired Bellmawr Sewer Director.

EMS Supervisor Chuck Hannum said this was one of three cardiac saves within the past year, which is unheard of in the EMS community. He said Bellmawr EMS’s response time has improved by 9 percent.

In other news, a thank you card was read from the Barrett family to the Bellmawr EMS for assisting their family on September 11.