Municipal Monitor

Delran Township

In March, the NEXUS Legislative Committee welcomed Delran Township Mayor Barnes Hutchins, Councilman Tom Morrow, and Interim Business Administrator and Municipal Clerk Jamey Eggers to their meeting. Mayor Hutchins, a lifelong area resident with over a decade of planning and zoning experience, shared his administration’s vision for Delran, a Burlington County community of just over 16,000 residents situated at the intersection of the Delaware River and Rancocas Creek.

 

A central topic was the township’s Fourth Round Affordable Housing obligation, with Delran committed to meeting its assigned number of 96 units. Township officials are actively exploring balanced solutions that consider community input and the desire to avoid large-scale apartment developments. One major proposal includes a large apartment complex near Home Depot on southbound Route 130, which could significantly support their housing goals.

 

The conversation also highlighted exciting redevelopment opportunities. Delran is seeking to breathe new life into passive recreational areas along its scenic harbor and watershed, formerly active marina spaces, while encouraging thoughtful development along the Route 130 corridor. The township is also open to cannabis-related businesses—two recreational facilities have already revitalized vacant properties—and a flex warehouse has been recently approved in their industrial zone.

 

Officials expressed interest in exploring flexible office space in refurbished buildings, citing successful models in nearby towns, and are considering the formation of an economic development commission to attract investors and spur additional revitalization.

Delran is updating its approach to property regulation, implementing Certificate of Occupancy (CO) requirements for the first time. The Mayor said the goal is to strengthen oversight without creating undue burden on sellers. He said officials are working closely with the real estate community to develop checklists, clarify permitting expectations, and ensure transparency during transactions. The mayor emphasized how critical it is to pull permits properly, sharing a personal experience that underscored the risks when this step is overlooked.

 

In closing, township leaders underscored Delran’s charm—its small-town atmosphere, strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades—all of which make it a promising place for thoughtful growth and investment. Mayor Hutchins thanked all attendees for their engagement and feedback on ordinance changes, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration with the real estate community.

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Burlington City

At the April meeting, Mayor Barry Conaway offered an in-depth look at the opportunities and challenges shaping Burlington City’s development. With limited land availability, an aging housing stock, and environmental concerns tied to legacy properties, the mayor emphasized that the city’s path forward is rooted in redevelopment rather than new construction. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism about the increasing number of rehabilitated homes and outlined a bold goal: increasing Burlington City’s population from 10,000 to between 12,000 and 13,000 residents.

 

Several factors support this goal, including the city’s existing infrastructure capacity and its partnership with Burlington Township on water and sewer services. The community also benefits from strong public schools, including a five-star K3/K4 pre-kindergarten program, and private education options like St. Paul’s (K–8) and Doane Academy (K–12). Burlington’s regional rail and bus connectivity adds to its appeal, although the mayor acknowledged ongoing concerns with transit connectivity and emphasized ongoing collaboration with NJ Transit to improve service hours and security.

 

Affordable housing continues to be a priority. Burlington City has already fulfilled its Round 3 affordable housing obligations and is actively working on Round 4, with plans to add 30 new units and rehabilitate 65 existing ones. Mayor Conaway also highlighted several major development projects. One is the restoration of the historic William R. Allen School, a significant African American landmark, with construction scheduled to begin next month. Another is the revitalization of Kennedy Park, funded through a DEP grant, which will include a new walking trail, an inclusive playground, and general improvements to the park.

Two of the city’s largest redevelopment sites are also advancing. The former PSE&G and Army Ammunition Plant site—now known as Commerce Square—awaits environmental clearance from the DEP. Meanwhile, the former U.S. Pipe Foundry recently received Brownfield Development status, and the city has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Perrone Group to construct 600 housing units on the site, pending environmental remediation.

 

Additional housing projects in the pipeline include 60–65 senior apartments being developed by a local church and another 70–72 units being planned by the city. On the commercial side, development along Route 130 North is underway across from Wawa on Jacksonville Road, where two restaurants are in progress. The former Riverview Restaurant, along with its liquor license, has been acquired and is expected to reopen as a destination dining experience by late June or July.

 

Mayor Conaway also announced a new seasonal event series—Sunday Strolls—beginning April 26 and continuing through September. Modeled after successful events in Bristol, PA, these community gatherings are projected to attract 4,000 to 6,000 visitors each weekend, offering a significant boost to local businesses and downtown foot traffic.

Economic development remains a central focus. The city has partnered with SKY Consulting Group to identify high-impact development sites. One such success story is the construction of 170 fully rented apartments by the Perrone Group at the corner of High and Pearl Streets. The mayor also expressed hope that a long-vacant bank building at High and Broad will soon sell, following a recent cash offer.

 

Burlington City is actively working to attract more commercial businesses, particularly near the light rail station. The administration is focused on encouraging greater downtown density by easing parking restrictions and marketing municipally owned properties effectively. Mayor Conaway emphasized the important role of the City Council in holding developers accountable and ensuring that each project serves the community’s long-term interests.

 

To conclude the meeting, the mayor thanked the attending REALTORS® for their critical work and welcomed their ongoing feedback and insights.