COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

For the last three years, a volunteer group has been working to prepare Maple Shade’s residential and business communities for the economic realities they will be facing for the rest of the 1990’s and into the 21st century.

For the redevelopment of Maple Shade, a commission was set up by the Township Council, known as Maple Shade Community Development/Redevelopment Commission (CDRC). Commission members represent a broad cross-section of Maple Shade’s residential and business population. This diverse group is united in the goal of improving Maple Shade.

The Mission and Strategy for each of the component parts are described in a Vision Document which serves as the Commission’s founding document. This Commission consists of the following five (5) committees: 

The mission of the AACandR is shared fairly across all residents and businesses. Certain types of property improvements must be registered on the Township’s tax records. When the AAC&R Committee started out, many property improvements were not registered. 

This Committee is exploring ways to reduce the cost of education to property owners while, at the same time, maintaining a quality curriculum. 

This Committee’s focus is finding suitable businesses that will provide the best tax ratables for Maple Shade’s highway properties.

This Committee is focusing on establishing programs that stimulate housing remodeling and general property improvements throughout the entire community. This Committee organized and sponsored a local Expo in 1995 and 1996 for the purpose of informing and encouraging the general public to participate in property improvements projects.

Over the past three years, this Committee established the following focal point: the central business district. A goal was determined: how can this area of town be kept safe, viable, and a vibrant area in terms of a tax-yielding business section that benefits both residents and consumers. Committee members have also been working with a professional planner engaged by the Township Council to review the town’s Master Plan. The new plan calls for a state-of-the-art senior citizen complex; new inviting street-scapes and remodeled store fronts; having a new integrated design of roof lines, window fronts, and canopies.