| ||
By MIKE DANIELS
Courier-Post Staff
MEDFORD LAKES
There's no supermarket, no liquor store, no library and no high school within the borough limits.
This tiny, 1.2-square mile community does, however, have its own police, fire and rescue departments, two schools and sports programs.
While the local government rarely looks outside the borough for services it offers, residents depend on businesses in neighboring Medford and other towns.
In the decades since the town broke away from Medford in 1939, there has always been talk of merging again with the township to save money and expand services. But most residents don't seem to favor the idea, nor does the mayor, Gary Woodend.
In the future, Woodend thinks that Medford Lakes will continue to remain independent.
``It comes up from time to time, but it's certainly not in the majority among people,'' Woodend said. ``I haven't heard anybody in Medford for it ... I don't think most people here are for it.''
``To tell you the truth, I don't think the taxes would be reduced very much,'' he said. ``And it wouldn't be Medford Lakes anymore.''
Borough Manager Julie Keizer said the town is mostly self-sufficient because it relies on only a few interlocal agreements with other towns for services. The borough, for instance, sends its disposed brush to Medford and uses paving equipment through a county-wide program.
Other than that, Medford Lakes $2.9 million municipal budget pays for services available in most communities.
The owner of a home assessed at the township average, about $180,000, will pay $7,119 in taxes this year. Of that, $1,454.40 goes to the borough and another $3,146.40 to the town's K-8 school district. The rest goes to the regional school district and the county.
Tax rates could be lower if the town opted to regionalize, privatize or eliminate some of its departments.
``The police, the ambulance, that whole group are excellent ... You aren't even off the phone and there's someone at the door,'' said Diana Patterson, 34. ``I wouldn' t want to see that cut.''
Mayor Woodend said when he decided to run for council in 1998, most people he asked didn't want to rely on others for police protection.
``I polled over 200 people and over 95 percent said they didn't want to see the police force reduced,'' Woodend said.
About a year-and-a-half ago, a proposal to privatize trash collections was overwhelmingly opposed by residents who stood to save about $35 annually.
One thing residents can't find in town is a wide array of stores. While there are some small shops on Trading Post Way and a gas station, pizza place and convenience store along Stokes Road, most of the places residents go to spend money are outside Medford Lakes.
``If you really want to do any kind of shopping, you have to go to Medford,'' said Richard Minnium, 66.
Businesses in Medford along Stokes Road, such as Murphy' s Market, Spott's Hardware, Sorino's Liquors and others, see a large number of their customers coming from Medford Lakes.
Town leaders know that Medford Lakes residents will probably always rely on Medford for their shopping needs. While they wouldn't mind seeing more businesses in town to help ease the tax burden, there simply isn't room.
Woodend said that besides the Settler's Inn site, where a P. J. Whelihan's Pub will be built, there's only one lot in town - at the corner of Stokes Road and Lenape Trail - where a new business or businesses could be built.
The town certainly would not have the room or the money if it ever wanted its own high school or library. The average resident already pays $1,440 annually to send high school students to Shawnee High School, on Tabernacle Road just outside town, and to use the county library system, which has a branch in Medford Village.
Library branch manager Judy Aley said about eight percent of those who use the Pinelands Branch Library on Allen Avenue are from Medford Lakes.
However, because Medford Lakes and other towns that use the library will not be contributing to its construction costs, Medford Township Manager Al Feit said how convenient the new library site is for residents of Medford Township will be the main consideration.
Reach Mike Daniels at (856) 486-2457 or mdaniels@courierpostonline.com
Today and Tomorrow stories:
- Medford Lakes: An oasis in the pines
In Medford Lakes, change is subtle. - More couples here without families
Real estate agent Marie Holmes of Medford Lakes says she's part of the rising number of couples here without children. - Carnival tradition continues
The annual Canoe Carnival, which celebrated its 71st anniversary this month, should live on for at least another 71 years, according to participants and borough officials. - Canoe Carnival 2002 draws nearly 5,000 revelers
The 71st Annual Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival, a signature event in this small borough, was marked by excitement and also tinged with sorrow. - As white pop. declines, minorities rise
Medford Lakes' white population declined in the last decade, but the number of minority residents increased, according to U.S. Census figures. - Medford Lakes strives to remain independent
There's no supermarket, no liquor store, no library and no high school within the borough limits. - Senior services lacking for surge in number of elderly
A new boardwalk ramp on Beach 1 at Lower Aetna Lake was built this summer, allowing the disabled and senior citizens to safely walk to the water. - What do you think will be different in Medford Lakes in 2010?
- Photo Gallery - Medford Lakes
- Video: Canoe Carnival 2002 - RealVideo | QuickTime