Who are Concerned Pilesgrove Residents ?

   CPR formed in July 2002 with 25 Pilesgrove residents who cared and wanted to make a difference. CPR is a grass-roots public advocacy group diligently working to ensure that Pilesgrove grows in a well-planned, sustainable manner that is respectful of our agricultural heritage, preserving our limited natural resources and minimizing environmental impacts. CPR’s foundation is firmly rooted in the belief that residents care, desire to have a voice in their future, and when given opportunity to understand issues, will make sound decisions – and expect their Township and County leaders to do the same.

  Since our formation, CPR has grown to represent thousands of residents who share our vision. While our primary focus continues to be Pilesgrove Twp., CPR presently works with residents and groups throughout Salem County who desire to be part of the planning process. Educational seminars and programs include attendees from throughout Salem County . WE ALL MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CPR is people just like YOU who care about their future!

Why did Concerned Pilesgrove Residents Form ?

   CPR formed in response to the fact that high density developers, who have already built their way through Camden and Gloucester Counties , have now set their sights on Salem County . If we do not act responsibly NOW, it will be too late and our beautiful country landscape and agricultural heritage will be forever lost. Salem County farmers must have unobstructed farmland and a sufficient water supply to continue successful, productive farming operations. We must do our best to preserve our natural and agricultural resources for future generations.

  High density developers do not care about our agricultural community, they do not care that this area is home to some of the most endangered wildlife, plants and watersheds in the State. They do not care about our historic past, nor do they intend to be part of our future…. They only see BIG GREEN $$$ when they look at the vast fertile farmlands of Salem County . They desire to build sprawling “McMansions” which devour farmlands and woodlands, and consume natural resources at an alarming rate – and then leave YOU to pay the ever-increasing costs of new schools, new roads, trash, public services, traffic, etc., etc. We have witnessed this rapid, uncontrolled sprawl in Woolwich, Logan and Washington Townships .

What Does Concerned Pilesgrove Residents Do ?

   CPR works to ensure Pilesgrove and neighboring municipalities are not the next uninformed, complacent victims to uncontrolled over-development. CPR understands that growth and development will take place within Salem County . CPR works together with Township and County leaders to carefully chart proactive measures that are deliberate in design and will stand the test of time. Townships must establish Master Plans and Ordinances that provide opportunity for growth in a deliberately planned, sustainable manner in specifically designated areas. Good planning is pro-active – in the best interest of all present and future residents – and provides land, resources, and opportunity for agriculture to thrive.

   CPR works with environmental and conservancy groups throughout the State to obtain private grants and State funding, and assists in acquiring dedicated funding for Farmland and Open Space preservation programs. CPR organized and co-sponsors educations seminars with various professional organizations addressing issues such as:

- Municipal Land Use Law       - Planning Incentive Grants (PIG)

- Watershed Protection/Water Issues     - Transfer Development Rights (TDR)

- Wastewater Management       - Conservation Design Ordinance

- Environmental Commissions     - Drainage Issues and Field (Drainage) Tiles

- Council on Affordable Housing (COAH)   - Farmland and Open Space Preservation

And State Mandated Requirements   and Available Funding Sources

  In April 2004, CPR was officially honored by the New Jersey Planning Organization (NJPO) for our “spearheading preservation work in Salem County ”. This was the first time NJPO had ever presented this Honorary Achievement in Planning Award to a civic organization. In 2006 CPR was again awarded at New Jersey Environmental Federation’s (NJEF) 25 th Annual Conference for our proactive work in Salem County on environmental issues and for working to stop proposed “Fast Track” legislation, which would have put local planning boards under limited time constraints – thus not allowing sufficient time for studies and gathering essential information for when reviewing development applications to ensure the public’s best interest.

What Can YOU DO ?

  We ask, “How do YOU envision your Township in five to ten years? What YOU do today will MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR FUTURE. Show Township and County leaders YOU care by attending meetings – and use your sphere of influence to encourage others to join you. By gaining knowledge of issues, YOU can be part of planning a community we can all be proud of. If YOU don’t do it, then you willingly allow developers to plan YOUR future –at YOUR EXPENSE.

CPR welcomes new supporters from throughout Salem County . We work on a volunteer basis – and have NO membership dues.

WE NEED YOU ! Your participation and input is essential to the future of your Township and Salem County . For more information, please contact:

CHERYL REARDON   769-4220   cpr2002@mindspring.com

PHYLLIS SAULER   769-1886    laydhawk1886@comcast.net

Visit CPR’s Website:       cprpilesgrove.org