Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

they can only be distinguished from one another by placing them in their appropriate counties across the Garden State. Washington Township in Gloucester County, on the eastern edge of the Philadelphia metro area, is the largest, with a population of 49,000 people who live within the communities of Turnersville, Hurffville, Grenloch, CrossKeys, Mayfair, Bunker Hill, Sewell and Chapel Heights. Originally populated by the Lenape Native Americans, the township was incorporated in 1836. By the 1880s, it had more than 200 farms, and well into the mid- 20th century, the 23-square-mile municipality was mostly farmland and open space. However, over the last several decades, it has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, with much of its recent population coming from the largely Italian section of nearby South Philadelphia. “We’re a large town but with the feel of a small community,” says Mayor Joann Gattinelli, who since first assuming office in 2017, has strived to establish stronger relationships between the township’s residents and their government. “People want to be a part of Washington Township,” she states. “We’ve got a lot of boards and committees.We listen to people and what they say they’re looking for. And we pride ourselves on reaching out.We have shown that we are a town that is welcoming.” SEEKING NEW BUSINESS That proactive demeanor lends itself, as well, to the township’s approach to economic development. “We’re open,” Gattinelli says.“We want folks to come into the town.When we see a business approaching, we have a great system within the municipality. Nancy (Nancy Mozzachio, the township’s Economic Development consultant) is notified. She picks up the phone and calls. So, there is contact with those folks almost immediately. A lot of times, these folks have a vision that they want to bring to the table.” “They’re opening up a business, but they may not know how. This is where we come in. We have the knowledge about programs, whether it be from the state or the county, and we’re able to help them find 173 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 WASHINGTON TOWNSHI P, NEW JERSEY