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DRPA Schedules Public Comment Meetings on Proposed Glassboro to Camden Line

The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have completed an extensive Alternatives Analysis (AA) study focusing on identifying mass transit transportation needs and solutions for Southern New Jersey. This study concluded with a recommendation for light rail transit along the Conrail rail right of way from Glassboro to Camden. As a result of the Alternatives Analysis, the DRPA has initiated the next phase of project development, the environmental review culminating in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 

The first step in this EIS process is a public involvement phase with DRPA CEO and PATCO President, John J. Matheussen, announcing the scheduling of three public comment meetings. The EIS will assess the possible social, economic and environmental benefits and impacts of the proposed Glassboro to Camden line (GCL).
DRPA Chairman, John Estey, says “The Glassboro to Camden Line as well as the proposed Philadelphia Waterfront Transit Expansion Alternatives Analysis Study shows the Authority’s commitment to improve public transit for those who live, work and enjoy all the activities the region has to offer.” 

Authority Vice Chair, Jeff Nash, points out that “this is the largest transit project ever planned to serve Camden and Gloucester Counties and something that has been needed and anticipated by South Jersey residents for a long time.” He adds “project will be an economic stimulus for the region and will also be a spark for the redevelopment of towns along the 18 mile line.”

The two hour public comment meetings will be held in Camden and Glassboro. An information session explaining the proposed project will occur one hour before the public comment meeting. After the information session, a presentation will be given by the project team followed by the opportunity for the public to provide their comments. Those who wish to speak are required to register at the location on the day of the meeting. 

According to Matheussen, “these public comment meetings will provide an opportunity for direct communication between the Glassboro to Camden study team and the public. We want to make sure members of the public are given the opportunity to make their comments and have them transcribed for the public record.” Matheussen adds “the end result is the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. A Draft EIS is then issued for public review before the final Environmental Impact Statement is prepared.” 

PATCO General Manager, Bob Box, says “the GCL will connect with PATCO and New Jersey Transit at Camden’s Broadway Station creating a major transportation hub. This will provide a direct connection for commuters who need to go to Trenton to the north, Lindenwold to the east, Glassboro to the south and, of course, Philadelphia to the west.” 

For those who can’t attend one of the meetings, comment forms are available on the project website, www.GlassboroCamdenLine.com. Comments may also be submitted verbally through the project hotline, (856) 968-2252 (voice or via relay). For those who wish to submit comments in writing those comments may be submitted to: 

Ms. Victoria Malaszecki, Public Involvement Liaison
Envision Consultants Ltd.
PO Box 536
Mullica Hill, NJ 08061 

Comments may also be emailed to: publicinvolvement@GlassboroCamdenLine.com.
The deadline to submit comments is June 10, 2010. 

The public comment meeting schedule is:

Thursday, May 6, 2010
5:30pm – 6:30pm Information Session
6:30pm – 8:30 pm Presentation & Formal Comment Period
Camden County College
Camden Technology Center
200 N. Broadway
Camden, NJ 08012
Free parking at 6th and Penn Street Garage WITH VALIDATION AT THE SECURITY DESK 

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Day Session
1:30pm – 2:30pm Information Session
2:30pm – 4:30pm Presentation & Formal Comment Period
Rowan University
Henry Rowan Building (The Engineering Building)
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Free Parking Available Lots M-1 & D-1 Accessible from Bowe Blvd. and North Campus Street 

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Evening Session
5:30pm – 6:30pm Information Session
6:30pm – 8:30pm Presentation & Formal Comment Period
Rowan University
Henry Rowan Building (The Engineering Building)
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Free Parking Available Lots M-1 & D-1 Accessible from Bowe Blvd. and North Campus Street 

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, PATCO and the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.

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