The degradation of Penns Grove, NJ

[John H Davis]

My family moved to Penns Grove from Wilmington, DE when I was three. I have resided here on and off for the last 57 years. I can still remember how clean and prosperous this little town was and how respectful the residents were of their environment, homes and businesses. It almost seems like a dream now, as Penns Grove is no longer that clean, respectful little gem on the Delaware River.

I am not naive to the fact that this metamorphosis to the dark side is not exclusive to Penns Grove. But rather, I am stunned to the fact that our local and state elected officials are more worried about political status and greed rather than the quality of life for all. I find it rather disheartening to hear our current mayor use the US Constitution as a shield when he feels threatened or when he replies that this is how poor people live when confronted regarding over stuffed section 8 housing choice voucher rental properties that are supposed to house a single mother and one or two children. This type of reply holds up the revitalization of a community. There should be a collective understanding that increasing property taxis is disheartening to homeowners who try to keep their property and surroundings clean and orderly while an army of thugs and gang bangers live at one of those before mentioned rentals across the street. And Mr. Mayor that is not how poor people live, I know, for I am poor. And I know many poor people of all creed, color and religion, who do not live the way of the less than desirables, that have infected our once proud hamlet.

Our state is money poor and taxpayers are moving out to the surrounding ones like rats on a burring ship. I would believe that state leaders should and could use their political powers to stimulate industry and commerce to create tax revenue. Of course, this would include the use of hard work and brain storming along with strong project management skills to accomplish. Several other thoughts come to mind and few would be to utilize the state and local law enforcement groups to write tickets to those living and utilizing the NJ roads to actually have a NJ registered vehicle and drivers license within the state motor vehicle rules of residency. Other thoughts are to site those who would litter discriminately and use vulgar language in public. Site households for disorderly and negligent upkeep and fine those parents for their lake of supervision of offspring destroying property and utilizing the streets as playgrounds. Isn’t that why Penns Grove borrowed money for playgrounds?

Just a final thought. Penns Grove is just 7/8 of a square mile in size yet we have a virtual army of police and support personnel. And yet, they complain they are always short handed!!?? I say, look at the leadership and your questions are answered.

If there are people who understand I do not write this not for just criticism, but rather for the passion of what could and can be again, please contact me at [e-mail].

[Dave1234]

Do what I do. If the parents don't control their kids, call DYFS. Eventually, the parents wise up, and keep their kids away from my property.

As far as the local police are concerned, when there is law in this state requiring minors to wear helmets on bicycles, I'd like to know why they refuse to enforce it?

Somebody from the attorney general's office really needs to come down here, because this police department needs to be cleaned up.

[PGSammy]

Your right the police department is corrupt, because they don't write enough tickets for failing to wear a helmet. I guess the 80+ arrests a month in 8/10's of a mile don't count. I would love to see the statistics on the helemet citations written state wide.

[Stefanaccio]

Strongly disagree with the above. Penns Grove is on the way to recovery and it will only be a short while before this metamorphesus takes place. Look carefully and you will see the beginnings of these changes occuring as we speak....

http://pennsgrove.wordpress.com

[Jason]

I'm optimistic by nature but have to agree with Mr Davis. I grew up there and left for the military when I turned 18. I returned briefly while assigned at McGuire AFB and was excited about the buzz with the mid to late 90's riverfront development and "What could have been".
I eventually transferred out 4 years ago and do not regret the decision to do so. Of course there are many things I do miss about the area, but raising a family and looking at the big picture--it's a no brainer.
Unless the leadership can solve the "Slum lord" dilemma it wont change. I'll never forget the PG I knew in the 70's and early 80's--even with the decline there were still ligitimate businesses and a sense of community. It's dying out with the diehards.
Going back to the riverfront: I can only imagine if things had turned out differently. At least its an improvement and the infrastructure is there for further development--get a Marina built and see what happens...

[use to live there]

cant you people think of more things that need to change then a child riding a bike without a helmet? i guess when you was a kid you wore one? maybe they cant afford one. and what is wrong with kids playing in the streets? i would rather them play there then somewhere they might not be safe. it sounds to me that you all are so full of it you cant see past yourself. you are probably some old farts that have nothing better to do then pick on kids . oh just let them sell drugs instead of playing in the streets /// would that make you happy?lol. get a life and get over it. focus on getting a neighborhood clean up crew -get you some garbage bags and go help your neighbors clean their yards organize a neighborhood crime watch group for your street and help a senior citizen out once a week. do all of this and see the crime rate go down and your neighborhood look great it is people like you who sit back running your mouth and not do anything to help the community that has made that place turn out the way it has. may god bless you and have a nice day