When Gloucester Township’s Business Administrator and Council explored selling our public sewer system to New Jersey American Water, where Mayor David R Mayer is employed, residents learned there are two pathways for such a sale: a public referendum or proving “emergent conditions” under the New Jersey Water Infrastructure Protection Act (WIPA). The referendum, held in 2024, was overwhelmingly rejected by voters, reflecting strong community support for retaining public control. The alternative—demonstrating that the sewer system is in disrepair and financially unsustainable for the township—requires evidence of neglect, as outlined by WIPA click here for details.
Abandoning Preventative Maintenance
Independent reports, paid for by residents and available for review by [CLICKING HERE], found our sewer system to be in excellent condition, contradicting claims of disrepair. However, concerns persist about the township’s maintenance practices. In a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Business Administrator Tom Cardis acknowledged, “We may be more reactive than proactive with servicing the system.” This reactive approach risks creating “emergent conditions” under WIPA, which could justify a sale without voter approval.
Who is In-Charge
Multiple sources within the Gloucester Township Sewer Utility have raised alarms about inadequate staffing levels, which may hinder proper maintenance. Additionally, some employees report that Sewer Director Gabby Mosquera frequently (some claim mainly) works in the Mayor’s office, despite the township hiring a Chief of Staff to support administrative duties, as previously reported [HERE].
A memo to Director Mosquera, provided by a source, further highlights these concerns [CLICK HERE TO READ THE MEMO].
Residents who voted to keep our sewer system public must remain vigilant. The township has a responsibility to maintain this critical asset, which we fund through our taxes and quarterly fees. If current leadership cannot ensure proper upkeep, the community should demand accountability and leadership capable of prioritizing our sewer system’s integrity. A sale to a private entity like New Jersey American Water would transfer control away from residents. As a publicly owned system, we have the power—and the right—to insist on transparency and effective management. Speak up at township meetings, contact officials, and stay informed. Our sewer system belongs to us, and together, we can protect it and make sure our employees have the support required to properly maintain the system.
Keep building all these cheap townhouses and houses at this rate without updating or modernizing our current sewer system is a big fail. It will cost WAY MORE than what was offered. Look at Sicklerville Road…it’s a disgusting mess, no shoulders, sidewalks but…KEEP BUILDING and TAX GIVING BREAKS. Soon WE will need more schools and more police. Then our property taxes will sky rocket.