Hi
Today is June20, this was to be the Grand Opening of the New Food Pantry. Of Course as you read we were not able to open. Today a couple of us sat at the pantry in case anyone showed up and yes 5 did. 2 people came to the door and 3 drove up. We posted a note on the pantry door letting people know that we may not be open right now but we will in time. As for now we let them know where the closest Food Pantry is and took their name and number so we could call them and let them know when we're going to be opened. There is going to be another township meeting July 20 I'll keep you posted.

This is what happened at the meeting with the township.

I know you are all waiting to hear from me!
Learned a lot.
There's Good News & Bad News - it's not a perfect world.
The good news is
1. we at least got the details of food pantry in front of the entire planning board.
2. I got a sense that most board mbrs want the food pantry to happen.

The bad news is
1. The public comment portion of the twnshp plng bd mtg is virtually powerless! No decisions are made - they simply listen. But it was a good way to provide information and test the waters to feel our way to the actions and direction we should take. We shld have done this in March, but I was not aware of "Public Comments" at these meetings. (I am out of my element here).
2. The twnshp plng board still feels they are legally correct in that this is a zoning issue because the church is in a residential zone, however, variances for things like the food pantry (beneficial to the public) are easily dealt with thru a application.

So what do we do now?
1. We have to retrieve all those biz flyers asap - Sorry.
2. The opening on the 20th is not possible. I will be at the church and explain and redirect anyone who comes to Riverside.
3. I will also contact all our coordinators and explain the situation, and to hold off any volunteers.
4. For the moment, I think, the churches shld continue to collect food.
5. I believe we shld still plan to recognize everyone & dedicate the pantry on the 28th.
(I will confirm this with Sang-Won)
6. I will file a zoning application w/ the board and it will be heard at the next mtg July 20.

What lies ahead?
1. I'm not sure anymore, because of my lack of experience with this whole township thing.
2. I feel we can move past the zoning issue, but we will be delayed AT BEST until August, since the plng board only meets once a month.
3. At worst, we may be delayed much longer. If some unknown issues surface at the mtg in July, the board does not meet in August, which puts us into September w/ a opening in Oct.
4. And perhaps Worse than that, there may also be some fire and safety hoops we may have to hurdle (who knows).

Don't mean to be "Doom & Gloom".
I BELIEVE GOD IS IN CONTROL!
I can only go one step at a time and make the best decision I can based on others' recommendations in this regard.
We'll see what happens
and Keep the faith!
I'll keep you in the loop!

Peace

We ran into some problems with Plamyra, NJ townships Zoning Committe

Our Pastor Sang-Won and I have decided to Cancel the opening of the Food Pantry on the 20th!
There are just too many "ifs" flying around.
Sang or I will make an announcement in church Sunday!
SORRY - I know this is very disappointing!

Now - FYI ONLY (unless Sang mentions in his announcement)!
We do have a meeting with the mayor on Monday.
We hope to clear the air and find a way to have the twnshps approval/blessing in an expeditious way!
We don't think the solution will be immediate (why we've cx'd opening)

We will wait until after the meeting to pull all the biz flyers.
I will personally contact all the church coordinators.

I'll keep you updated.