Collingswood might lift booze ban | Inquirer South Jersey
And the tax program at the center of the state’s budget negotiations.
Good morning, South Jersey.
It’s the end of another week, and our second for this newsletter. Our main priority is to ensure you’re informed. So if you have a question about the region, please ask it through Curious South Jersey. One of our reporters might hunt down the answer for you — like, “Why is the Philly area’s National Weather Service office in Mount Holly?”
Hint: The answer is simpler than you think. Now, onto your news.
Collingswood could lift its ban on alcohol sales, a decision that may come down to the voters.
And a New Jersey property tax relief program for seniors could see substantial changes under the state budget deal.
Plus, we share what you can buy in Camden County’s housing market for $405,000, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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The Collingswood Board of Commissioners is weighing the possibility of relinquishing its dry town status.
The borough has Quaker roots and has maintained its ban on alcohol sales since the 19th century.
Now, the board is looking at a pivot from the borough’s tradition as a way to boost revenue and to support the local restaurants.
Discussions are in the beginning stages, and a policy change would require voters to weigh in.
Reporter Lacey Latch explains what the potential next steps would be to make it happen.
As the budget deadline approaches, Stay NJ — a property tax relief program for seniors — is top of mind.
The program was created in 2023 to entice residents to stay in the state by providing senior homeowners refunds.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who is pushing for cuts, and House Speaker Craig Coughlin (D., Middlesex), a champion of the program, seem to have made a compromise.
The eligibility of the benefit, which is currently available for seniors making less than $500,000, would be sliced to $200,000. Those who make less money could receive a larger refund under the arrangement.
The Inquirer’s Aliya Schneider has the latest on the budget deal and the future of the program.
What to know today
Pride flags are back up on Kings Highway in Haddonfield after police say a man from Maple Shade tore most of them down, according to CBS Philadelphia.
U.S. Rep. Tom Kean, the congressman who has been missing from Washington for months with little information shared to the public, is back at his home in New Jersey, the New York Times reports.
A new Collingswood agreement will allow for $10.5 million worth of renovations for the school district’s athletic complex.
Gov. Sherrill is set to arrive in Camden today for the SoccerFest26 festival at Wiggins Waterfront Park, the county said Thursday.
The latest edition of The Inquirer’s Price Point shows what kind of house you can buy for $405,000 in Magnolia.
Kylie Wright, the new Miss New Jersey crowned earlier this month, visited the Battleship New Jersey in Camden on Thursday.
🧠 Trivia time
Hillary Bor closed Pumpkin BYOB across the bridge in Philly and now lives in South Jersey selling what?
A) Burgers
B) Cheesesteaks
C) Hot dogs
D) Bagels
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
⚽ Practicing: Dribbling skills for day 2 of the SoccerFest26 at the Waterfront.
🛹 Remembering: The old skate park that was at the Moorestown Mall.
🦟 Avoiding: More mosquito spraying this morning in Camden, Lawnside, Waterford, and Winslow.
🏖️ Down the Shore
This “Ask Down the Shore” feature appears as part of our weekly summertime series from Shore reporter Amy S. Rosenberg. Subscribe to her free Down the Shore newsletter here.
This week, we asked readers through the Shore Line group chat: What is the best time to drive to the Shore to avoid traffic? Below are two of the responses:
Best time is at 5:30-6 a.m. or after 7 [p.m.] on Friday — still light out at both times. Don’t like to drive when dark.
Here’s my solution to avoiding heavy traffic to and from the shore. Go down on Wednesday before MDW and come back on Wednesday after LDW (it helps to be retired!).
What’s your strategy? Or do you have another concern related to the Shore? Email Rosenberg at downtheshore@inquirer.com.
📸 Photo of the week
🏖️ One sand art to go: Visitors were met with this sand sculpture, a new three-minute video highlighting Cape May County, and a giant image of George Washington lounging at the beach with a cold drink at New Jersey’s Pavilion at the Great American State Fair in D.C. County administrator Kevin Lare said it took at least $150,000 from the county’s tourism budget to make it happen.
That should be everything you need to begin your day. Thanks for starting it with The Inquirer. See you on Monday!
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