Latest news with #WashingtonTownship
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
South Jersey family's pool project halted by state authorities for months after wetlands discovered on property
They envisioned paradise in their New Jersey backyard but ended up with a nightmare. A family in Washington Township said they went through the proper channels before installing their pool, but have been ordered to stop the project by state environmental authorities. Now, nearly two years since they first started, they're out $150,000 and their backyard is still a construction site. Jimmy Sacco and Donny Tomczak bought a brand-new house in 2023 on two acres of property and quickly started the process of turning their South Jersey backyard into paradise. They got the required land survey, passed the inspection, got the necessary permit from Washington Township, and started to design their backyard with a contractor. Then, just as the project was nearing the end, Sacco said state authorities showed up at their doorstep to inspect their property. Sacco and Tomczak said staff from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection sent them a Notice of Violation citing them for violating the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act and Flood Hazard Area Control Act. The notice said, "All unauthorized activities should cease immediately," and advised them that they needed to apply for permits from the state before they could proceed. Sacco said, "Then they went and told me that I'm not permitted to apply as individuals, we had to hire an environmental firm to represent us and do the application forms for us." A firm, the couple said, cost $15,000 plus another $5,000 for the state permits, all of that before they even know if the DEP will approve their project and let them proceed or require them to rip it all out. Sacco and Tomczak said the DEP found out about their project after someone reported it, but they said they were blindsided, especially because Washington Township gave them approval. CBS News Philadelphia reached out to Washington Township to find out why local inspectors didn't flag the wetlands on the property. A business administrator emailed saying, "The township has no comment at this time regarding this matter." Environmental attorney Steve Miano said, "My guess is that the township just wasn't aware of it and issued the permit on a basic construction permit." Miano said this scenario isn't all that uncommon, as the DEP often finds out about land they need to investigate from reports from the public. In an email to CBS News Philadelphia, the New Jersey DEP said in part, "It is the property owner's responsibility to conduct their due diligence when disturbing land on their property. Additionally, municipal construction/zoning officials refer property owners to the department for a determination of jurisdiction. Municipalities vary in their requirements for department authorization prior to the issuance of local approvals." Sacco said there was no mention of wetlands in the 65-page title report he received when he purchased the home. Since officials with Washington Township won't comment, it's unclear if the township knew about the wetlands and whether they were required to notify the state. In the meantime, Sacco and Tomczak said they're drowning in bills related to this pool, including plumbing and electricity to keep it clean to avoid mosquitoes and infestations. They can't tarp it because the patio isn't complete. One of their small dogs broke a disc in its back when the dog fell into a trench left behind by the uncompleted worksite. On the DEP website, it said, "Previously misunderstood as wastelands, wetlands are now being recognized for their vital ecological and socioeconomic contributions." They protect drinking water by filtering out chemicals and soaking up rainwater, providing natural flood control. Had Sacco and Tomczak known they'd have to shell out another $20,000+ on state permits, Tomczak said they would have scratched the project early on, but that thought never crossed their minds, especially because there are at least a dozen pools in their neighborhood and a man-made koi pond right next door. "We bought the house because we loved the land, and it's the land that's making our lives complete hell," said Sacco. Miano said homeowners can prevent a situation like this by going above and beyond to understand all the details of their property. "If you're going to do a construction project like that, you should have somebody look at the property and tell you, I don't think there are wetlands here. I mean, it's an extra expense, but to do that upfront is a lot cheaper than having to do what these guys are now having to do," said Miano.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's family closer to reaching goal for NJ playground brothers wanted built
Gaudreaus plan Family Fun Day in NJ to benefit playground Johnny and Matthew wanted to build Gaudreaus plan Family Fun Day in NJ to benefit playground Johnny and Matthew wanted to build Gaudreaus plan Family Fun Day in NJ to benefit playground Johnny and Matthew wanted to build One South Jersey community is preparing to come together to celebrate the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the brothers who were killed by a suspected drunk driver in Salem County last August. The first Gaudreau Family 5K Run, Walk and Family Fun Day is set for the end of May, and the Gaudreau family is hoping for a big turnout. The Family Fun Day takes place May 31 at Washington Lake Park in Washington Township, Gloucester County, and promises food, games, face painting, dance performances and raffles. Johnny and Matthew's mother, Jane Gaudreau, stopped by CBS News Philadelphia to talk about the event. Jane said it's meant to celebrate her sons' lives and their commitment to give back to their community. The Gaudreau family will honor that mission by directing all event proceeds to the creation of an adaptive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, New Jersey. Dancers from Jane and Katie Gaudreau's All Star Dance studio perform in CBS Philadelphia's Great Hall. "The boys loved children, the boys loved fun," Jane says. "Archbishop Damiano School is a place where the boys had volunteered before, and it's a big part of our family life." ADS is a nonprofit school that provides services to more than 135 students with disabilities. The current playground at the school is crumbling and not accessible to all students. The school community is also a second family for the Gaudreaus. Jane has worked at the school for more than 40 years. John and Matthew volunteered there as kids. And even as a superstar in the NHL, John never forgot his roots: he started fundraising for the playground years ago. ADS is getting closer to raising the $600,000 needed for the adaptive playground. Jane says the school recently secured several more sizable donations. Dancers from Jane and Katie Gaudreau's All Star Dance studio perform in CBS Philadelphia's Great Hall. CBS News Philadelphia The Gaudreau family also says the upcoming event is a way to thank the community for its support. Katie Gaudreau, Johnny and Mathew's sister, joined her mother at CBS News Philadelphia. Dancers from Katie and Jane's All Star Dance studio will perform during the event. They visited our Great Hall during our morning shows to bust a move. "They really have been there for our entire family this year," Katie said. "I'm just so thankful for them, and I'm excited to celebrate them and everything they've done for us." The Gaudreau Family 5K Run, Walk and Family Fun Day will take place at Washington Lake Park on May 31, from 8 a.m. until noon. The run and walk are already sold out, but the Family Fun Day is free and open to all. There is also a sports memorabilia auction benefiting the playground and featuring several signed hockey jerseys, including an autographed Johnny Gaudreau NHL All-Star Game jersey and a signed Flyers jersey. You can find more information, including the event schedule and sponsorships, on A rendering shows how a new adaptive playground could look at Archbishop Damiano School in New Jersey. CBS News Philadelphia
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Washington Township police reach new milestone in accountability
The Washington Township Police Department has achieved a significant milestone. According to a community announcement, the department received its official Certification of Accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission on April 24. This accomplishment highlights the department's commitment to enhancing community trust and professionalism. The accreditation process began in 2019 under the leadership of Retired Chief Mike McGovern. Chief McGovern's vision laid the groundwork for this achievement. Chief Jason Wolfgang continued the effort, working closely with all department members to meet the rigorous standards set by the commission. Accreditation is a multi-year process designed by law enforcement professionals to improve agency performance. It provides a framework for departments to evaluate their operations and ensure they meet established standards. These standards help guarantee that police departments deliver high-quality service to their communities. The Washington Township Police Department's accreditation signifies a promise to the community for continued service with integrity and transparency. Residents can now have increased confidence in their police force, knowing it operates under strict guidelines aimed at accountability and effectiveness. This achievement is a proud moment for the entire community, reflecting a shared commitment to safety and excellence in law enforcement. For more information about the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, go to For details on the Washington Township Police Department, go to This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. The Public Opinion, The Record Herald, Echo-Pilot are growing their local news This article originally appeared on Waynesboro Record Herald: Washington Township Police Department receives accreditation
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Beloved NJ mom named as victim of horror murder-suicide after cops found chilling clue in house fire
A beloved New Jersey mom has been identified the victim of a horror murder-suicide that was initially thought to be a housefire until cops found a chilling clue amongst the rubble. Michelle Whiting was identified as one of the bodies pulled from a devastating property fire that erupted at around 2am on Sunday in Washington Township. Whiting was found in a bed destroyed within the leveled home with a fatal gunshot wound to the hear, which the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office said sparked a murder investigation. Her death was subsequently ruled as a homicide by the Gloucester County Medical Examiner's Office, ABC News reported. The body of a man, who has not been officially identified, was found in the living room of the home with a handgun lying near his body, the prosecutor's office said. They added that his death was ruled a suicide by fire. Neighbors previously said the male body was that of Daniel Steele, while Whiting's longtime friend, Tammy Ventura, described the man as Whiting's ex-boyfriend, reports NBC. The investigation into the house fire also revealed that accelerant had been used, according to prosecutors. 'The investigation conducted in the aftermath of the fire revealed the presence of an accelerant and that the home's gas line had been tampered with, enabling unrestricted flow of natural gas into the home's interior,' a statement from the prosecutor's office said. The fire erupted just after 2am on Sunday, prompting multiple calls from neighbors who reported a loud explosion and a fire, Washington Township Police said. 'Responding officers arrived at 13 Tranquility Court and observed that the residence was fully engulfed in flames and appeared to have been heavily damaged by an apparent explosion,' the police statement said. Ventura, Whiting's friend of 25 years, created a GoFundMe to help Whiting's three children, Gavin, Dakota, Summer, and described her as their 'rock.' 'These kids are heartbroken. Their mom was their rock,' she wrote. 'I can only tell you, she has an army of friends. She always smiled and often tried to find the positive in everything.' 'She had so many friends and she was so young,' Ventura added. 'Michelle was full of life and certainly got mom of the year from me wasn't her time to go.' Ventura told NJ Advance Media: 'She was just happy-go-lucky. Always tried to look at the positive. Was always there for everybody, no matter what anybody needed. Her kids were her world.'
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
Washington Township house fire, possible explosion tied to murder-suicide plot, prosecutors say
A deadly house fire and possible explosion that destroyed a Washington Township, New Jersey, home and left two people dead is being investigated as a murder-suicide, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. Authorities responded to Tranquility Court in Washington Township for a fire that broke out just after 2 a.m. Sunday to find the home completely engulfed in flames. Once the fire was brought under control and extinguished, investigators found two bodies — a man and a woman — dead inside what was left of the home. Officials have not identified either of the victims. Prosecutors said the man, who is said to be the primary tenant of the home, was found in the living room with a handgun near him. The Gloucester County Medical Examiner ruled the man died by suicide, caused by the fire. The woman was found in bed and had suffered a gunshot to the head before the fire broke out, prosecutors said. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide. Investigators found an accelerant and that the home's gas line had been tampered with, allowing natural gas to flow into the home. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office, Washington Township police and Gloucester County Fire Marshal's Office are continuing to investigate the fire and the events that led up to it. Prosecutors urge anyone with information about the fire to contact Detective Allen Williams with the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at 856-384-5622 or Detective Matthew Laudenslager with the Washington Township Police Department at 856-589-0330 ext. 1176.
