Good morning, South Jersey.
Mount Laurel might try something new to fulfill its affordable housing commitment: Turn nine hotels into hundreds of apartments.
And supporters of New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell are speaking out as he continues to be the subject of a months-long ethics investigation.
Plus, a $3.5 million safety project on Haddon Avenue began Monday, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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To Mount Laurel, the Red Roof Inn off Route 73 could be a suitable location for more affordable housing in the township.
To Vijay Shroff, the owner, the small hotel is an investment he could hand down to his daughters.
The township has plans to condemn and demolish this hotel and eight others near Route 73 to make way for potentially 826 apartments to honor its legal commitment to build affordable housing.
Mount Laurel wouldn’t be the only municipality to reuse properties to fulfill the requirement. With the help of a developer, nearby Evesham Township acquired and demolished Marlton Crossing Garden Offices with plans to create 325 apartments, including 49 set aside for affordable housing.
Mount Laurel’s planning board has endorsed the redevelopment plans for two of the hotels, and is set to go before township council on Tuesday night.
Read more to learn about the additional factors at play.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is facing an ethics investigation for allegedly giving his business card to women he wanted to date, among other claims.
Caldwell has denied the claims and has suggested racism is a factor.
His supporters, including friends and some former colleagues, are rushing to his defense by condemning the allegations, questioning the pace of the investigation, and raising alarm about the harm to his reputation regardless of the outcome.
As the investigation drags on, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has cut back on her travel, and according to a source, has not spoken directly to Caldwell.
Reporters Susan K. Livio and Aliya Schneider have the story.
What to know today
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A Willingboro man was struck and killed in a car crash early Sunday on Route 130 in Edgewater Park Township, police said. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.
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The first phase of Camden County’s $3.5 million pedestrian safety project along Haddon Avenue that stretches from Collingswood to Haddon Township began Monday.
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Residents of Cherry Hill’s Woodcrest neighborhood recorded suspects on surveillance cameras attempting to steal from their cars, NBC10 reports.
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Residents in Camden and Cherry Hill should be most prepared to take alternate routes this week in Camden County as several road projects are underway.
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Three-time Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes opened a gymnastics academy in Mount Laurel, 6abc reports — her ninth in the country.
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A Mount Laurel man has spent the last month cleaning up his township and has quickly garnered community support along the way, according to the Courier-Post.
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🗣️ Quote of the week
Bordentown bookseller Charity Herndon says her bestsellers are those that “allow people to escape.” The Inquirer spoke to her about the region’s thriving bookstore scene.
📚 A book rec to go: Herndon’s favorite of 2026 is Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson.
🧠 Trivia time
Former Flyer Kevin Hayes announced his retirement Monday after 12 NHL seasons. How many seasons did he play for the Flyers?
A) One
B) Three
C) Four
D) 10
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🏒 Watching: Scenes from the Guy Gaudreau’s first free learn-to-skate hockey program in Sewell.
🦅 Following: The reactions to this weekend’s Eagles win against the Titans.
🥄 Tasting: The pistachio raspberry cheesecake from By Zena in Moorestown.
Have a great day, and I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow. 📧
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