2025 was a productive year for Wharton. We completed several key initiatives listed below and most notably, we maintained our financial security and remained debt-free for the 10th consecutive year.
- Acquired 262 W. Dewey Avenue and established a picnic grove.
- Completed Phase I of the Fields of Orchard Mine.
- Demolished a garage at our DPW building.
- Created a fishing and viewing area behind the DPW.
- Continued Town Hall interior improvements.
- Constructed the Utility Clerk’s office at Borough Hall.
- Updated the solid waste ordinance and distributed new garbage carts to residents.
- Completed Baker Avenue Improvements (Phases I–III) including traffic calming measures.
- Planted cherry and red maple trees along Chegwidden Way.
- Collaborated on an Eagle Scout project with Ryan LaBato to install 20 new picnic tables and grills.
- Added approximately 30 spots to the municipal permit parking lot.
- Reconstructed the crosswalks at Main, Central, and Fern Streets.
- Completed rehabilitation on the Irondale water tank, ensuring it will be good for another 70 years.
- Received a county award for exceeding a 50% recycling rate.
- Cleared over 100 hazardous trees along the canal that posed a fire hazard.
- Prepared a new access road for the Irondale tank through Morris Woods.
- Installed another emergency generator for municipal wells.
- Repaved multiple roads, including Gallagher Rd., Lane Way, Wilcox Ave., Lowe St., lower portion of Irondale Rd. and Kice Ave.
- Met our 4th round affordable housing obligation, securing compliance through 2035, with 37 more units than needed.
In 2026, we look forward to working on the items below as well as remaining committed to financial stability and will continue to pursue various grant applications to support these goals.
- Relocating and modernizing the recycling center.
- Completing plans and bids for the construction of the Pine Street Parking Lot with 67 spots and a pocket park.
- Completing Phases III and IV of the Baker Avenue water main and road upgrades.
- Paving the Irondale tank access road
- Bid and construct Phase II of Fields at Orchard Mine Park.
- Continuing the acquisition of the Santander Bank property for additional 35-37 parking spots.
- Reseed and plant trees and shrubs along the West Dewey Avenue park area and riverfront.
- Restoring the canal towpath using a $1.3 million grant.
- Completing Town Hall interior improvements
- Harry Shupe Boulevard roadway upgrades.
- Washington Street sewage upgrades.
- Advancing the Harry Shupe Blvd PILOT project, expected to generate $26-$30 million dollars over 30 years.
- Pursuing grants for the Columbia Street park, lead pipe remediation, and
Washington Pond dredging.
On July 18, 2025 the groundbreaking was held for Wharton's newest park, the Fields at Orchard Mine. This will be located on North Main Street right by the American Legion.
Please see the draft renderings below:
A few things to remember with winter storms-
- Keep up with the often-changing forecast here.
- Do not park on the roadways during inclement weather. If you do not have a parking space contact the Police Department non-emergency number during business hours 8:30am-4:30pm at 973-366-5893 to get permission to park in a Municipal Lot overnight.
- When clearing snow from your driveway or sidewalk do not deposit it in the roadway.
- Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall.
- Consider helping your neighbors who are seniors or disabled with snow removal if you are able to.
- Stay inside if you can and if you need to be out, please use caution and slow down.
- For information on preparing for winter storms visit-https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
- The NJDEP has a website relating to NJ weather. For more information visit-https://www.nj.gov/dep/weatherready/
- Be prepared for a power outage. For information on how to do so, visit- https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
- If you lose power report it to JCP&L and get updates from them here- http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html
- If you lose service from Altice get updates from them here- https://www.optimum.com/outage-map
- If you lose service from Verizon get updates from them here-https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/service-outage
Pet Licenses for 2026 are now available. License renewals must be completed before January 31st to avoid late fees. Late fees are $5 per month starting in February. Your pet's rabies shot must be valid through November 1st of 2026 in order to get a 2026 license. If your pet is spayed or neutered the cost is $14 if it is not it is $17. Renewal letters were mailed to you. You can mail in your renewal with a check and your license will be mailed to you or you can come into Town Hall to renew your license.