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Mayor holds ‘State of the City’

Writer's picture: Savanna Perry Savanna Perry

Mayor Anthony R. Fanucci

VINELAND—On January 16, Mayor Anthony R. Fanucci presented the State of the City for 2025, addressing the ongoing growth, continuous improvement and future plans occurring in Vineland.


“When I reflect on the qualities that define exceptional cities, especially those I take pleasure in discovering and visiting, I consider areas of all age groups and those that are designed with families in mind,” Fanucci began his speech.


Fanucci also considers young professionals, business owners, students, locations that facilitate outdoor activities and social connections while also keeping mindful the needs of their senior residents and individuals with diverse disabilities.


“These locations represent the fusion of unique charm and modern creativity to guide the vision of the City of Vineland and how we’ve grown to celebrate creativity and opportunity for all,” said Fanucci. “Vineland is growing in ways that are generating energy, confidence and excitement for the future.”


Mayor Fanucci described five objectives that help guide the vision as: Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Development, Infrastructure Investments, Support for our Public Safety and Quality of Life Issues.


Fiscal Responsibility


As part of the budgeting process, the Mayor continues to work with directors and department heads to find opportunities for increased efficiencies while looking to identify new ways to generate savings and additional new revenue.


Within the past year, there was an increase in permit, inspection, registration and licensing fees collected by variances departments along with successfully securing millions of dollars for grant funding that’ll leverage and support projects for the city.


Fanucci shared that Increased ad assessment value for new construction by $53.4 million, one of the largest increases in recent years. An increase of $55 million is expected for this year.


County tax appeals have decreased by 50 percent in comparison to 2023. The total taxable value for the year’s end now stands at $3.95 billion with an increase of 49.3 million from 2023 year’s end.


“It’s actually a mind blowing number considering where we came from when I first took office,” Fanucci said. “Those successes are a tribute to the hard work, a testament of the resiliency of our staff and city council.”


Economic Development


Mayor Fanucci states that he’ll continue to market Vineland to regional and national audiences with positive messages about their culturally rich, family-oriented community and the benefits of locating or growing a business here.


In 2024, the Planning and Zoning Board viewed over eighty applications resulting in $120 million in new development projects including new manufacturing, food processing, new housing developments, logistics, operations and existing business expansions.


Infrastructure Investment


In 2024, nearly nine miles of roadways were repaved. Parking lots were repaved at Fiocchi field and Landis Park. Additionally, Spring Road was repaved and reached in agreement with South Jersey Gas at their own expense.


Fanucci continues to petition county officials to address needed repairs to the roadways in their jurisdiction with well maintained roads with clear signage, proper drainage and smooth surfaces that contribute to the safe driving conditions to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.


Recently, they reached an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration to advance the Chestnut Avenue project funded by a $20 million infrastructure grant.


A $2 million grant was received for sidewalk projects, completing the sidewalk network over the next couple of years on both sides of Main Road from Chestnut Avenue to Oak Road. The project includes installing new sidewalks on Maple Avenue from Main Road to Romano Park and on Chestnut Avenue across from Vineland High School.


Additionally, grant funding will be utilized in a number of additional services for safety projects including traffic signal upgrades and reevaluating speed limits and passing zones.


Support for our Public Safety


Fanucci expressed extreme gratitude to Vineland’s Police Department, Fire Depart

ment and EMS Divisions.


“Your tireless efforts to maintain safety for our residents has always been paramount and at the forefront,” said Fanucci. “Thank you for everything you do and all the risks you take on a daily basis.”


The city’s anti-crime unit conducted a seven month narcotic investigation leading to the seizure of over $750k cash and pounds of various drugs, marking the largest seizure in Cumberland County history.


The Police Department is leveraging technology to soon start testing software for citizens to report minor incidents without the police having to respond. A new radio tower was installed on West Plum St to improve communication throughout all first responders.


The Fire Department is well positioned for the future with a beautiful new fire headquarters. Within the past year, they responded to 2,500 service calls whereas Fire Prevention conducted over 42,000 building inspections and almost 1,000 occupancy inspections.


EMS Division responded to over 14,200 calls for service including almost 10,000 regarding transportation calls to medical centers.


Quality of Life Issues


In 2025, a new form of entertainment, E-Sports, is being introduced to the community. The city’s IS Division and the Public Library are working together to create an E-Sports gaming room equipped with PCs, exciting lighting and comfortable seating.


Fanucci acknowledged that some might view this as simply playing games, “Think about the people that cannot get into the arena, because they have a physical disability. This gives them the ability to use their minds competitively in their own way.”


In 2024, meaningful steps were taken to update physical and digital infrastructure.


The Recreation Department installed new equipment at Dr. Charles Cunningham, Jr. Park and the new dog park, new sprinkler system and fencing were installed at Memorial Schools softball fields along with new dugout benches and score board at Landis Park. Parking lots at Fiocchi field and Landis Park were resurfaced. Burnt Mill Park faced improvements with a new fishing pier and rehabilitation of the walking bridge.


“Meeting the demand for quality housing is critical in ensuring healthy families will have a place to live in an expanding economy,” continued Fanucci.


The Planning Board approved seven new housing and development projects with a combination of 90 single-family townhomes, single-family units, townhomes and condominiums and 130 unit age-restricted senior cottage community.


The Health Department continued their public education outreach on a variety of topics, provided free vaccinations clinics and conducted blood drives. With help from an infrastructure grant, they’re converted to an online system to better track results compiled by food, septic systems and rabies control inspectors.


Mayor Fanucci concluded his speech thanking the hundred of city employees who continue to go above and beyond to provide services, innovating numerous areas and accomplishing.

“The work that we’re doing together is making our future bright and more possible. There are no shortcuts or easy solutions, there’s only hard work. We’re building Vineland whose brand and identity is run by people who are proud of our city and are excited by its future, not afraid of it.


Cheers to Vineland—where it’s always growing season!

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