Neighbor News
Mayor DiBattista Cuts Ribbon to Celebrate the Living Clocktower
Catalyst Experiential's latest project creates an urban oasis amidst the business district
March 23, 2021 (Pennsauken, NJ) — The transformation of an eyesore property into a suburban oasis was formally commemorated yesterday with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Pennsauken. The Living Clocktower on Route 38 was developed in public private partnership by Catalyst Experiential and Pennsauken Township.
Catalyst Vice President Amanda Toton welcomed the Municipal Committee, "The idea of this Landmark commenced a little over two years ago. From our first conversations with the township, this parcel was identified as one in need of transformation. At that time, the site we are standing on today was an eyesore encompassing almost an acre of impervious surface. You no doubt remember the asphalt lot with the pink car stereo shop."
Amanda continued to highlight key features of the project, "There are 62 twenty-foot tall evergreens that were transplanted and provide a buffer from traffic sound for nearby residents. . . Behind me is a pond that covers 1/3rd of an acre, surrounded by 132 tons of natural boulders, and brought alive by three dynamic geysers."
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She then passed the scissors to Mayor Marco Battista, who thanked Catalyst before cutting the ribbon, "We want to thank you for coming to our town, and taking something that was a problem for us and putting something beautiful in its place. It means a lot to us, and we are excited to have you guys inside of our township."
As the Mayor finished his comments, the geysers came to life behind him, and Pennsauken Deputy Mayor Jessica Raffeh and Committee Persons Vince Martinez and Nikki Roberts joined the mayor in enjoying the memorable moment.
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The Living Landmark also has a sister project. On Route 70, a Landmark with evergreens, a pond, geyser replaced an eyesore. The eyesore on 70 was a dated rug store. Together, these installations form a gateway the community, as well as a communications platform reaching people as they enter or leave Pennsauken on these two prominent routes.