Growth Opportunities
Deptford continues to prioritize areas that make the township an attractive place for residents, visitors and businesses alike.
Longtime Deptford Mayor Paul Medany didn’t hesitate when asked what sets his town apart from others in the region. “Deptford,” he says, “has it all.”
With economic development always in the forefront, Deptford is a bustling township and boasts a vibrant commercial sector that is filled with robust shopping, varied restaurants and top-tier medical facilities. But just a short drive from the Deptford Mall or one of the many busy shopping centers reveals cozy, tight-knit neighborhoods, public parks and preserved green spaces.
All of these things—combined with an active local police department that prioritizes safety and community relations—makes Deptford one of South Jersey’s most desirable zip codes.
“We have a great geographical location. We concentrate on public safety and on infrastructure,” Medany says. “We want people to come here, to visit and to get to know us. We welcome everyone.”
From the ground up
When the Deptford Mall opened in 1975, the township became a shopping destination. It has maintained this reputation for 50 years, but this isn’t something that comes easily. Economic development is something the township leaders are always prioritizing.
In fact, Deptford received the Southern New Jersey Development Council’s Economic Development Award this past October, and Medany easily identifies the reasons why he believes the township earned the honor.
“It’s the whole economic development show going on in Deptford Township,” he says, referring to the revitalized Deptford Town Center shopping center as a key contributing factor.
The shopping center across from the mall became vacant in spring 2023 when its former tenants closed due to corporate bankruptcy. A developer from Pennsylvania bought the property, and it is now full with a variety of businesses, with Tractor Supply Co., Nordstrom Rack, Blinds To Go, and the eatery First Watch among them.
“Aldi is there, too. We were always looking for another super market here in Deptford,” Medany says. “I think all of that attention is what got us the award.”
Continuing to build around the mall area is what keeps visitors flocking to Deptford. Inspira Health Center Deptford took the old Dick’s Sporting Goods location on Almonesson Road and the medical center is now thriving, offering primary care, rehabilitation and a variety of specialty care options.
“There are a lot of spokes in the wheel,” Medany says. “We want the medical. We want the restaurants. We want the stores. We need a whole variety here, and so far we’re accomplishing that.”
Roads most traveled
Economic development cannot succeed without close attention to local infrastructure—and fortunately, Deptford Township is focused on both.
To that end, Deptford runs a road program every year, spending $1.5 to $2 million—not including grant funding—on keeping roads in tip-top shape. There are continuous conversations with county and state departments to keep their roads maintained, too.
“We just got the county to pave Almonesson Road and Clements Bridge Road,” Medany says. “Deptford Center Road, believe it or not, is a local road, and we’ll be repaving that in the next couple of months through a grant.”
The state will soon be repaving the Route 41 and Deptford Center Road intersection, too.
“We need traffic to flow around Deptford and through the mall area, and it certainly does that,” Medany says. “People want to be able to get where they’re going and get in and out with ease.”
Safety first
Deptford is very safe, Medany boasts. Aside from fender benders, the shopping area is well equipped with cameras, license plate readers and other technology to keep shoppers and workers safe day and night.
The local police force, of course, helps with this, too.
The Deptford Township Police Department is comprised of a steady 70 members. Six new officers recently joined the force and four more will be starting with the police academy in August.
“The police are an integral part of the community,” Medany says. “We’re very event oriented here in Deptford, and at those events, residents and visitors can come and meet our officers. The police chief usually comes himself. You have direct access, and we concentrate on that.”
The township’s fire district includes five battalions, and a combination of paid and volunteer members. Gloucester County provides the EMT and ambulance force, with a brand new station recently built in town.
“We couldn’t forget our firefighters and EMTs,” Medany says. “They’re all part of the team.”
Moving ahead
While Deptford will continue to evaluate and improve upon its economic development, local infrastructure and strong safety record, the coming months will also be bringing another improvement to the township—namely, with a fresh website design and launch of a new mobile app. Regular electronic newsletters will also be offered later this year. These efforts will better reach residents and visitors, and also expand upon the video updates Medany already posts to the township’s social channels most weeks.
“We feel the need to pump out as much information as we can,” Medany says.
With that type of outreach the word is certainly spreading: Deptford is a great place to live, work and play.
Deptford Township
