Mayor's Weekly Message: The Middlesex Blue Jays have done it again!

Middlesex Baseball

The Middlesex Blue Jays have done it again. A walk-off single in the seventh inning capped the win for its fourth straight victory in the ( C.J. ) Central Jersey Group 1 Championship Series over Point Pleasant Beach. The final score was 2-1 . The Blue Jays were well prepared for the game.

Middlesex (20-4 ) is the top seed in C.J. Group 1 . The Blue Jays will now advance to the Group 1 semifinals next Monday as they will host the South Champion. The South Jersey Group 1 title game will be between Woodstown and Schalick this Saturday. We wish Middlesex Head Coach Justin Nastasi and the team best of luck in the semifinals and continue the momentum. Middlesex has a current winning streak of six games.

First Annual Mike Dessino Golf Outing 2021

On Wednesday, August 25, 2021 the Middlesex Wrestling Booster Club will present the First Annual Mike Dessino Golf Outing 2021. Registration is at 8: am. Shotgun Start is at 9: am-Scramble Play. The cost is $150 per person. The Bunker Hill Golf Course is located at 220 Bunker Hill Rd., Princeton. There will be lunch, prizes and beer will be sold on the course. For more information, please contact Mr. Ryan Boyd at 908-229-1545.

Sponsors are wanted for the event. The cost of sponsorship is $250. For that you will receive a company sign with a logo on a hole, a polo shirt and the money will go to the support The Mike Dessino Scholarship Fund. Please consider sponsoring this worthy event.

The Middlesex Community Pool

As the pandemic is finally winding down and summer is just around the corner, please consider joining this beautiful facility. Get the kids off the computer and cell phones and enjoy this healthy activity. This is a great way to bring friends and families together. Also for single members joining will be a wonderful way to meet new people to socialize and perhaps engender new relationships.

For more information >> Pool web page here
Phone : 908-202-3651
Email: middlesexpoolnj@gmail.com
Facebook : Middlesex Community Pool

Thank You,
Mayor John L Madden

Beautification Committee Chooses June "Homes of the Month"

The Middlesex Borough Beautification Committee is enjoying the “arduous” task of choosing Homes of the Month. Our residents take such pride in their homes!

Shown here are the four homes for the month of June. Look for the ‘HOMES of the MONTH’ sign in the front yard of each of the houses selected.

Conte Family, 22 Dogwood

Tagliaferro Family, 317 Ambrose Ave

Appleby Family, 240 Beechwood Ave.

Correia Family, 69 Greenbrook Road

The Middlesex Beautification Committee drives around town and nominates homes. For more information, visit the Beatification Committee page here.

Notice of Sale: Bond Anticipation Notes

$7,832,673 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES, SERIES 2021A

(Non-Callable) (Bank Qualified)

Bids are being solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 for the purchase of $7,832,673 Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2021A (the “Notes”) of the Borough of Middlesex, in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey (the “Borough” or the “Issuer”). All bids will be publicly opened and announced at the office of the Borough Chief Financial Officer on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., prevailing local time (“Sale Date”).

Full details are available in the Notice document available at the link below.

Message from the Mayor: Memorial Day

This federal holiday is observed on the last Monday in May to honor those men and women who have died in combat while serving in the U.S. Military. The month of May was selected because flowers are in bloom to decorate the graves of soldiers. The official Federal Holiday was set aside in 1971. This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Decoration Day, the original name was selected to set a national uniform activity of commemoration by decorating the graves of our fallen soldiers. Started soon after the Civil War the need was created for proper burial because of so many fallen soldiers. For instance, Arlington National Cemetery contains over 400,000 grave sites (most of which are our fallen combat veterans) sitting on 639 acres owned by the U.S. Army.

Honoring those who served include family gatherings, planned visits to memorials and cemeteries where the heros are interred. Each year, parades were organized and given to also honor the living soldiers. These were all part of the popular traditions for Memorial Day.

Growing up, I had the privilege to be a member of our marching band- a timeless tradition of participation in school.  The parades were very long, typically from 9 am until 1 pm (or later) depending on the number of groups who participated. As we marched to the reviewing stand, we paused and faced the stand to acknowledge those veterans gathered there. We would then play a patriotic number for all the dignitaries, thereafter stop for a moment of silence then continue marching. In addition, there were decorated veterans either walking in the parade or in a vehicle. It was really a thrill and an honor to be part of the tradition. In fact it brought communities and residents together each year. We all learned and cherished mutual respect and adoration which never left me. This represents a true time-honored American Identity.

Let us never lose sight of the importance of this Holiday and may it never be combined with others. Unfortunately, many will engage in parties, barbecues, and vacations since this is the unofficial start of the summer season without a thought of such an important day.

American flags should be at half-staff until noon then full staff until sundown. Please acknowledge the service of those active, retired military and those who have fallen this Memorial Day. 

“FREEDOM IS NOT FREE”

IT WAS THE VETERAN, not the reporter who gave us freedom of the press
IT WAS THE VETERAN, not the poet who gave us freedom of speech
IT WAS THE VETERAN, not the campus organizer who gave us freedom to demonstrate
IT WAS THE VETERAN, who salutes the flag who served beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag.
If you love your freedom
THANK A VET ! “

 Thank you,
Mayor John L. Madden

Community Pool: Photo IDs 2021

Middlesex Community Pool Photo Id's will be used for pool admittance. Every member of the family must have his/her own photo taken. 

• MIDDLESEX BOROUGH RESIDENTS MUST SHOW PROOF OF RESIDENCY IN MIDDLESEX BOROUGH.**

• Families with children must show birth certificates or passports.

• New photo Id's will be taken this year for all members of the pool.

• Age Groups:

• 9 & under

• 10 -13

• 14 and older

• There will be a $5.00 replacement fee for all lost cards.

Location: Pool Office – No Appointment Necessary
DATES:

• May 29 10:00 am to 1:00m pm

• May 30 10:00 am to 1:00pm

• June 6 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

• June 13 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

• June 20 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

• June 27 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Photo ID's MUST be taken to gain access to the pool.  
Any questions regarding photo dates and times should be addressed to the pool secretary. 
Katie Young | 908-202-3651 | Middlesexpoolnj@gmail.com
Will respond with in 24 hours by email.

Mayor Madden's Weekly Message: Swim Pool, Fire Department Carnival

Swim Pool Open House

Saturday, May 22, 2021, the Middlesex Swim Pool Commission hosted their open house from nine am until noon. The Commissioners, staff and volunteers logged in much coordinated time and effort preparing for the event which was a resounding success. In addition, the weather was perfect and inviting. I would say that the morning went “swimmingly” well (pardon the pun). Over 90 people visited, 12 registered on the spot, and others are planning to register online very soon. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to a prior family obligation. However, if you are looking to plan a post-Covid activity, please consider a single or family membership. I wish the Middlesex Swim Pool Commission great success as they are off to a nice start.

The Fire Department Carnival

Since many communities elected to skip their carnival this year due to Covid, the Middlesex Fire Department took a bold and calculated risk with every precaution in mind for protection from the lingering pandemic, the event was a great success. Due to social distancing requirements and scaled down participation for each day, the overall numbers were very good. Although the final numbers are not yet in, I understand that the financial expectations were nevertheless met. I know that an extraordinary amount of effort and planning went into this operation. Congratulations to the entire Fire Department personnel volunteers and DPW for their effort.

Normality?

Finally, as we open more and more following the Governor’s Executive Orders, it looks like we should soon be back to our normal lifestyles with a great sigh of relief. Please plan accordingly with safety in mind for ourselves and others.

Thank you and stay safe.
Mayor John L. Madden

Middlesex Community Pool Swim Lessons

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding swim lessons again this summer. In order to keep our classes as safe as possible, we are reducing our class sizes.  Since your child will then receive more instruction, we will also be changing classes to 30-minute lessons. Your child will receive the same personalized instruction in a safer environment. Lessons are given for a two-week period Monday – Friday.

Registration Fees 

Middlesex Pool Members - $35.00 per child per session. 
Non-Middlesex Pool Members - $70.00 per child per session. 

Registration times 

Member registration: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. 
Non-member registration: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. 

All Registrations are held at the pool the Saturday before the lessons starts. If you cannot make it, please find someone who can sign up your child for you on the registration day. Registrations will not be taken on Sunday or Monday. If you do not know your child’s lesson level, a water test will be given the day of registration. (Levels: Toddlers through Level 6) Please bring your child in a swimsuit, with a towel.

Sessions

SESSION 1: June 21- July 2
TIMES: 10:00 am - 10:30 am, 10:35 to 11:05 am, 11:10 am to 11:40 am  
REGISTRATION: Saturday, June 19 10:00am - 12:00 pm 

SESSION 2: July 5 – July 16 
TIMES:  10:00 am - 10:30 am, 10:35 to 11:05 am, 11:10 am to 11:40 am
REGISTRATION: Saturday, July 3 10:00am –12:00 pm 

SESSION 3 July 19– July 30 
TIMES:  10:00 am - 10:30 am, 10:35 to 11:05 am, 11:10 am to 11:40 am  
REGISTRATION: Saturday, July 17 10:00am –12:00 pm  

SESSION 4: August 2 - August 13
TIMES: 10:00 am - 10:30 am, 10:35 to 11:05 am, 11:10 am to 11:40 am
REGISTRATION: Saturday, July 31 10:00am –12:00 pm  

Thank you,
Middlesex Community Pool

Weekly Message from the Mayor: Making Pleasant-Weather Plans

Middlesex Community Pool and Recreation

Now that the pleasant weather is here, many of you are probably considering making plans for perhaps a much overdue vacation, a trip out of state to visit family, a short get-a-way weekend just to, well-get away. It is clear that we are all embodying a sense of the need for covid separation however we package it.

The Pool

Please include in your plans to attend the upcoming Open House at the Community Pool. Mark your calendar for May 22, 2021 from nine in the morning to noon. So much has gone into the preparation for a great season with all the amenities that the Community Pool offer. I recently took a stroll down to the pool and I must admit I have never seen all three pools look any better. For those on a tight budget, you will get an unbelievable value that can be enjoyed all season.

Speaking about value, if you research membership prices at other area pools, you will see that the Middlesex Community Pool is the most affordable. We’ll see you there.

Recreation

The fine weather is again kicking the Recreation Department into high gear. There is so much more to offer this year thanks to the hard work of the entire staff and volunteers. In fact there are programs for virtually every age group so there is no excuse for not participating in the many offerings.

For instance, May 23, 2021 there is a free photography/art media program which is a new feature in recreation programming here in Middlesex Borough. Also, on July 6, there will be a youth arts and crafts toddler program and summer day playground. Registration starts now.  Soccer registration will be out soon. Also look for consignment tickets for Maury’s Pier, six flags and Adventure Aquarium. Please check the recreation web site for complete information. As the pandemic is quickly winding down the exciting news is that many avenues of sports, entertainment and a whole host of outdoor activities await us. I see very little reason to leave our beautiful town to look elsewhere for the plethora of fun and activities of which we have right here.

Don’t let your guard down

Please remain vigilant for covid protection until we have turned the corner 100 % .  Take advantage of all that is being offered and let us all enjoy our families and friends- we are deserving of it.  

Mayor John L. Madden

Beautification Committe Restarts "Homes of the Month" Program

Middlesex Borough Beautification Committee is starting the ‘Homes of the Month’ program once again from May to October and December.  A few homes with beautiful flowers and/or shrubbery or holiday decorations in the front yard will be selected each month. Start looking for the ‘Homes of the Month’ signs on the lawns of your neighbors.

 Everyone has gone through a difficult year isolating because of Covid-19.  It is nice to begin to come out into the sunshine and share life with our fellow neighbors.  We on the Beautification Committee look forward to driving around town nominating homes and seeing smiling faces.

Look for the ‘HOMES of the MONTH’ sign on the front yards of each of the houses selected.

 You can find a picture of each of the homes selected monthly here on the Middlesex website and on the Beautification Committee page here.

And watch the Middlesex Facebook page, too!

Residents: Please Take Our Rec Department Survey

Middlesex Community

The Middlesex Recreation Department wants to know how we can be better. Your voice counts, so please use it! The link here leads to a COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS survey (8 questions). We look forward to reviewing your feedback.

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Middlesex County Expands Covid-19 Vaccine Accessibility

MAY 10, 2021

The Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 Single Shot Vaccine is being offered on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center 721 Cranbury Rd East Brunswick between 5 – 7 PM. You can register here at this link >> https://curogram.com/registrations/6093176fd58730d868a9eccd (link opens in new window). Coordinated by East Brunswick Township working with Catholic Charities of Metuchen and the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey.

MAY 4, 2021

Booking a vaccine appointment is easy and convenient; walk-in appointments beginning May 13. The County is now utilizing its own scheduling system... READ more details on the County website here: www.middlesexcountynj.gov/vaccine. Read the County’s press release with more details here (PDF).

Mayor's Weekly Message: the New Journey Back to Normalcy

Covid- the New Journey Back to Normalcy

Finally, the Governor has announced recently, that many of the rules and restrictions that we have all come to embrace for such a long period of time are being relaxed. Since state-wide testing and the availability of vaccine doses have become much more prevalent has been his justification for the announcement. The allowable limit for outdoor gatherings has increased from 200 to 500 people. Large outdoor venues (sport and entertainment) with more than 1,000 seats are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. Indoor catering events are also allowed to increase their capacity to 50 percent.

In addition, hospitalization and infection rates are continuing their steady decline. Middlesex Borough registered three days in the last two weeks at zero new positive cases. Generally, immunization operations are getting significantly smaller as vaccine supplies are holding steady. The interesting question is why are so many people resistant to either getting the vaccine altogether or opting not to receive the second dose? I understand that some people have been turned off by the brief J & J issue that was quickly resolved.

Even the number of New Jersey school districts offering only all-remote instruction has precipitously dropped. In fact the handful of of holdouts, now at fifteen districts are urged to return to in-person learning very soon. I believe that the influence of so many parents demanding to get their children back in the classroom after much “politics” had a profound effect on that decision whether supported by science or not. I also can’t help to think that this is indeed an election year for Governor Murphy.

Personal experience

My own experience with Covid has really given me a more guided opinion of the need for protection. As we have seen, sometime people who diligently mask up and stay socially distanced may “slip up” as I had a momentary lapse and next thing I knew the virus had become my uninvited guest. The consequence proved to be inevitable and required an immediate response since I had been waiting for my vaccine for several months at that point. Again as mentioned in an earlier message, the Monoclonal infusion that I received gave me significant relief within half a day even though my symptoms were moderate with no fever. Realizing that there are those who do not have ready access to alleviate the virus and more importantly become super spreaders unknowingly, has made an impact on me due to my own personal experience. I have become more circumspect for these reasons. For those who have never had such an experience it may be difficult to recognize the urgency of this caliber for prompt viral protection .

A cautionary tale

Just understanding what the Republic of India is currently experiencing is unimaginable to most of us. In fact a recent report from the CDC dated May 7, 2021 indicates to date more than 18 million cases have been reported (there may be many more) and rapidly increasing! In addition there are four new variants deemed as “variants of interest” and have “characteristics of concern.”

Be part of the solution

Please be aware of these considerations, obtain your information from legitimate medical authorities and keep in mind that we are moving in the right direction regarding proper protection and safeguarding our families, friends, and neighbors. We are almost there. The warmer spring and summer days are soon upon us. We look forward to rejuvenation of our well-being and spirit.

Please stay safe and enjoy the season.
Mayor John L. Madden

Recycle It, Middlesex! May Events and Tips

In addition to the regular recycling opportunities, the County is holding several May events.

Paper Shredding * Paint * Household Hazardous Waste * Tires * Used Cooking Oil * Electronics

See the full May schedule on the County website >> middlesexcountynj.gov/recycle. FOR ALL PROGRAMS you must follow social distancing guidelines to participate. Face covering required.

Bring confidential documents like bank statements, tax returns, bills, and pay stubs to our paper shredding events. You must wear a face covering. Keep your windows closed and stay in your vehicle at all times. Arrive with material for recycling in your trunk, cargo area, or truck bed, easily accessible to our staff, who will remove it from your vehicle.

"HOW DO I KNOW IF IT'S RECYCLABLE?"

DOWNLOAD RECYCLE COACH!

Please download app to stay up to date on recycle pickup news and schedule changes. Recycle hotline for missed pick up or complaints should be directed to MCUA. Many complaints can be reported on the app as well. Or call the Recycle Hotline, 1-800-488-6242.

Borough DPW - RECYCLE CENTER Hours

Visit our Recycle Center Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday located directly behind 1200 Mountain Ave. Do not forget to bring a photo ID for proof of residency and a bulk coupon to dispose bulky items. Our employees are there to asist you in any way.

Message from Mayor Madden: Literacy, Learning, and Libraries

Initiatives For All Seasons - Literacy, Learning, and Libraries

Public libraries have historically provided citizens with a constant renewal of updated knowledge, information and programs as our needs progress and change with each year. This persistent policy of change, reinvention and improvement has been the hallmark of our Middlesex Public Library.

Today, one can immerse in the myriad availability of electronic services such as Knowledge City, or other related services to pique the interest of all ages especially our younger generation.

As a public figure I have grave concerns regarding the constant threat of cyber security issues (of which the Borough have been recently victimized on a smaller scale) which makes it extremely difficult to trust internet sources particularly when researching various topics. Unfortunately, these issues are constantly evolving into more sophisticated challenges. Our efficient library system provides safe “Ready Reference” resources by phone and email to provide protected sources and websites for one’s perusal. The staff are always willing to share valuable information from reputable and trustworthy sources of which one can safely rely upon. In addition, the wealth of available reliable information goes far beyond the brick-and-mortar facility. Patrons are able to receive easily-accessed materials from the repository of over 32 different libraries in the Library of Middlesex Automation Consortium through interlibrary loans - what a contract to our family’s bookshelf Encyclopedia Britannica days growing up.

Benefits for Everyone

Engaging in the various library activities and programs will appeal to every age group and every type of learning interest. Sprinkle in the cultural arts incentives and the many learning programs of customs in one’s native country can create a stirring curiosity of our ancestry. It is indeed well recognized that such immersive engagement especially at a younger age will ultimately promote lasting benefits both socially and socioeconomically as we get older and as unforeseen circumstances in our lives constantly change.

Some other benefits include an intuitive understanding of our career, livelihood and family participation. Indirectly, one may benefit from an unrecognized but well- conceived discernment as a public figure or generally as a member of society.

Safe and clean

Lastly, our library vigorously maintains all Covid-safety precautions such as social distancing, sanitizing stations, one ingress and one egress. The library personnel also provide frequent sanitizing of trafficked areas and all handled material. Tables and chairs are spaced at correct social distances. Limiting occupancy during browsing hours are constantly monitored.

For more information, please visit the website: www.middlesexlibrarynj.org . You may also reach out to our Library Director, Ms. Chrissy George, at 732-356-6602. Her cell is (732) 907-7749.

As a postscript, I want to again wish to thank Ms. George, the Staff, and the entire Library Board for making all this possible while maintaining our interest in literacy and learning, courtesy of the Middlesex Public Library.

We have indeed come a very long way from my cuneiform writing days. I wish I could remember if my library card was made of parchment or papyrus. Have a wonderful spring and please be safe.

Mayor John L. Madden

Pool News: It's All Happening Soon!

POOL OPEN HOUSE - MAY 22ND

Save the Date! May 22

Visit our Middlesex Community Pool facility on May 22 for our Open House from 9 am - 12 Noon. If you’ve ever thought about joining the pool, you can now visit us prior to the season to view our facility and discover all that we have to offer! Once you see our pool, we know you’ll want to be a member! We are also one of the most affordable pools in the area. (Event rain date May 23.)

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SWIMMING EVENT.

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NON-MIDDLESEX RESIDENTS: REGISTRATION OPENS May 1

Registration for Non-Middlesex Residents starts on May 1, 2021. New this year - Receive a discount if you join between May 1st and May 15th! See our Pool page here for pricing. Also, please see our Newsletter on our website for detailed information.

GUEST PASSES / SWIM LESSONS / PROGRAMS

The Pool will we be allowing guests for Summer 2021! Passes may be purchased at our Front Desk. At this time we are planning to have swim lessons. Class sizes will be smaller to allow for social distancing. We plan on running all of our programs this season, Aqua Zumba, Swim Team and Synchronized Swim Team, Early Morning Lap Swimming from 6-9:00am, dependent on future County and State restrictions.

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OPENING DAY - MAY 29TH, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

The Middlesex Community Pool opens Memorial Day Weekend, including Monday (May 29th-31st). We are open weekends only starting Memorial Day weekend. We are then open seven (7) days a week starting June 19th through Labor Day weekend, including Monday. Hours of Operation: The pool is open from 12:00 Noon to 8:00pm

Message from the Mayor: Initiatives for All Seasons (the Library!)

A Year of Challenge, Creativity, and Imagination

While Covid-19 continues to be the wretched bane of our wonderful community, why not indulge ourselves to a vast array of fun activities and learning opportunities for residents of all ages right in our back yard – the Middlesex Public Library? Although the doors remain closed to the public, there is much to offer nevertheless. Ms. Chrissy George, our Library Director, has utilized her creative and imaginative skills to provide programs and services thanks to the ubiquitous availability of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Constant Contact email blasts. The Borough is very fortunate to have her at the helm.

Some important features include highlighting books that may have perhaps gone unnoticed to provide definitive material for Women’s History Month, Asian Pacific Islander Month, and many more to share each group’s valuable contributions for interested patrons.

In addition, electronic services are offered for a wide range of community enrichment programs such as Knowledge City, a website providing webinars on current skills in areas of technology, finance, compliance, etc.

Other offerings include; Hot Chocolate Bomb kits, Story Times and Crafts with Miss Mo and Miss Theresa, Fanfiction Writing with Miss Kristin, just to name a few. There are more to come soon. Keeping our children engaged during these difficult times is vital.

Not just for Kids!

Libraries 2 Business offers online workshops and classes on business related skills. These proficiency-building services are provided FREE to all patrons. In my opinion these are all great opportunities to enhance so much of our livelihood whether to tweak a resume, verbally prepare for a job promotion, provide a more efficient structure for home finances or just for one’s personal edification .

All of the services that have been offered last year during Covid will continue to remain available to the patrons. On May 3, 2021, the plan will be to reopen the doors for in-person browsing hours and computer usage. Every precaution during the pandemic is strictly followed and will continue.

Due to the many varied activities, programs, and services that are offered and not mentioned in this message, we will be covering the Library again in a subsequent article.

Stay tuned and stay safe.

Regards,
Mayor John L. Madden

Mayor's Message: The Joint Land Use Board

After attending the Planning Board meetings back in 2018 and 2019,  I observed several inconsistencies during the conduct of the meetings namely a lack of communication, unnecessary postponements leading to bottlenecks and general inefficiencies which ultimately needed to be addressed.

Effective, January 1, 2020 the Borough of Middlesex consolidated the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment. The new Board is officially known as the Joint Land Use Board (JLUB). There was a need to also replace many of the Planning Board members to effectively reconstitute the new Board into the streamlined organization that we see today.

The change created immediate benefits and efficiencies for the Borough such as reducing the number of monthly meetings from four to now two and eliminating duplication from zoning and planning board requirements. The Borough also saves money by reducing payment of fees to attorneys and professionals. The process for applicants is now substantially streamlined.

Planning Functions

The purpose of the Joint Land Use Board is to ensure compliance and conformity to follow the Master Plan (now in it’s ninth of ten years ) The Master Plan is the road map or blueprint of how the Borough will grow and develop with current land use policies.

The Joint Land Use Board consists of eleven Board Members (nine regular and two alternates), an attorney, engineer, planner, and a board secretary. All eleven Board members are Middlesex Borough residents who volunteer their time and effort while receiving no compensation of any kind. The Joint Land Use Board reviews and approves site plan and subdivision applications. The Board is also tasked with conducting preliminary investigations of areas in need of rehabilitation or redevelopment. Lastly, the Board reviews land use-related ordinances to make sure it is consistent with the Master Plan. The Board will also provide recommendations and advisories to the Mayor and Council on proposed ordinance amendments.

Zoning Functions

The Joint Land Use Board also hears zoning-related matters such as applications for use variances and bulk variances. This occurs when an applicant does not meet all the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and is seeking approval for the deficiencies. For instance, a property owner or tenant may seek a use variance when he/she proposes a use of the property that is prohibited in that specific zone. On the other hand, a property owner may seek a bulk variance for physical improvements to the property that do not comply with the dimensional requirements of the applicable zone such as setback, height, impervious coverage, or other physical requirements. Please keep in mind that the applicant is not entitled to a use or bulk variance. Rather, the burden is on the applicant to prove to the Board that it meets the specific criteria contained in the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) and relevant case law.

The Board meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 pm typically in council chambers at Borough Hall. However, during the pandemic, meetings are conducted at the Recreation Center.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Joint Land Use Board Chairman, Michael Conahan at 908-625-8731 or email:

michael_conahan@yahoo.com

Thank you and please stay safe.
Mayor John L. Madden

Weekly Message from Mayor Madden: the Library's New Meditation Garden

With all the doom and gloom that we have witnessed over the past 15 months, one prominent ray of sunshine has emerged located in front of the library. From concept to creation, the garden will soon yield a stunning display of serenity and solace for our residents who wish to visit and enjoy.

Although the plantings are not yet mature and the wildlife are indulging in the cornucopia of culinary comfort cuisine (so much for deer/rodent resistant species), this garden will provide a refreshing tonic of distraction over the “sea of troubles” which has affected all of us.

The Meditation Garden contains bench seats soon under the shade, stepping stones for the approach, and beautiful Delaware River rocks circumscribing the gentle-flowing organic design of its overall shape. The shape that I selected is an amalgamation of ovals and ellipses which represent a perception or sense of unity and eternity as they have no beginning or end. The plant pairing represent the contrast of various aesthetic shapes and colors (coming soon). Hopefully we will have some painted stones from the children to add vibrancy.

Gratitude

I want to personally thank Ms. Chrissy George (our innovative Library Director), Mr. Lenny Vidal (DPW Superintendent), and the DPW crews for their tireless effort, diligent participation, and cooperation to help see this project to completion. I apologize if I have excluded any one here.

In addition, until today’s rain, early spring has greeted us with some pretty spectacular weather and pleasant conditions! Many visitors will find their personal contentment and renewal in our Meditation garden. We all deserve our personal Zen to relieve to the many stressors of life.

Remember, maintaining a garden teaches us a nurturing heart, thrift and industry while adding “years to your life and life to your years.“

Please enjoy your Meditation Garden and stay safe.
Mayor John L. Madden

Arbor Day Foundation names Middlesex a 2020 Tree City USA

(March 18, 2021) Lincoln, Nebraska-based Arbor Day Foundation has named Middlesex, New Jersey a 2020 Tree City USA® in recognition of our community’s commitment to caring for and managing its public trees. A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!

Tree City USA is a community improvement and national recognition program for towns and cities, sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Middlesex Borough achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Learn more about the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission here.

Read the official recognition letter from the Arbor Day Foundation here.

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The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. More information about Tree City USA can be found here (link opens in new window).

Local Covid-19 Testing Resources

Middlesex County Health Services provides free COVID-19 testing weekly at 1 Ericsson Drive, Piscataway, NJ 08846. The site is 3.5 miles from the Middlesex Police Headquarters so it is very convenient location for our residents. More information and online appointment registration is available at this link.

Ridgewood Diagnostic Laboratory is offering COVID-19 and Antibody Testing at New Brunswick Housing and Redevelopment Authority, located at 7 Van Dyke Ave, New Brunswick. Call 973 -218 - 4757 or visit www.ridgewoodlab.com. Ridgewood Diagnostic Labs is a CLIA certified lab, their tests are FDA approved, and they provide PCR testing at no cost to those Insured OR Uninsured as covered by the Federal Cares Act. Results are returned in 24-48 hours by text and/or email. All Positive cases are reported to the State. They are currently up and running in 20+ additional communities throughout NJ.