Recycling Issues, Continued: Some Routes Postponed Today
Due to ongoing staff shortages, three Middlesex routes have been postponed until tomorrow…
Recycling Issues, Continued: Friday, June 24, 2022
Due to ongoing staff shortages, two Middlesex routes have been postponed until tomorrow June 25, 2022 for recycling pickup. Please refer to this map for the affected areas (highlighted). For any recycling questions call 800-488-6242.
Select the image below for a PDF version of the map.
Recycling Issues: Thursday, June 23, 2022
Due to ongoing staff shortages, three Middlesex routes have been postponed until tomorrow June 24, 2022 for recycling pickup. Please refer to the map below (click the image to view as PDF) for the affected areas (highlighted). For any recycling questions call 800-488-6242.
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
This week our Health Department would like to bring attention to the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout NJ and the US…
The Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission and the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) help educate the general public about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers throughout New Jersey and the United States.
Please take advantage of the enclosed brochures which contain informat on on mosquito life cycle, mosquito source checklist and tips on how to manage mosquitoes around homes and businesses which will help citizens reduce t he numbers of mosquitoes in their own neighborhoods.
Read the information from the County (PDF link)
Middlesex Borough Rescue Squad visits the Pool
Our friends from the Middlesex Borough Rescue Squad visited the Pool tonight to sharpen their water rescue skills…
Our friends from the Middlesex Borough Rescue Squad visited the Pool tonight to sharpen their water rescue skills for the upcoming Summer season. It was a wonderful collaboration between the Rescue Squad and the Pool's lifeguarding staff for the benefit of the Middlesex Community as well as the Pool Community.
Relief Measures Available for Residential Utility Customers
For residential ratepayers that have experienced economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, relief measures are available through the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
Ratepayer Notice: COVID-19 Relief Measures
This notice announces relief measures for residential ratepayers that have experienced economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please review this message in its entirety. For more information please go to the Department of Community Affairs website at https://nj.gov/dca/news/news/2022/approved/20220302.shtml or contact ddelvecchio@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
INSTALLMENT PLAN AVAILABILITY
BE ADVISED that State law requires residential customers to be offered an installment plan for unpaid water, sewer and/or electric charges accruing between March 9, 2020 and March 15, 2022. To maintain the installment plan, a residential customer must make timely payments on all current charges. If the residential customer fails to pay their arrearages and/or current charges within 30 days after the due date, then the installment plan is void and the Borough of Middlesex can proceed with enforcement. Sewer liens that were sold before January 1, 2022 cannot be included in the installment plan.
LATE FEES, CHARGES AND PENALTIES
BE ADVISED that P.L. 2021, c. 317 and P.L. 2022, c. 4 prohibit local governments from charging residential customers interest, fees, or charges for late payment of water, sewer and/or electric charges accruing between March 9, 2020 and March 15, 2022. This prohibition does not apply to sewer liens that were sold before January 1, 2022. Late interest, fees or charges may be enforced against unpaid charges accruing before March 9, 2020 and after March 15, 2022.
BILL ASSISTANCE AND ARREARAGE FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS
BE ADVISED that the application period for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is now open. This federally funded program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income households to reduce the balances on their residential water and sewer bills. LIHWAP will provide benefits directly to water and sewer service providers on behalf of residential customers. The assistance can be used, in order of priority, to:
restore services where services have been terminated and pay reconnection fees and other charges accrued due to a disconnection;
avoid service disruption for those residential customers who are in danger of disconnection (i.e., received shut off notices or have past due balances) and to help them afford bill payment going forward; and
support those household customers who are current in their bills but might be in danger of falling behind in the near future.
Priority will also be given to families with elderly or disabled household members and/or with children under the age of five, no matter which category they fall into.
To be eligible for LIHWAP assistance, applicants must be water/sewer bill holders who are responsible for paying their water and sewer bills directly to the water/sewer provider. Also, applicants’ total gross household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income ($6,439 a month for a family of four). Participants in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are automatically eligible for LIHWAP assistance so long as they are water/sewer bill holders. The LIHWAP frequently asked questions webpage, available at https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/lihwapfaq, has additional information about maximum income limits and other items.
Apply Online (or Call)
People can apply online through the DCAid application portal at https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/en-US/dcaid-services/.
Those without computer or internet access can call 1-800-510-3102 to be directed to one of the community action agencies for assistance with starting, completing, and submitting an application online.
Family Movie Night is July 20 at Mountain View Park
The movie will begin at 8:30 pm. Come early and get a good spot and some refreshments! Popcorn & refreshments will be sold.
Download the Flyer (PDF)
Grab your beach chair & blanket and head to the park for a night at the movies in the great outdoors! The large screen will take some of us back to the good ol’ days of drive-in movies – without the car!
What’s playing you ask?
Sorry we’re not allowed to advertise the movie that will be featured due to copyright issues, but we can tell you that it’ll be a fun family movie of a “G” or “PG” rating.
Admission: Free for Adults and Children!
The movie will begin at 8:30 pm. Come early and get a good spot and some refreshments! Popcorn & refreshments will be sold.
In case of inclement weather call the hotline as of 5PM for updates: (732) 356-7400 Ext. 600. (Rain Date: July 21.)
Sponsored by the Middlesex Recreation Department.
OEM's Maggie Schneider Graduates Magna Cum Laude from Rowan U
Maggie earned bachelor’s degrees in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and Law and Justice…
Maggie Schneider, a graduate of Middlesex Borough's 2017 CERT program (and OEM council member) graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rowan University on May 10th.
Maggie earned bachelor’s degrees in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and Law and Justice. She also earned a certificate in Counterterrorism and Emergency Response Operations and was recognized as an Outstanding Senior. She will be continuing her education at Oklahoma State University to receive her Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Administration.
Congratulations, Maggie – we are so proud!
Middlesex Tidbits: Our Borough’s History Starts With Piscataway
This month’s Tidbit from the Cultural and Heritage Committee reminds us about the very large tract of land situated on the Raritan River.
June Tidbit – Cultural and Heritage Committee
In order to appreciate the history of Middlesex, we also must recognize the history of Piscataway.
Originally, Piscataway was a very large tract of land situated on the Raritan River and settled in the mid 1600’s by settlers from Maine. Long before these settlers arrived, the Native Americans were using what is now River Road, as a main trade route with the Dutch in New York City.
Settlers from Maine purchased the land from the friendly Native Americans and, by the late 1600’s, Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers and Baptists all contributed to the development of that portion which would eventually become Middlesex Borough.
It was also during this colonial period that the settlers used what is now Rt#28/Bound Brook Road/Union Avenue, as a main highway for trade and travel between New York City and Philadelphia.
Primary Election June 7: Polling Locations, Voting Information
For District 5 & 6 (Hazelwood School Gymnasium), VOTERS MUST enter Door 7 (back of school) to vote…
The NJ Primary Election date is June 7, 2022. The following Polling Locations will be utilized
| District No. | Location |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | Middlesex High School Gymnasium |
| 4 & 10 | American Legion Post 306 (Legion Place) |
| 5 & 6 | Hazelwood School GymnasiumCLARIFICATION/CORRECTION Voters should enter door 3. (Students will not be in school that day and our previous note about entering through the back of school is not necessary.) |
| 7, 8, 9 | Von E. Mauger School (Gorman Gymnasium) |
NOTE: all registered voters affected by their original district being relocated have been notified by mail via postcard, sent May 6th.
Polling Locations will be open from 6AM – 8PM. Locations will also be noted on the sample ballot that you receive in the mail.
How Can You Vote?
Here are the 3 ways you can vote in the upcoming Primary Election:
Vote-By-Mail Ballot
In-Person Early Voting
At Your Polling Place on Primary Election Day
The last day to register to vote for the 2022 Primary Election is May 17th. Any resident who would like to receive a Mail in Ballot for the Primary Election must apply by the May 31st deadline. For more information about voting in this election (and other voting information), please visit the "Clerk" page on our website here.
In addition to our Borough’s website here, the Middlesex County Vote website here has voter information and links to additional resources surrounding the elections process for residents.
Poll Workers Needed for Primary Election June 7
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Support Your Democracy!
Call Borough Clerk Linda Chismar at 732-356-7400, Ext. 236 or 238.
5:00 am to 8:00 pm
$300 plus $30 for Mandatory Training for 18 years and above
(for 16 & 17 years old, half-day $150 plus $30 for Mandatory Training)
Support Your Democracy!
New (More!) Recycling Center Hours
New hours and days for the Borough Recycling Center, plus links to Recycle Coach and the County events, too.
Now you can visit our Recycling Center TUESDAY–SATURDAY with our expanded hours! We’re 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.
Recycling Center Hours of Operation (Eff. May 2022)
Monday >> Closed
Tuesday >> 6:00am - 1:45pm
Wednesday >> 6:00am - 1:45pm
Thursday >> 6:00am- 5:45pm
Friday >> 6:00am - 1:45pm
Saturday >> 7:00am - 2:45pm
Sunday >> Closed
Additional Recycling Resources
Visit the County website here for opportunities to recycle, including Paper Shredding events and Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events.
"HOW DO I KNOW IF IT'S RECYCLABLE?"
DOWNLOAD RECYCLE COACH!
Please download the app to stay up to date on recycle pickup news and schedule changes. Some complaints and feedback can be reported on the app as well. Any missed pick up or urgent complaints should be directed to MCUA at their Recycle Hotline, 1-800-488-6242.
Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, June 4th!
Hosted jointly by the Middlesex Department of Public Works and the Middlesex Public Library, Touch-A-Truck is back this year!
HONK HONK – make way for the 2022 Touch-A-Truck interactive event on Saturday afternoon from 12-3pm at Mountainview Park!
Hosted jointly by the Middlesex Department of Public Works and the Middlesex Public Library, Touch-A-Truck is back this year. Explore and learn about all the big trucks and equipment used by our Department of Public Works, as well as all the ways to get your brain working with hands on experiences – activities, treats, giveaways, and more surprises to be announced.
Volunteers Needed
Assist in giveaways and STEM activity stations – email cgeorge@middlesexlibrarynj.org to volunteer. We need volunteers ages 13yrs-18yrs old from 11am-4pm on June 4th. Help your community * Receive service hours * Have fun!
Sponsor It
Our sponsor list is growing, and YOU can be a part of it - email cgeorge@middlesexlibrarynj.org.
Spread the Word & Watch for Updates
Keep your eyes peeled on the official Touch-A-Truck page, http://www.middlesexlibrarynj.org/touch-a-truck/ for all updates.
Arbor Day Foundation names Middlesex a 2021 Tree City USA
A special thank-you goes out to the members of our Shade Tree Commission for their important role in earning this designation!
May 2022 | Middlesex was named a “2021 Tree City USA®” by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. 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: forming a tree board or department, creating a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Learn more about the Borough’s Shade Tree Commission here.
Read the official press release from the Arbor Day Foundation (pdf)
Read more about the Tree City USA program on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website here.
Arbor Day Planting Photo Gallery
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).
Reminder: 2nd Quarter 2022 Property Taxes Due May 1st
The grace period date is May 10 at 4:00 pm.
Reminder: 2nd Quarter 2022 property taxes are due May 1, 2022. The grace period date is May 10 at 4:00 pm. Payments received after May 10th, 4:00 pm will accrue interest back to May 1st.
For payment options and additional information, visit the Finance page here.
Calling All Community Organizations: Memorial Day Parade
All Middlesex community organizations are welcome to participate in the parade!
Save the Date!
The Middlesex Borough Recreation Department and American Legion Post 306 invite you to this year’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30!
10:00 am Ceramony at Victor Crowell Park
10:45 am Parade Kickoff Rain or Shine
Music and refreshments will be served at the Legion immediately after the parade.
All Middlesex community organizations are welcome to participate in the parade!
If you are interested, please contact the Middlesex Recreation department at 732-356-7400 x258 or recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
Download and share the flyer
Notice of Sale: Bond Anticipation Notes 2022A
Bids are being solicited through a fair and open process…
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 $4,420,000 Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2022A (the “Notes”) of the Borough of Middlesex, in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey (the “Borough” or the “Issuer”). All bids will be received by the Borough’s municipal advisor, Phoenix Advisors, LLC (the “Municipal Advisor”), on behalf of the Borough on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 11:15 a.m., prevailing local time (“Sale Date”).
Full details are available in the Notice document available at the link below.
Summer Playground is Right Around the Corner!
Summer Playground is for children who want to have fun and for parents who want some structure to the summer!
Summer Playground is for children who want to have fun and for parents who want some structure to the summer! Our Mountain View Park site will have a staff to camper ratio of 1:8.
Children will bring home a schedule of activities including:
Arts and Crafts
Sporting Events
Games
Science Experiments and other educational activities
Free Play
and themed days!
Registration
Registration MUST be done online or by mail. Program is open to Middlesex Borough residents ONLY. No refunds will be issued after June 17, 2022. You will receive a confirmation letter with camp rules and regulations after the deadline has passed.
WHO: Children currently in grades K-5
WHEN: June 27th–August 5th
Monday - Friday • 9 AM–12 NoonENTIRE SUMMER FEE: $225 per child
OR WEEKLY FEE: $50 per week per childMiddlesex Recreation Department
1200 Mountain Ave., Middlesex, NJ 08846
(732) 356-7400 Ext. 277
recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov
All late applicants shall be charged an additional $20 late fee in addition to the registration fee. Late applicants shall be considered if space is available, but shall not be considered more than two weeks after the deadline. Any eligible reimbursement shall be subject to a 10% fee.
Cultural and Heritage Committee: Middlesex Tidbits
What’s in a name? Middlesex Borough was not always Middlesex Borough!
What’s in a name?
For the Borough of Middlesex – a lot.
Before the incorporation of the Borough as we know it today, it was referred to as Lincoln. Some would preface this with “east” but it was never referred to that in any legal documents. The peaceful, quite, resident farmers living on the north side of the “tracks” wanted to succeed from the ever increasing industrial Piscataway. Having a Lincoln Stature in the area wishing to succeed, just seemed logical to refer to this section as Lincoln.
After the Borough’s incorporation in 1913, the name Middlesex (meaning the middle sector or area) just seemed like the best choice to the governing body.
And so from a small group of residents living in Lincoln prior to 1913 to the current 13,662, (as of 2019), came the wonderful Borough we call Middlesex.
Quarterly Newsletter - Spring 2022 Edition
Check out the PDF version of our newsletter, or browse this edition’s departments and topics here.
Welcome to springtime, Middlesex Borough!
Our well-rounded Quarterly Newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life this spring.
Read the entire publication by using the button below (PDF) — or review the Departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s current topics.
Departments and Topics
'Homes of the Month' Now Accepting Your Nominations
Nominate your neighbor’s beautiful house! The Beautification Committee announces a change of procedure for 2022. Read more about how and where to send your email.
Beautification Committee Announces A Change of Procedure for 2022
The Middlesex Borough Beautification Committee is changing its procedure for the ‘Homes of the Month’ program for 2022. Instead of the committee selecting residences for the ‘Homes of the Month,’ we are asking the citizens of Middlesex to nominate homes. Each month, starting in April, you can nominate your home or nominate a neighbor’s home.
Submit A Nomination Via Email
To submit a nomination, you need to indicate if it is your home or a neighbor’s home you are nominating and send a picture of the home, as an attachment, along with the name, address and phone number of the home being nominated, before the 15th of the month to beautificationmc@gmail.com
…with a subject line: ‘Month’-Homes of the Month.
Example: June-Homes of the Month
Example: September-Homes of the Month
Include a Photo
Take a photo of the front yard or side yard which is totally visible from the street, no backyard-photos, please.
Include the Nominee’s Phone Number
The phone number is needed so we may contact the nominee and confirm their participation.
Then the Beautification Committee Will Evaluate
Each month a committee member will select five homes from the nominations to be featured. The pictures of the homes will then be featured on the Middlesex Borough website and on the Middlesex Facebook page.
Starting in April look for the ‘Home of the Month’ sign on the lawns of your neighbors! For further information, please contact Georgios at beautificationmc@gmail.com.
VOTING: Special School Election Capital Improvement Plan
In-person voting will be held ONLY @ Middlesex High School Gymnasium. If you have requested a mail in ballot and are returning the mail in ballot, all voters can…
Middlesex Borough Board of Education Special School Election RE: Capital Improvement Plan
In-person Voting will be held ONLY @ Middlesex High School Gymnasium
Please be aware that all registered voters in Middlesex Borough will be voting for this election ONLY at the Middlesex High School Gymnasium. The Voting Center will be open from 2pm-8pm on March 8, 2022.
Mail-in Ballots
If you have requested a mail in ballot and are returning the mail in ballot, all voters can:
return their mail in ballot via USPS (in the postage paid envelope which was provided) by 8pm Tuesday,
drop off at the Board of Elections at 11 Kennedy Blvd. in East Brunswick before 8pm Tuesday,
OR return the ballot to the secure election drop box behind the Municipal Building at 1200 Mountain Avenue by 8pm Tuesday.
Voters with any questions, please call the Borough Clerk at 732-356-7400, ext. 238.
Linda Chismar,
Borough Clerk