Mayor's Message: Residents Interfacing with Borough Professionals/Attorneys
Residents may reach out to myself, our Interim Business Administrator Joe Costa, or any Council Member for all inquiries they may have… direct contact with our Borough Attorneys and Professionals is prohibited.
Residents may reach out to myself, our Interim Business Administrator Joe Costa or any Council Member for all inquiries they may have.
Our Middlesex Borough policy regarding direct contact with our Borough attorneys and professionals makes it clear that such contact is prohibited. Doing so will automatically generate an invoice of which the Borough is otherwise responsible for payment.
In keeping with our conservative fiscal policy, residents can expect the continuation of the success we have enjoyed throughout my term in maintaining a flat municipal property tax position. Although we are not where we need to be to fully fund our surplus yet, we are making steady progress in keeping with the guidelines that Standard and Poors Global (our credit reporting agency) have set out for us. Our staff has also been working diligently to pursue this goal.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Mayor John L. Madden
The Current Tax Bills and Ongoing Revaluation
The current 2022 FINAL/2023 PRELIMINARY tax bill does not reflect any revaluation.
The current 2022 FINAL/2023 PRELIMINARY tax bill does not reflect any revaluation.
The revaluation will go into effect in July of 2023 and will be reflected on the 2023 FINAL/2024 PRELIMINARY bill.
Currently, PPA is still doing inspections and updating records. Towards the end of 2022, a letter with the new assessment will be sent to property owners with information about who to contact should a property owner have questions regarding the new assessment. There will also be a period of time before the change is effective to informally appeal the new assessment.
All records will officially be updated in January and the assessment postcards will be sent out. At that time, if a property owner believes that the assessment is incorrect, they can then appeal to the Middlesex County Tax Board, just like they can every year by the April 1st deadline.
To learn more about the Borough’s revaluation process, visit our News article from earlier this year.
July "Home of the Month" Selected by Beautification Committee
July 2022: Our residents take such pride in their homes! Look for the ‘HOMES of the MONTH’ sign in the front yard of the house selected…
This month the Middlesex Borough Beautification Committee selected the home of the Brett Family at 14 Bonnie Brook Terrace as a “Home of the Month” for July. Look for the ‘Home of the Month’ sign on the front lawn of the home pictured here!
Nominations
The Middlesex Beautification Committee is accepting your nominations for future monthly winners! If you wish to nominate a ‘Home of the Month,’ see the directions found in our earlier news article here.
Pool Closed August 3 for Championship Meet
The Middlesex Community Pool will be closed on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. We will be hosting the NJSDC Swimming…
Dear Members of the Pool,
The Middlesex Community Pool will be closed on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. We will be hosting the NJSDC Swimming Conferences Championships. This is an all-day event that will benefit our club. We apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
– The Middlesex Community Pool
Recycling Issues: Routes Postponed (Week of 7/22)
Please refer to the map for the affected areas (highlighted). For any recycling questions call 800-488-6242.
Due to ongoing staff shortages, today’s routes have been postponed until tomorrow for recycling pickup. Please refer to the map for the affected areas (highlighted). For any recycling questions call 800-488-6242.
It's HOT: Cooling Center Available at the Middlesex Library
All library policies and procedures remain in place. Please no food or beverages. You may bring plain water only. No pets.
A cooling center is available for residents at the Middlesex Library (1300 Mountain Ave) during normal operating hours.
Monday-Thursday 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm
All library policies and procedures remain in place. Please no food or beverages. You may bring plain water only. No pets.
Special Presentation: What Residents Should Know About the Spotted Lanternfly
Paul Kurtz from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture will be presenting via Zoom a program on Spotted Lanternfly…
Spotted Lanternfly Zoom Program
Paul Kurtz from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture will be presenting a program on Spotted Lanternfly, what residents should know and be aware of and what they can do if the see Spotted Lanternflies on their property.
Wednesday, August 3 at 7pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85746315212?pwd=WnpvNzJWSHVSU1dSWFhpWFVHdlVOUT09
Passcode: spotted
Our Synchronized Swimming Team Presents: "Golden"
Our Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team is celebrating their 50th year! This year's performance will be extra-special…
The Middlesex Community Pool and
The Middlesex Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team Presents:
"Golden" A Synchronized Swimming Show
Our Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team is celebrating their 50th year!
This year's performance will be extra-special!
This is a FREE performance! The team has been working very hard this season on their routine, so come out and show your support! If you've never seen a synchronized swimming performance, this is a great opportunity!
Bring your lawn chairs and bug spray and enjoy a great musical show!
Date: Friday August 5, 9:00pm
Rain date August 6 at 9:00pm
Middlesex Community Pool
300 John F. Kennedy Drive, Middlesex, NJ
(Behind Middlesex High School)
OEM Team Completes 200+ hours of Continuing Education
Our Office of Emergency Management staff have recently completed over 200 hours…
Emergency Management is complex!
Middlesex Borough's Office of Emergency Management staff have recently completed over 200 hours of Continuing Education (both in-person and online) as we further develop a culture of preparedness to ensure that the residents of the Borough are adequately protected. Our dedicated team of learners includes OEM Coordinator Jack Costa; OEM Deputy, Lee Poandl; OEM Administrator, Barbara Benson; and Staff Members Maggie Schneider and Juan Vizozo.
The ever-evolving concerns of the emergency management field require ongoing education to enhance necessary competencies as we focus on preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Our OEM team will stay on-task to ensure protection for the residents of the Borough.
Recycling Issues: Some Routes Postponed July 7-8
Due to ongoing staff shortages, three Middlesex routes have been postponed until tomorrow…
Recycling Postponement: Friday, July 8
Friday, July 8 Recycling will be picked up on Saturday, July 9th.
Recycling Issues, Continued: Thursday, July 7, 2022
Due to ongoing staff shortages, two Middlesex routes have been postponed until tomorrow July 8, 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.
Celebrate With Us! National Night Out: Tuesday, August 2
Middlesex Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 @ Mountain View Park.
Mark your calendars and join the Middlesex Police Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 @ Mountain View Park. Together we are making our community safer, and a more caring place to live and work!
This event is for all ages and is held across the country to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood and community police relationships, and for neighbors to get to know each other and build a sense of community and cooperation.
There will be Music * Games * Giveaways * and More!
Rec Department announces new "MyRec" portal
Creating an account is a one-time task that allows you to more easily register for future activities…
Middlesex Recreation is excited to announce their new "MyRec" portal for family and individual registration! Creating an account is a one-time task that allows you to more easily register for future activities. Making an account provides the Rec Department with emergency contacts, allergy info, and other important info to help us serve you better.
Registration for Fall Soccer is available now, with new Fall activities to be announced in the coming weeks.
Free Clinics at the Pool: Synchronized Swimming and Yoga (Updated)
Learn more and sign up for Yoga and/or our Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team here…
Yoga by Rockstar Studios
Not sure if you want to join yoga this summer? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try it but you’re not sure if it’s the right fit for you? Well we’ve got you covered!
Updated registration form with new schedule and updated pricing
Eff. 6/27 | Rates, including member and non-member pricing, schedule, and forms of payment are all on the registration form. Some of you have reached out to me asking how to pay, if you are paying by cash or check you may give it to Darlene, the yoga instructor, on the first day of class. If you would prefer to pay by Venmo please send that to @ashley-rockstar or by Zelle to ashley@rockstarmusicstudios.com or 732-995-3321.
If there is inclement weather, you are welcome to come to another one of the days offered.
See you on the mat at the pool! Questions? Contact Ashley at Rockstar Studios:
Read more about our yoga program our yoga program here.
Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team
Do you like to dance? Do you like to swim? Our Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team does both!
Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team Week of Free Clinic Trial days start Monday, June 27th for anyone interested. (June 27th to July 1st 11:40am-12:40pm)
The trial days are free, no commitment, and no experience is necessary!
Read more about our Aqualytes Synchronized Swimming Team here.
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.