Join the Middlesex Police Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT)
Are you interested in supporting survivors of domestic violence in your community?
Join the Middlesex Police Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) Women Aware, in collaboration with the Middlesex Police Department, seeks dedicated, compassionate volunteers to serve on its Domestic Violence Response Team.
How DVRT volunteers help
Trained volunteers respond to the police department on an "on call" basis. They provide supportive counseling, domestic violence information, legal options, community resources, and safety planning to individuals affected by domestic violence.
Is this opportunity for you?
- DVRT volunteers are needed after business hours and on weekends.
- Volunteers must undergo a background check, fingerprinting, and interview process.
- Volunteers must complete a 40-hour domestic violence training with Women Aware.
If you are interested in volunteering, please apply at www.womenaware.net/volunteer
24/7 Multilingual Domestic Violence Hotline 732-249-4504 • Toll-free 833-249-4504
Quarterly Newsletter - Autumn 2024 Edition
Welcome to our fall updates! Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate…
Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our autumn update!
Our Borough newsletter is ready to help you catch up on local activities, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate in Borough life as we approach the autumn months.
Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.
Middlesex Reassessment FAQs
In an effort to ensure fair property tax bills for all residents, the Borough is embarking on a program of annual reassessment. This program is an assessment maintenance program that runs for a five year cycle.
In an effort to ensure fair property tax bills for all residents, the Borough is embarking on a program of annual reassessment. This program is an assessment maintenance program that runs for a five year cycle. The process calls for all properties to be assessed through an analysis of the real estate market, while 20% of the town’s properties will be assessed through an in-person inspection each year of the program. If your property is in the selected area, you will receive a letter in advance from our assessor notifying when the inspectors expect to be in your neighborhood. If you are not home when they first canvass the area, a postcard will be left with instructions for an appointment. Interior inspections are a quick process of verifying the information on the property record card or PRC.
The annual reassessment program helps to preserve values of properties in the Borough close to 100% of market value ensuring equality of taxation throughout the town. This process allows for a fair and accurate distribution of the overall tax levy, which covers costs associated with operating the municipality, school district, county, library, and open space. In addition, this program helps preclude the Borough from being in the position it was in a few years ago, when the State mandated a town-wide revaluation (which we had not done in 36 years), which proved to be expensive, and impactful to taxpayers who were not appropriately assessed in a program such as the one the Borough has currently structured.
It should be noted that each year in February you receive a postcard in the mail entitled, "Notice of Property Tax Assessment ". This postcard lists your property location and the assessment for that year. For instance next year's card will have the 2025 property assessment, along with your 2024 property assessment and property taxes billed for 2024.
If your assessment increased between 2024 and 2025, this DOES NOT mean that your property taxes will increase proportionately, nor does it mean your property taxes will increase by the difference between the 2024 and 2025 assessments. Even when assessed values increase, some homeowners may not see an increase at all, some may see an increase, and others may see a decrease. This is dependent upon the Library and Borough’s budgets, as well as the Board of Education and County budgets. Any increase in property taxes is based upon the tax rate. The municipal tax rate is set when each of the governing agencies who levy taxes have completed their budgets. This is usually done in July for the tax bills to be sent out for the 3rd quarter bill. You will not feel the impact of your 2025 assessment until the 3rd quarter in August 2025, because the 1st and 2nd quarters will have already been issued. Please see below for FAQs regarding the annual reassessment program.
Reminder: 3rd Qtr. 2024 Taxes Due August 26th by 4pm
Reminder: 3rd Qtr. 2024 Taxes Due August 26th
Reminder: 3rd Qtr. 2024 Taxes Due August 26th by 4pm
International Clean-up Day 2024
Join us Septameber 21, 2024 starting at 9am-1pm to participate in the International Clean-up Day. Help us clean-up Green Brook at Mountainview Park.
Join us Septameber 21, 2024 starting at 9am-1pm to participate in the International Clean-up Day. Help us clean-up Green Brook at Mountainview Park.
Registration is limited. Pizza lunch will be provided to all participants with special thanks to Middlesex Borough DPW.
Preregister by clicking this link: https://lowerraritanwatershed.org/event/sept-21-clean-up-of-the-green-brook-at-mountainview-park-in-middlesex/
Free CPR Training for Borough Residents - September 19th, 2024
Middlesex Boro Office of emergency Management collaborating with the Middlesex Boro Library present FREE CPR Training for residents.
Double-click to edit...
Job Opening: School Crossing Guards
The Middlesex Borough Police Department is currently accepting applications for School Crossing Guards.
The Middlesex Borough Police Department is currently accepting applications for School Crossing Guards. School Crossing Guards work approximately two to three hours per day. Equipment and training are provided. If you would like more information on becoming a School Crossing Guard, please contact Staff Sergeant Joleen Auricchio at (732) 356-1900, ext. 346.
National Night Out Rescheduled: Tuesday, August 20th
Join our officers for a night of free family fun and entertainment August 20th.
Middlesex Police invite you to:
National Night Out
Join our officers for a night of free family fun and entertainment!
Tuesday, August 20th
Mountain View Park
6:00-8:30 PM
All are invited to join the officers of the Middlesex Borough Police Department for National Night Out!
The event will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, from 6pm-8:30pm at Mountain View Park and is free to attend! Come out to meet members of our community and stay to enjoy music courtesy of Flashover Entertainment, activities, snacks, giveaways and more!
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
For more information about the event or to participate, contact Staff Sergeant Joleen Auricchio at 732-356-1900 ext. 346 or jauricchio@middlesexpd.com
Jim Grimm being awarded the Pillar of Middlesex with Mayor Mikolajczyk by his side.
Celebrating a Pillar of Middlesex: Jim Grimm Honored for Dedication to Community Pool
Jim Grimm being awarded the Pillar of Middlesex with Mayor Mikolajczyk by his side.
The Borough of Middlesex, led by Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk, proudly recognizes Jim Grimm as a Pillar of the Community for his decades of dedication to the Middlesex Community Swim Pool. Since starting as a lifeguard in 1984 and rising to Manager, Jim has significantly contributed to the pool's development and maintenance, demonstrating exceptional service and commitment. The Borough extends its heartfelt gratitude to Jim Grimm for his invaluable efforts and lasting impact on the community.
Photo 1: Council President Conahan read the Proclamation with Mayor Mikolajczyk by his side to Jim Grimm
Photo 2: Jim Grimm with his family
Photo 3: Official Proclamation of Jim Grimm
Groundbreaking for Straight Edge Striping
Groundbreaking for Straight Edge Striping at 700 South Avenue. Former Mayor John Madden represented Middlesex Borough at this event.
Groundbreaking for Straight Edge Striping at 700 South Avenue. Former Mayor John Madden represented Middlesex Borough at this event.
Blue Jay Café Grand Opening: A New Gem in Middlesex Borough
The Governing Body of Middlesex Borough, led by Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk, congratulates Nicole Kravitz and Patrick Tucker on the grand opening of the Blue Jay Café.
On July 12, 2024, the Governing Body of Middlesex Borough, led by Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk, proudly congratulated Nicole Kravitz and Patrick Tucker on the grand opening of the Blue Jay Café. "Congratulations on the grand opening of your new business! May it become a shining example of success and inspire others to follow their dreams," the Mayor and Council expressed. The community eagerly anticipates the café's success and its positive impact on the local area.
Community Pool 2024: Registration 7/6
The Second Registration for Swim Classes will be this Saturday 7/6/2024 from 10 am to 12 pm down at the pool. We will have limited spaces available this session. We will be offering level 1, 2 and 3 classes only.
The Second Registration for Swim Classes will be this Saturday 7/6/2024 from 10 am to 12 pm down at the pool. We will have limited spaces available this session. **We will be offering level 1, 2 and 3 classes only. **
Registration is open for members only from 10 am to 11 am. And both members and non-members from 11am to 12 pm.
Questions? Call the Pool Office during regular pool hours at (732) 752-3366
“You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” by the Middlesex Boro Office of Emergency Management
Middlesex Boro Office of Emergency Management continues to spearhead the Whole Community Preparedness Initiative called “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” in collaboration with the Middlesex Boro Library.
Middlesex Boro Office of Emergency Management continues to spearhead the Whole Community Preparedness Initiative called “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” in collaboration with the Middlesex Boro Library. As part of this program, we were excited to bring specialized training to the Middlesex Borough Recreation Department’s Camp Counselors. Enjoy some of the quotes of participants: “The CPR and first aid training was a great way for the counselors to learn how to notice warning signs and how to react to them when and if they should come across a situation like that.” (Michelle M.- supervisor)
“This training was very beneficial in providing knowledge on various medical topics camp counselors may encounter. Epi-pen administration was a fantastic addition to the program as some attendees have allergies, so it’s important for our counselors to know how to quickly react.” (Mackenzie M.- rec dept)
“I thought it was interesting and I learned things that I didn’t know before. And now I will be prepared to aid anyone that needs help in those areas.” (Matt F.- counselor)
“I thought it was very informative and helpful. I liked the hands-on experience.” (Sarah T.- counselor)
Life-threatening emergencies can happen fast, and emergency responders aren’t always nearby. You may be able to save a life by taking simple actions immediately. The “You Are the Help” program is sponsored by OEM and delivers FREE training by Mediczero in essential life-saving techniques to our residents such as Bystander CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, Stroke Recognition, Stop the Bleeding, Epinephrine Administration and Bleeding Control. The goal of the initiative is to empower you, the bystanders, with the confidence and basic knowledge to recognize and ACT in the critical moments of an emergency. Your intervention can make the difference between life and death while waiting for the professional help to arrive. As we continue to build a community of preparedness and readiness, we encourage every resident to take part in these training courses as they become available. Together we can ensure that help is always at hand, because in Middlesex Borough, “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives”. Keep your family, friends and neighbors aware of this continuing initiative to further raise awareness and encourage participation as training becomes available. You are the first link in the chain of survival.
Mayor's Report: June 2024
Middlesex Residents, Our budget process is now complete, and the 2024 Municipal Budget has been approved by the Council . . .
Middlesex Residents,
Our budget process is now complete, and the 2024 Municipal Budget has been approved by the Council. It required a detailed review and was a time-consuming, arduous process but I feel we have put together an appropriate plan to achieve the balance between wants and needs and what the Borough can afford.
We were challenged with cost items that were out of our control, including Middlesex County and Piscataway Sewer Increases totaling $215,000. Insurance increases (liability, health & workers compensation) totaling $165,000 as well as critical cost increases for gas, utilities, and our consumable supplies. When coupled with the aforementioned increases, we started the budget process in a hole approaching $600,000. Our state aid was disappointingly flat.
Our line-by-line review of the budget enabled us to successfully invest and fund the return to a fully-staffed Police Department. This upcoming school year, Middlesex will reinstate for the first time in several years, a School Resource Officer. We will also add a driver to the senior program. The Environmental Commission has been reestablished. Early this fall we anticipate replacing the bathrooms at Mountain View Park and upgrading the Grove area with most of this cost covered by grants. Middlesex will add $108,000 to the surplus with the current balance now of $1.6 million dollars. Most important, there are no cuts or reductions to any of our current services.
The average increase for the Municipal portion of the tax bill is just under $200 for the year or approximately $4 a week. We would have preferred less but any cuts at this point would result in a loss of services or put us in a poor position financially. It’s simply not a smart way to go.
Kudos to all involved for coming up with a good plan. They are not easy conversations when you are holding the red pen and getting down to our real needs.
At this point I have no idea where Middlesex County is going to come in with their tax increase.
As for the school system, which makes up the lion’s share of local taxes and received a healthy 2.5 million dollar increase in state aid, it still had a 4% increase in their tax levy. Many people have been critical of this, myself included. After a closer review and a look at the facts, I feel we need to give the new administration a bit of time to work their plan. As a district, our results need to improve in relation to our peers. This is why we have a new administration, and they need some time and resources to work their plan. Positive results will be the proof in the pudding.
That’s all for now. We have a lot to do, time is at a premium as we continue to work to do what is right for Middlesex Borough.
Please come to the Council meetings. It’s the best way to keep current on things.
Enjoy the summer.
Jack Mikolajczyk
Celebrating Community Day 2024 with Middlesex Borough: A Day of Fun and Connection
On Saturday, June 8th, Middlesex Borough hosted an incredible Community Day at Mountain View Park, and it was a day to remember! A special thank you to the Senior/Recreation Dept. employees for all their hard work on this event.
On Saturday, June 8th, Middlesex Borough hosted an incredible Community Day at Mountain View Park, and it was a day to remember! From 2 PM to 7 PM, the park buzzed with excitement as local bands and entertainers filled the air with music and joy, creating a festive atmosphere that brought our community together.
A special thank you to the Senior/Recreation Dept. employees for all their hard work on this event.
Event Highlights
- Local Bands and Entertainment: Throughout the day, we enjoyed performances from talented local bands and entertainers, providing a vibrant backdrop for our celebrations.
- Local Vendors: A diverse array of local vendors showcased their goods, offering everything from delicious food and beverages to unique retail items and services.
- Fun Activities & Games for Kids: The event was packed with fun activities and games for kids, ensuring that our youngest attendees had a blast.
- Community Groups: Various community groups were present, sharing information and engaging with residents, highlighting the strong communal spirit of Middlesex Borough.
- Food Vendors: Delicious food was available from a variety of vendors, ensuring there was something tasty for everyone.
- Beer and Beverages: Provided by the Middlesex Elks, beer and other beverages were available for purchase, adding to the festive vibe.
- Rain or Shine: The event went on rain or shine, demonstrating our community's resilience and enthusiasm.
- FREE and Open to the Public: The best part? The event was free and open to everyone. Attendees brought their own lawn chairs, blankets, and even their four-legged friends to enjoy the day in comfort.
Vendor Opportunities
Community Day was not only a great event for attendees but also an excellent opportunity for organizations to reach hundreds of residents. The park was filled with a variety of food, alcohol, live music, and lots of engaged community members. It was a perfect setting for organizations to get involved, showcase their offerings, and connect with the community.
Food & Beverage Booths
Community Affairs Booths
Retail/Services Booths
If you have any questions or want to be a part of next year’s event, please reach out to us at recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
Thank You for a Wonderful Community Day!
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to support and enjoy Community Day. Your participation and enthusiasm made the event truly special. We look forward to seeing you at our next community gathering. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to connect with your neighbors and celebrate the spirit of Middlesex Borough!
Happy 101st Birthday to Grace Jakowlew
Local resident Grace Jakowlew recently celebrates her 101st Birthday.
Pictured above: Grace Jakowlew with her son Jeff Jakowlew
Local resident Grace Jakowlew celebrated her 101st birthday recently, and Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk presented her with a congratulations on behalf of the Governing Body of Middlesex Borough.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Jakolew! Pictured below: Grace Jakowlew
Middlesex Borough Police Department Youth Academy
Middlesex Borough Police Department will hold its 20th Police Youth Academy this summer.
Chief Matthew P. Geist announced the Middlesex Borough Police Department will hold its 20th Police Youth Academy this summer. The Academy will take place from July 22nd through July 26th, 2024 beginning at 8:30am and concluding at 1:00pm. Eligible recruits must be entering grades 7 or 8 in September 2024 and be in good standing. Recruits will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with Middlesex Borough residents receiving preference. Applications will be accepted until July 1st, 2024. Applications can be accessed via www.middlesexpd.com or picked up at Middlesex Borough Police Department headquarters.
New Summer Office Hours for Middlesex Borough
New Summer Office Hours: Effective now through Labor Day, Middlesex Borough offices will be open Mon-Thurs 9 AM - 4 PM and Fri 9 AM - 1 PM.
SUMMER HOURS 2024
Monday - Thursday: 9am-4pm
Friday: 9am-1pm
- Now through Labor Day
The Middlesex Borough offices have updated their hours for the summer season. Effective immediately through Labor Day, the offices will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and on Fridays from 9 AM to 1 PM. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you during these adjusted hours.
Proclamation: Honoring Edward Johnson - A Pillar of Middlesex
Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk and the Middlesex Borough Council proudly recognize Edward Johnson as a Pillar of Middlesex for his extraordinary contributions over the past 88 years.
Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk and the Middlesex Borough Council proudly recognize Edward Johnson as a Pillar of Middlesex for his extraordinary contributions over the past 88 years. Mr. Johnson's dedication, ranging from his service on the Library Board of Trustees and his extensive legal counsel to the Borough, to his passionate efforts in documenting and preserving our community's history, has made an indelible impact. His unwavering commitment to Middlesex, demonstrated through numerous volunteer activities and support in municipal projects, exemplifies the spirit of community service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Edward Johnson for his invaluable service and lasting legacy in Middlesex.
Edward Johnson Proclamation
Middlesex Borough Recognizes Department of Public Works with Prestigious Award
The Mayor of Middlesex Borough has proudly awarded the Department of Public Works with a Citation for their outstanding dedication and ingenuity.
The Mayor of Middlesex Borough has proudly awarded the Department of Public Works with a Citation for their outstanding dedication and ingenuity. This accolade acknowledges their extraordinary hard work and creativity in developing, planning, coordinating, and constructing a structure to prevent further erosion in the Heather Lane neighborhood. The Borough appreciates their significant contribution to safeguarding our community's infrastructure.
Pictures: Lenny Vidal – DPW Superintendent of Public Works being awarded the Citation from Councilman Dessino, DPW Liaison. Also included: Chris Emmons, Assistant Superintendent, along with Matt Stitt and Mark Stitt.
