2025 NJDEP Green Acres Survey

The Borough of Middlesex is committed to enhancing Victor Crowell Park to create a vibrant, natural space that benefits both the community and the local ecosystem. We’re exploring opportunities to improve the park through projects such as meadow and pond restoration, creating pollinator gardens, installing birdhouses and duck boxes, adding educational signage, and developing ADA-compliant trails. We are also considering green infrastructure additions, like rain gardens and floating wetlands, to promote sustainability and resilience.

Your input is essential to help us create a park that reflects our community’s values and needs. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions and share your thoughts on how we can improve Victor Cromwell Park. Your ideas will guide us in creating a welcoming, accessible, and ecologically vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you for participating and helping us shape the future of Victor Crowell Park!

Winter Wonderland Festival

Tree Lighting • Fun & Festive Activities • Photo Ops • Bonfire

Saturday, December 7th, 2-7pm

Mountain View Park

FREE Admission

MUSIC by Flashover Entertainment. PERFORMANCES by local groups. FOOD TRUCKS, BONFIRE and more! Middlesex Elks Lodge 1488 will be offering beer / wine & seltzers.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS including a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Anna & Elsa and more!

Sponsored by Middlesex Borough and Middlesex Recreation Department.

UPDATE: Extreme Wildfire Risk: Fire Restrictions Lifted

UPDATE: Open fire restrictions are lifted in New Jersey as of December 2, 2024

• Fire Danger: low

• Campfire restrictions: No restrictions

• Agricultural burning: Allowed

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service lifted all fire restrictions statewide after substantial rainfall. However, they ask residents to remain careful and not becomes complacent when using outdoor fires.

During the fire ban, the following were prohibited: bonfires, fireworks, fire pits that use charcoal, general fires in wooded areas, and kerosene or gas torches.

The ban applied to both public lands and private properties in all municipalities throughout the state.

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The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) has implemented Stage 3 burn restrictions due to the extreme drought conditions statewide.

Fire Restrictions in Place:

• All outdoor fires are prohibited unless they are containged in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity
• No wood or charcoal fires are allowed
• No firework celebrations are allowed

Visit njwildfire.org for more information.

Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2024 Edition

Hello, Middlesex Borough – welcome to our winter 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 winter months.

Select the articles and departments of your choice by scrolling through this edition’s topics.

Proclamation: Jack Costa honored as Pillar

Throughout the years, Jack Costa has consistently demonstrated praiseworthy service, and unprecedented commitment to the Borough and its residents by being an irreplaceable asset to the Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management and the Community as a whole.

Mayor's Message - Winter 2024

Middlesex residents,

2024 has certainly been a busy year. Some of the highlights this year included the following:

• Fully staffing of our Police Department and adding the school resource officer to the High School.
• Construction of a flood wall at Heather Lane to stave off erosion and preserve the neighborhood.
• The streetscape project in front of the High School and Mountainview Park has been completed.
• The Environmental Commission has been reestablished and they have completed a tree farm, a rain garden and established a green team.
• We have purchased a Hydro Rake to clean and maintain Creighton Lake.
• Sale of surplus municipal property.
• We have added a driver to the senior program.

As a start for 2025, we are looking to replace the bathrooms and upgrade the Mountainview Park Grove area, and we are hoping to finalize a plan for Victor Crowell Park.

We held a Town Hall Meeting on October 29, 2024 as a budget kick-off for 2025. A lot of input was given, and we will work on prioritizing what we can and can’t do with budget constraints in mind. One major theme across all fronts was a need to communicate better, and we will work on that. Volunteerism continues to be a challenge and a need.

I would like to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump, Borough Councilmen-elect Joseph DeScenza and Kenneth Griggs Jr. and Board of Education elect Thomas Thornton, Danielle Parenti, Sharon Schueler, Patricia Reynolds and Landette Jefferey for their victories. Best of luck as you strive to make a positive impact on our country and Borough. Each year faces its own set of challenges, however, this time of year we are reminded to be thankful for the blessings we have, large and small. I would like to thank our DPW, Fire, OEM, Rescue Squad, Office Staff and our Police, who 24/7 continue to be here for our residents.

I mentioned volunteerism before and I think it is one of the most important issues in our Borough. Robert F. Smith wrote, “Don’t wait your turn. Bet on yourself and have the confidence to stand up and say, ‘My time is now.’” For Middlesex Borough, our time is now, but we need your help to get there.

My best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season (I celebrate Christmas) to all and wishes for a brighter 2025 with our economy flourishing, inflation in check, and our businesses open.

Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk

November "Home of the Month" Selected by Beautification Committee

This month the Middlesex Borough Beautification Committee selected the home of David and Lisa Habeeb at 315 Vesper Ave as a “Home of the Month” for November. 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.

New Jersey's Drought Status has been elevated to "WARNING."

⚠️ New Jersey is currently in a DROUGHT WARNING.
⤵️ Since June, NJ has seen 6-11 inches LESS rain than normal.

Will you help conserve water?

Take five-minute showers Only run a load of laundry or dishes when full Turn off the water when brushing teeth Install low-flow shower-heads, faucets, and toilets Thank you for your help – Every Drop Counts! Visit dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/why-conserve-water/ to learn more about the importance of water conservation and how you can do your part.

#NewJersey #WaterConservation #njdroughtwarning

Puzzles & Pastries with the Police

The Middlesex Borough Police Department and Middlesex Public Library would like to invite the Senior Residents of Middlesex Borough to join us for a Community Policing event!

On Thursday, November 21st, 2024, from 10am-12pm, Senior Residents are invited to the Community Room at the Middlesex Public Library for PUZZLES & PASTRIES with the POLICE. Come to enjoy a light breakfast and conversation with our officers and stay to complete puzzles with community members. We look forward to this event to spend time with and speak with our Senior Residents. Seniors in need of transportation may contact Middlesex Senior/Disabled Services at 732-356-0414. No response is required to attend this free event.

Coffee with a Cop

The Middlesex Borough Police Department and SuperFoods Fresh Supermarket would like to invite all members of our community to join us for coffee and conversation! Coffee with a Cop will be held on Monday, November 11th from 9am-11am at SuperFoods, 738 Union Avenue, Middlesex. The event is free for our community members to attend. Enjoy conversation, coffee and a light breakfast! We also are proud to honor our Veterans on this Veteran's Day 2024!

Canceled - Give the Gift of Saving a Life

Unfortunately , we need to cancel the CPR classes planned for October 30 and November 21 due to low enrollment. We understand this is disappointing and we appreciate your understanding.  If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact bbenson@middlesexboro-nj.gov.

We thank you for your continued support.

Bystander Hands only CPR for Children, Adults and Infants, AED usage, Stroke Awareness and Choking

Free Program for Middlesex Residents only, ages 13 and up

You and your family will be glad you did. The training contributes to the overall safety of our community and likelihood of effective response during emergencies.

Two Dates offered: October 30 or November 21

Middlesex Library Community Room, 6:30pm

Space is limited to 55 people per session; first come first served - REGISTER TODAY!

Questions? Email bbenson@middlesexboro-nj.gov, MIddlesex Office of Emergency Management

Training provided by MedicZero

Town Hall Meeting - Tues, Oct 29th, 7-9PM

As a set-up for the 2025 Budgeting process, Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk is holding a Town Hall meeting at Borough Hall to solicit your feedback on where you would like to see Middlesex Borough now and in the future.

Discussion Topics:

• Borough Needs

• Desired Borough Services and Programs

• Borough Departments and Services Review

We are looking for your input!

DEA National Prescription Event

Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Middlesex Police Department will be a collection location for the DEA National Prescription Medication Take Back from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications — those that are old, unwanted, or expired — that too often become a gateway to addiction. More info here: Take Back Day (dea.gov)

The Middlesex Borough Police Department is hosting a FOOD DRIVE to support Middlesex County’s hunger eradication program, REPLENISH

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Chief Matthew P. Geist and the Middlesex Borough Police Department announce that the department will be co-hosting a food drive along with local youth volunteers. The food drive will run from October 1st, 2024 through November 3rd, 2024. The youth volunteers, under the leadership of Mary Kozak, have been supporting REPLENISH (formerly MCFOODS) since 2014. This will be the department’s seventh year participating in the food drive.

“An important piece of our mission at the Middlesex Borough Police Department is to solve problems and improve the quality of life in our community,” said Chief Geist. “We cannot think of a better community partnership to help meet the needs of those who may struggle to put food on their tables. This food drive is only possible through the incredible work and support of our community and the volunteers who do so much to continue its success. This is about building the quality of life in Middlesex.”

“REPLENISH provides foods and necessities to our network of over 150 partner organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchen and social service organizations throughout the 25 towns in Middlesex County.” -REPLENISH website. All donations collected will directly benefit residents of Middlesex County.

Donation boxes will be located throughout the Borough of Middlesex. Check local businesses, organizations, community buildings, school buildings for students and their families, as well as the Middlesex Borough Police Department to drop off your donations. Reusable bags in clean and good condition are also being collected. Youth volunteers will drop off flyers to many Borough residences requesting donations the weekend of October 26th-27th. Collections will be picked up on November 2nd. If your home is not on the volunteer’s route, donations can be made at Police Borough Police Department.

Donations sought include non-perishable goods (Canned meats/fruits/vegetables, pasta, rice, dry beans, soup/stew, cereal, granola bars, diapers & wipes, paper products, soap & shampoo and toothpaste). Perishable and refrigerated foods, as well as glass jars WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Anyone who is interested in placing a donation box at their business, office, school, religious building, etc., should contact Staff Sergeant Joleen Auricchio at 732-356-1900 ext. 346 or jauricchio@middlesexpd.com

South Lincoln Ave Reopening: Tentatively Early December 2024

South Lincoln Ave Reopening: Tentatively early December 2024

Notice of Public Hearing - Amendment to the Middlesex County Solid Waste Management Plan

There will be an in person public hearing at 12 noon on 10/2 at the Borough Hall, and a virtual public hearing at 6:30 PM on 10/2 regarding the Amendment to the Middlesex County Solid Waste Management Plan 2024-1.

Learn more about the hearing and how to log-in to the virtual public hearing by clicking the link below.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation

The Borough of Middlesex help “Tie the Town Pink” on behalf of Dance for the Cure on September 27, 2024 by decorating borough hall, the library & the Police Department. Dance for the Cure is a 100% volunteer organization supporting breast cancer patients in Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset, NJ Counties. Their mission is to financially assist woman impacted by breast cancer. They have gifted over $1 million dollars to woman in financial need as they go their breast cancer journey.

Read the official Proclamation adopted at the September 24, 2024 Council Meeting.

Proclamation: Former Mayor Robert Sherr and Amelia Sherr honored as Pillars

Former Mayor Robert Sherr and his wife Amelia Sherr received their recognition as Pillars of Middlesex Borough at the September 24, 2024 Council Meeting.

(Pictured is Council President Conahan, Mayor Mikolajczyk, Former Mayor Robert Sherr and his wife Amelia Sherr)

Tree Giveaway now open!

Reserve your free tree today by filling out the form below. Email MiddlesexEC@gmail.com for details.

Photos: Annual September 11th Commemorative Ceremony

Photos from the 2024 September 11th Commemorative Ceremony, for which the borough partnered with Dunellen Borough. Many thanks to Sherley Penrose who once again organized this event.

Join us at Victor Crowell Park on Wednesday, 9/11/2024 at 7pm for our annual September 11th Commemorative Ceremony. The public is invited to attend this ceremony to remember all those who lost their lives and all those who served on September 11, 2001.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the High School at the same time.