Mayor's Message: Spring Projects
The weather is finally starting to get nice and many of us are turning to our spring projects. The Mayor, Council and staff are moving full speed ahead here in the Borough…
Welcome to Our Spring/Summer Newsletter
The weather is finally starting to get nice and many of us are turning to our spring projects. The Mayor, Council and staff are moving full speed ahead here in the Borough. Our budget is nearly complete and we are working on many projects to enhance our community. The 2024 budget includes projects that address quality of life, infrastructure, parks, public safety and education. You will see the positive results of projects all around the Borough.
This newsletter highlights many of the programs and activities that Middlesex has to offer. Of particular interest to me was our recent Volunteer Fair on April 20th. Volunteers are the backbone of our Borough and we need your help. This event highlighted our recruitment effort and I urge you to reach out to many of the local volunteer groups that need your help.
With your help we can continue to keep Middlesex a great place to live and raise a family. Enjoy the newsletter.
Jack Mikolajczyk
Mayor Middlesex Borough
OEM: Bringing Together Volunteers From Across the Borough
April’s Volunteer Fair brings together current and new volunteers from all departments; OEM: who we are, what we do and how YOU can help…
April’s Volunteer Fair Brings Together Current and New Volunteers from All Departments
As we reflect on this remarkable Volunteer Fair, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the dedicated individuals who make our community thrive, To everyone who contributed their time, passion, and dedication to making this an unforgettable celebration of unity and service.
We celebrate and acknowledge Middlesex Borough’s ALL Volunteer - Fire Department, Rescue Squad, Office of Emergency Management, together with the Borough’s All Volunteer - Boards, Committees and Commissions. Your selfless commitment, whether big or small, helps to shape decision making, policies and community initiatives and strengthens the fabric of our community as it creates ripples that touch lives.
Thank you to all our wonderful residents who attended the Borough Volunteer Fair on April 20! Your enthusiastic participation and positive energy contributed to making the event a resounding success.
We appreciate your presence and are looking forward to working with those who Stepped Up to Volunteer and those that will! Your contribution to our Community is invaluable.
This is only the beginning. Let’s continue to collaborate, innovate, and uplift one another and our Community will thrive.
Middlesex Borough Office of Emergency Management(OEM): Who we are, What we do and How YOU can help
OEM is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which our community and all communities work to reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters.
OEM using this framework seeks to promote a safer, less vulnerable community with the capacity to cope with hazards and disasters.
The Mission of Emergency Management (OEM)is to protect our community by coordinating and integrating activities necessary to build, sustain and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters.
It is most important that people get involved and volunteer to help their fellow citizens. A prepared and coordinated Volunteer response can provide a more effective and timely response.
The generosity and kindness of people around the Boro does a lot to help our Boro residents heal and recover from Emergencies and the consequences of disasters that happen without warning.
How you can help. Volunteer and coordinate your volunteerism with experienced disaster relief organizations such as Middlesex Borough Office of Emergency Management and other Emergency Services in the Borough, so that the people in need of help receive it in the most timely and effective manner.
See You At The Volunteer Fair on April 20 at the Middlesex Library between 10 and 2.
OEM also has a Cadet Program - Check it out! Be smart, take part. Prepare
Clerk: Voting Day for the June 4, 2024 Primary Election Approaches
Primary and General Elections; Registering to vote; Pollworkers needed!
As the June 4, 2024 Primary Election approaches, the Middlesex Borough Clerk’s Department wants to keep all residents informed that the last day to register to vote in the Primary Election is May 14th, 2024.
For the Primary and General Election this year, all districts will be voting at the following locations:
DISTRICT 1, 2 & 3 >> HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM
DISTRICT 4 & 10 >> RECREATION CENTER
DISTRICT 5 & 6 >> HAZELWOOD GYMNASIUM
DISTRICT 7, 8 & 9 >> VON E. MAUGER GYMNASIUM
Please visit our Borough website (www.middlesexboro-nj.gov) to stay up to date on all election information as we receive it. If you have any question, feel free to contact the Borough Clerk’s Office at 732-356-7400, Ext. 238.
Pollworkers Needed
The Borough of Middlesex is looking for individuals who are registered to vote in Middlesex County to work the Primary and General Election as a Poll worker. Anyone wishing to work can find the application on the Borough Website (www.middlesexboro-nj.gov) under Job Listings. For any questions please contact the Borough Clerk at 732-356-7400 Ext. 238.
DPW: Public Works Spring Services and Schedules
Spring weather; Bulk pickup; Grass/leaf pickup; Recycle coach; Street sweeping; Firewood, Recycle Center hours…
From the DPW Family
Warmer spring weather has arrived at last, and our busy work schedule is underway. There is a lot of activity at the Department of Public Works and at our work sites throughout the town. Please take extra care when you encounter our crew so they can complete their work as safely as possible.
In this newsletter you will find updates within the Borough, Bulk pick-up information, and Street sweeping schedules per district.
As usual if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our shop. Your help is always appreciated in every way to make us a better department. Thank you and we hope everyone has a safe and happy spring.
Grass and Leaf Pick Up
Grass and Leaf pick up will begin the last Wednesday of March and end on the last Wednesday of December. Place bags at curb the night before for pick up. Grass/leaves will only be picked up in paper biodegradable bags. Plastic bags will NOT be picked up. Grass/leaves can also be taken to the Recycling Center. Leaves cannot be raked or blown to the curb or roadway.
Branches are accepted at the Recycling Center all year. Branches are picked up at the curb on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from March thru November. They must be in 4-foot sections and tied or bundled. **Stumps will not be accepted
Please call or email our office to report a pothole in your area.
732-968-1603 • dpw@middlesexboro-nj.gov
Bulk Pick Up
Got Junk? The Borough of Middlesex is here to assist residents with any of their spring clean ups. Bulk pickup is limited to one per year and is arranged by appointment only. Rules are strictly enforced, so please read carefully.
Bulk items NOT ACCEPTED curbside include:
Construction debris
Propane tanks
Cement
Television (accepted at the Recycling Center only)
Hazardous materials
Yard waste
Tires and metal
Pallets
Lumber
Fencing
Household garbage
Please call (732) 968-1603 between 6am and 2pm. Please leave your name and number; your call will be returned within 24 hours to arrange for pickup. Please do not place anything at the curb without scheduling an appointment.
Large appliances ("white metal") can be picked up by appointment throughout the year.
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. Feel free to download.
1-800-488-6242 • Recycle Hotline
"How Do I Know if It's Recyclable?" Download Recycle Coach! Use the app to stay up to date on recycling pickup news and schedule changes – download the Recycle Coach app or login into their website for all your recycling needs: recyclecoach.com/cities/usa-nj-borough-of-middlesex.
Street Sweeping
Street sweeping was scheduled to commence (weather permitting) on March 25, 2024.
We always thrive to keep our roads clean from stone and debris from the winter months. Cars should be off the street from 7am until 3pm on scheduled sweeping in your district. Please read the following schedule. If you have any questions, feel free to call 732-968-1603.
The Borough of Middlesex is looking for individuals who are registered to vote in Middlesex County to work the Primary and General Election as a Poll worker. Anyone wishing to work can find the application on the Borough Website (www.middlesexboro-nj.gov) under Job Listings. For any questions please contact the Borough Clerk at 732-356-7400 Ext. 238.
2024 Schedule
District 10 • March 25 to March 29 and July 29 to August 2
District 9 • April 1 to April 5 and August 5 to August 9
District 8 • April 8 to April 12 and August 12 to August 16
District 7 • April 15 to April 19 and August 19 to August 23
District 6 • April 22 to April 26 and August 26 to August 30
District 5 • April 29 to May 3 and Sept 2 to Sept 6
District 4 • May 6 to May 10 and Sept 9 to Sept 13
District 3 • May 13 to May 17 and Sept 16 to Sept 20
District 2 • May 20 to May 24 and Sept 23 to Sept 27
District 1 • May 27 to May 31 and Sep 30 to Oct 4
Free Firewood
The Borough is offering free firewood to our residents (10 per resident). Located at our Recycling Center, 1200 Mountain Ave, Middlesex NJ.
Recycling Center Hours of Operation
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
Revived Environmental Commission Appoints New Volunteers
On March 26th, eight members of our community were appointed by the Mayor and Council after a 17-year span of inactivity…
Congratulations to the newly appointed volunteers of our revived Environmental Commission!
On March 26th, eight members of our community were appointed by the Mayor and Council after a 17-year span of inactivity. This dedicated and diverse group of individuals stepped forward to work with the administration and the residents of Middlesex. Many of them hold their own expertise in the field of environmental and conservation affairs.
Their duties include: preservation and enhancement of the quality of Middlesex’s environment and natural resources, promoting sustainable energy initiatives, conservation and educational awareness, researching proper use of open space and developing a green team with community partnerships.
The Commission will hold many annual events such as Earth Day celebrations, tree giveaways, clean-up projects, educational seminars and much more. They hope to encourage the citizens to incorporate environmentally responsible practices into their homes, properties and daily lives.
They strive to protect and improve the quality of life in our town and surrounding area with citizen support and volunteer participation.
Meetings are open to the public and will be held on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Middlesex Public Library’s Community Room.
Environmentally yours,
Clare Levourne
MiddlesexEC@gmail.com
Environmental Commission Members:
Mike Schneider, Holly Muller, Greg Cosentino, Steve Ember, Gina Salgado and Patti Clark. Councilman Robert Dessino will serve as the Joint Land Use Board’s representative
Library: Spring and Summer Plans
Local history collection coming this summer; Legacy Lawn, Adult programming; Children & Teens programming…
Local History Collection & Resource Room - Coming This Summer!
Our Local History Collection & Resource Room is coming along nicely! This room, managed by the Library and a group of volunteers, will have historical items from Middlesex Borough displayed for viewing, studying, and research. In addition, an online database containing thousands of newspaper articles, programs, flyers, pictures, and MORE, will be available to access from anywhere. Thank you to the diligent work of the Library Director, Reference Librarians, and dedicated volunteers, the history of Middlesex Borough will be preserved for the community to learn, read, and enjoy for decades to come! Keep your eyes on the Library website for more information about the Local History Collection & Resource Room, coming this summer!
Legacy Lawn
Legacy Lawn applications will be accepted until April 30. The signs from Veterans Day as well as any new signs, will be displayed on the Library lawn starting Thursday, May 30, throughout Memorial Day weekend. Please see our website for more information and application: https://www.middlesexlibrarynj.org/news-announcements/legacylawn/
Adult Programming Announcements
Spring and Summer programming will be announced very soon on our website! So far we have another paint and sip program planned, as well as a Quilling with Chrissy program in the works! It’s going to be a crafty and artsy spring and summer season; we can’t wait to spend it with you!
Children’s & Teens Announcements
Summer reading is upon us, and we cannot wait to have another amazing, fun filled summer with our Middlesex patrons! We’re working on our gameboard and different activities, so stay tuned! Who knows what magic we’ll be cooking up this year – perhaps a tie dye party, or another Swiftie Soiree…keep your eyes peeled!
Volunteer Hours
Does your teen/tween need volunteer hours? Our formal Summer Tween/Teen Volunteer Program will also be running again this summer – this is the only opportunity for you/your teen/tween, to volunteer with the Library! Announcements about orientation, applications, will be at the end of April so that you can plan. Our volunteer program has run with 60+ participants for the past 4 years; it’s thanks to these amazing and awesome volunteers that our Summer Reading programs are SUCH a success! We’re so grateful and can’t wait to add more friends to the summer fun!
In the meantime, we will have some fun programs this Spring, including a Peeps taste test, and a visit from two mini therapy horses!
Police: Spring Awareness and Safety
Register your alarm system; Lock your cars and homes for safety; Garage sales; Torch Run for Special Olympics; and more…
Register Your Alarm System
Local Ordinance Chapter 117 requires the registration of all “privately installed burglary, robbery and fire alarm systems” with the Middlesex Borough Police Department. Registration forms and directions are located at https://middlesexpd.com/downloads/
Remember Your Nightly Routine: Lock Cars And Home
Unlocked vehicles are popular targets for opportunistic thieves. The modern convenience of key fobs also makes vehicles more susceptible to theft when the fobs are left in vehicles. PLEASE lock your vehicles at all times when they are unattended and keep valuables stored out of view of prying eyes.
Burglars often pose as solicitors, enabling them to approach homes to determine if anyone is present, without arousing suspicion. For this reason, the Borough of Middlesex requires that all solicitors obtain a license before engaging in such activity. If you suspect that someone is soliciting without a license, please report them to the police.
Yard Sales and Garage Sales
Springtime is also a popular time for yard sales and garage sales. Residents are reminded that New Jersey law prohibits signs from being “painted, drawn, erected or maintained upon trees, rocks, other natural features or public utility poles”. You may stake signs advertising your sale on your property, or on private property with the permission of the property owner. We also ask prospective buyers to make sure to obey all traffic and parking laws while attending a garage, yard or estate sale.
Leash And Curb Your Dog
LOCAL ORDINANCE 129-5, 129-10
Spring brings the increased use of our parks and ballfields. Those that choose to use these recreational areas to walk their dogs are reminded that it is their responsibility and it is the law to clean up after their pet and to keep their dog on a leash. Remember – our children depend on these parks, schoolyards and ballfields for recreation. Dog feces, when not disposed of properly, is a health hazard and an environmental hazard.
Buckle Up Every Time
Under state law, drivers and passengers must all wear seat belts, and failure to do so for those in the front seat is a primary offense, meaning police can pull a car over if someone up front isn't wearing one. The fine for not wearing a seat belt in is $46.
Stop For Pedestrians Within A Marked Crosswalk
Vehicles must stop for a pedestrian within a marked crosswalk but must only yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Nineteen states put the burden on vehicles to stop and yield if a pedestrian is located anywhere in the roadway. Failure to stop carries a $200 (court costs additional) fine, a 2-point license penalty, 15 days community service, and insurance surcharges.
Warm weather also brings with it increased pedestrian traffic. Keep these tips in mind:
Pedestrians:
Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles. Failure to obey the law carries a $54 fine (court costs additional).
Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
Always walk facing traffic.
Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk.”
Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck.
Share The Road – It’s Everyone’s Responsibility
Milder temperatures also mean that there will be more people taking to the roads on bicycles and motorcycles. Drivers should be mindful that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. Look for cyclists before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Also, be aware that motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave to avoid bumps and road hazards so follow at a safe distance.
Wear Your Helmet
Since 2006, Bicycle Helmets are requires for all cyclists under 17 years of age. This law comes into focus quite often in New Jersey and violation of the law comes with a price tag: $25 for a first offense. A second offense can possibly result in a fine as high as $100.
Torch Run for Special Olympics
The Middlesex Police Department will participate in the 41st annual New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Friday, June 7th.
Internet Exchange Zone
The Middlesex Police Department has established an Internet Exchange Zone in the parking lot at police headquarters. The zone is monitored by a dedicated video surveillance camera. The goal is to create a place that promotes safer transactions between individuals making sales, purchases or exchanges with total strangers.
Nixle Community Notifications And Alerts
Nixle is a free communication system that connects residents to the agencies that protect, serve and communicate with them. Residents are urged to sign up to receive Nixle Alerts and Messages. Nixle allows the Police Department to send important, valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology. Messages will be delivered by email, SMS/text message (Standard text message rates apply), and over the World Wide Web. Notifications may include crime related alerts, traffic advisories and other relevant safety and community event information.
Register now to receive text messages: Text “MIDDLESEXPD” to 888777 to begin receiving SMS/text only. You can also sign up through the registration form on this page.
To learn more about Nixle and to sign up, please visit our web site at www.middlesexpd.com
Records Bureau
The Police Department’s Records Bureau window is located inside the lobby of the Middlesex Borough Police Department at 1101 Mountain Avenue. The window is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Starting the week of Monday, May 27, 2024, the window hours will change to Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Fridays, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Citizens can obtain motor vehicle crash reports and police incident reports by completing a request form, by providing their information and a proper form of identification.
Please allow up to 5 business days for report availability.
Contact the Records Bureau at (732) 356-1900 ext. 230/231 for information or to check the status of your report request.
Report A Traffic Safety Concern
We ask that you support our Safe Roads Initiative by obeying all traffic laws at all times. Please report any non-emergency traffic concerns to:
Middlesex Police Department – (732) 356-1900 ext. 235, or trafficsafety@middlesexpd.com
Firearms Applications And Carry Permits
See https://middlesexpd.com/firearm-applications/ for updated information. Firearms Applications can now be completed online at https://njportal.com/NJSP/FARS. All forms, payments, Identification Cards, and Purchasers Permits are ELECTRONIC. Paper cards and permits are no longer generated or provided to applicants.
Report Streetlight Outages Directly To Pse&G
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR CONTINUALLY UPDATE NEWS AND PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION.
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Finance: Senior Freeze
Property tax reimbursement first-time applications,, requirements, and hyperlinks…
Property Tax Reimbursement: First Time Applications
2023
Eligibility Requirements:*
You were age 65 or older on December 31, 2022, or you were receiving Social Security disability payments on December 31, 2022, and also on December 31, 2023;
and
You owned and lived in your home or leased a site in a mobile home park for a manufactured or mobile home that you owned since December 31, 2019, or earlier;
and
You paid all 2022 property taxes by June 1, 2023, and all 2023 property taxes by June 1, 2024;
and
Your annual income was $150,000* or less in 2022 and $163,050* or less in 2023. With some exceptions, all income must be taken into account, including Social Security, pension, etc.
* Eligibility rules, income limits, and benefits may be changed by the State Budget that will take effect on July 1, 2024*
For Additional Information:
PHONE: call the Senior Freeze Hotline: 1 (800) 882-6597.
ONLINE: visit nj.gov/taxation
…then select the menu item that says, “I am Looking for Property Tax Relief”
…then select the photo labeled, “Senior Freeze Program”
A direct hyperlink to the correct page is https://nj.gov/treasury/tahttps://nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/index.shtmlation/ptr/index.shtml
Deadline to file is October 31, 2024.
Initial filing applications are available in the Tax Office and ONLINE applications are available on the Division of Taxation website - https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/index.shtml.
The Tax Collector’s portion of the application can be filled out on Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays from 9-12.
Recreation
Memorial Day Parade; Community Day; Movies in the Park; Soccer…
Memorial Day Parade
May 25th
10:00 am Ceremony at Victor Crowell Park
10:45 am Parade Kickoff (Rain or Shine)
All community organizations are welcome to join the parade. If you are interested, please contact the Recreation Department at 732-356-7400 x277.
Hot dogs and birch beer will be served at the American Legion following the parade.
Community Day
June 8th
2 – 7pm
Mountain View Park
Local Vendors
Local Bands and Entertainment, Community Groups, Food Vendors, and Kids Activities throughout the day
Movie in the Park
July 10th & August 14th in Mountain View Park at dusk.
Soccer
Coming in June - Be on the lookout for Fall Soccer registration!
The Alliance: Seeking New Members
The Alliance provides financial support for programs that educate our residents on the prevention of addiction and encourage healthy living…
The Alliance
Middlesex Boro Alliance Committee is Seeking New Members!
What do we do? We provide financial support for programs that educate our residents on the prevention of addiction and encourage healthy living.
Who do we support? Our High School and Middle School students with drug awareness programs which could include guest speakers. We also support National Night Out as part of our Community Outreach Program.
How do we provide this support? These programs are made possible by grants received and managed through our committee.
How do you join? Please contact Cindy at chomen2448@yahoo.com or stop by our next meeting.
When and where? Our next meeting dates are the following:
May 15 at 7:00pm Middlesex High School Media Center (Library)
June 5 at 7:00 pm Middlesex High School Media Center (Library)
Come Join our committee and help make important decisions and plan events for our valued children.
Office of Senior & Disabled Services: Here for You!
From daily activities and trips, to guiding you through state-based assistance programs like Medicare, Social Security, Home Delivered Meals, Pharmaceutical Assistance…
The Middlesex Borough Office of Senior & Disabled Services is here to help enrich and enhance the lives of seniors in our community. From daily activities and trips, to guiding you through state-based assistance programs like Medicare, Social Security, Home Delivered Meals, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (PAAD)/Senior Gold, and Property Tax Reimbursements, we are here for you!
Each month we offer the following services:
Weekly shopping trips to ShopRite/Walmart every Tuesday
Weekly classes (Zumba, Ageless Grace, Mahjong, Chair Yoga, Line Dancing, & Mindful Fitness)
Weekly Bingo every Wednesday – the last Wednesday of the month is Bingo & Pizza!
Transportation to the Dunellen Theater for Senior Movie Days
Medical transportation for Middlesex Borough residents only
Monthly Meet-Up for Local Vets: The second Thursday of every month we host a Senior Veteran Meet-Up for Middlesex Borough residents. We encourage our veterans to come mingle and enjoy light refreshments from local businesses.
Our newsletters are posted on our website bimonthly. To learn more about the Middlesex Borough Office of Senior & Disabled Services, please visit us at 1400 Mountain Avenue or call 732-356-0414.
Shade Tree Commission: Spring Tree Planting
The Shade Tree Commission in the Borough of Middlesex is preparing for their annual Spring tree planting, and is requesting that any resident interested in having a shade tree planted…
The Shade Tree Commission in the Borough of Middlesex is preparing for their annual Spring tree planting, and is requesting that any resident interested in having a shade tree planted on their right-of-way to please contact Linda at (732) 356-7400, Ext. 238 or e-mail lchismar@middlesexboro-nj.gov. All requests that are submitted will be discussed by the Shade Tree Commission.
Shade Tree News
Middlesex Borough Shade Tree Commission, established in June, 1959, is responsible to maintain and protect all shade trees on Borough streets or roadway.
The Commission will begin their fall planting soon, and would like any residents that are interested in receiving a FREE shade tree to be planted on their right of way to contact the Shade Tree Secretary at 732-356-7400, Ext. 238.
Also, it is important to note that it is against the law for a resident to cut, prune, damage or disturb a Borough Tree. If this is done, a summons will be issued, and fines will be imposed.