Day: April 30, 2021

Defendant Charged With 2 Counts of Attempted Murder On Lakewood Police Officers To Remain Detained Pending Trial

April 30, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on April 30, 2021, the Honorable Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P., ordered that Stanley Williams, 25, of Lakewood, shall remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending trial on two counts of Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township during the evening hours of April 17, 2021, into the early morning hours of April 18, 2021. Williams has also been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(5)(a); Possession of a Weapon, specifically a knife, for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d; and Possession of a Weapon, specifically a BB gun, for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4a(1).

On April 17, 2021, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Lakewood Township Police Officers responded to a residence on Lisa Robyn Circle relative to an alleged disturbance. As responding Officers were attempting to make contact with Williams at the residence, he allegedly attacked the Officers with a knife, wounding both Officers about the head and face. Williams then allegedly barricaded himself in the residence. After all efforts to effectuate Williams’ peaceful surrender were exhausted, the Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team – with assistance from the Ocean County Regional SWAT team – made a tactical entry into the residence at approximately 2:30 a.m. on April 18, 2021. As Officers made entry into the residence, Williams allegedly discharged a BB gun in the Officers’ direction, striking one of the Officers. The Officers in question were treated for their injuries, which were determined to be non-life-threatening.

Williams was ultimately taken into custody, and has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his arrest on April 18, 2021. The detention hearing was handled by Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Esler.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Special Response Team, and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, for the outstanding professionalism and restraint they collectively exhibited in conducting this investigation and taking Williams into custody.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


Related MidJersey.news coverage here:

Lakewood Barricaded Man That Reportedly Attacked And Injured 2 Police Officers In Custody

UPDATE: Barricaded Man Charged With Attempted Murder On 2 Police Officers And Other Offences In 8 Hour Lakewood Standoff Last Night


Photos and video by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response



Mercer County Reopens Church Street Bridge in Hamilton

April 30, 2021

By: Tyler Eckel

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP (MERCER)– Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughesannounced that the bridge on Church Street over Doctors Creek in Hamilton Township was reopened to the motoring public this afternoon under budget.

The Mercer County Department of Transportation and Infrastructure began the rehabilitation of the bridge in March 2020. Officially known as Bridge No. 672.2 on Church Street, the structure traverses Doctors Creek in the Groveville neighborhood of Hamilton Township.

The old bridge carrying Church Street over Doctors Creek was a concrete-encased steel stringer bridge. The structure was considered structurally deficient due to poor condition of the substructure.

The reconstructed bridge consists of a reinforced concrete substructure on top of steel piles. The superstructure consists of steel stringers and a composite concrete deck with a protective deck overlay. The structure supports a 32-foot-wide cart way and two 5-foot-wide sidewalks. The reinforced concrete railings aesthetically mimic the craftsmanship of the original structure built in 1929. The cross section at the bridge consists of two 12-foot travel lanes and two 4-foot shoulders.

Marbro Inc. of Montclair was the successful low bidder at $4,921,117. The contract was awarded in February 2020 and work commenced in March 2020.


TSA Extends Mask Requirement For Individuals Through September 13, 2021

Across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems.

April 30, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC –The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through September 13.

TSA’s initial face mask requirement went into effect on February 1 with an expiration date of May 11.

“The federal mask requirement throughout the transportation system seeks to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation,” said Darby LaJoye, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator. “Right now, about half of all adults have at least one vaccination shot and masks remain an important tool in defeating this pandemic. We will continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate the need for these directives and recognize the significant level of compliance thus far.”

The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated travelers with an FDA-authorized vaccine can travel safely within the U.S., but the CDC guidelines still require individuals to wear a face mask, socially distance, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. The extension of the face mask requirement is consistent with this most recent CDC guidance. TSA encourages all commuters, and airline and bus travelers, including people considering international travel, to stay up to date with any changes to these requirements by checking the TSA and CDC websites prior to taking their trip.

While this announcement extends the date of enforcement, all other aspects of the requirement remain unchanged, including exemptions and civil penalties. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities will continue. The existing civil penalty fine structure will also remain in place which starts at $250 and rises to $1,500 for repeat offenders who violate this face mask requirement.

Travelers who have not flown since last year may notice various changes already implemented at airport screening checkpoints nationwide.

At TSA checkpoints, travelers will continue to see all security screening officers wearing face masks and gloves. Acrylic barriers remain in place at most airports while new credential authentication technology and computed tomography equipment at hundreds of checkpoints greatly reduce the need for physical contact between our officers and the traveling public.

The TSA screening officer at the travel document checker (TDC) station will request that travelers temporarily lower their face mask to verify their identity. Those who approach the TDC without a face mask will be asked to obtain one to proceed. Passengers who refuse to wear a face mask will not be permitted to enter the secure area of the airport, which includes the terminal and gate area. One hand sanitizer container up to 12 oz. per person continues to be temporarily allowed in carry-on bags while all other liquid, gels, and aerosols must meet the 3-1-1 rule

Travelers with questions regarding airport security screening procedures may send a message via Facebook or Twitter to @AskTSA for live assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekdays or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. Individuals who require screening assistance due to a disability, medical condition or other special circumstance may contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours in advance of their flight by calling (855) 787-2227.

For more information about the Security Directives and Emergency Amendment, visit tsa.gov/sd-and-ea. For additional information about TSA procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” public awareness campaign, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus

Lakewood Overturned With Entrapment Sends 2 To Hospital

April 30, 2021

LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–A two vehicle accident around 2:22 pm at the intersection of Oak Street and New Hampshire Avenue left a vehicle overturned and a patient who needed to be extricated. Lakewood First Aid Squad, Hatzolah, and Lakewood Fire Department all responded to the scene. Lakewood FD set up fire suppression while the first aid squad did the extrication. Hatzolah and Lakewood First Aid transported the two patients to Ocean Medical Center in Brick.


Photo credit: Yossi Brander,  The Lakewood Scoop

Hunting Regulation Change – Deer Urine Lure Ban

April 30, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Effective May 10, 2021, a change in state hunting regulations will ban the possession, sale and use of all natural, deer-derived hunting lures (urine and glandular secretions) in New Jersey to help safeguard the health of the state’s deer herd from the threat of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). All natural, deer-derived hunting lures must be disposed of in your household trash.

The ban has been put in place to strengthen safeguards against CWD entering New Jersey. These scents and lures are derived from captive deer where the risk of CWD is greatest. The production of deer urine is not regulated; there is no federal or state agency that can certify deer urine-based products as CWD-free, and no level of exposure is acceptable.

Synthetic lures and lures not made from any deer fluid or tissue are legal to possess, sell and use.

CWD is a progressive and always fatal neurologic disease affecting members of the Cervid family such as deer, elk, moose and reindeer, and is caused by an infectious protein called a prion. It results in emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and death, and is readily spread from deer to deer. While CWD has not yet been documented in New Jersey, it poses a real and significant risk to deer herds and New Jersey’s deer hunting tradition if it arrives here.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is doing everything in its power to prevent CWD from entering New Jersey and to protect the long-term health of our deer herd and our deer hunting heritage.

More information about Chronic Wasting Disease can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/cwdinfo.htm

NJEDA, in partnership with Nurture NJ and First Lady Tammy Murphy, Issues Request for Information Seeking Input on the Establishment of a Trenton-Based Center Dedicated to Maternal & Infant Health

Respondents Encouraged to Submit Ideas About New Center to Address Racial Disparities and Inequities in Care & Outcomes for Mothers and Infants

April 30, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), in partnership with Nurture NJ and First Lady Tammy Murphy, issued a Request for Information (RFI) today seeking input to inform the establishment of a Center for Maternal and Infant Health in Trenton which will be dedicated to innovation and research, with an emphasis on addressing racial disparities and ensuring equity in care and outcomes for mothers and infants. The Center for Maternal and Infant Health is a key recommendation from First Lady Tammy Murphy’s recently released Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.com/bidding/#OET. Responses to the RFI are due by June 1, 2021.

The RFI, which was issued in conjunction with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s offices, the Nurture NJ campaign, and NJEDA’s state agency partners at the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), is the latest in a series of steps the State of New Jersey is taking to reduce maternal and infant mortality, particularly among mothers and infants of color. 

In 2019, First Lady Murphy launched Nurture NJ, a statewide, multi-agency campaign committed to both reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensuring equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. In January 2021, the First Lady unveiled the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby through more than 70 specific, actionable recommendations. The establishment of a Center in the state capital that “focuses on innovation and research in maternal and infant health through partnerships with the state’s academic, funder, business, and faith communities” is among those recommendations.

“Our Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan was developed in partnership with New Jersey moms and families along with hundreds of experts across our state, both in government and the private sector,” said First Lady Murphy. “We are now actively engaged in implementing the first phase of these recommendations, including the creation of this one-of-a-kind center, which will be dedicated to innovative research, clinical care, and more to eliminate the inequities at the heart of our maternal health crisis. We are determined to ensure a healthy start for every mother and her baby, and the Center for Maternal Health will play an essential role in continuing our ground-breaking and lifesaving work for decades to come.”  

New Jersey currently ranks 47th in the nation for maternal deaths and has one of the widest racial disparities for both maternal and infant mortality. A Black mother in New Jersey is seven times more likely than a white mother to die from maternity-related complications, and a Black baby is over three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday.

“Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has taken a comprehensive approach to dismantling systemic inequities that exist within our state, and that includes ensuring that women of color get the care they need during their pregnancies and in the months following childbirth,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “One of the most vital ways to achieve this goal is by maintaining an ongoing dialogue with knowledgeable stakeholders who can offer key insights into how the Center can catalyze innovation to tackle this critical issue. The RFI announced today does exactly that.” 

This RFI aims to build on Nurture NJ’s tremendous knowledge base and community engagement process by gathering targeted input on the development and implementation of the Trenton-based Center. Respondents are encouraged to offer input regarding the development of the Center’s mission, vision and structure; potential operating models and locations; services and program offerings; strategies and best practices to foster research, innovation, and commercialization in maternal and infant health; potential partners within Trenton and throughout the United States; and considerations for the Authority and its partner agencies in creating initiatives anchored at the Center and within the Trenton community focused on achieving equity in maternal and infant health outcomes.

“The creation of this Center will help eliminate the unacceptable racial disparities that exist in maternal and infant health while also fostering innovation and community revitalization within the state’s capital,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This RFI will enable Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy and a team across state government to draw on the expertise of individuals familiar with issues surrounding access to infant and maternal healthcare and develop an informed approach to overcoming this pervasive issue.”

The NJEDA is seeking responses from qualified entities  including, but not limited to: mothers and caregivers; members of communities most affected by disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes; healthcare providers; hospitals and hospital systems; midwives and doulas; health organizations; universities; advocacy organizations; social services providers; municipalities, government agencies and school districts; community stakeholders; policy and academic researchers; real estate developers; business leaders, employers and entrepreneurs; technical assistance providers; and foundations and philanthropic organizations that address infant and maternal health. The NJEDA is seeking responses from entities based within New Jersey as well as those located outside of the state.

“Through our work in promoting safe and inclusive learning environments, we are expanding equitable opportunities for women of color and women of child-bearing age through programs such as the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) and other affordability initiatives,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges. “The Center for maternal and infant health aligns with our goal of ensuring healthy postsecondary outcomes for mothers and their infants.”

“Establishing this Center and investing in research and innovation here in our Capital City are pivotal steps forward in our Administration’s commitment to combat disparities in care for mothers and babies of color and make New Jersey a safer place to give birth,” said NJ Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman.  “NJ Human Services looks forward to working with our partners in the First Lady’s Nurture NJ campaign to make these plans the reality, improve outcomes, and save lives.”

“Nationally and in NJ, maternal and infant mortality are among the worst disparities that Black women experience. The work done by the First Lady to lift up the disparities between our Black and white mothers in our state has been instrumental for this critical conversation needed to save lives. Opening a Center focused on this issue, right in the hub of our government, proves the importance this work has for our state as we work towards health equality for all mothers, infants and families and making New Jersey the best place in the country to raise a family,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“I am grateful to see us moving closer to establishing a maternal and infant health center in the city of Trenton. The accessibility of doctors is a major barrier that prevents many young women from seeking out the follow up care they need,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “Coupled with efforts to reduce racial biases within the healthcare field, bringing resources directly to underserved communities is the best thing we can do to reduce maternal mortality rates, especially among Black mothers.”

“New Jersey has the third-largest disparity between survival rates among white and Black mothers in the United States. To significantly improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and their children, we’re going to need people on the ground and in our communities gathering information and offering necessary services to help expecting mothers. We applaud the joint effort between First Lady Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and welcome the idea of a Trenton-based center dedicated to improving health equity for Black women,” said Assemblymembers Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Anthony Verrelli.

“I’m excited that the state has selected the Capital City for its innovation center focusing on racial disparities related to maternal and infant health,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Not only do Trenton mothers receive late or no prenatal care at twice the rate of the rest of the state, Trenton’s infant mortality rate in the last few years has also been as high as double the state rate, particular among Black residents. Trenton babies also have higher rates than both the state and county of low birthweights and preterm births. Our state partnerships are essential to overcoming this disparity, including this RFI that will help bring critical expertise and innovation to a place where it’s needed the most.”

“Combining public sector resources and industry expertise will position New Jersey to ensure equitable access to health care for mothers and infants throughout the state,” said Tara Colton, NJEDA’s Executive Vice President of Special Projects. “We are proud to work with our partners on such an important initiative and look forward to developing a world-class Center based with input we receive through this RFI.”

All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 PM EST, on Monday, May 17, 2021 via e-mail to:  MaternalHealthRFI@njeda.com

The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-2021-RFI-127”.

Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Monday, May 24, 2021 at: https://www.njeda.com/bidding/#OET as Addendum. 

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday June 1, 2021, via e-mail to: MaternalHealthRFI@njeda.com

The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2021-RFI-127”.     

About NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

About Nurture NJ 

To learn more about Nurture NJ, visit NurtureNJ.nj.gov.

Follow Nurture NJ and First Lady Tammy Murphy on Twitter (@FirstLadyNJ), Facebook (@FirstLadyNJ), and Instagram (@firstladynewjersey).


Lacey Twp. Man Charged With Strict Liability Death After Selling Victim Heroin And Cocaine

April 30, 2021

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Toms River Township Police Chief Mitchell Little announced that on April 29, 2021, Jehmar Barrett, 34, of Lacey Township, was charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9a, relative to the death of a 35-year-old female in Toms River on November 24, 2020.

On November 24, 2020, Toms River Police Officers responded to a residence on Alabama Avenue for a report of an unresponsive female. Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim, who was already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.

A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Toms River Police Department Detective Bureau determined that Barrett allegedly sold the victim Heroin and Cocaine on November 23, 2020. Barrett was initially charged on November 24, 2020 with Distribution of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Distribution of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5b(3); Possession of Heroin in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); Possession of Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a(1); and Eluding in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2b.

Further investigation and toxicology analysis recently received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of Fentanyl in the victim’s system. It was determined through laboratory analysis that the controlled dangerous substance allegedly sold to the victim by Barrett – initially believed to be Heroin – was, in fact, Fentanyl, matching the Fentanyl found in the victim’s system. Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the Fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of her death. As a consequence, Barrett was charged with Strict Liability Induced Death on April 29, 2021. This morning, Barrett surrendered himself to the Toms River Police Department. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief Little commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department Patrol Division, Berkeley Township Police Department, Lacey Township Police Department, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Monmouth Correction Officer Facing Criminal Charges

April 30, 2021

FREEHOLD, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A Monmouth County Corrections officer is facing criminal charges after shoplifting in West Long Branch, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Suzanne Simone, 53, of Ocean Township, a 22-year-veteran of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, is charged with third degree shoplifting in connection with multiple instances where she failed to pay for items at a local home improvement store. This follows an investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office which revealed that on multiple occasions, Simone “skip scanned” items, essentially scanning multiple smaller items, and not scanning larger items or pretending to scan them and leaving the store without paying for them. In one instance, Simone was wearing her uniform while committing the theft. Of the stolen goods, the estimated value is $661. Some of the stolen goods were later recovered from her residence.

Simone is currently suspended from her position at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

“No one is above the law,” said Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.  “It is essential to our criminal justice system that officers maintain the public’s trust.  This officer broke the law that she was sworn to uphold, all over a measly $600. This conduct will not be tolerated and is a stain on the men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to serve their communities with honor.”

“Any member of law enforcement who violates their oath does a disservice to the public and their fellow officers, and will be held fully accountable,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden.

If anyone has any additional information, please contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Greg Hilton at 1-800-533-7443.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous, but has information about a crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – https://www.p3tips.com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

The case is assigned to Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Office’s Professional Responsibilities and Bias Crime Unit.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the leadership of Prosecutor Gramiccioni, instituted a Corruption Tip Line designed to solicit the public’s assistance in identifying and targeting corruption, fraud and misconduct occurring in local governmental agencies.

Citizens may report concerns via the following: Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Corruption Tip Line – 855-7-UNJUST (855 786-5878); or E-mail at: corruption@mcponj.org write “Corruption/Misconduct Tip” in the subject line.




Hamilton Township Named Tree City USA® for Fifteenth Year

April 30, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–In honor of this Arbor Day, Hamilton Township announces that it has been named a 2020 Tree City USA for the fifteenth consecutive year.

Hamilton achieved this prominent environmental designation by the Arbor Day Foundation, a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization, by meeting the program’s four requirements:  have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. 

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees being planted and cared for by Hamilton are ensuring that generation to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Thanks to the efforts of the Hamilton Township Shade Tree Commission, the Township was able to launch a residential tree planting initiative this past September. The Township will spend over $1 million to remove dead and dying trees and plant new trees around town. The program is funded by private developers that pay into an escrow fund when trees are removed from properties under construction and, under the law, can only be used for this purpose. While the Township takes requests for new trees year round, we are ramping up our efforts to reach all Hamilton Township residents on a neighborhood by neighborhood level.

The Township plans to have the trees planted so that they will not interfere with sidewalks or utility lines.  While there is no cost to residents for the trees, the Township asks that residents jointly care for the tree in the first three years of growth.

Residents may contact the Division of Planning at (609) 890-3645 or via email at RPoppert@HamiltonNJ.com for more information on the residential tree planting program. 

“Planting new trees throughout Hamilton, at no cost to our residents, is a win-win,” said Mayor Jeff Martin.  “If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Healthy trees provide environmental benefits such as cleaner air and cooler temperatures for homes they help shade – helping to lower energy consumption.  Having been recognized as Tree City USA for fifteen years now, Hamilton has demonstrated a commitment to the mission that the Arbor Day Foundation sets forth– to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.”

More information on the Tree City USA program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.


Victim Identified in Thursday Night Homicide in Trenton

April 30, 2021

5/7/2021 update: Trenton Man Arrested for Murder

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Homicide Task Force is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Trenton last night, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported.

Just before 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021, Trenton police were dispatched to the 400 block of North Clinton Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle accident. Responding officers located Ramire Harvey seated in the driver’s seat of a dark-colored Audi sedan that had crashed into two parked cars in the area of North Clinton Avenue and Poplar Street.  He was shot and unresponsive, and there were multiple bullet holes in the vehicle.  Harvey, 25, of Trenton, was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The car was not stolen, as was preliminarily reported at the scene.  Although not related to the shooting or crash, a female bystander who suffered a medical episode near the scene was transported to the hospital.        

The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.  Anyone with information is asked to call (609) 989-6406.  Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org


Yesterday’s MidJersey.news story here: UPDATE: Driver Found Shot Dead In Audi Involved In Crash


Names of 2021* homicide victims:

  1. 2/18/2021 Jabree Saunders, 26, from shooting on May 14, 2018
  2. 2/22/2021 Khalil Gibbs, 25, of West Windsor, shooting
  3. 2/25/2021 Lovelle Laramore, 60, of Trenton shooting
  4. 4/15/2021 Kaheem Carter, 22, of Trenton, shooting
  5. 4/20/2021 Shaquan McNeil, 25, of Trenton, shooting
  6. 4/24/2021 Cheryl Jones, 65, of Trenton, shooting
  7. 4/29/2021 Ramire Harvey, 25, of Trenton, shooting

*Updated to reflect the person who died in 2021 from the May 14, 2018 shooting.


Photos and video by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News



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Arbor Day Celebrated In Robbinsville With Tree Plantings At Miry Run

April 30, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township celebrated Arbor Day 2021 with tree plantings at Miry Run.

Robbinsville Administration, Recreation, EDAC, Community Development and the Department of Public Works celebrate Arbor Day with the planting of three Japanese Lilac Trees at Miry Run today. Robbinsville was named a Tree City USA Community for the 10th straight time earlier this month with close to 13,000 trees planted during that time.




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Amazon Evacuated Yesterday For Smoke Condition

April 30, 2021

CRANBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–A smoke condition in the Amazon TEB6 warehouse at 22 Hightstown-Cranbury Station Road caused an evacuation of the facility yesterday April 28, 2021 around 4:06 pm . The Cranbury Fire Company, Hightstown Fire Company, East Windsor Fire Companies 1 & 2 quickly responded to the scene. After an investigation the smoke condition was determined to be coming from a strobe light fixture. The fire departments turned the issue over to the building manager. As standard procedure the building is evacuated any time there is a problem and employees assemble in their designated meeting areas for accountability. After the fire departments cleared the employees returned to work. There were no injuries or other issues reported.


Previous MidJersey.news stories on Amazon TEB6 here:

UPDATED: Multi-Alarm Fire At Amazon TEB6 In Cranbury

UPDATE: Cranbury Amazon Warehouse Fire Under Investigation


Mayor Dave Fried Announces Run For Re-election, Seeks 5th Term In Office

April 30, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried announced this morning he will seek a 5th term in office as mayor. The announcement was posted via Facebook the entire post is below:


Mayor Dave Fried:

When the time came to decide whether or not to run for another term as your mayor after the year we just endured together, the real questions were:

How do we do better?

How can we be better?

How can I be better, both as your mayor and as a person?

What I’ve learned is those questions cannot be answered from the sidelines, at least not for me.

That is why I am once again running for mayor this November 2.

Calling the past 14 months an adventure would minimize the devastation and misery COVID-19 continues to leave in its wake, including the longer-term effects we are still unaware of. We need to underscore the miles upon miles we must still travel to end systemic racism, bigotry and violence toward all people of color, while bringing to justice each and every person who plots to harm or disrupt our democracy and one another – both at home and abroad.

Hanging up the cleats as mayor, while tempting with my children becoming independent young men and women of their own and the promise of more down time with my wife, Kathryn, was never really an option with the amount of work still left to be done.

Seeing this pandemic through and making sure our business community has the tools it needs to rebound and thrive still causes me sleepless nights. I am so very thankful for my staff, and the unwavering support of Township Council. None of what I accomplish could be possible without them.

Other major projects still on my radar is the construction of a new police station and Municipal Court. This will be a very large undertaking. We hope to make it the first joint court facility in Mercer County by partnering with a neighboring town, and I want to be here to see it through.

Saying I am excited about the potential and passive recreation possibilities at Miry Run is an understatement. The wheels have been in motion for months thanks to input we have received from residents, staff and our professionals. I also look forward to finishing Town Center South, where Freedom Village (Project Freedom) currently stands proudly as an anchor.

It has been the honor and a privilege to serve as your mayor, and I want nothing more than the opportunity to take on that challenge again if you, the residents, will have me.

Thank you for all of your support these many years. Every single time I have asked this community to step up, it has beyond my wildest expectations. This community drives the direction of our future. I am merely its temporary steward.

My staff exemplifies public service. They care about every facet of this Township, and I could not take on the challenge of running again without them at my side and giving me the energy to do more.

There are many things I could highlight, such as nine straight years of flat/reduced municipal taxes, or the best open space record in Mercer County. I could tout our public safety record, groundbreaking police training facility, our incredible diversity, investments in infrastructure, rising property values, or the approximately $350,000 we have generated in philanthropy through our “Pay it Forward” initiatives since 2015. Yet, what matters most of all is making sure you and your families are safe, happy and prosperous with opportunities to grow.

I am extremely proud of our history and that despite all of our differences, we always seem to find a way to come together for the common good. Thank you for always being there for one another. And for me.

See you at the polls on November 2, and may God Bless you all.