March 29, 2020

Update to earlier story

Taxes to remain flat for 2020, this is Robbinsville’s 8th year of reduced or flat taxes.

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor David Fried has posted a video address concerning COVID-19 and also gave some information on the introduction of the 2020 Robbinsville Township Budget. The mayor stated that the Township will be keeping taxes flat for 2020.

This is Robbinsville’s 8th year of reduced or flat taxes (for the Township Township taxed portion) He also mentioned that the Robbinsville School District will taxes will also remain flat this year. For further details please watch the video address below and further details in the transcript.

The annual “State Of The Township” “Pay it Forward” event will not be held live this year but will be held remotely on Tuesday April 28, 2020 via same day video. Follow MidJersey.news for further information on the April 28 event.

Message from Mayor Dave Fried, Sunday March 29, 2020:

Transcript of Mayor Fried’s video address:

Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried.

I wanted to address you today on where we stand as a Township, as a community and as the bubble we call Robbinsville Township. I’d like to begin by reminding you that we are all in this together, and we remain committed to you – our residents. We are fighting an invisible enemy that does not discriminate. As a nation, we were unprepared to deal with a global health pandemic and we are working tirelessly to make up ground.

Please take all the warnings seriously. Wash your hands regularly, maintain a 6-foot distance, clean and sanitize surfaces often and most of all – make smart decisions.

Abiding by these guidelines has proven effective in flattening the curve of COVID19.

As of Friday morning, New Jersey was second only to New York in positive cases. This past week we saw the largest single day increases yet. But we expected this. As more people are being tested, the numbers are going up. However, we are also seeing individuals recover with each passing day, and we will continue to see more and more people either in – or emerge – from recovery.

Let’s continue to be patient and kind with one another. Let’s count to five before responding to someone you disagree with – especially on the internet – and ask what you can do right now to help someone in need.

I’ll start with gratitude. I am overwhelmed by all those on the front lines tackling this crisis head on. I often speak highly of our team, but I can’t express to you enough what I see every day. Public service lives in their hearts – from our first responders – police, fire, EMTs and Public Works to our other township employees dedicated to the community and making sure Robbinsville stays open. They all want you to know they are here for you. Just let us know what you need. While the offices may be physically closed to the public, we are open and have implemented ways for you to interact with us. We are even doing a few weddings – albeit without any guests. Calls and emails will be returned within 24 hours. If you have an immediate need, contact the non-emergency line at the police department. The number is 609-259-3900. We have also added drop-off bins at the Municipal Building and Senior Center for added convenience.

I have been inspired seeing everyday residents, churches, civic organizations, healthcare workers and businesses come together to help one another.

It reminds me yet again how precious our bubble is.

Examples include the BAPS Temple donating masks that helped supply healthcare workers and hospitals throughout Mercer County. BAPS also made over 100 snack bags for Meals on Wheels, while Greenhill Pharmacy produced and distributed more than 40 bottles of hand sanitizer. On Friday, Lola’s Restaurant made 300 pizzas for our pizza party! We know this experience has been especially difficult for our small businesses. Those that operate them, and their employees.

Many of you are out of work and unsure of what is to come. The State has set up a small business resources page at covid19.nj.gov.

That link and more is available on the Township website, along with a Department of Labor gateway to file for unemployment benefits.

Please know we understand how difficult and stressful these circumstances are.

Going forward I will be allocating significant funding to increase health services in the form of adding emergency equipment and supplies, especially for our first responders. We fully expect to be reimbursed by FEMA so none of that cost would fall into the laps of our residents.

I introduced the 2020 budget to Township Council Thursday and we will be keeping taxes flat. I would also like to applaud the Robbinsville School District for also remaining flat on the tax front this year. I want to thank the Board of Education and Superintendent Kathie Foster for the work they put into the school budget. It is critical that we all hold the line on taxes this year, especially in light of all that is happening around us today.

The mayors of Mercer County have been meeting regularly and we have been in almost constant communication with the State regarding next steps. It has been my honor to serve side-by-side with these fine public servants during this crisis. They all have contributed wonderful ideas and have shared resources in an effort to help each other. We will continue to push for increased testing locally and for supplies so we are much better prepared the next time this happens – hopefully not for many, many, many years to come.

This has indeed been a very stressful few weeks. But I have to tell you – the response of this community as a whole has been nothing short of inspiring. Although we will not be conducting our annual State of the Township Pay it Forward event live this year, we will be delivering that message via same day video on Tuesday, April 28. We are asking that you still consider contributing. Now more than ever, we have folks in dire need.

This year’s cause and our focus:

 “We (Love) our R’Ville Neighbors”

This year we will be paying it forward to a general fund to help individuals most impacted by recent personal events, in addition to those directly affected by this crisis.

Further details, including a “GO Fund Me” page, will be released in the coming days.

I am so proud of those residents abiding by the stay-at-home order, and grateful to those who have donated gift cards and supplies. The emergence of volunteers offering to help has been amazing. Our Hydroponic Farm is still producing 500 heads of lettuce for Mercer Street Friends and local soup kitchens. The Robbinsville Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels are still operating through the Senior Center. With your help and partnering with the Mercer County Nutrition Program, we have tripled the amount of lunches and other meals distributed to those in need. Thank you to everyone for making that happen.

Promising advances have been made with the experimental drug cocktail being used to treat COVID-19 and testing has ramped up. American companies are reinventing themselves to help produce more ventilators. Women and children are making snacks and protective masks and handing them to truck drivers.

Breweries are making hand sanitizer from leftover ingredients. Houses of worship around the world have adapted and are conducting online services.

Those are just some of the reasons I am significantly more optimistic today than I was just a week ago.

There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

If you need anything, please contact the Township at (609) 259-3600, or email me at mayor@robbinsville.net.

We will respond as quickly as we possibly can.

In closing, please do me another favor.

The next time you see one of Public Works employees picking up your trash or recycling – wave hello from your porch, window or screen door. Maybe even make a sign expressing your gratitude.

It would go a long, long way.

With the number of resources, volunteers and support in and around our Robbinsville Bubble, we will get through this by remembering to

Stay Home – Stop the Spread – Save Lives.

God bless you all.