Day: May 5, 2023

Allentown, Allentown, Monmouth County, Upper Freehold, Upper Freehold

More Warehouses Proposed For Central New Jersey Next To Allentown

ED Note: This information was supplied directly from Allentown Borough’s Newsletter. For the latest information see the Allentown Borough website and check the Announcements page on the website.

May 5, 2023

ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Allentown Borough Officials, Allentown and Upper Freehold residents have come together to oppose two warehouses with applications to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a flood hazard area Individual Permit and Freshwater Wetlands GP-6, GP-7, GP-11, and Transition Area Waiver – Averaging Plan. The site is proposed to construct two proposed warehouses and ancillary parking, sidewalks, driveways, loading docks, stormwater and utility improvements. The complete permit application package can be reviewed at the municipal clerks’ office or by appointment at the Department of Environmental Protection Trenton Office.

According to an email sent by Allentown Borough on May 2, 2023, The Borough has assembled a professional team that includes Borough Engineer Carmela Roberts, PE, CME; Land-Use Attorney Michele R. Donato; and  Environmental Consultant Attorney Stuart J. Lieberman.  These professionals are working with the Governing Body on a response statement and template letter that residents can use to oppose this development on our borders. It will be posted as soon as it is received.  

Take action by Thursday, May 11th to oppose the proposed Stein warehouse development on Old York Road

Below are all of the documents the Borough has received relating to the proposed development of the Stein property on Old York Road. This property is also known as Block 26, Lots 1 & 3 in Upper Freehold Township and Block 41.01, Lots 3 & 4 in Robbinsville Township. There is an application before the Monmouth County Planning Board and we expect that one will be before the Upper Freehold Township Planning Board. 

The Borough has assembled a professional team that includes Borough Engineer Carmela Roberts, PE, CME and Environmental Consultant Attorney Stuart J. Lieberman to represent the Borough as the applications move forward, but we still need your help to voice opposition to this development.

Use the template below to respond to the NJDEP in writing by Thursday, May 11th. If you are a resident of Indian Run, we also ask you to include any information about flooding on or around your property with supporting photographs or videos. Letters can be sent to the NJDEP directly. Copies of letters, photographs or videos sent can be dropped off at Borough Hall or sent to Clerk@AllentownBoroNJ.com. 


 Bohler’s Letter to the Borough- April 26, 2023
 Bohler’s Letter to the Borough- April 27, 2023
 Ecolsciences Freshwater Wetlands Environmental Report- April 28, 2023
 Mapping and photographs- March 24, 2023
 David Steinberg’s Letter to the NJDEP- January 24, 2023
 Template Letter Word
 Template Letter PDF

ED Note: This information was supplied directly from Allentown Borough’s Newsletter. For the latest information see the Allentown Borough website and check the Announcements page on the website.

sample_letter_-_njdep_-_flood_hazard_area_individual_permit_and_freshwater_wetlands_proposed_warehouse_5.3.231Download
templateDownload

Residents have started a petition that can be viewed here:

https://www.change.org/p/say-no-to-500-000-sq-ft-of-warehouses-next-to-valero-in-upper-freehold-twp?redirect=false

Overdevelopment is once again threatening our rural environment and quality of life. This time, the literal foundations of our towns are at stake.

Active Acquisitions Upper Freehold LLC has applied to build two large warehouses on Block 26, Lots 1, 2, & 3 in Upper Freehold Township (UFT). The builder would pave over 23 acres of UFT farmland on scenic Old York Road! This farmland has been in use for over 200 years!

The plan may require a separate wastewater mitigation system or sewer, potentially leading to MORE WAREHOUSE DEVELOPMENT, affordable housing developments, and HIGHER TAXES from increased school district enrollments. This is how chasing ratables actually ends up INCREASING taxes!

Tell the Upper Freehold Township Committee at Committee@uftnj.com to say NO to:

  • ANY new VARIANCES tied to this proposal
  • MORE TRUCK TRAFFIC from over 100 truck loading docks 
  • INCREASED COSTS for police, fire & first aid services resulting in HIGHER TAXES
  • Required amendments for the construction of new SEWERS
  • Associated HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
  • POORER AIR quality and LIGHT POLLUTION
  • Higher CRIME without a local police force to promptly respond
  • FLOODING due to increases in stormwater 
  • DESTRUCTION of the UFT Township, Monmouth County and NJDOT approved Scenic Byway and loss of open space
  • INCREASED TRAFFIC, CONGESTION, AND EMISSIONS with more than 600 additional cars on our roads
  • IRREVESABLE HARM TO WILDLIFE that use this land as their only home
  • This MEGA WAREHOUSE will degrade the quality of life for residents of Upper Freehold Township, the historic village of Allentown Borough, and everyone in the region.

Your opinions matter! The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) wants your comments. 

Tell the NJDEP to deny the builder’s application for a wetland’s waiver and flood hazard permit. That will only happen if they hear from YOU.

Click HERE for a template a letter of opposition to the NJDEP. The deadline to submit letters is Thursday, May 11 

WRITE A LETTER, SIGN THIS PETITION, AND SHARE https://chng.it/XLwvGSqR4R

Documents below provided by Allentown Borough:

ED Note: This information was supplied directly from Allentown Borough’s Newsletter. For the latest information see the Allentown Borough website and check the Announcements page on the website.

bohler_042623Download

bohler_042723Download

ecolsciences_reportDownload
mappingDownload
njdep_012423Download
Mercer County, Trenton

Criminal Attempt Homicide Arrest & Weapons Offenses

May 5, 2023

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Trenton Police report that on Saturday, January 8, 2023, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Trenton Police Communication received a ShotSpotter activation of five (5) rounds in the area of 102 Oakland Street. The ShotSpotter activation further revealed the direct area of 8 Eisenhower Avenue. Patrol units responded to the area of the ShotSpotter activation and located two (2) gunshot victims in a parked vehicle in front of 8 Eisenhower Avenue. The victims were transported by TEMS to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment and were listed in stable condition.

The suspect, later identified as Charles Jones, was observed shooting from the second-floor apartment of 8 Eisenhower Avenue. Patrol units observed visible, exiting bullet holes from the front window of 8 Eisenhower Avenue, Apartment 2A. Jones fled the location prior to police arrival.

Shooting Response Unit Detectives took over the investigation and later issued arrest warrants for Charles Jones. On May 3, 2023 Jones was taken into custody in the Bronx Borough of New York City. He is being held pending extradition to New Jersey.

*Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty*

Manchester, Ocean County

Manchester, NJ Man Charged With Narcotics Distribution

May 5, 2023

Yesterday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force collaborated with the Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, to conduct an investigation into the distribution of cocaine in Ocean County.  This cooperative, multi-agency investigation identified a business in Toms River, known as “Leroy’s Tow Service,” as well as a residence in Manchester Township owned by Leroy Hairston, 43, as being utilized to store and distribute cocaine. 

Detectives from the aforementioned law enforcement agencies initiated surveillance on the subject business in Toms River as well as the residence in Manchester.  On April 26, 2023, Detectives observed Hairston leaving his business in Toms River, and continued to maintain surveillance on Hairston as he left the area.  Hairston parked his vehicle in a nearby parking lot, at which time he was approached and detained by Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers without incident.  Hairston was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Toms River Township Police Headquarters for processing.

Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant on the subject business in Toms River.  As a result, Detectives seized approximately 100 grams of cocaine and $7,000 in United States currency.

Ocean County Regional SWAT thereafter executed a court-authorized search warrant on Hairston’s residence in Manchester.  As a result, Raekwon Strand, 26, of Lakewood – who was present at the residence at the time of the search warrant execution – was found to be in possession of approximately 100 wax folds of heroin/fentanyl.  In addition, $4,000 in United States currency was seized from the residence.  Strand was subsequently placed under arrest at the residence.

Leroy Hairston was charged with Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine, Financial Facilitation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.   He was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

Raekwon Strand was charged with Possession of Heroin/Fentanyl and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Strand was served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Toms River Township Police Department K-9 Unit, Manchester Township Police Department, Manchester Township Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team, Manchester Township Detective Bureau, Ocean County Regional SWAT, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

Ocean County, Toms River

Ortley Beach Man Sentenced To 5-Years NJ State Prison And Pay $211K Restitution For Theft By Deception

May 5, 2023

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on May 5, 2023, John Hammond, 70, of Ortley Beach, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to five years New Jersey State Prison as a result of his previously entered guilty plea to Theft by Deception.  Hammond will also be required to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $211,415.98.  Hammond pled guilty to the charge before Judge Ryan on September 23, 2022.

An investigation by the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau revealed that between May 2017 and February 2019, Hammond deceived a friend by convincing him to invest over $200,000 with him, promising large returns on his investment.  Over the course of nearly two years, the victim deposited large sums of money into Hammond’s bank account – under the false impression that Hammond would be transferring the money into an investment account purportedly set up in the victim’s name.  When the victim asked the defendant to withdraw a sum of money from the investment account, Hammond perpetuated his scheme by creating fraudulent financial documents purporting to be from Fidelity Investments.  The investigation further revealed that Hammond never invested the victim’s money, never set up an investment account on the victim’s behalf, but instead used the victim’s money for his own personal benefit.

On September 8, 2020, Hammond surrendered himself at Toms River Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and charged on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Toscano who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau for their efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Hammond’s guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Mercer County, Trenton

Trenton Water Works Temporarily Suspends Residential Shutoffs

May 5, 2023

Trenton, N.J. — Trenton Water Works has suspended shutting off service to residents who have fallen behind on paying their bills, the water utility announced on Thursday.

TWW made this decision in order to allow customers who are struggling with payment challenges extra time to access utility-assistance programs, such as the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).

“We are doing everything we can to help our customers catch up on past-due water bills, including offering payment agreements. We are sending a postcard to our customers this week reminding them about LIHWAP,” said Sean Semple, Acting Director of the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works. “LIHWAP is an excellent resource, in addition to other state and nonprofit assistance, and I encourage those who need help to learn about it and submit an application.”

LIHWAP is a temporary federal program to assist eligible households in paying for drinking water and sewer services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assistance payments are applied directly to a qualified customer’s water account.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs administers the federal program at the state level and maintains a website where residents can apply: waterassistance.nj.gov. Questions? Call 2-1-1.

LIHWAP can help water-utility customers avoid service interruptions, restore services, pay reconnection fees, and stay up-to-date on payments. Commercial and business accounts are not eligible.

New Jersey’s Winter Termination Program, a moratorium on shutoffs, ended on March 15. However, TWW is temporarily suspending residential-service interruptions to give its customers more time to learn about and apply for assistance from programs like LIHWAP.

“Unfortunately, this does not apply to commercial accounts. But we will work with our business customers who have past-due balances. All they have to do is call us at 1-866-TWW-BLUE to make payment arrangements or come into our office at 333 Cortland Street in Trenton,” added Mr. Semple.

Purchased by the City of Trenton in 1859, Trenton Water Works (TWW) is one of the oldest and largest publicly owned water systems in the United States. TWW supplies approximately 28 million gallons of water per day to a quarter-million consumers in a five-municipality service area comprised of Trenton, Ewing Township, parts of Hamilton Township, Lawrence Township, and Hopewell Township. TWW operates a 60-million-gallon water-filtration plant and water-distribution system that consists of a 100-million-gallon reservoir, 683 miles of water mains, three pump stations, nearly 8,000 valves, 3,517 fire hydrants, and six interconnections between TWW and other water suppliers. TWW serves approximately 63,000 metered customers.

East Windsor, East Windsor, Mercer County

East Windsor Township Recognizes Student Winners Of Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest

May 5, 2023

EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. NJ (MERCER)– Mayor Janice S. Mironov recognized the elementary school winners of the East Windsor Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest at a recent Council meeting.  The theme of the poster is to promote any or all of the “4 R’s” of the East Windsor Township Recycling Program Logo, which are:

            RECYCLE all items that can be recycled.

            REUSE other items rather than throw them out in the trash.

            REDUCE materials into their homes that then have to be disposed of.

            REBUY buy goods that use recycled materials.

Winners from Grades K – 2 and Grades 3 – 5 all received Mayoral Certificates of Recognition and gift certificates to Barnes and Noble, donated by corporate sponsor Shiseido America.

Mayor Mironov congratulated all of the students stating, “we are proud of all of the students who participated in the Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest, and who demonstrated an interest at a very young age in encouraging recycling as an important tool for creating a greener environment.  The posters designed by the students creatively and colorfully serve to remind everyone of the importance of practicing and promoting recycling to help protect and preserve our environment.  All of the participating students did an outstanding job and are to be commended for their great interest in recycling.”

            The student winners were:

Grades K – 2

1st Place – Sahasra Prabakaran (Ethel McKnight)

2nd Place – Jenise Ahenkora (Walter C. Black)

3rd Place – Jazmin Vergara (Walter C. Black)

Honorable Mention – Lucy Loonan (Ethel McKnight)

Grades 3 – 5

1st Place – Mukund Sairakshan Prabakaran (Perry L. Drew)

2nd Place – Jenessa Ahenkora (Grace N. Rodgers)

3rd Place – Logaranjan Kannan (Perry L. Drew)

Honorable Mention – Aadhav Saravanababu (Perry L. Drew)

Mayor Janice S. Mironov recognized the Grades K-2 student winners of the East Windsor Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest at a recent Council meeting.  Pictured (from left to right) are:  Lucy Loonan;  Jenise Ahenkora;  Mayor Janice S. Mironov;  Sahasra Prabakaran, and Jazmin Vergara. 

Mayor Janice S. Mironov, joined by Council Member John Zoller, recognized the Grades 3-5 student winners of the East Windsor Township Earth Day Recycling Poster Contest at a recent Council meeting.  Pictured (from left to right) are:  Mukund Sairakshan Prabakaran;  Jenessa Ahenkora;  Logaranjan Kannan,  and Aadhav Saravanababu. 

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Mayor Martin Selects Longtime Hamilton Police Captain to Succeed Retiring Chief

May 5, 2023

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER) – Mayor Jeff Martin is proud to announce that he has selected Hamilton Township Police Captain Kenneth DeBoskey to succeed Chief James Stevens upon his retirement later this month. 

After careful consideration and an interview process with all three exceptional Hamilton Police Captains, Mayor Martin is pleased to announce that he has selected Captain Kenneth DeBoskey as the Hamilton Police Division’s next Police Chief. For nearly 35 years, Captain DeBoskey has served Hamilton Police Division in various capacities, including the Patrol Bureau Commander, Sergeant to the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Field Training Officer, and Honor Guard Commander. In his tenure, Captain DeBoskey was tasked with the responsibility of managing the completion and maintenance of the Division’s accreditation process with the NJ Chiefs of Police Association and managing the Division’s 2018 and 2021 reaccreditation process – nearly 43% of all NJ law enforcement agencies have achieved initial accreditation while only 12% of agencies have achieved their second reaccreditation.  Captain DeBoskey will succeed retiring Police Chief James Stevens, who has proudly served within the Hamilton Township Police Division for the last 38 years, with the last five of his career as Chief.

“Captain DeBoskey’s extensive background in law enforcement started nearly 35 years ago as a patrol officer; he has climbed the ranks of the Division, often ranking #1 in the promotional exams, and has received over 15 awards for his service, including being recognized as a rescue worker at the World Trade Center after 9/11. His proven leadership throughout his tenure with the Division makes him an exemplary candidate for Chief. Captain DeBoskey also shares my priorities when it comes to communication, transparency, and partnership with our residents, business owners, visitors, and the men and women of the Police Division. With Captain DeBoskey as the head of the Division, it is our continued goal to make Hamilton a safer and better place to live and work,” explained Mayor Martin.

Captain DeBoskey will be sworn in as Hamilton’s next Police Chief on June 1, 2023, with his mother, Patricia Giordano, wife, Patricia, and children, Amanda and Jay, at his side. 

Mayor Jeff Martin is proud to announce that he has selected Hamilton Township Police Captain Kenneth DeBoskey to succeed Chief James Stevens upon his retirement later this month.