July 16, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 4:00 a.m. a truck northbound on the NJ Turnpike just prior to mile marker 63 lost control hit a guard rail and ran off the roadway and down and embankment. NJ State Police and the NJ Turnpike authority responded. There are no known injuries reported.

As of 6:00 a.m. Haines Towing was on scene removing the vehicle.

No further information is available at this time.

July 14, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Yesterday, July 13, 2021 just after 7:00 p.m. the Robbinsville Police and Robbinsville Fire Department/EMS responded to the intersection of Pond Road and Hutchinson Road for a vehicle into a utility pole. The driver was out of the vehicle on arrival but the utility pole was damaged and reported to be smoking. Police and firefighters stood by until PSE&G arrived.

Robbinsville Township Police is investigating the crash, no further information is available at this time.

Photos by Brian McCarthy, OnScene News

July 1, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Around 2:07 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Police received a 9-1-1 call for a car off the roadway on I-195 West Bound at mile marker 7.4 with reported injuries. Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS responded as well as NJ State Police. Minor injuries were reported it was unclear if any needed transport to the hospital.

NJ State Police is investigating the crash.

No other details were available.

June 22, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Police Department received 9-1-1 calls reporting a crash in the 1300 Block of Old York at 6:31 p.m. The Robbinsville Police Department, Robbinsville Fire Department and EMS responded to the scene of the head on crash. Robbinsville EMS and firefighters treated the injured on scene and requested an additional ambulance from Allentown for assistance. Two people were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threating injuries.

The Robbinsville Township Police Department temporarily closed the roadway between New Street and Herbert Road in the New Sharon section of town.

The Robbinsville Township Police Department is investigating the crash.

No further information is available at this time.

Includes 9th Straight Year of Flat or Reduced Taxes

June 11, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Council members adopted the 2021 municipal budget of $25,920,553.33 – a budget featuring a flat or reduced tax rate for the ninth consecutive year – following a public hearing and vote.

The 2021 rate remains steady at 51.8 cents per $100 of assessed value (also 51.8 in 2019 and 2020), with the average assessed home in Robbinsville valued at $378,500. A penny in the Robbinsville tax rate is worth $264,254.59.

Among the key investments is $200,000 ($600,000 over three years) to join the Mercer County Police Radio System, which will expand coverage to ensure officer safety. The current system is at the end of its useful life and the new system will allow immediate communication ability with other municipal, county and state agencies. If the Mercer County Rapid Response partnership is activated, the RTPD’s new radios will provide interoperability with other responding agencies.

“Considering everything we’ve all been through and emerging from a pandemic, nine straight years of flat or reduced taxes is just remarkable,” Township Council President Mike Cipriano said. 

Other allocations include $1.67 million for water main improvements at Newtown Village, approximately $2 million to construct an all-purpose recreation facility near the old pool at Miry Run, $220,000 to expand the existing and very popular volleyball courts at the Municipal Complex behind the library and funding for a new all-abilities playground at Tantum Park. As part of a three-year project, $350,000 from the open space fund has been allocated for walking and biking paths, along with other elements at Miry Run. Funds also have been earmarked for additional affordable housing programs and road restoration projects, including the completion of Voelbel Road and the developments at Hillside and Windswept.

June 10, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township and Bordentown Township Fire Departments and EMS responded to the NJ Turnpike just south of Exit 7A on the inner roadway for an accident at 7:25 p.m. yesterday June 9, 2021. It appeared that the accident near the end of the on ramp south bound to the NJ Turnpike. There was one reported injury and was transported by Capital Health EMS to the local hospital with minor injuries.

No further information is available.

June 9, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried, flanked by Business Administrator Joy Tozzi, members of Township Council and his staff, were on hand today to help cut the ceremonial ribbon at Freedom Village – the new Project Freedom location in Town Center South.

The original Project Freedom Robbinsville (NJ) location at 223 Hutchinson Road is a complex of 30 units designed specifically to provide housing and activities for 46 individuals with various disabilities. That project was completed in October, 1991.

Project Freedom Is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that develops and operates barrier-free housing to enable individuals with disabilities to live independently. In addition, supportive services such as recreation, training and advocacy are provided.

The brand new, 72-unit apartment community features one, two and three bedroom apartments surrounding a large Community Center. The buildings are a three-story design, with private entrances in front and all are totally barrier-free and accessible for people using wheelchairs. The buildings have elevators, central heat and air conditioning.

“This is a great day for Project Freedom and I believe a great day for Robbinsville,” Project Freedom Executive Director Tim Doherty said. “We’ve had such a good partnership with the town over the years. Our mission is independence – independence for individuals with disabilities and that is very special to us.”

Mayor Fried lauded the beautiful complex and paid tribute not only to Doherty and Project Freedom Co-Founder Norman Smith for their monumental efforts, but also to former Washington Township mayor and current Project Freedom Board of Trustees Charmain Herb Schneider for “helping to set the foundation that makes Robbinsville such a great place to live.”

“Robbinsville is home to the first Project Freedom and we could not be more proud that Tim and Norman chose Robbinsville again,” Mayor Fried said. “Robbinsville has embraced affordable housing, and what many people don’t know is our town is 10 percent affordable. But I challenge them all the time to find it and point it out to me. That’s because of places such as this. We want everyone to feel welcome. We want everyone to feel included. When we talk about inclusion we all have to work together and get things done. We want everyone to feel like they are a part of this community and this facility in the heart of Town Center really represents what we’ve been trying to accomplish.”

Norman Smith, Co-Founder and Associate Executive Director of Project Freedom said, “This December will mark the 30^th anniversary of 34 people with disabilities making Robbinsville our home. We were welcomed with open arms by the community as we shopped, played, and thrived in a neighborhood that grew around us. We rolled and walked though diverse neighborhoods where our presence was not seen as unusual. Our neighbors have helped us when our chairs mysteriously found mud holes, and we helped them with community efforts for the betterment of the community. So, it is very exciting for me to see another neighborhood in Robbinsville develop where Project Freedom will be a key part.”

“This is your home now. More importantly, this is a place where you can start down a path of independence and freedom. Follow your dreams. Follow your heart. Follow your ambitions. Whatever path you choose, honor your freedom and do it with determination!” Smith said.

June 1, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Police Blotter for May 2021 is below:

1. DWI
   Date: May 1, 2021
   Time: 2039
   Location: Route # 130
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Justin McLaughlin

Accused: Jorge Arevalo Age 50
Trenton, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane
Careless Driving
Open Container of Alcohol

Charged and released pending Court.

2. Burglary/Theft
   Date: May 3, 2021
   Time: 1203
   Location: Conoco Gas Station
   Reporting Officer: Detective Robert Quinn

Victim reported vehicle was entered and $550 of cash was removed from vehicle.

3. DWI/Narcotics
   Date: May 15, 2021
   Time: 0041
   Location: Route #33
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Robert Morgano

Accused: David Kology Age 51
Philadelphia, PA
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
CDS in a Motor Vehicle
Reckless Driving
Unsafe Lane Change

Charged and released pending Court.

4. DWI/Narcotics
   Date: May 18, 2021
   Time: 1913
   Location: Hadley Drive
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan

Accused:

5. DWI
   Date: May 19, 2021
   Time: 2355
   Location: Route #33
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Robert Morgano

Accused: Joseph Capizzi Jr Age 34
Bordentown, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Unsafe Lane Change
Careless Driving

Charged and released pending Court.

6. DWI
   Date: May 20, 2021
   Time: 2333
   Location: Robbinsville-Allentown Road
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Justin McLaughlin

Accused: David Miller Age 56
Robbinsville, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane

Charged and released pending Court.

7. Burglary/Theft
   Date: May 22, 2021
   Time: 1816
   Location: Community Park
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman John Cain

Victim reported unknown person(s) broke window on her vehicle and removed pocketbook and cash valued at $382.

8. Theft
   Date: May 22, 2021
   Time: 1356
   Location: Route #33 Rite Aid
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Ryan Meehan

Accused: William Henderson Age 50
Trenton, NJ
Charged: Theft
Resisting Arrest
Obstruction of Justice

Charged and released pending Court.

9. DWI
   Date: May 28, 2021
   Time: 0058
   Location: Route #130/33
   Reporting Officer: Patrolman Michael Slinger

Accused: Robert Kahrs Age 23
East Windsor, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Careless Driving

Charged and released pending Court.

10. DWI
    Date: May 30, 2021
    Time: 0444
    Location: Route # 130
    Reporting Officer: Patrolman James Pica

Accused: Priya Patel Age 31
Old Bridge, NJ
Charged: Driving While Intoxicated
Reckless Driving
Careless Driving
Following to Closely
Failure to Maintain Lane

Charged and released pending Court.

All accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of law.

June 1, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Board of Education unanimously approved the 2021-22 district budget with a flat tax rate for the third consecutive year.

The adopted budget includes a 2.89% increase in operating budget spending and represents a zero increase in the local tax levy. This budget follows two consecutive years of decreases in the local tax levy helpingresidents andtaxpayers for the 2021-22 school year.

The budget for the 2021-22 school year, adopted on April 27, 2021 at the Board of Education meeting, allows the tax rate to remain steady at 1.6762% of assessed value, with the average assessed home in Robbinsville valued at $378,500.

As part of the approved budget the members of the Board of Education are supporting key investments in the school district that include the following:

• Increase classroom spending and per pupil spending (currently the district is spending $14,318 per pupil; new budget allocates a $14,836 increase per pupil)
• Maintain and increasing instructional programs
• Remediation of possible learning loss
• Adding new teachers and staff to help with mental health, reading and special education
• Limit taxes to ratable growth
• Investing in facilities to maintain good repair of our capital assets, buildings and grounds

The district is also planning to add additional resources to address mental health. “We know that our students and families have experienced a lot throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and as we move forward, we want to ensure that resources are available to address and prioritize those needs,” said Board President, Vito Galluccio.

Other planned additions included additional resources for special education. This budget includes additional positions within the district. These positions include a social worker, reading specialists, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and an academic support teacher for the high school. All of these new hires are resources that the district needs and are tied into individualized education plans (IEPs) for students. 

The Board of Education has designated three primary goals for the 2021-22 school years. The first goal is work to open schools fully, safely and within the guidelines of the State of New Jersey Department of Education and CDC guidelines. Second is that we continue to focus on providing a quality education for all students and ensuring the socio-emotional learning is provided for students, staff and families that are both virtually and in-person. Third, establishing the goal that all students will read on-level by the end of 4th grade.

“The budget for the upcoming school year addresses many of the areas that the administration has asked the board to focus on and will help our students and the level of education we are providing,” said Brian Betze, Superintendent. “The work done for this budget by our business administrator, Nick Mackres and Dr. Kimberly Tew, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction was exceptional and has allowed us to find savings, areas of improvement and ways to make improvements in the classrooms. Both the board and I are appreciative of the work that was done to create this budget.”

The budget has been sent to the state for its final approval.

May 30, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department and EMS were detailed to I-195 East Bound at the ramp to the NJ Turnpike for a truck off the road and on fire. Upon arrival there was no fire and the driver was out of the vehicle and reported uninjured. The truck lost control on a rain slicked road and ran off the roadway. The New Jersey State Police were on scene investigating.

May 27, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Township Council meetings will reopen to the public for in-person attendance on June 10, 2021

Below are the remaining meetings dates following tonight’s final remote session via freeconferencecall.com.

Additionally, face coverings are no longer required for entrance into Township buildings effective Friday, May 28, 2021.

Indoor capacity limits will remain in place until Friday, June 4, 2021.

2021 In-Person Meeting Dates:

Location: 2298 Route 33, Robbinsville, NJ 08691. Public Meeting Room

June 10, 2021

June 24, 2021

July 8, 2021

July 22, 2021

August 12, 2021

August 26, 2021

September 9, 2021

September 23, 2021

October 14, 2021

October 28, 2021

November 18, 2021 (3rd Thursday)

December 2, 2021 (1st Thursday)

December 16, 2021 (3rd Thursday)

May 27, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The 2021 Robbinsville Memorial Day Commemoration was held at Community Park by Robbinsville Township and the Robbinsville American Legion Post 530.

Robbinsville Township Mayor Fried said, “We are a grateful Nation, we always been a grateful Nation, we always appreciated those who sacrificed who have given before us and will continue to give after us and continuing to give right now.”

“This weekend is a day to remember, a day to give thanks, a day to be grateful and this is the greatest place on Earth to live and we all need to be thankful and grateful we have the honor of living here and continue to remember that every day.” said Mayor Fried.

Councilwoman, Deborah Blakely said, “We owe so much to the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms, for our piece of mind and for our safety. Special souls who fought for a country they so loved, freedoms they cherished and for people they did not even know.”

“Today and always Robbinsville, honors you, remembers you and will forever be grateful for the men and women who courageously gave their lives for us.” said Council Woman, Blakely.

Councilman Ron Witt said, “My father went to the United States Naval Academy, and went onto flight school, served on the USS Yorktown and the USS Intrepid. He flew off those carriers in the Vietnam Conflict, an incredible man, and I get goosebumps thinking about my father, who passed away four years ago, but I think about him each and every day.”

“From the bottom of my heart, to every service member, law enforcement, and first responders that are here I thank you for everyone past, current and future that will lay down, support and do what is necessary to preserve our way of live, I sincerely thank each and everyone of you. said Councilman, Witt.

Commander John Poland from the Robbinsville American Legion Post 530 said, “How important for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and sheroes. This recognition must include the approximate 1,400,000 men and women who serve today in our Nation’s military. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and this year most people are looking forward to ridding their selves of their masks and grabbing a burger and a cold one. But first we must remember that those throughout the years who have gone to do our country’s bidding and have not returned home or have come home broken and hurting. We always must remember their sacrifices and be thankful for our freedoms.”

Robbinsville American Legion Post 530 Adjutant Mel Boyce played “Taps”

A wreath was placed at the base of the of the American Flag in Robbinsville Community Park at the conclusion of the commemoration.

May 22, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–At 9:42 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Police Department received a 9-1-1 call for a serious accident on Gordon Road near Princeton Memorial Park. Robbinsville Township Police, Robbinsville Fire, EMS and Paramedics responded to Gordon Road and nothing was found. Police, EMS and Firefighters searched roadways and parks in the area from Route 130 to Old York Road and still nothing was found.

A short time later at 10:06 p.m. an accident was spotted from the Sharon Road overpass in the area of the 62.7 mile marker north bound outer roadway. Firefighters, EMS and paramedics were redirected to the Turnpike.

Upon arrival a person was found to be in a serious accident and was transported by Robbinsville EMS and Capital Paramedics to the Trauma Center at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. A “trauma alert” was called due to the seriousness of the injuries.

NJ State Police is investigating the crash on the NJ Turnpike. No further information was available.

May 19, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–At 5:20 p.m. the Robbinsville Township Fire Department was dispatched to I-195 West Bound at mile marker 6.4 for a brush fire. Upon arrival firefighters found a mini van type vehicle well involved in fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the vehicle. No further information is available.

May 19, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Vincent J. Calcagno, who has served the former Washington Township and later the Township of Robbinsville with distinction since 1994, informed Administration and members of the Senior Advisory Council Tuesday that he will not seek re-election on Township Council with his current term set to expire on December 31.

Mr. Calcagno is a well-traveled and accomplished telecommunications professional, longtime resident of Robbinsville and the longest-tenured member of Council.

“I never imagined when I moved to Robbinsville in 1988 that I would be involved in local government in any way,” Calcagno said. “Then Ed Nelson stepped down from the Township committee in the old form of government. They asked me to run, and from there I was hooked on public service and community involvement. That involvement has benefitted me in every single facet of my life. I still very much enjoy it, but there are so many smart, talented young residents in town and they should have a voice for the next generations.”

Mr. Calcagno first was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Nelson in 1994 as part of the former Township Committee form of government, before serving two terms as Mayor in 1999 and 2004. He also was Deputy Mayor in 1998 and 2000. The January 7, 2021 reorganization meeting marked Mr. Calcagno’s seventh stint as Vice President. He continues to serve as Council liaison to the Senior Citizen Advisory Council and has been a staunch advocate for our senior community.

“When I first came onboard our Senior Center was empty and there were virtually no programs,” Mr. Calcagno said. “That really struck me and left a profound mark. Now, our Senior Center is thriving with incredible programs and it’s been a total team effort. That took the incredible work of many, many people, not just myself. We are all eager to have them return very soon in the aftermath of COVID-19.”

On June 25, 2020, Mr. Calcagno was one of 33 members elected to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Elected Officials Hall of Fame.

“I will miss being there to help solve problems,” he said. “I will miss being at the supermarket and listening to the questions and suggestions from our residents. I really will. My first question back to them was almost always: “What can we do to help?” I’ll miss that interaction. I’ll miss the people I’ve worked side by side with, from my fellow Councilmen and Councilwomen to Mayor (Dave) Fried, (Administrator) Joy Tozzi, (Senior Center Director) Renee (Burns) and all of our police, fire and DPW guys. The thing I enjoy most is that none of us who work for the town are ever satisfied. We don’t do the mundane. None of us are afraid to tackle big issues and big problems. The energy of the people who serve in those buildings has been an amazing thing to be part of. We want our residents to just focus on their family and their lives, and not worry about their local government. That’s been our goal and I feel very comfortable leaving Robbinsville in a place where residents can do just that.”