February 2022

Hazlet Citizen Weekly-Feb. 25 2022

From Hazlet Township
February 25, 2022

Mayor Tara Clark Resigns
Tara Clark, the mayor of Hazlet, has announced she is stepping down from the Township Committee. Deputy Mayor Michael Sachs is now Acting Township Mayor.

Clark announced her resignation in a letter to the governing body. Her resignation is effective February 22, 2022. Clark cited unexpected family health issues that require her full attention. 

The next meeting of the Township Committee will be Tuesday, March 1, 2022. A new mayor will be appointed. 

Smoke Free Signage
New signs have been erected in township parks and schools alerting the public the area is smoke-free, with graphics symbolizing tobacco, marijuana and e-cigarette use. The signs were obtained by the Hazlet Alliance. 
Read more about the initiative.

Smoke Free Signage


Become a Monmouth County Pollworker
Help Monmouth County citizens exercise their right to vote. Earn $14.29 per hour on in-person early voting days and $200 on Election Day. More information.

Financial Assistance for Homeowners
The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) helps protect New Jersey homeowners from foreclosure. 

Free housing counseling is available to assist with applications.

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $35,000 per household for expenses which may include:

- Mortgage reinstatement
- Escrow shortages
- Delinquent property taxes
- Municipal or property tax liens
- Mortgage payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and homeowner's insurance

Learn more about ERMA.

Pet Licenses
Licenses must be renewed through Hazlet Township Health Services no later than March 31 or a late fee of $5 fine per license will apply on April 1. (This fee does not apply to new pet owners in 2022.)

The fee for renewal is $12 if your pet has been spayed / neutered or $15 if it has not. Proof of spay / neuter is required one time only for our records.

Rabies inoculation valid through October 31, 2022 is required. 
See application

Hazlet Swim Club & Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp
Planning is underway for the 2022 season. 

  • The Township Committee is expected to introduce an ordinance setting 2022 Swim Club rates at the March 1 meeting.
  • Registration for Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp is expected to begin mid-March. 
  • Hazlet Recreation will begin taking seasonal job applications next week.

Sign up for Youth Sports 

Gymnastics: Held twice weekly at Cove Road School. 
Visit Hazlet Recreation website

Raritan Baseball: Register for a clinic or a spring break camp.
Visit the Hazlet Recreation website

Flag Football: Registration is now open for kids in grades K-8. 
Visit the HYAL website.

Soccer: Registration is 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday, March 12 at Hazlet United Soccer Association Complex on Green Acres Drive. 
Visit the HUSA website.

Baseball Tickets for Sale
Hazlet Recreation is planning a bus trip this summer. 

  • NY Yankees vs Boston Red Sox on Saturday, July 16 at Yankee Stadium
  • NY Mets vs. Atlanta Braves on Saturday, August 6 at Citi Field

COVID-19 Info & Resources

Reported Cases
Monmouth County reported 131 additional positive cases of COVID-19 between Feb. 22-24. The latest report appears on our homepage with information about vaccines and testing sites. 

Masks in Schools
Effective Monday, March 7, masks will NOT be required in the Hazlet public school system, but those who wish to continue wearing them have the option to do so. 

Hazlet Township Save the Date


Early word on upcoming events and subject to change. Stay tuned for information. 

March 26, Saturday: Paper Shredding Day. Hazlet will host a free paper shredding event at the DPW Yard, Leocadia Court from 9 am to 1 pm. 

April 2, Saturday: Used Book Sale by Hazlet Library Commission at Hazlet Library, 9 am to 1 p.m.

April 9, Saturday: Bike with a Bunny. The popular two-wheeled parade returns! Hazlet kids and their parents can ride their bikes from Airport Plaza to Veterans Park on Middle Road under supervision of Hazlet Police. More details and registration to come. 

April 13, Wednesday. Monmouth County Office on Aging will hold an information session for older Hazlet residents at 11 am at the James J. Cullen Center.

April 23, Saturday: Tree Seedling Giveaway with the Hazlet Environmental Commission at the new building, 399 Middle Road, from 10 am to noon.

April 30, Saturday: Town-Wide Garage Sale, 9 am to 4 pm. Free.

Hazlet Citizen Weekly-Feb 18 2022

From Hazlet Township
February 18, 2022

Backyard Birds in the Spotlight
The Hazlet Environmental Commission reminds all that The Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend! This is a great family activity to enjoy from inside your house. We are lucky to have the Natco Lake Park natural area in our town because it attracts migrating birds. Be part of a global event, watch results roll in, connect with the birding community and share photos of your sightings. More information at birdcount.org.

The Great Backyard Bird Count 2022 Opens in new window

Pet Licenses
Licenses must be renewed through Hazlet Township Health Services no later than March 31 or a late fee of $5 fine per license will apply on April 1. (This fee does not apply to new pet owners in 2022.)

The fee for renewal is $12 if your pet has been spayed / neutered or $15 if it has not. Proof of spay / neuter is required one time only for our records.

Rabies inoculation valid through October 31, 2022 is required. 
See application

Presidents' Day
Presidents' Day is Monday, February 21, 2022. It is a federal holiday. Closures include:

  • Hazlet Town Hall offices 
  • The DPW Yard on Leocadia Court
  • Hazlet Court
  • Hazlet & Monmouth County Library System
  • Hazlet Post Office
  • Hazlet School District

Hazlet Swim Club & Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp
Planning is underway for the 2022 season. 

  • The Township Committee is expected to vote on the ordinance setting 2022 Swim Club rates at the March 15 meeting. Once finalized, the township can start selling memberships.
  • Registration for Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp is expected to begin mid-March. 
  • Interested in a job? Fill out the summer employment Interest Form.

Pothole Reporting
Concerned about a pothole? Here's where to report it.

  • Township Roads
    Submit the information on the Hazlet Township DPW "Report a Concern" form.
  • County Roads
    Call the Monmouth County Highway Division of the Department of Public Works and Engineering at 732-431-6550. 
  • State Highways 35 and 36
    If you come across a pothole on a State highway, you should report it to the NJ DOT on their website form. 
  • Garden State Parkway
    Dial #GSP on your phone keypad or send an email to the NJ Turnpike Authority at info@njta.com.  
  • NJ Turnpike
    Dial #95 on your phone's keypad or send an email to the NJ Turnpike Authority at info@njta.com

Join a Short Story Discussion
Hazlet Librarian Mary Patterson will be the host for "Short and Sweet: A Virtual Short Story Discussion" at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24. The discussion will be about "The Woman” by Alice Ruth Moore Dunbar (1895). In this 19th century short story, a secretary overhears a discussion between a literary manager and his club member on whether a woman’s chances of matrimony are hindered by her financial independence.  A PDF of the story will be emailed after registration. On Zoom. Free.  Register here.

HYAL Flag Football
Registration is now open for kids in grades K-8. Visit the HYAL website.

Baseball Clinic & Camp
Registration is now open for 2022 Raritan HS Baseball Clinic and Spring Break Camp at Raritan High School.  Hazlet Recreation handles registration. 
More about the baseball programs.

Baseball Tickets for Sale
Hazlet Recreation is planning a bus trip this summer. Get tickets here.

  • NY Yankees vs Boston Red Sox on Saturday, July 16 at Yankee Stadium
  • NY Mets vs. Atlanta Braves on Saturday, August 6 at Citi Field

Become a Police Officer
Hazlet Police would like the public to know that the deadline for submitting applications for the Entry Level Law Enforcement Exam is February 28.

The Monmouth County Police Chief's Association Career Event will be held at Brookdale Community College March 8. 

More information on the Hazlet Police Facebook Page.

New Jersey Judiciary Informational Webinars
Informational webinars are available free to the public from the Superior Court of New Jersey on Landlord Tenant, Expungements and Post- Divorce Motions. Held via Zoom. Check out the upcoming events.

COVID-19 Info & Resources

Reported Cases
Monmouth County reported 248 additional positive cases of COVID-19 between Feb. 14 and Feb. 17. The latest report appears on our homepage with information about vaccines and testing sites. 

Hazlet Township Save the Date


Early word on upcoming events and subject to change. Stay tuned for information. 

March 26, Saturday: Paper Shredding Day. Hazlet will host a free paper shredding event at the DPW Yard, Leocadia Court from 9 am to 1 pm. 

April 2, Saturday: Used Book Sale by Hazlet Library Commission at Hazlet Library, 9 am to 1 p.m.

April 9, Saturday: Bike with a Bunny. The popular two-wheeled parade returns! Hazlet kids and their parents can ride their bikes from Airport Plaza to Veterans Park on Middle Road under supervision of Hazlet Police. More details and registration to come. 

April 13, Wednesday. Monmouth County Office on Aging will hold an information session for older Hazlet residents at 11 am at the James J. Cullen Center.

April 23, Saturday: Tree Seedling Giveaway with the Hazlet Environmental Commission at the new building, 399 Middle Road, from 10 am to noon.

April 30, Saturday: Town-Wide Garage Sale, 9 am to 4 pm. Free.

Hazlet Citizen Weekly-Feb 11 2022

From Hazlet Township
February 11, 2022

Natco Park Inventory Report
On Monday, Feb. 7, scientists with GZA Environmental presented highlights of their year-long study of Natco Lake Park to the Hazlet Environmental Commission. The 45-minute presentation stretched more than 2 hours, as the scientists and highly engaged audience of Hazlet-area environmental groups discussed their observations and shared passion for the natural area. 

GZA was contracted by the township to create the Environmental Resource Inventory as a preliminary step towards improving the Natco trails and understanding the tick situation.

The report is being finalized and will be presented to the Township Committee. It will be posted to the township website as soon as its accepted. 

Upcoming Meetings

Tuesday, Feb. 15
Township Committee, 7 pm Workshop and 8 pm Regular Meeting

Thursday, Feb. 17
Land Use Board, 7 p.m. 

Meeting agendas will be posted in the Agenda Center when available. 

Presidents' Day
Presidents' Day is Monday, February 21, 2022. It is a federal holiday. Closures include:

  • Hazlet Town Hall offices 
  • The DPW Yard on Leocadia Court
  • Hazlet Court
  • Hazlet & Monmouth County Library System
  • Hazlet Post Office
  • Hazlet School District

The Monmouth County Library offers the following free virtual programs related to the holiday. Please visit their site to reserve a place.

 "Abraham Lincoln: From Rail-Splitter to President" at 10:30 am on February 15.

 "Visiting Graves of Vice Presidents with T.J. Fallon of Dead History Channel" at 7 p.m. on February 17

"Mary Todd Lincoln" with Greg Caggiano, 6:30 p.m. on March 8,

Help for Homeowners
The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) portal is now open to applicants. The program will give up to $35,000 to households for expenses, which may include 

  • Mortgage reinstatement
  • Escrow shortages
  • Delinquent property taxes
  • Municipal or property tax liens
  • Mortgage payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and homeowner’s insurance

To qualify for assistance, a homeowner must:

  • Own and occupy an eligible one- to four- unit primary residence
  • Have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship, and have been unable to remain current on mortgage payments
  • Meet household income limits
  • Have been current on mortgage and property taxes as of January 2020. 

Learn more and how to apply on the state website. 


Small Business Improvement Grant
Applications are now open for the NJ Economic Development Authority's Small Business Improvement Grant. It offers reimbursement for costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures and equipment. Nonprofits may also apply. Read the details. 

Free Tax Help
The Middletown Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, is hosting AARP Foundation tax aides for free tax filing assistance for people with low and moderate incomes. The service is from 1 to 5 pm on Tuesdays and 9 am to 5 pm on Wednesdays through April 17. Appointments must be made in person at the library. Call for additional information (732) 671-3700

COVID-19 Info & Resources

Reported Cases
Monmouth County reported 366 additional positive cases of COVID-19 between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10. The latest report appears on our homepage with information about vaccines and testing sites. 

New County Health App
The Monmouth County Health Department recently launched its new app which provides real-time news and information about services available through the County Health Department. Find news, clinics and events, clinical and preventative health services, consumer and environmental health resources, emergency preparedness, mosquito control and more. The App is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. 

Hazlet Citizen Weekly-Feb 4 2022

Natco Park Inventory
Over the course of three seasons in 2021, a team of environmental scientists surveyed and evaluated the Hazlet portion of the Natco Lake Park. 

On Monday, Feb. 7, they will present their findings to the public at the monthly meeting of the Hazlet Environmental Commission at Town Hall, 1776 Union Ave. All are invited. Free. Read more details. 

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Hazlet Alliance 
The first meeting of the newly-reorganized Hazlet Alliance was held Thursday. Coordinator Nikki Tierney introduced to some innovative strategies to boost awareness and spark a positive impact in our community. Contributing feedback and ideas were a talented and motivated group of caring parents, professionals and tech-savvy local residents. Laura O’Hara of Hazlet’s Hope Network was appointed Chairwoman. The Alliance aims to prevent substance use disorders and create mental health awareness. Follow the Alliance on Facebook at @HazletAlliance. 

Scenes from the first 2022 meeting of the Hazlet Alliance.

Hazlet Library
Hazlet Library invites patrons to show the library some love. Fill out a valentine at the library through February 14. 
Also, check out the February Children's Calendar for free virtual programs. 

Snowstorm
A powerful nor'easter Saturday blanketed Hazlet in about 7 inches of snow on Hazlet on January 29, according to National Weather Service. 
On their Facebook Page that Saturday morning, Hazlet Police commended the majority of residents who moved cars off roadways to make way for the hardworking Hazlet DPW crews and posted a video of Middle Road, adding, "We urge you to forego going out for that Venti Caramel Macchiato and stick with the K-Cup at home this morning."

An ABC News 7 report was filed from Hazlet: 

Twitter post from Jan. 29 2022 snowstorm

Township Committee
At its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 1, the governing body approved resolutions: 

-  To enter into a shared service agreement with the county for digital tax map services. The service provides cost savings to help transition from analog to state certified digital maps, among other things. 

- A routine request from the county Mosquito Control Division to allow aerial operations for mosquito control. Information. 

- A plan to hold fireworks on July 2, with a raindate of July 3, allowing the Recreation Dept. to price out services and plan the event. 

- To pay T&M Engineering for design services for the 2022 Road Improvement program and an assessment report for renovations to 8th Street Park.

Local legislation was introduced. 

- The annual township employee salary ordinance, establishing salaries, salary ranges, increments, wages and fees for certain officials and employees of Hazlet Township.

- A bond ordinance for the appropriation of $7,250,000 for various 2022 road improvements, which includes the issuance of $6,745,209 in bonds or notes for financing part of the appropriation.

- A bond ordinance providing an appropriation of $1,665,000 for replacement of the HVAC system and roof at police headquarters and authorizing the issuance of $1,581,750 in bonds or notes of the township for financing part of the appropriation. 

More information about all of these items are contained in the Feb. 1 meeting agenda. The public hearing date is February 15. 

Recreation
Boot Camp fitness classes and yoga sessions are offered by Hazlet Recreation. The classes are held at the Cullen Center. Sign up online.

Hazlet Pops
Registration is underway for the newly-established communty band, the Hazlet Pops. Director Ray Lahaye wants to start rehearsals in May and perform four public concerts in July in Hazlet parks. Last year, large crowds turned out to enjoy the Hazlet Pops at concerts held in Veterans Park and the 8th Street Park. 

Water Maintenance
Starting mid-February, some New Jersey American Water customers may notice a slight chlorine taste in drinking water. This is part of an annual maintenance program and is only temporary. Read the announcement.

2021 Senior Freeze Applications
For those wondering about the Senior Freeze property tax reimbursement program, Hazlet's Tax Collector advises to check back soon for eligibility requirements for 2021 (application to be filed in 2022).  Booklets are generally released from the State in March. Further information will be available at that time.

Detour
If you use the Monroe Avenue Bridge in the West Keansburg section, expect to be sent on a detour during nearly year-long project to replace the R-12 Bridge over Waackaack Creek in Hazlet and Keansburg. The road will be closed from Route 36 in Hazlet to Church Street in Keansburg. Monroe is spelled as Munro on some signage and is also known as County Road 7. See the map.

COVID-19 Info & Resources

Reported Cases
Monmouth County has 521 additional positive cases of COVID-19 between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3. The latest report appears on our homepage with information about vaccines and testing sites. 

Grant Deadline Extended 
Tell someone you know: Micro-businesses, small businesses and nonprofits can apply for grants up to $20,000 for eligible COVID-19 expense reimbursement through the Monmouth County Community Development Block Grant program. The deadline has been extended to March 31. Read more.

Hazlet Citizen Weekly is published by the Public Information Office. It is posted on Fridays. You can be alerted by signing up here. Questions? Contact Christina Johnson, Public Information Officer: (732) 217-8660 or cjohnson@hazletnj.org.