September 2022
September 30, 2022
Hazlet Day 2022 Postponed, Property Tax Relief Program Mailing, Rabies Clinic Oct. 8
Hazlet Day 2022 Postponed!
Due to the rainy weather forecast this weekend, Hazlet Day has been postponed. The new date is Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. Please join us!
Hazlet Day 2022 - New Date
Public Meetings
Rescheduled to Oct. 17: The Environmental Commission's scheduled monthly meeting Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 pm at Town Hall.
The Township Committee meets Tuesday, Oct. 4 for a 7 pm Workshop and 8 pm Regular Meeting. Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center.
Canceled due to lack of agenda: The Land Use Board meets Thursday, Oct. 6 for a 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall.
ANCHOR Program Mailings
Look for a special mailing through the end of this week about a property tax relief program for New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residences on October 1, 2019 and met the income limits.
ANCHOR stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. It replaces the Homestead Benefit program.
Filing is fast and easy, online or by paper. The deadline for filing your ANCHOR benefit application is December 30, 2022. The state will begin paying ANCHOR benefits in the late Spring of 2023 by direct deposit or check, not as credits to property tax bills. Read more about the program.
Rabies Clinic
Hazlet Township will be conducting a free Rabies Clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Dept. of Public Works building, located at 39 Leocadia Court, off Laurel Avenue, in Hazlet.
All animals must be on a leash or in a carrier. Any questions, please call 732-264-1700 ext. 8686
To license your pet in January 2023 the Rabies shot must be valid through October 31, 2023
If your pet is deceased, or no longer living at your residence, please advise Hazlet Health Services so we can update our records.
Voting in the General Election
Monmouth County residents have three ways to vote in New Jersey. These include In-Person Early Voting, Mail-In Voting, and traditional In-Person Voting on Election Day.
Mail-in voting began Sept. 24 and voters can request ballots if they have not already done so, by submitting a mail-in ballot application to the County Clerk. Voters can request ballots by mail up until Tuesday, November 1 (7 days prior) or in person by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7. Request more information about voting by mail.
Voters also have the option to vote early in-person on machines from Saturday, October 29 through Sunday, November 6 at one of 10 designated polling sites throughout the county, or to vote traditionally on Election Day at their assigned polling locations.
The voter registration deadline for the General Election is October 18.
Monmouth County Archives Day
The 27th Annual Archives and History Day is a free event open to the public and will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert J. Collins Arena, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. This year’s theme and exhibit is “Monuments and Markers of Monmouth County,” calling attention to the County’s numerous historic statues and signage and how they help us to remember the history that took place all around us.
At the Hazlet Library
The Monmouth County Library's latest children's programming schedule for Hazlet is posted on the website.
There is also a special event planned for Friday, Oct. 21. Michael Townsend Wright will perform his one-man show at the Hazlet Library. Expect old-time favorites, funny jokes and stories, and impressions of Bob Hope, Jack Benny and Señor Wences with piano accompaniment. All welcome. For questions, call 732-264-7164 or email MCL@monmouthcountylib.org
September 23, 2022
Hazlet to Offer Bulk Item Drop-off Service, Street Signs Dedicated, RSVP for Township Thanksgiving Dinner
Hazlet To Offer Bulk Item Drop-Off
Hazlet Township will offer bulk item drop-off to homeowners, at no fee, beginning next spring. Currently, township residents pay private trash companies to haul away unwanted bulk items.
Under the newly announced plan, in 2023 the township’s Department of Public Works will hold two bulk drop-off events per recycling zone. The events will be held once in April and once in September so that each homeowner will have two opportunities to get rid of unwanted bulk items.
“Many residents have told us they wish Hazlet had a bulk item drop-off,” said Township Committeeman Peter Terranova. “This is something we can do efficiently and professionally, thanks to our DPW.”
Some examples of accepted bulk waste are furniture, carpeting, mattresses, box springs and wood fencing.
To protect the program from potential misuse, residents would apply for a coupon through Town Hall, to be presented at drop-off as proof of eligibility.
At the same time the drop-off plan is being put into motion, the Township Committee is advancing a plan to provide bulk item curbside pickup in 2024.
“The goal is to buy a truck and provide two pickups on demand at your house, so you don’t have to travel to a drop-off site,” said Committeeman Rob Preston.
Township Administrator Rob Bengivenga is sourcing a new multi-purpose rear-loading garbage truck. Due to current supply chain disruptions, the expected waiting period is one year for a new truck.
Demand for bulk pick-up surfaced in the township’s Municipal Waste Survey last year. The survey, completed by 1319 households, asked residents if they were interested in moving towards a town-wide trash service, rather than privately contracted service. Results from the survey showed that 75 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their privately-contracted trash service. The Township Committee continues to analyze the financial and quality of life benefits of contracting with a town wide vendor.
Transferring the expense of private trash collection from individual homeowners to the township budget is an expense that must be considered, especially during these times of high inflation. In addition, there will be a $500,000 start-up cost for the purchase of new garbage bins for more than 7,000 households.
“In this changing economic environment, we don’t know what the increased costs would be,” Bengivenga said. “My recommendation is to wait and see how neighboring towns handle adjusted costs, so we can get a better feel for what the service and disposal costs might be. In the meantime, the Township Committee asked how we can provide addition services to our residents and the bulk pick-up program is a great way to start.”
Servicemen Remembered with Honorary Street Signs
On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Hazlet Township Committee and VFW Post 4303 invited Gold Star families to attend brief curbside ceremonies to dedicate three new honorary red street signs displaying the names of their loved ones. Each was a Hazlet resident who grew up on the street nearby, and gave his life in service to our country.
At three different locations, Township Committeeman Skip McKay described the courageousness of each Hazlet serviceman who died just a few years out of Raritan High School. A post chaplain said a prayer and a bugler played Taps. Family members, some whom live in town and some who came from out of state, shared a few memories.
The ceremonies were both emotional and uplifting for the 25 or so gathered at each location.
At the first stop at Stanford and Fleetwood Drives, Gene Kiley remembered his big brother Thomas J. Kiley of the US Navy who died in 1972 at age 22 in military exercises during the Vietnam War era. He recalled his athletic toughness. For a time, Tom helped train Raritan football players. “We weren’t great football players, but nobody was in better condition. He was a beast!”
At Willowbrook Drive and Hazlet Avenue, Donald Christie’s sister June Dickinson spoke about her brother, a US Army Staff Sgt, who died at age 20 on June 13, 1969 after only three months of combat in the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat Valor, and a Purple Heart. He was a family comedian, as well as generous soul. “If he was your friend, he’d be loyal to the nth degree.”
And at Amherst Lane and Middle Road, US Army PFC Edward C. Fanning was remembered by his siblings. Fanning, 21, died in action June 15, 1969 in Vietnam War, where he had been since February. He died just two days after Christie. Both had been in the Quảng Tín Province. Like Christie, he also was awarded a Purple Heart.
His family said they still remember and think of him, every single day. Having a street sign in his name is meaningful, especially because so many returned home from Vietnam without any thanks. “It’s long overdue, said Margaret Greenwald. “It’s a small thing to do for what he gave.”
Learning the personal stories of these Hazlet heroes was difficult, said Township Committeeman McKay, who is a retired Navy SEAL and the organizer of the township’s award-winning Honor Hazlet Heroes banner display at Veterans Park. Their lives were cut short at such young ages, and they never got to grow old, have families and live life. “The least we can do in Hazlet is to remember them, honor them and never forget them. We are proud of all of them.”
McKay closed each dedication ceremony with the Latin phrase: Non sibi sed patriae “Not for Self, but for Country.”
Five other red honorary street signs have been installed by the township DPW in neighborhoods around town, and dedication ceremonies will be held in coming weeks. They are:
- Thomas Bailey Aumack – Virginia Ave. and Middle Road
- Gilman McKay – Brown Avenue and Route 36
- Glen Bates – Irwin Place and Lynn Boulevard
- Dennis Cama – Colorado Drive and Michigan Ave.
- McGreevey – NY Avenue and Holmdel Road
The Township Committee is looking to make contact with McKay, Bates and Cama families. If you have any information, please contact the Hazlet Public Information Office.
Experts Give Tips on How to Avoid Scam and Fraud
On September 13, investigators with the Monmouth County Division of Consumer Affairs and detectives with the Hazlet Police shared advice and insights on how to thwart scammers at a free "lunch and learn" sponsored by Hazlet Recreation. The professionals explained to attendees how scammers target victims through the phone, dating apps and online sales. They told stories of people being fooled into buying gift cards or Bitcoin for fraudsters, or connecting to fraudulent websites when seeking WiFi in a coffee shop or a hotel.
Hazlet Police encourage residents to always call, if they think they might be getting scammed. The Consumer Affairs Division also wants to help residents recognize fraud, and invites people to reach out to them to mediate disputes with local service providers and merchants.
Speakers at the Sept. 13, 2022 Scam and Fraud presentation: Hazlet Police Det. Lt. Geoghan and Detective Venticinque, with Monmouth County Consumer Affairs Director Joe Hadden and Investigator Anita Velardo.
Hazlet Recreation Thanksgiving Dinner - RSVP
Public Meetings
The Township Committee Workshop meeting previously scheduled for Sept. 27 has been canceled. The next Workshop and Regular Meeting will be held Oct. 4.
From Hazlet Township
September 16, 2022
Spotlight on Fall Recreation -
Browse Upcoming Events and Register for Activities
The Recreation Department has been busy creating new events and programs in coming months. They also have launched Facebook and Instagram social media accounts, so please connect there for the latest. There is also a new Fall Recreation guide (PDF). Here are the latest flyers posted to the Recreation page. Register at Hazlet.Recdesk.com.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
- Little Wilds Messy Play & Adventure Ages 0-4 Playgroup
- Just Craftin' Around Ages 5-9
- Ready, Set, Dance!, Ages 4-7
- Lego Robotics & Coding Adventures Grades 2-4
- Lego Robotics & Coding with Scratch MIT Grades 3-5
- Karate - Mini Ninjas & Karate Kidz
- Gymnastics
SPECIAL NEEDS
ADULT & SENIOR ACTIVITIES
- Tabata Fitness
- Pickleball
- Boot Camp
- Karate
- Foundations of Drawing Class
- Tai Chi for Seniors
- DIY Wood Painting Class - Fall Designs
- DIY Wood Painting Class - Winter Designs
- Caregivers Support Group
- Planning, Not Panic Support Group
EVENTS & BUS TRIPS
- Vascular Screening
Sept. 28, Wednesday: By Hackensack Meridian Health. By appointment only. Fee is $49.95. At the Cullen Center. - Hazlet Day 2022
Sign up for a spot at Hazlet Day 2022 - Disaster Preparedness 'Ready Go' Bags
Oct. 13, Thursday: Free disaster prep giveaway. Open to all residents, especially the frail, disabled and caregivers. - Hazlet Town-Wide Garage Sale. Saturday, Oct. 15, Sign up to sell! Free. We create an interactive Google Map for buyers.
- Canceled: The Jersey Tenors
Oct. 21, Friday: Enjoy an explosive blend of iconic opera classics and rock n' roll. Matinee includes meal and show. Event canceled 9/21 - Bonfire & Howl-O-Ween
Halloween fun and our first doggie costume contest. See the schedule of events. - Christmas at the Playhouse
Dec. 10, Saturday: Celebrate love, family, and the magic of Christmas at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Matinee includes meal and show
From Hazlet Township
September 9, 2022
Honorary Street Signs in Hazlet, Deadline For Senior Freeze Applications, Remembering Victims of September 11
Honorary Street Signs Coming
This week, you may notice the installation of a few red signs on Hazlet street poles. Each red sign will honor a US service member from Hazlet who perished in the line of duty. The signs will be placed by DPW near their homes. On Sat., Sept, 17, Township Committeeman Skip McKay will visit these places with members of the VFW Post 4303 and family members of the honorees. A schedule will be posted mid-week. Public invited.
Deadline for Senior Freeze
Mayor Michael Sachs is reminding residents to be sure to apply for the Senior Freeze property tax reimbursement program prior to the October 31, 2022 deadline.
New Jersey's Senior Freeze program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals for increases in property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residence. In recent years, the State has expanded eligibility for the Senior Freeze program by increasing the income limit by more than 30 percent since 2017, with many reimbursements topping out at over $1,000.
Read more on the Tax Collector's page.
Remembering September 11
On Sunday, September 11, Americans reflect and remember those we lost in the terrorist attacks. You may visit our township's own September 11 monument located at the Cullen Center, facing Union Avenue. Read more about the monument and those we remember in Hazlet.
At the Hazlet Youth Athletic League Steven B. Paterson field on Hazlet Avenue, all football games will begin with a brief 9/11 remembrance ceremony, a coin toss with local first responders and the singing of the national anthem by a young person.
Monmouth County will hold its annual ceremony to reflect and remember the loss of 147 county residents on September 11, 2001. The ceremony is at 9 am at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook at 460 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands. All are invited.
New Municipal AdministratorRobert A Bengivenga, Jr. has joined Hazlet Township as the new Municipal Administrator, overseeing day-to-day business matters and working with the Township Committee. Get in touch.
Welcome Rob!
Public Meetings
The Land Use Board meets Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. The agenda will be posted in the Agenda Center prior to the meeting.
Free Shredding Dates
The shredding truck continues to rotate through Monmouth County towns. The opportunity is available to all county residents (not businesses.) Here are some local to Hazlet. More dates and information. All are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the truck is stuffed.
- Saturday, Sept. 10 – Union Beach Recycling Center, 1400 Florence Ave.
- Saturday, Sept. 24 – Marlboro Municipal Complex, 1979 Township Dr.
- Saturday, Oct. 1 – Colts Neck, Town Hall Parking Lot, 124 Cedar Dr.
- Saturday, Nov. 12 – Middletown High School North, 63 Tindall Dr.
HYAL Flag Football
Registration is open. Available to all Bayshore area children from K-8th grade. Visit www.hazlethawks.com for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 15
Town Hall Hours
As of September 9, Town Hall hours will be:
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Hazlet Township
September 2, 2022
West Keansburg Neighborhood Meeting about Park; Spotted Lanternfly Information; Labor Day Closure
Community Meeting - 8th Street Park
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The event was hosted at the West Keansburg Fire Co. building, near the park.
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Tara Clark was supported by Hazlet Township Committee members. From left: Peter Terranova, Mike Glackin, Rob Preston. Present, but not pictured, was Skip McKay.
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Residents reviewed concepts for playground equipment.
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T & M Engineering's Dennis Dayback and Project Leader Tara Clark gave details of the plans.
8th Street Park Community Meeting
Over 70 people attended an information session about coming plans to renovate 8th Street Park in the West Keansburg section of town. Project leader Tara Clark and T & M Project Manager Dennis Dayback described major features envisioned for the park like a walking path, pavilion, popular playground equipment and multipurpose courts. Hazlet Police Lt. Detective Kevin Geoghan was on hand to respond to questions about security. Township Committee members were also in attendance to support the initiative. The event was hosted at the West Keansburg Fire Co. reception hall. Read more about the plans.
Labor Day
Town Hall and the DPW Yard will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day.
Spotted Lanternfly
Monmouth County is in the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Area, according the NJ Dept. of Agriculture. Please take caution:
- Check Your Vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find. Most spotted lanternflies reach adulthood by September and lay eggs through December.
- Remove and Destroy Pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag and place in trash.
- Remove Host Trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as “Tree of Heaven.” Try to remove trees from the business property to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.
Road Work Update
In an August 31 update to the Township Committee, T & M Engineering reported the contractor is still on track to be substantially completed by week ending September 23, weather permitting. All punch list work will then take place and will be completed by the end of October.
To date, all concrete work has been completed on the roads.
Below is the schedule for milling and paving of the remaining roads:
- Roland Place – Final paving week ending 9/9/22.
- Pacific Terrace – Final paving week ending 9/9/22.
- Ivy Place – Final paving week ending 9/9/22.
- Cedar Avenue – Final paving week ending 9/9/22.
- Hemingway Drive – Final paving week ending 9/9/22.
- Monterey Drive (Remaining Portion) – Final paving week ending 9/9/22.
- Larsen Lane – Final paving week ending 9/16/22.
- Helfrich Lane – Final paving week ending 9/16/22.
- Leocadia Court – Final paving week ending 9/16/22.
- Mountain Avenue – Final paving week ending 9/16/22.
Striping of the roadways will then be completed by week ending 9/23/22. As always, this is weather permitting and may change.
DPW Recycling Yard Hours
The DPW Yard will close on Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day. After Labor Day, the hours at the Recycling Yard on Leocadia Court hours shift later by a half hour. The Recycling Yard will be open weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Throughout the year, it is open Saturdays 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m and closed on Sundays.
Public Meetings
The Township Committee meets Tuesday, Sept. 6 for a Workshop meeting at 7 p.m., followed by a Regular Meeting at 8 p.m.
Agendas are posted in the Agenda Center prior to the meeting.
Hazlet Citizen Weekly is published by the Public Information Office. It is posted on the township website on Fridays, with copies distributed to the Hazlet Library and posted outside the James J. Cullen community center.. You can be alerted by signing up here. Questions? Contact Christina Johnson, Public Information Officer: (732) 217-8660 or cjohnson@hazletnj.org.