April 2023
All April 2023 issues of Hazlet Citizen Weekly.
The digital newsletter is produced by the Hazlet Public Information Office and published every Friday on the township website.
Hazlet Township News & Announcements
April 28, 2023
Breaking Ground for a New 8th Street Park, Sharing Hazlet History, Bulk-Drop Off Success
8TH STREET PARK GROUNDBREAKING
Officials broke ground on the $1.5 million revitalization of 8th Street Park in the West Keansburg section of Hazlet Township on Tuesday, April 25.
The project includes the construction of an inclusive playground, an all-purpose court, a basketball court, walking path, benches, trees and more parking to provide visitors with improved access to the 3.75 acre park.
Construction of the park is expected to be completed by September. In attendance at the groundbreaking were members of the Hazlet Township Committee and representatives of the Dept. of Public Works, Recreation, Open Space Advisory Council and Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
“Across Hazlet, we’re working to bring new life to our parks and recreation centers for Hazlet residents, and 8th Street Park will be the latest, but not the last project we undertake,” said Township Administrator Rob Bengivenga. “Located within walking distance of the Henry Hudson Trail, this transformative project will construct an exciting playground for all children, playing surfaces for different sports and a walking path and benches, providing West Keansburg residents a vibrant place to meet and play. Hazlet is grateful to Monmouth County Commissioners for selecting our plan for a matching Open Space Grant providing $250,000 toward this project, and to the NJ DEP for awarding us a $600,000 low interest rate Green Acres Loan.”
“During the pandemic, we learned how important our parks are to our well-being, and increasing public access to parks was a key motivation behind this project,” said Mayor Michael Sachs. “Turning this underutilized site into a new park, playground and exercise path will bring joy to residents and help us move toward a vision of creating continuous corridors of open space through our township.”
"The groundbreaking is an exciting moment for Hazlet Township,” said Joseph Pobega, chairman of the Open Space Advisory Council. “The rehabilitated park will be an excellent asset to the neighborhood and brings us closer to achieving key goals in the Hazlet 2030 Vision Plan: to link parks and provide opportunities for public enjoyment through active and passive recreation. Much of the cost for this park are being paid for by the Hazlet Township Open Space Trust Fund which allows for improvements to open space.”
“We are grateful to the Monmouth County Parks Commissioners for awarding Hazlet the Municipal Open Space Grant and thank the township’s Open Space Advisory Council for their work in making this project happen,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Terranova. “I also wish to thank the countless Hazlet citizens who gave input. We could not have done it without them.”
The transformation of 8th Street Park builds on the goals of the Monmouth County Municipal Park Improvement Grant Program to develop expand and improve recreation opportunities, especially in overburdened communities. The plan was developed with community support from West Keansburg neighborhood stakeholders through visioning sessions. Township children were surveyed about their preference on playground features. A $1.5 million bond ordinance to provide financing for the construction of the park was approved in July, 2022 by Hazlet’s government. T&M Engineering is overseeing the construction of the park, which will be completed by September, 2023. The park is currently closed for construction work.
For more about the project, view the 8th Street Park Improvement Plan Update page on the township website.
LOOKING BACK AT HAZLET HISTORY
On Thursday, April 27, speaker Bob Weigand fascinated listeners with stories about Hazlet's early days, especially related to the area surrounding the Hazlet train station at the turn of the century. Weigand, 93, is our Township Historian and the first speaker for Hazlet History chats in our 175th Anniversary year.
Weigand's ancestors operated the Van Marter & Weigand Trading Post at the site of Hazlet Train Station. Both families had farms in the area, off Holmdel Road. His grandfather, Peter Otto Weigand, was the gate tender.
During the hour, the friendly group shared anecdotes, asked questions and looked at some of Weigand's memorabilia from his life in our town, where he served as the Administrator for 40 years. They asked him to return for another talk.
Next, Rose (Mocci) Staikos and Elmer Bahrenberg will share stories about their families' farming life and butcher shop. Please join us on May 11 at 1 p.m. Come join the conversation. No registration required.
We are also looking for items to display in a glass case in the Town Hall lobby, if you have historical items to lend!
BIG BULK DROP-OFF
Nearly 25 tons of junk! That's how much Hazlet DPW accepted at the township's two Bulk Item Drop-Off Events in April. Township residents rolled into the Swim Club lot to unload unwanted playground equipment, furniture, sofas, mattresses, carpets and the like. DPW workers assisted residents by collecting the items into large containers and hauling it to the county dump.
We will do it again in September! Find your zone's date and mark your calendar. Meanwhile, the township is working on a plan to offer curbside bulk pickup in 2024.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
- The Township Committee Workshop Meeting is canceled for Tuesday, May 2.
- A presentation and public hearing of the annual township budget will be held 7 p.m. on May 9, 2023. Copies of the budget are available at the Municipal Clerk's Office or as a downloadable PDF on the township website.
SWIM CLUB EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT DEADLINE IS APRIL 30!
Remember, Sunday, April 30 is the deadline to sign up for the Early Bird discount at the Hazlet Swim Club.
It is also the deadline to purchase a banner for the Honor Hazlet Heroes Display in Veterans Park.
Both applications can be completed online.
DOGWOODS FOR EARTH DAY
On Saturday, April 22, the Hazlet Environmental Commission handed out 100 free white dogwood tree seedlings as well as a reusable water bottle, LED lightbulb, drawstring bag, crafts and a coloring book. The Earth Day event was held at the Natco Park Environmental Building, 399 Middle Road.
On Monday, May 8 there will be a presentation of "Storm Water Management for a More Resilient New Jersey" at Hazlet Town Hall from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is in conjunction with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and NJ Association for Floodplain Management.
Join host Rob Bengivenga, Municipal Administrator of Hazlet Township and Annie Eng, Hazlet CRS Coordinator and Chairwoman of the Hazlet Environmental Commission. For information, call 732-217-8674.
HAZLET FIRST AID APPEAL
New auxiliary forming! A message from the all-volunteer squad.
Do you know that your emergency medical service is staffed by volunteers? Your volunteer First Aid Squad is at a critical staffing level. We need members for the regular squad and we need members for our new auxiliary which will help with administrative functions such as fundraising, membership drives, and special events. If interested in volunteering in your community with your First Aid Squad please reach out at the following email addresses and someone will get back to you.
- Auxiliary Member: auxiliary@hazletfirstaid.org
- Regular Squad Member: joinus@hazletfirstaid.org
Hazlet First Aid Volunteers
QUARTERLY TAX BILLS
Quarterly tax bills are due May 1. There is a 10-day grace period.
View Tax Collector's page for payment options.
JOBS AVAILABLE AT HAZLET SWIM CLUB
Swim Club pool lifeguards can make $16 an hour, and managers can make $20 to $25 per hour. Apply now for a job this summer! Please spread the word.
Download an application.
MONMOUTH COUNTY SPECIAL EVENTS
Made in Monmouth Show - Saturday, April 29
Over 200 vendors will sell products made in Monmouth County. At the Robert J. Collins arena at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.madeinmonmouth.com
A Weekend In Old Monmouth - May 6-7
Plan ahead to visit your choice of 50 historic sites Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 7 from noon to 5 p.m. New stops have been added to the self-guided tour, as well as a virtual experience. View the 2023 Weekend in Old Monmouth webpage.
Paper Shredding Dates
You don't have to wait until Hazlet's August 19 shredding event if you need to get rid of confidential documents and old files. County residents may travel to any shredding day. View the 2023 calendar.
Hazlet Township News & Announcements
April 21, 2023
Earth Day Tree Seedling Giveaway, 8th Street Park Closing for Renovation, Hazlet History Speakers
EARTH DAY
Tree seedling giveaway
On Saturday, April 22, the Environmental Commission will hand out free tree seedlings at the Natco Environmental Center, 399 Middle Road from 9 to 11 a.m.
This year one tree will be offered to all who come by. A landscape favorite: The white dogwood!
8TH STREET PARK CLOSURE
Renovation work to begin
It's starting! Starting Monday, April 24, construction crews will be mobilizing at 8th Street Park in the West Keansburg section for planned renovation work. As of Monday morning, the park will be closed to the public until further notice.
Visit the Improvement Plan Update page for details about the exciting plan to bring new life and recreational opportunities to the 3.75-acre park.
HAZLET HISTORY
Remembering the old days
For our 175th Anniversary year, we are delighted to announce speakers in our Hazlet History series.
- Bob Weigand will talk about Hazlet's Train Station on Thursday, April 27.
- Rose Mocci Staikos and Elmer Bahrenburg, Jr. will remember their family's farms and butcher shop on May 11.
Come to listen and share in a friendly gathering. The talks will take place at 1 p.m. at the James J. Cullen Center in Hazlet, 1776 Union Ave. Free, registration not required.
BULK DROP-OFF DAY
Saturday, April 22
Hazlet residents in Zones 5-8 will have an opportunity to get rid of bulky items on April 22. Please review all the information about Hazlet's Bulk Drop-Off Days.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
- The Township Committee will meet Tuesday, April 25 for a Regular Meeting. Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center.
- A presentation and public hearing of the annual township budget will be held 7 p.m. May 9, 2023. Copies of the budget are available at the Municipal Clerk's Office or as a downloadable PDF on the township website.
SPRING SELLING
Our traditional spring Garage Sale was held April 15 with over 109 sales posted to the Google Map. The weather forecast was a toss-up, but in the end we made the right bet to carry on and were rewarded with lovely weather. Our next Town-Wide Garage Sale will be mid-October. Look for sign-up form in September.
SENIOR CENTER
View the May Newsletter.
- Special events include a Spring Tea Party and Bingo on May 12, Health Fair on May 17, and Summer Kickoff Food Fest on May 25.
- The Book Club is reading "Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri. Fitness Classes have expanded to four times a week.
- Starting up in May: Indoor Cornhole and Ping Pong, a Craft Collective on Thursday, a Latin Groove Dance Class on Wednesdays.
Please review the newsletter and contact Director Denise Bucciero with questions at 732-217-8683. The Senior Center is located at the James J. Cullen Center, 1776 Union Ave.
SWIM CLUB
Early Bird Rates End Soon
If you are planning to join the Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club, please remember to sign up and take advantage of Early Bird Rates through April 30! On May 1, regular rates will go into effect.
Weather permitting, the club will open Memorial Day weekend. The hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Starting June 26, it will be open daily through Labor Day, Sept. 5.
An Open House is planned for May 27 and 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. Come see the four pools, ball courts, ask questions and sign up.
RIBBON-CUTTING
Police Chief Ted Wittke, Mayor Michael Sachs and Committeeman James Cavuto attended the ribbon cutting for Duncan Defense Consultants in Airport Plaza earlier this month. One of the owners is a retired Hazlet Police Lieutenant Michael Duncan.
COFFEE & CHAT WITH HBOA
The monthly What's Brewing Meeting of the Hazlet Business Owners Association is 7:45 to 9 a.m. on Friday, April 28 at Airport Plaza. Event information.
FROM MONMOUTH COUNTY
County Archives Webinar - Monday, April 24
A Monmouth County Clerk research archivist will present a webinar on how to use the archives on Tuesday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. This free Zoom presentation is hosted by the Archives Division of the County Clerk’s Office and the Monmouth County Library in celebration of the American Library Association’s Annual Preservation Week. Register by April 24.
Mobile County Connection - Weds. April 26
Instead of traveling to Freehold for county services, local residents will have an opportunity to meet with representatives of the county clerk, sheriff and surrogate's office at the county library in Bell Works, Holmdel on Wednesday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The County Clerk's Office will help people obtain passport applications and photos; Veterans Discount, Gold Star Family, and County Identification Cards; and free notary services.
- The Sheriff's Dept. can provide Youth Identification and Registry Ready Identification Cards; child safety seat inspections and Sheriff’s Hope One Truck for addiction services.
- The County Surrogate’s Office will give info on the probate of a will, qualifying as an administrator of an estate, guardianship of an incapacitated individual and finalizing adoptions.
Job Fair Hosted by County DPW & Engineering - Sat. April 29
The county is to fill the following positions; bridge construction worker, bridge repairer, senior bridge repairer, senior mechanic diesel and tree maintenance workers Job Fair is the Division of Bridges office, 250 Center St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29.
Grown in Monmouth Local Maps
In an effort to help promote local producers, Monmouth County offers detailed directories with date and location of Farmers Markets, Restaurants, Pick Your Own, Nursery/Garden Centers and more. Newly added this week: Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries. Explore the maps.
Hazlet Township News & Announcements
April 14, 2023
MVC Mobile Unit Coming to Hazlet, More than 100 Registered for Garage Sale, Police Youth Academy Announced
BOCCE BALL
A new activity has been added to the bustling calendar at the Hazlet Senior Center at the James J. Cullen Center: Bocce ball. Participants will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. for fresh air and friendship until June 23. Equipment is supplied.
The two regulation bocce courts are next to Town Hall. In the summertime, you may see the Hazlet Rockets Special Olympics team practicing there for the Summer Games.
MVC MOBILE AGENCY DAY - MAY 2, 2023
Hazlet Township will host a new mobile version of The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) at Veterans Park, next to Town Hall, on Tuesday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The truck-style vehicles contain most of the features present in a traditional MVC agency. Customers can use them to renew or obtain duplicate driver licenses, obtain a non-driver ID, renew their vehicle registration, or even obtain a Person with a Disability, Purple Heart, or Disabled Veteran parking placard.
Reservations are required! Sign up on the Google Form to seek a particular service so that the agency will be prepared to handle requests. (Only those seeking a REAL ID will be assigned at specific time slot.)
TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE - APRIL 15, 2023
Over 108 Hazlet residents are setting out stuff for sale in the Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, April 16.) You can view all of the locations and descriptions by using the interactive Google Map. A printed list is also posted in the glass cases of the James J. Cullen Center, left of the front door, and available at Hazlet Library. View the Map
Happy Garage Sale-ing!
BULK DROP-OFF DAYS - APRIL 15 & 22, 2023
Hazlet residents will have an opportunity to get rid of bulky items on April 15 and 22. Your drop-off date depends on your zone. Please review all the information about Hazlet's Bulk Drop-Off Days.
PUBLIC MEETINGS NEXT WEEK
The Land Use Board will meet Thursday, April 20. Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center. Meeting documents can be viewed on the Land Use Board page.
2023 POLICE YOUTH ACADEMY - AUG. 7-11, 2023
The Hazlet Police Department has announce this year's Police Youth Academy will take place August 7-11. Sign up for the course.
The goal of the Police Youth Academy is to familiarize children with the role of a Police Officer. Participants should be prepare for a hands-on experience in a wide variety of Law Enforcement techniques and Training. Each day will be dedicated to a different topic.
Participants can expect to experience the following: Military Etiquette Drill and Ceremony,; Handcuffing techniques; Firearms Safety; Police Canine interactions; Basic Criminal investigations; Police Baton Training; Self-defense; and First aid and Fire Safety.
WATER TREATMENT CHANGE ENDS
On the week of April 17, New Jersey American Water (NJAW) will resume using chloramines in water treatment at its Swimming River Water Treatment Plant in Colts Neck.
In February, as part of an annual routine maintenance program for its water distribution system, New Jersey American Water temporarily changed the water treatment process from a chloramine (combination) residual to free chlorine residual. The ten-week planned changeover to free chlorine residual enabled the company to perform routine maintenance.
During the transition to free chlorine residual, some customers may have noticed a slight chlorine taste and odor in their water. With the resumption of the chloramination process, the taste and smell of chlorine will subside.
According to NJAW, chloramines have long been an effective method of water disinfection that meets all EPA and NJDEP drinking water standards and have been used in Monmouth and Ocean counties since 2012.
FREE HOME REPAIR
Jersey Shore Workcamp is coming to the Bayshore July 10-14, 2023.
Christian youth campers will spend one week here performing free home repair projects in the Bayshore for elderly, low-income, Veteran and disabled families.
Homeowners can apply for free home repair by mailing in the application by April 30. (Deadline has been extended.) Examples of work include porch repair/construction, step repair, painting, wheelchair ramp/construction, weatherization and mobile home skirting. Labor and materials are free to qualifying households.
The students are supervised and supported by local community-minded organizations. Download the application at this link.
CHILL NIGHT WITH FRIENDS - APRIL 21, 2023
Hazlet Recreation is planning a special night for Hazlet pre-teens. Please register at Hazlet.Recdesk.com.
MOTORING FOR MUSIC - MAY 7, 2023
Support the spirited RHS Marching Band by attending their car show on May 7. Live music, food trucks, vendors, raffles and trophies. There will be dash plaques for the first 100 cars.
Car Registration: https://bit.ly/41AFgTF.
Vendor / Sponsor Registration > https://bit.ly/41zM97E
The band has been chosen to perform at the 80th anniversary commemorations of the June 6, 1944 D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France. Read an article in Patch.
Hazlet Township News & Announcements
April 7, 2023
Big Turnout for Bike with a Bunny, New Job Opportunity, Events Planned for Next Weekend
BIKE WITH A BUNNY PARADE
Stormy weather threatened Hazlet Recreation's parade Saturday, April 1, but the rain date on Sunday was crisp and sunny. Hundreds poured into Middle Road from Airport Plaza and Middle Road School to enjoy a fun group bike ride. Hazlet Police closed the county road for an hour to let everyone fast and slow enjoy the 1.7 mile-long route. It may have been cold at the start but everyone was warmed up by the end. We loved the cute decorations!
MUNICIPAL HOLIDAY APRIL 7
Town Hall offices and the Recycling Yard at Leocadia Court will be closed for in observance of Good Friday. The Recycling Yard is open on Saturday, April 8.
View Recycling Yard page.
Hazlet Township wishes all a happy Passover and Easter holiday.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Hazlet Township has a job opening for part-time Construction Department Clerk. View the job ad.
LITTER PATROL
You may notice a white "Litter Patrol" truck and workers picking up litter in town. This community service is funded by a state grant to the Hazlet Clean Communities program. The goal is to remove litter from public spaces. Learn more about Clean Communities on our website and how nonprofit groups can also participate in paid cleanups.
HAZLET LIBRARY BOOK SALE
The Library Commission will hold a Book Sale on Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. This event is held in conjunction with the Town-wide Garage Sale.
- Paperback: $1.00
- Hardcover: $2.00 and up
- Children's Paperback: $0.50
- Children's Hardcover: $1.00
- DVDs/CDs: $1.00
- Bag of Books: $10.00
Bag of Books: Use a bag provided by the library to fill it with as many books of your choosing! Hazlet Library is located at 251 Middle Road, Hazlet. Parking is available in the adjacent overflow lot.
TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE
Join us for the Spring Garage Sale on Saturday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, April 16.) Hazlet residents can sign up to sell by filling out a simple form that asks for your street address and description of items. This information will be uploaded to the interactive Google Map several times a week. It's free to get listed. Sign up by April 13, 2023, and view the growing map.
BULK DROP-OFF DAYS
Don't forget Hazlet residents will have an opportunity to get rid of bulky items on upcoming Saturdays. Your drop-off date depends on your zone. Please review all the information about Hazlet's Bulk Drop-Off Days.
HYAL CHEER
HYAL Cheer and Stunt Camp has been announced for Sunday, April 30 from 10am to 1:30 p.m. It will be held at the James J. Cullen Center. Register at http://www.hazlethawks.com/
PASSPORT DELAYS
The U.S. Department of State has announced that there are passport processing delays due to increased post-pandemic demand. Be forewarned if you are planning travel: the federal government recently extended its passport processing times for Routine service: 10 and 13 weeks and Expedited service (for an additional $60): 7 and 9 weeks. These service times do not include the estimated mailing times for the application to be received by a passport agency and then for the passport to be delivered to you, which can add up to another 4 weeks to regular and expedited service.
The Monmouth County Clerk's Office has two passport offices in Freehold Borough and Neptune to assist with the passport application process. For more information, visit MonmouthCountyClerk.com.
Hazlet Citizen Weekly is published by the Public Information Office. It is posted on the township website at noon on Fridays. You can be alerted by signing up here. Questions? Contact Christina Johnson, Public Information Officer: (732) 217-8660 or via email form.