Raise Money for Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens Fund and Participate in Annual Mayor's Challenge Happening TOMORROW (Saturday, 10/25)
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We hope you'll join us tomorrow to run the trails of Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) for a good cause! Middletown Parks & Recreation is raising money for the Middletown World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial Gardens Fund through this year's Mayor's Challenge. A special 25th anniversary improvement project is taking place and this event will help fund it. The Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens are located next to the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street) and pay tribute to the 37 residents who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as the first responders and individuals who have lost their lives as a result of that fateful day. Visit middletownnj.org/5K for more information and to register. |
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Middletown Day 2025: A Celebration of Community Spirit
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 During the opening remarks at Middletown Day, the Township Committee, joined by Monmouth County and state dignitaries, surprised Township Administrator Tony Mercantante with a plaque in honor of his 45 years of working for the Township. |
On Sunday, our community came together for Middletown Day, an annual fall tradition that brings out the very best of what makes Middletown a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Hosted at Croydon Hall in Leonardo, the event featured the popular Business and Community Showcase, along with many beloved favorites — a delicious food court, first responder touch-a-trucks, children’s inflatables and games, Trunk-or-Treat, and more! Visitors enjoyed performances by Lakehouse Music Academy, Octopus Music School, and the North and South High School Choirs, while exploring the work of local crafters, nonprofits, and businesses. Kids got creative with Doodle Dude from the Middletown Arts Center and picked pumpkins to take home from the pumpkin patch. The day also featured the debut of the Middletown America 250 Experience, where families learned about Middletown’s role in our nation’s founding, took photos in the signing of the Declaration of Independence photo booth with the “Founding Fathers”, and brought home themed giveaways. As the sun set, the Moroccan Sheepherders lit up the Main Stage with a high-energy performance from 5:00–6:30 PM, followed by a dazzling fireworks finale that closed out the perfect day. A heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors, especially C&C Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing and Remington & Vernick Engineers, and to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration such a tremendous success. Middletown Day was filled with hometown pride, community connection, and unforgettable memories! Click HERE to view photos from the event. Click HERE to view photos from the Middletown America 250 Committee's photo booth.
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Township Committee Recognizes Local Organizations for Donations to Veterans Village
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 Pictured from left: Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, Jason's Dreams for Kids Vice President/Treasurer Linda McGinnis, Jason's Dreams for Kids Founder/President Dennis McGinnis, Mayor Tony Perry, and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz |
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At the Township Committee Meeting on Monday, October 20th, Mayor Tony Perry and the Township Committee presented plaques to local nonprofit Jason's Dreams for Kids and Middletown Elks Lodge 2179 for their donations to Veterans Village, the Township's affordable housing project for veterans. The building, which is located in Campbell's Junction, has been years in the making and will offer 12 units to tenants who qualify and have honorably served our nation. There will be a grand opening for the community on Sunday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM. Members of the public are encouraged to attend as we celebrate the completion of this project and officially open the doors to this beautiful new place that some veterans will soon call home. Thank you to these two organizations for your generosity! |
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 The Township Committee joins several Middletown Elks Lodge 2179 members as they proudly show off their plaque. |
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Middletown Proclaims October 2025 as Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month
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 Thanks to efforts of the Middletown Alliance’s "Spring Clean Out Your Lungs!" campaign, community members have quit vaping and recycled their vapes in the dedicated container at the Middletown Recycling Center (52 Kanes Lane). |
At the meeting, Committeewoman Kim Kratz accepted a proclamation on behalf of the Middletown Alliance for Drug and Alcohol Prevention recognizing October 2025 as Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month. As the chairperson of the Alliance, Committeewoman Kratz spoke about how the volunteer-run organization educates the community about how to prevent substance misuse, underage drinking, vaping, and other risky behaviors. She specifically spoke about the resolution that the Township Committee passed that evening supporting both the Senate and Assembly’s bills criminalizing the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing Kratom. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Kratom has no legitimate medical use and can lead to psychotic symptoms that include hallucinations, delusion, and confusion. Kratom can be found in some ready-to-drink beverages like seltzers and teas. They are often branded as “healthy” herbal tonics or dietary supplements and are typically placed near the checkout counters, alongside items like energy shots, that are easily available at gas stations and in convenience stores. Click HERE for more information about Kratom. For the past decade, she has been helping manage Middletown Alliance Leaders, formerly known as Project P.L.U.S. (Peer Leaders Understanding Students), which is an after-school drug & alcohol prevention and leadership program for 5th and 8th grade students in Middletown. At the meeting, Committeewoman Kratz shared information about the following upcoming events: - Red Ribbon Week (Thursday, October 23rd through Friday, October 31st): Red Ribbon Week is America’s largest and longest running drug and alcohol prevention and awareness campaign. The Middletown Alliance funded campaign materials and student giveaways for the 3 middle schools and 2 high schools in town.
- Free Public Narcan Training: Thursday, November 6th from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway)
- Great American Smokeout: Thursday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the lobby at Town Hall
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Township Surprises Deputy Township Clerk and Alternative Municipal Registrar Kaaren Sena with Plaque in Honor of Upcoming Retirement
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After more than 20 years of dedicated service to Middletown Township, Deputy Township Clerk and Alternative Municipal Registrar Kaaren Sena is retiring at the end of this month. At Monday's meeting, which was also Kaaren's birthday, the Township Committee and Township employees surprised her with a plaque and flowers to congratulate her on this next chapter. We thank Kaaren for her service to our community! Click HERE to watch the meeting on the Township's YouTube channel or catch it on our TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) every day at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 8:30 PM through Sunday, November 9th. |
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Middletown Township Expands Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program to Include Tuition Reimbursement
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Please note that an earlier version of this press release incorrectly stated that the tuition reimbursement program is authorized by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). The program is authorized by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. We regret the error. Click HERE to read our updated press release for more information. |
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Check Out Latest Episode of Minute with the Mayor
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In this episode of Minute with the Mayor, Mayor Tony Perry provides a recap of the fun and festivities at Middletown Day, and gives details about the upcoming Mayor’s Challenge 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, October 25th that supports the Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Gardens Fund. He also shares an update about Middletown’s participation in the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program as part of the Middletown Emergency Volunteer Incentive Program for MTFD, EMS, and OEM first responders. Mayor Perry also talks about the upcoming grand opening of Veterans Village in Campbell's Junction on Sunday, November 2nd, thanks the many organizations that provided donations to this project, and encourages the community to support our brave local heroes at the 68th annual Veterans Day Parade. Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube. |
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MTPD Invites Residents to Participate in Operation Take Back NJ on Saturday, 10/25 from 10 AM - 2 PM
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Northern Monmouth Watershed Alliance Partners with Middletown Environmental Commission for “Know Your Stream” Day on Saturday, 10/25 from 1-4 PMKeansburg Floodgate Walk begins at 12 PM
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The Middletown Environmental Commission invites residents to take part in the first-ever “Know Your Stream” Day on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00-4:00 PM, hosted by the Northern Monmouth Watershed Alliance. This will be a fun, educational afternoon exploring the Mahoras/Waackaack and Flat Creek watersheds that flow through our Bayshore communities. Participants will receive a map of seven viewing sites and a stream observation sheet. At each location you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable Stream Captain who will share insights about water quality, flood protection, and the natural features that connect our towns. Here is a list of the stream locations: Neil Waackaack Preserve, Tatum Park (Lower Level), Keansburg Flat Creek, Hazlet Library, K-Mart Plaza, Holmdel Pool Club, and Union Beach - Grant Park (Firefighters Park). Special Feature: The Keansburg Floodgate viewing area (Bay Walk West boardwalk entrance) includes a one-mile beach walk beginning at 12:00 PM, featuring a live NJDEP demonstration. Whether you’re a family, student, or outdoor enthusiast, this is a meaningful way to learn how our local waterways impact daily life — and how we can all help protect them. Click HERE to learn more and register. |
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Mayor Perry and Deputy Mayor Hibell Plant Flags for Annual Field of Flags Ceremony
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On Saturday, Mayor Tony Perry and Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell were proud to help plant flags for the upcoming Field of Flags event at Westminster Presbyterian Church (94 Tindall Road). The annual dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 8th at 11 AM and feature nearly 7,000 flags to honor the brave individuals who have served in our military. |
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 Pictured from left: NJBCA Board members Ellen Bollinger and Doris Dalfonzo, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, and NJBCA Board members Sherilyn Przelomski and Dan Velez |
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Before going to Middletown Day, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell was happy to stop by the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association (NJBCA) for their Camp Happiness Meet & Greet. NJBCA (18 Burlington Avenue, Leonardo) is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals through education and socialization. The organization transitioned to an all-volunteer operational model in September. NJBCA proudly offers a program known as Camp Happiness to its members. The camp closed in May to focus on reorganization, but officially reopened in September. The organization plans to operate camps twice monthly through the end of 2025, then hopes to transition to weekly camps in 2026. While at the event, Deputy Mayor Hibell was honored to meet some NJBCA board members and Camp Happiness attendees as well as check out their thrift store. For more information about NJBCA and Camp Happiness, please visit njbca.org. |
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Early Voting Begins TOMORROW (Saturday, 10/25)
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Where to Drop Off Your Mail-In Ballot
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By now you should have received your November General Election mail-in ballot. If you choose to vote by mail, please feel free to drop it off at one of Middletown's two ballot box locations: Croydon Hall Municipal Complex (900 Leonardville Road) and the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road). Click HERE for instructions on how to vote by mail. Click HERE for more information about Middletown's election services. |
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Trick-or-Treating Curfew is 8:00 PM
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Trick or Treat at Your Local Firehouse on Halloween (Friday, 10/31) from 4-6 PM
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Check Out the Fall 2025 Edition of Middletown Matters!
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Our bi-annual newsletter, Middletown Matters, will be arriving in residents' mailboxes soon! In the meantime, feel free to read the digital version at middletownnj.org/matters. |
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Learn How to Clean Historic Cemetery Gravestones with Middletown America 250 on Saturday, 10/25 at 10 AM
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This Halloween season, trade ghost tours for good deeds. The Middletown America 250 Committee invites you to a hands-on gravestone cleaning class at one of our oldest cemeteries. |
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Find Out the Answer to This Week's Township Trivia Thursday!
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The Middletown America 250 Committee and Middletown Township Historical Society are partnering to present Township Trivia Thursdays every other week. Test your trivia skills while learning more about our town and its rich history. This week's question can be found on middletownnj.org/trivia and the Township's YouTube channel. The next trivia question will be featured via the Middletown America 250 Committee's Instagram story on Thursday, November 6th. The answer will be revealed in the Friday, November 7th issue of Middletown Minutes and on our Township Trivia page. Make sure you follow the Middletown America 250 Committee on Instagram! |
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Deadline to Participate in MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's Second Round of Student Contests is Friday, 11/14
The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee recently announced that entries are being accepted for two contests for Monmouth County students as part of the County’s commemoration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. A Semiquincentennial Poetry Contest for grades three through five invites students to write a poem in response to the prompt “What is America to me?”. The Semiquincentennial Essay Contest for grades six through eight invites students to write an essay answering the prompt “What does patriotism mean to me?”. This is the second round of student contests – the first round was held this past spring. Contests are open to students who reside in and/or attend school in Monmouth County. Prizes will be awarded for each grade level. The winning poems and essays will be showcased on the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's website and social media channels and will be highlighted throughout the Semiquincentennial celebration. Submissions must be sent via email to monmouthnj250@co.monmouth.nj.us by Friday, November 14th. Winners will be announced on Friday, December 5th. Click HERE for more information about the poetry contest. Click HERE for more information about the essay contest.
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MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's Parade to Travel through Middletown on Sunday, 6/28 Beginning at 12:30 PM
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October is Fire Prevention Month: Sign Up for a Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation with the MTFD and American Red Cross
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The Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office are partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms for free throughout Middletown. In light of October being Fire Prevention Month, we encourage all residents to check if their smoke alarms are working. If you are interested in this free service, please schedule an appointment at middletownnj.org/smokealarm. Click HERE to watch a Public Service Announcement for more information. |
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Participate in Our Annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, 11/2 at 1 PM
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Honor those who have served our nation at the 68th annual Middletown Veterans Day Parade! All veterans, community groups, scout groups, cool/vintage cars, businesses, floats, and others who are interested in being part of the parade can click HERE to complete this form. |
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Support Veterans Village by Enjoying a Meal at Mule Barn Tavern on Tuesday, 11/11
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On Tuesday, November 11th, celebrate Veterans Day by enjoying a meal at Mule Barn Tavern (36 Kearney Road, Highlands). From 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the restaurant will generously donate 100% of its sales to Veterans Village, Middletown Township’s new affordable housing project for veterans. Located in Campbell’s Junction, Veterans Village will provide 12 affordable units for those who have honorably served our country. The Township will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Sunday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM, prior to the 68th Annual Veterans Day Parade. In addition to donating its sales, Mule Barn Tavern will also raffle off three gift baskets featuring gift cards, merchandise, and items from local businesses. Raffle tickets are $5 (cash only), with all proceeds benefiting Veterans Village. Local businesses interested in contributing raffle items may email christina.mulebarntavern@gmail.com. View the menu at mulebarntavern.com and show your support for our veterans – and a local business – this Veterans Day! |
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Sign Up for Free Narcan/Naloxone Administration Training Happening on Thursday, 11/6 at 5 PM
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Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance to Provide Resources for Residents on Thursday, 11/20 to Quit Smoking
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Thursday, November 20th is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society. People are challenged to stop smoking for at least 24 hours, with the hope that their decision not to smoke will last longer. If you're having trouble quitting smoking or vaping, the Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance encourage you to visit tobaccofreenj.com/gaso for helpful resources. The departments will also be handing out free quit kits in the lobby at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway) on Thursday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. |
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Sign Up for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Free Open Recreation Program
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Open Recreation returns to a new location – Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road)! Open Recreation is a FREE after-school program available to all Middletown residents. The program provides homework help and supervised play. A monthly calendar includes the activities for the day such as crafts, games, nature activities, and parties! Click HERE to check out the calendar and complete a registration form. |
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Participate in the MTPL's Strategic Planning Survey by Sunday, 11/30
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The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) is planning for the future — and your voice matters!
The MTPL is working on its next Strategic Plan, which will help guide the library’s goals and priorities for the coming years. Your input ensures the library reflects the needs, ideas, and dreams of our community. Click HERE to complete the short survey. |
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Fall 2025 Leaf Collection to Begin Monday, 12/1
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Last Day to Pay Quarterly Taxes Without Interest is Monday, 11/10 by 3:45 PM
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Click HERE for more information about how to pay taxes. |
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MTPD Promotes E-Bike Safety in PSA
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Across the country, and right here in Middletown, we’re seeing a surge in injuries involving electric bikes and scooters, especially among young riders. Deputy Chief Paul Bailey of the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) shares some crucial information in this Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the different types of micromobility devices and the regulations that riders should follow when using them. Please tune in and stay safe!
Click HERE to watch the PSA on YouTube. |
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Santa Ferry Residents-Only Ticket Sales to Take Place on Monday, 10/27 from 5:30-7:30 PM
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Middletown Parks & Recreation is back on the bay to celebrate Christmas! The annual yuletide ride features Santa and friends, presents, entertainment, and a scenic ride around the Statue of Liberty. The residents-only presale will be on Monday, October 27th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Poricy Park Nature Center (345 Oak Hill Road). Tickets are only sold in person. Sales for both residents and non-residents will begin on Wednesday, October 29th. Click HERE for more information and to complete the required registration form. |
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Register for MTPL's Virtual Retirement Roadblocks Workshop Happening on Tuesday, 10/28 at 7 PM
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Are you on the straightest path to your financial goals? Join this informative virtual session hosted by the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) to learn how to protect your retirement savings, combat inflation, optimize Social Security, and plan for healthcare and taxes. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Shop at the MAC's Holiday Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Marketplace on Saturday, 11/1
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The Middletown Arts Center (MAC, 36 Church Street) will be hosting a special Holiday Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Marketplace on Saturday, November 1st from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM! The event will feature over four dozen vendors offering a huge selection of unique and one-of-a-kind antiques including vinyl records, costume jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, postcards, toys, dolls, and so much more. Admission is $5. A limited number of vendor tables are available for just $25. Please call Janet at 917-880-1222 to reserve a spot. |
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- On Friday, October 24th, please avoid Palmer Avenue (southbound) on the Hazlet/Holmdel side between NJ-36 and NJ-35 from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM due to a road closure.
- In June, Monmouth County began the construction of the replacement of Bridge S-14 on County Route 50 (Swimming River Road). The road will remain open throughout construction and two 11-foot-wide travel ways in each direction will be maintained. Construction is anticipated to take two years. Please follow all posted signs and stay alert while driving in the area, as temporary changes to traffic patterns may occur. Click HERE to read the County's press release for more information.
- Church Street in Belford (near Saint Mary's School) between Leonardville Road and Drift Road is currently closed to replace Bridge MT-10. It will be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic through October, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the course of the project.
- As of Monday, January 13th, Broadway is closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to construction of the final phase of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Port Monmouth Flood Control Project. Broadway will be closed for approximately two years. Detours were posted. Port Monmouth Road between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) reopened on Monday, January 13th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.
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Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates
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Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System
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Monmouth County proudly offers the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System – an easy way for residents to find and access appropriate services in Monmouth County to meet their needs. Created as part of Monmouth County’s Department of Human Services, the Navigation System serves as one point of entry for residents to be connected to any human service provider in the County without needing to make multiple calls. Call the Warm Line at 732-683-8959 to reach countless service providers and visit monmouthacts.org for more information. |
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Middletown Township Building & Inspection Department Launches New SDL Online Permit Portal
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Visit sdlportal.com to access the portal and create an account. Need assistance? Click HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account. |
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Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns
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Middletown Township is now utilizing the “See-Click-Fix” platform so residents can easily contact the Township to report any concerns. The Township is branding this reporting tool as Connect & Correct since you can submit your request via the website and track its progress through completion. Visit middletownnj.org and click on the Connect & Correct button. This link will direct you to a page of categories you can choose from to report your concern. Simply choose the relevant category from the list such as lost pet, pothole, sidewalks, playgrounds, etc. and add a brief description of the issue. You will be able to enter an address or pinpoint the location of the issue on the map. You will also have the option to attach a photo if you would like, and then you can click to submit the report.
You will then be able to track the status of the issue through updates on the platform or via email notifications. Exciting news — the Connect & Correct app is now officially available on the Apple App Store and Google Play! The goal of the app is to make it even easier to report your concerns on-the-go as well as streamline communications regarding any concerns you may have. |
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Know Someone with a Disability? Make Sure They Register with NJ Register Ready!
Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents with disabilities to register with NJ Register Ready. This free program is designed to assist first responders and emergency planners in identifying community members who may need assistance evacuating in advance of an emergency. For more information about the program and the three ways you can register, visit middletownnj.org/oem.
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Click HERE to access hi-res photos from thise-newsletter. |
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Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20
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