MTPD Remembers Fallen Officers with Annual Police Memorial Service

Middletown Hosts Annual "Mayor for a Day" Program

On Wednesday, Middletown held its annual "Mayor for a Day" program! Eight students from different elementary schools came to Town Hall to assume their mayoral responsibilities. The fun event began in front of Town Hall where the mayors got to meet members of our Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services departments and check out their vehicles and equipment! After, they all went to the Mayor's Conference Room where they enjoyed pizza and discussed the importance of leadership with Mayor Tony Perry, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, and Committeeman Ryan Clarke.

Each student had the opportunity to visit the Mayor's Office and sit in his chair as they signed their "Mayor for a Day" certificate as well as a proclamation recognizing May 26, 2025 as Memorial Day in the Township of Middletown. The certificates were also signed by Mayor Perry and brought to the young mayors' respective schools. The certificates were signed by their principals today, allowing each student to serve as their school's mayor.

After the certificate and proclamation signing, each student received a badge and pin from Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber and then visited our TV Studio at Town Hall to recite a line from the proclamation. With this activity, the mayors learned about the significance of Memorial Day while also getting to practice being on camera.

To get a better understanding of their new role, the young mayors ended their evening by participating in a mini Township Committee meeting, which was led by Township Clerk Heidi R. Pieluc, and included the Pledge of Allegiance, reading a proclamation for the record, and the opportunity to pass ordinances and make public comments. While on the dais, the mayors discussed different initiatives like limiting the use of leaf blowers in the morning and reducing the amount of homework.

Congratulations to our young community leaders! 

Click HERE to view photos from the event and click HERE to watch our young mayors proclaim May 26, 2025 as Memorial Day in Middletown Township along with Mayor Perry. 

Township Committee Proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Encourages Community to Sign Up for "Be the Difference" Happening this Sunday, 5/18

At the Township Committee Meeting on Monday, May 12^th, the Township Committee proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Middletown. Mayor Tony Perry proudly presented the proclamation to Middletown High School South student Alex Taddeo, who is the Managing Director for the third annual "Be the Difference" suicide prevention community walk.

The event will be taking place this Sunday, May 18^th from 10 AM to 12 PM and will travel from the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street) to Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). Proceeds will be donated to the New Jersey chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Mayor Tony Perry and the Township Committee are proud to support the event and encourage community members to sign up.

Follow @bethedifference_nj on Instagram and click HERE for more information and to register.

Township Committee Recognizes June 7, 2025 as Relay for Life Day in Middletown

At the meeting, Mayor Tony Perry was honored to present the Relay for Life of Middletown's Event Leadership Team, led by Amy Nolan, with a proclamation recognizing June 7, 2025 as Relay for Life Day in Middletown Township. 

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's annual nationwide signature event that celebrates survivors, remembers those who have lost their battle with cancer, and unites our community to fight against a disease that has taken too much from too many. 

This year, Relay for Life will be taking place on Saturday, June 7^th from 6-10 PM at Middletown High School South (900 Nutswamp Road). The Township Committee encourages everyone to support this amazing event. Please visit middletownnj.org/relayforlife to sign up.

Township Committee Selects Winners of Middletown High Schools North and South's Prom Pledge

The presentations at the meeting ended with drawings for Middletown High Schools North and South's prom pledge. As chairperson of the Middletown Alliance, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz spoke about this initiative, which was a combined effort between the Alliance and student assistant counselors at the schools.

As part of this pledge, juniors, seniors, and their parents were encouraged to sign their names and vow that the students will not use drugs or alcohol before, during, and after prom. Members of the Township Committee randomly selected names out of bags and chose the eight winners. Each winner will receive a $50 Uber Eats gift card.

Congratulations to the following winners: Middletown High School North juniors Leah Fieldman and Victoria D'Alessio, Middletown High School North seniors James Morelto and Grace Mitchell, Middletown High School South juniors Nick Murolo and Christopher Mauriello, and Middletown High School South seniors James Sisler and Taylor Higgins!

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 Tuesday, May 27^th.

Township and County Hold Second Newman Springs Road/County Road 520 Traffic Improvements Meeting

On Tuesday, May 13^th, Middletown Township and Monmouth County hosted the second public input session to discuss traffic on Newman Springs Road/County Road 520 in Lincroft. Approximately 70 residents came to Town Hall to provide continued feedback on the proposed traffic improvements. 

 Mayor Tony Perry, members of the Township Committee, and Township Administrator Tony Mercantante were joined by Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, County Engineer Joseph Ettore, County Traffic Engineer Mike Nei, County Engineer Vince Cardone, Traffic Engineering Consultant Joseph Platt of TPD, Inc, and Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) Lieutenant Anthony Ciccone of the Traffic Safety Bureau to provide any updates from the last meeting held in April. U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle Community Liaison Nicholas Ginther also attended the meeting. 

 Mayor Perry announced that the Township acquired the final easement by the Acme Access Road so the County and Township can make it a two-way roadway. He also spoke about the importance of pedestrians utilizing crosswalks to ensure their safety. County Engineer Joseph Ettore provided an update, which included that the County retained traffic design consulting firm TPD to review the traffic data in Lincroft and provide solutions. Joseph Platt of TPD displayed some heat maps of crashes over the last few years and shared that he recently received updated data from MTPD’s Traffic Safety Bureau that will be taken into consideration. Lieutenant Ciccone spoke about the police department’s ongoing enforcement efforts and said that more tickets have been issued in Lincroft. 

County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone highlighted some traffic calming solutions, helped address residents' questions, and listened to their ideas. Community members provided important feedback about blind areas, where traffic backs up, and other traffic safety concerns in the Lincroft area. Another meeting is expected to be scheduled for early fall. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please email mayorsoffice@middletownnj.org.

Community Gathers for North Middletown-Port Monmouth Neighborhood Plan Meeting

Middletown Township, Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA), Ideal Beach Community Association (IBCA), Bayshore Family Success Center, and Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity hosted the 8^th Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program meeting on Thursday, May 15^th at Ocean Avenue Elementary School to focus on reviewing the draft NRTC plan. 

The plan’s strategies and activities build off previous community engagement and input. With a work plan in place, opportunities for funding and investment to achieve the community's vision will become available. Priority activities discussed include funding and financing for home repairs and elevations, meaningful recreation activities and job training programs for youth, hosting community events with IBCA, ensuring neighborhood security, and providing access to fresh food in the neighborhood. 

The plan will be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs next month. Visit middletownplan.org to review the draft plan and provide comments.

We also encourage everyone to join AHA and IBCA on Saturday, June 7^th from 10 AM-12 PM for a beach cleanup at Ideal Beach! 

Click HERE to volunteer.

Remember Revolutionary War Hero Joseph Murray at Poricy Park on Sunday, 6/8 at 11 AM

Join the Middletown America 250 Committee, Middletown Parks & Recreation, and the Poricy Park Conservancy at Joseph Murray Day on Sunday, June 8^th! In remembrance of the 245^th anniversary of Joseph Murray's death, our community is encouraged to gather together at the Joseph Murray Farmhouse at Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road). Murray was a Patriot who served in the Monmouth County militia as a soldier belonging to Colonel Asher Holmes’ Regiment of Monmouth Militia under the command of Lieutenant Garret Hendrickson in opposition to the British during the Revolutionary War. 

There will be a 21-gun salute, wreath-laying, color guard, poetry reading about Murray's life, as well as a proclamation presentation. The Murray Farmhouse and Barn will also be open to visitors and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

We encourage you to attend Joseph Murray Day so you can learn more about his life and contributions to our nation!

Exciting News: Tindall Park's Tennis and Pickleball Courts are Now Open!

The resurfaced tennis courts and newly dedicated pickleball courts are now open for play at Tindall Park! We kindly request that visitors abide by open play rules. Look for an announcement for an official ribbon cutting ceremony soon! 

Learn more about ongoing park improvements at middletownnj.org/parkprojects.

MTFD and Middletown Fire Prevention Remind Residents About the Importance of Smoke Alarms

The Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Fire Prevention Office would like to remind our residents about the importance of having working smoke detectors in your residence.

There is no doubt about it: SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES. Please take some time over the next few days to test your smoke alarms in your homes.

Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms are available at most hardware and/or department stores in the Middletown area. 

Remember, you want to "Hear the Beep, Where you Sleep"! Place smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, on every level of your home, in your living room, in basements/garages, and near stairways.

Should you have questions about your smoke detectors, including issues with installation, we urge our residents to contact the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office at 732-615-2270.

Honor Our Fallen Heroes at Annual Memorial Day Parade with American Legion Post 338 on Monday, 5/26 at 10 AM

Visit middletownnj.org/parade for details about the parade route (pictured below).

Register Now for Middletown Alliance's 

Final Spring Parent Presentation

Next one is on Thursday, 5/22!

The Middletown Alliance proudly presents its Spring Parent Presentation Series! The Alliance hosted the first presentation on Thursday, March 27^th and the second one on Monday, May 5^th. The first presentation focused on current drug trends and the second one focused on social media.

 The final presentation will be about raising resilient kids and take place on Thursday, May 22^nd from 7-8 PM in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway).

Click HERE to view the graphic in a larger PDF format and visit middletownnj.org/presentation to register for the presentation.

NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program 

Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues

CDM Smith, on behalf of New Jersey American Water (NJAW), started a door-to-door canvassing effort related to the Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) in Middletown on Monday, February 3^rd. The canvassing and internal inspections are currently taking place in the Harmony Elementary School District and New Monmouth Elementary School District in Area 1 on the map above. The entire canvassing is expected to take place over the next few months. 

All CDM Smith inspectors will wear co-branded (NJAW and CDM Smith) high visibility logo vests and will have NJAW-issued Contractor ID badges. Inspectors will introduce themselves and the program to property owners and will then ask to enter the home to inspect the water service where it enters into the home (typically in a basement or crawl space). 

The inspector will take exterior photos of the property and interior photographs of the service material and record the pipe material identified. Inspections generally take 15 minutes or less. At no time will residents be asked for money. Any customer that prefers to not have an internal inspection completed will be directed to alternatives to the inspections including self-reporting. 

The Middletown Township Police Department is aware of the canvassing. If you have any questions about LSLRP, please email njawlead@cdmsmith.com and LeadFreeNJ@amwater.com.

Pay Off Library Fines by Donating Nonperishables through MTPL's Food for Fines Program until Sunday, 6/15

Food for Fines is back at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL)! Pay off your library fines by dropping off nonperishable food bank donations at the MTPL's Circulation Desk (55 New Monmouth Road) from Thursday, May 1^st through Sunday, June 15^th. Expired food items will not be accepted.
 
Each nonperishable item donated eliminates $1.00 of late fees. Patrons can reduce up to $10.00 per card. Please note that donations cannot be used to pay for lost items.

All donations will be brought to the food banks at Calico Cat (96 Kings Highway), Project Paul (211 Carr Avenue, Keansburg), and Middletown Helps its Own (612 Carter Avenue, Port Monmouth).

Shop in Our Town-Wide Garage Sale This Weekend!

Shop ‘til you drop at our annual town-wide garage sale this weekend! This fun event is free for shoppers and will take place rain or shine. 

Click HERE for more information and to see the map.

Buy Tickets for Green Honey Love at the MAC: Performances are This Weekend and Next Weekend

Dunbar Repertory Company is proud to present Green Honey Love at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) on the weekends of May 16^th through 18^th and May 23^rd through 25^th! Green Honey Love, written by Gail Wynn Huland El and directed by Damien S. Berger, is a story about adultery, deceit, greed, and conspiracy of murder – your everyday comedy. 

Green Honey Love: Except for her lover, everyone, including her husband George, thinks Belinda still has the mind of a child after being involved in a terrible car accident that caused severe head injury. What George doesn’t know is that Belinda and her lover are conspiring to kill him before the settlement check arrives.

Performance dates: Fridays, May 16^th and 23^rd at 8 PM, Saturdays, May 17^th and 24^th at 3 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays, May 18^th and 25^th at 4 PM. The play will take place in the MAC's theater (36 Church Street).

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Register for Middletown Parks & Recreation's MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Competition Happening Tuesday, 5/20 at 5 PM

Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for MLB's Annual Pitch, Hit & Run Competition! This fun event provides children an opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills with the possibility of earning a chance to attend and compete for a championship during the 2025 MLB World Series. 

Register today because if Middletown gets 150 registrants our winners will automatically advance to the regionals hosted at a nearby MLB stadium! 

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Attend Shore Voices' Free Performance at the MTPL on Tuesday, 5/20 at 7 PM

Enjoy the sounds of this popular, local a cappella group's spring performance at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL)! The concert will take place in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road).

Sign Up for MTPL's Disney Trivia Night Happening on Thursday, 5/22 at 7 PM

Test your knowledge of Disney movies at the MTPL! Registration is required for this adults-only program that will take place in the MTPL's Community Room. Registration is required.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

• As of Monday, March 31^st, Chapel Hill Road is closed at Whipporwill Valley Road for construction. A detour is set. Properties 1-230 have access from the NJ-35 side. Properties 231-400 have access from Kings Highway East. The road will be closed 24/7 for approximately 6 months. Click HERE to view a map of the detour.
  
• 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 13^th, 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 2 years. Detours were posted. Port Monmouth Road between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) reopened on Monday, January 13^th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.

Monmouth County to Offer Greener Blue Pump-out Boat on Fridays and Saturdays, Beginning Friday, 5/23

The Greener Blue Pump-Out Boat, which is operated by the Monmouth County Department of Health and Human Services, will be in service on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM beginning Friday, May 23^rd!

This free program, which is available to all recreational boaters and not limited to Monmouth County residents, helps properly dispose sewage from boats. Service is available on a first come, first served basis and does not require any paperwork. The service areas are the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers and the Atlantic Highlands Marina (Sandy Hook Bay).

If you have general inquiries, please call the Monmouth County Division of Health at 732-431-7456 (Option 3). On service days, you can contact VHF Channel 9 (Marine radio) or call 732-761-4997.

Middletown Animal Control Reminds Residents to Leave Fawns Alone

Middletown Township Animal Control Provides Information About Baby Birds Learning to Fly

Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System

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.

How to Secure Your Home in the Event of an Earthquake

Earthquakes can happen anytime, anywhere. The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens. 

The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) would like to educate our community about how to stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake. It is important to protect your property by bolting tall furniture, securing loose objects, and knowing how to turn off your utilities. 

Stay on the lookout for additional educational materials!

Visit ready.gov/earthquakes for more information.

Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns

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.

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

Facebook    X      Instagram      YouTube 

Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20