March 30, 2020
Coronavirus Update #21
Dear Resident,
Yesterday afternoon I held a Facebook live video answering the questions that residents sent via email. Many of the questions you may have can be found on prior updates sent via email and posted on social media and remain on the website ‘Alerts and Actions’ scroll. The Facebook Live video remains posted on Town Facebook page and can be accessed HERE or by visiting the Official Township Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/marlborotownship/
I also want to remind residents that the on-line state website www.covid19.nj.gov has a wealth of information regarding testing sites, symptoms checks, information for businesses and individuals in need of support, jobs available throughout the state, as well as Executive Order guidelines and ongoing state testing stats. To receive text updates from the state, text ‘NJCOVID’ to 898-211.
This is a fluid situation and updates and changes are addressed as they occur at the local, county, state and federal levels.
If you know of Marlboro residents that have not registered for Township email updates, please ask them to visit the township website and enter their email in the blue box. If you have a question that was not answered during the video (answers below), please send your question to enter ‘FB Question’ in the subject line and include your name and address (will not be shared with the public). We will reply individually or answer it in a future update.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone for continuing to practice social distance. I know it is difficult, but the more we comply, the faster we will get past this. I also want to thank people for ordering in this weekend. Many restaurants told me that they were busy with takeout and delivery orders, and that customers were buying gift cards for future use. This makes a huge difference to their ability to return to business as usual when this state of emergency is over. It is really important and means a lot.
MORTGAGE RELIEF
On March 28, 2020, Governor Murphy announced that financial institutions will provide mortgage forbearance and financial protections for New Jerseyans facing economic hardship as a result of COVID-19. This is addition to the March 19th Executive Order No. 106, which states that any lessee, tenant, homeowner or any other person shall not be removed from a residential property as the result of an eviction or foreclosure proceeding. Your landlord cannot remove you from your home during this emergency.
Under the proposal, New Jerseyans who are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for the following relief upon contacting their financial institution:
- 90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage Payments
- No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief
- Relief from Fees and Charges
Homeowners should contact lenders directly to take advantage of this relief. These lenders are experiencing high volumes of inquiries and may recommend using online services when available. Loans held by a financial institution may be serviced by another company.
For more information on COVID-19 related mortgage relief, please visit here: https://www.state.nj.us/dobi/covid/mortgagerelief.html
Additional Housing Assistance
- Programs available to help veterans, low-income families, the elderly, single-parents, and more. And Counselors will provide assistance to help homeowners avoid potential foreclosure. At the same time, the counseling made available to renters will guide them on how to approach discussions with their landlords on dealing with their rent situation.
For a list of housing counselors, visit: https://njhousing.gov/foreclosure - More information and guidance is available to the state covid hub website at https://covid19.nj.gov/
TESTING STATS
As of yesterday, NJ had 13,386 positive tests with 870 in Monmouth County and 53 in Marlboro. It was expected that numbers are expected to increase as more testing centers open and results are reported.
RESIDENT QUESTIONS
QUESTION: Are Township parks open?
Especially when everyone is ‘cooped’ up inside the house, it is critically important for people to have a place to go for a walk or ride to get some fresh air. Of course, while maintaining the appropriate distance from others. The parks are open for what we call “passive recreation”, but you need to stay off of the playgrounds and courts which have been roped off to restrict access. Team sports and field games which encourage close contact are prohibited.
QUESTION: Is the Recycling Center at the municipal complex open?
The yard remains open during normal scheduled hours (Monday and Wednesdays from 8am-1:30 pm and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm). Cardboard, comingled paper, electronics, brush and leaves only are being accepted at this time. There is no permit or fee. See page 10 of the Town Recycling calendar mailed to your home and available on line for guidelines.
Please note that No Bulk Items of any kind will be accepted. We understand that many of you are home and would like to be able to drop off bulk. We did not make the decision lightly to exclude bulk drop off at the town recycling center. Historically almost every person bringing bulk to the center requires assistance. In order to ensure the safety of our employees and adhere to the CDC‘s requirement of “social distancing”, Township staff will not be able to assist you with placing your items in any of our containers and we may need to limit the amount of cars in the site at one time.
It has come to our attention that a local refuse collector contacted their customers and stated that they are not accepting bulk pickup at this time. They were referring to their customers paying for additional curbside bulk pickup through the carting company NOT the township curbside bulk collection. This is was not a message from the Township. Township updates and schedule changes would come from official sources such as email, official town social media and SWIFT 911 police calls.
QUESTION: So Will the Town have its annual spring bulk pickup?
Yes, the question now is when. The Town has a contract for this service, and the contractor is checking with the appropriate authorities and its legal people as to whether or not they can do the job at this time. We will have more information shortly and we will share through official government communication shortly. Either way, we remain committed to delivering the service once the restrictions are relaxed.
QUESTION: What restaurants and grocery stores are open and what are they offering?
I have been in regular contact with restaurants and grocery stores since the first day. These represent important fixtures in our community, contributing to our status as a premier municipality in New Jersey to live and raise a family. The Governor’s Executive Orders have closed restaurants for dining in, but many remain open for pickup and delivery. The information is posted on the township website, social media and sent via email. Please check back regularly as the information changes frequently.
Our local grocery stores remain open and fully stocked. That said, there is no rush to buy more than you need. The supply chain will catch up if the demand levels out, rather than operate at peaks which we have seen at times over the past few weeks.
Support your local restaurants and grocery stores. We need each other now more than ever! Don’t forget that purchasing gift cards gives local businesses a welcome boost in this difficult time.
RESTAURANT OPTIONS
SUPERMARKET/GROCERY STORES
- QUESTION: I know that public buildings are closed but still open for business. Where do I drop permit applications or payments?
Marlboro Municipal offices are closed to the public through at least April 5. But we are still working. You have several options.
• You can conduct some of your business on-line. For online options as well as contact phone and emails visit Marlboro-nj.gov and click the link at the top of the homepage: ‘Municipal Offices Closed to the Public See HERE for More’. The Table with on-line licenses and permits and Department contact and downloadable forms HERE.
• Town Hall is still receiving mail, so you can still use the mail.
• Also, a drop-box for payments of water, tax, pet license, parking permits, etc. is accessible in the front vestibule at Town Hall. For your own protection, do not deposit cash. Please clearly mark the outer envelope with the department name. If you would like a receipt mailed to you, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
QUESTION: I have a project that requires inspections. Can I get this done?
A significant amount of inspection activity has been curtailed for the safety of personnel and the public. At this point, inspection dates are currently being scheduled for the month of April, but will be ultimately depend upon the duration of the State of Emergency. Inspections associated with emergencies such as septic or water, unoccupied structures and outdoor facilities which allow for safe distance between residents and inspectors are being accommodated. If questions, contact the Department of Community Development at 732 536-0200 x1800.
QUESTION: Will there be an extended grace period for property taxes due May 1?
The Tax bill due date and grace periods are established by the state of NJ for all municipalities. The portion of your local tax bill which fund municipal services like roads, parks and police is about 17%. The rest of the tax bill funds school and county services. Said a different way, the Township collects 100% and remits approximately 83% to other government agencies according to a statutory timetable. Any extension of the grace period for tax bills would also need to allow for a delay to the schools and county.
There is a bill currently pending in the state legislature which I support that would allow for the extension of the grace period and delay of payments to the school districts. I have been advised that the action will be taken on the legislation in the next few weeks. I will update you as soon as there is news from Trenton.
CLOSING
Again, thank you to everyone who has been following Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107 directing all residents to stay at home until further notice except for certain named exceptions. To review the order and exceptions, please visit HERE.
We will continue to update you.
Mayor Jon Hornik