January 6, 2023
Weekend Update – First Update of 2023

Dear Resident,

I hope everyone had a happy New Year and enjoyed an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with friends and family.  As your Mayor, the health and safety of our community is my top priority and I want to share an important safety update.   

Last month, I asked the Council to adopt a local law that will result in fines and penalties or imprisonment for anyone that trespasses on private property with the intent to steal a motor vehicle.  Even a single unsuccessful attempt to open a vehicle could result in a $1,000 fine.  After the first attempt, a penalty of $2,000 for each additional attempt may be imposed. Following a public hearing, the measure was approved, signed it into law and it took effect immediately.  

When I introduced this Ordinance, I stated that it was my hope that other towns followed suit because the more towns that have this ordinance in place, the more arrest warrants are going to be issued and the more the criminals are going to be taken off the streets. I am pleased to announce that, to date, nine towns have contacted us, and Senator Vin Gopal introduced a state-wide legislative package to fight car thefts which I expect will be signed into law by the Governor.  I will continue to advocate forcefully for the necessary changes to sentencing guidelines for vehicle theft at the State level. 

Our Police continue to increase patrols with a focus in certain areas of Marlboro that have been reoccurring targets.  It is my hope that this new local measure with the potential for significant financial penalties and jail time, together with changes made at the State level will further deter criminals from shopping for cars in Marlboro.

That being said, we cannot do it alone.  Please review the ‘Public Safety’ section of this email for ways we can work together to keep our homes and community safe. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

Safety Update – Please remember to lock your car doors, take the key fobs inside, remove garage door openers, lock your doors and set alarms.  If you have not yet done so request an ‘I Took the Pledge’ lawn sign and download the ‘Neighbors’ app.  Most importantly, if you see anything out of place or suspicious call the police at 732-536-0100.  For crimes in progress dial 911.  To read more about how we, as a community, are working together to keep our homes and families safe, click HERE.

NOTICES

The official Marlboro Township Recycling calendar is being processed in the post office and is expected to be in your mailbox soon.  In the meantime, the calendar is posted on line and linked through social media and HERE. Look for the red and green cover printed on cardstock and the words ‘Official Township Calendar’ in red.  Most recycling questions are addressed in this calendar.  Please keep handy and refer to throughout the year. 

January Christmas Tree and Bagged Leaf Collection – Christmas Tree collection will begin the weeks of January 9 and 16 for all zones.  Place trees curbside with decorations removed (tinsel may remain) and do not wrap trees in plastic. Bagged leaf collection will be the week of January 9 for zones 1, 8, 2 & 4 and week of January 16 for zones 3, 5, 6 & 7. Christmas Trees and leaf bags must be curbside by 7am Monday of the pickup week.  Free leaf bags are available by completing the SDL form HERE and bring the emailed permit with you to DPW Monday to Friday from 7am to 2:30 pm. 

Inclement Weather Notice - We remind residents that the winter months bring a greater chance of inclement weather, all curbside collections are weather permitting and are subject to cancellations or rescheduling by the Marlboro Office of Emergency Management.  Notice will be made via email and social media. For that reason, items may not be placed curbside more than once week prior to your scheduled pickup week.  We thank you for your cooperation. 

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Recreational Seasonal Job Opportunities – The Recreation Department & the Marlboro Swim Club have listed employment opportunities for summer 2023. Please see the application for a list of open positions and related age requirements HERE.

Recreation – Summer Camp registration opens February 6 at 9am and swim club registration begins on February 28.  See the Recreation update HERE for details. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COVID-19 Tests – Every household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests from the US Government. Click here for more: https://www.covid.gov/tests

Pet License now open for 2023 - The forms for mail in registration are available HERE and to complete the forms online, please click HERE

Alarm Registration is now open for 2023 - The form for alarm registration can be found HERE.

Parking Spots Available – There are parking spots available at our commuter lots. For more information, and to secure a parking spot please visit the parking portal, linked HERE.

ANCHOR Program (Date Extended!) – This replaces the Homestead Benefits program and provides property tax relief to NJ residents who owned or rented their principal residence and meet the income requirements.  Filing deadline is now January 31, 2023 and renters whose units are under a PILOT agreement are now eligible.  For more, visit the state website HERE.   

COVID-19 Ratepayer Relief Measures – Measures are in place to provide relief to ratepayers experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The NJ Department of Community Affairs has developed a low income household water assistance program.  Please review the letter from the Marlboro Water Utility HERE.

I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2023. 

Yours in Community,
Mayor Jon Hornik