July 2022 Newsletter

Welcome to the July edition of the Bordentown Township Banner!
Our goal is to keep residents, friends and neighbors informed about the latest Township news and events.


Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
Saturday, July 2

Happy Independence Day from Bordentown Township!

Bordentown Township’s annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration is set to take place Saturday, July 2 at Joseph Lawrence Park. The Foundation for Bordentown Traditions will kick off the festivities with a Cornhole Tournament at 3 p.m. being held before the fireworks. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Bordentown Township’s Fireworks Celebration is a popular event that features heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic which impacts Ward Ave., Hogback Rd. and all streets located within the Bossert Estates neighborhood. It is recommended that spectators plan to arrive early to avoid traffic delays. Read the notice for further details.

Memorial Day Ceremony


Fish Derby
Saturday, July 2

Taking place tomorrow, Saturday, July 2 – Bordentown Township’s Fish Derby will take place from 9-11 a.m. at Northern Community Park. FREE registration from 8:30-9 a.m. See you there!

Your Township Government Update


Shredder Day
Saturday, July 9

Bordentown Township’s Shredder Day, previously scheduled for May 7, has been rescheduled to take place next Saturday, July 9. Bring your unwanted personal papers to the Public Works Garage for our Shredder Day taking place from 9 a.m. to noon.

Shredder Day


Music in the Park Featuring Britain’s Best
Wednesday, July 13

Bordentown Township will host an exciting Summer Concert – Music in the Park is BACK with Britain’s Best, A Tribute to the Beatles on Wednesday, July 13 beginning at 7 p.m. at Joseph Lawrence Park/Veterans Memorial Park, Ward Avenue.

Music in the Park Featuring Britain’s Best


Music in the Park Featuring Erin Hill
Wednesday, July 20

Bordentown Township will host a Music in the Park concert featuring Harpist & Vocalist Erin Hill on Wednesday, July 20 beginning at 7 p.m. at Joseph Lawrence Park/Veterans Memorial Park, Ward Avenue.


RESCHEDULED PRIDE and Community Day
Saturday, July 30

Postponed due to weather, the Bordentown Township’s Police Department will participate in the Bordentown Pride and Community Day which will include a march starting at the Bordentown City River Line platform at 1 p.m. Rescheduled for Saturday, July 30.


National Night Out
Tuesday, August 2

The Bordentown Township Police Department is excited to again partner with the Bordentown City Police Department this year for a joint National Night Out. This event will take place at Joseph Lawrence Park on Tuesday, August 2 from 6-9 p.m., and is sure to be a great night of community building with activities that include:

  • Officer Meet & Greet
  • Explore Emergency Vehicles
  • Cops vs. Kids Basketball
  • Cornhole with Cops
  • Food & Drinks
  • DJ
  • Games
  • Inflatables
  • K9 Demo
  • Face Painting
  • Music
  • Safety Booths
  • Xbox with a Cop

And much more! Please save the date and join us.

National Night Out


Music in the Park Featuring Mr. Ray
Wednesday, August 17

Bordentown Township will host a Music in the Park children’s concert featuring Mr. Ray on Wednesday, August 17 beginning at 7 p.m. at Joseph Lawrence Park/Veterans Memorial Park, Ward Avenue.


Flag Retirement Ceremony
Saturday, September 10

Mark your calendars! Bordentown Township will host a Flag Retirement Ceremony at Northern Community Park on Saturday, September 10 beginning at 11 a.m.

Green Fair


Independence Day Recycling & Bulk-Pick Up Notices

Bordentown Township’s recycling schedule will shift to Tuesday, July 5 due to the Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 4.

Please note that there will be no bulk pick-up on Monday, July 4 due to Independence Day. Instead, town-wide pick-up will be done on Monday, July 11.


Spotted Lanternflies are Back

The Spotted Lanternfly has returned to New Jersey again this summer. At this time, neither the State, County nor Township is spraying or specifically treating for the Spotted Lanternfly. The Spotted Lanternfly does not carry any plant viruses and do not cause any harm to people. They can, however, damage plants and trees when feeding. Residents and businesses are advised to be cautious of any home remedies that have been circulating, including using tape on trees, as those remedies may cause additional damage to the tree as well as to other animals including birds. The best way to rid ourselves of the Lanternfly is to kill them immediately and prevent them from moving or traveling to other areas. The Township recognizes this as a nuisance to all and asks for everyone’s cooperation in mitigating the issue. More information can be found on the Township website,

Latern Fly


Employment Opportunity

Bordentown Township is seeking full-time and part-time Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). View the job description and apply today.

Employment


Your Township Government Update

Nathan Roohr was appointed and sworn in as a Captain of Police. Captain Roohr has been with the Township Police Department since 2003 and previously served as a Patrolman, Patrol Sergeant and Lieutenant. In December 2021, Roohr received a Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey Bias Crimes Association for the character, integrity and courage that he showed in holding other law enforcement officers accountable. Congratulations to Captain Roohr!

Sign Up for Alerts

Pictured left to right: Mayor Benowitz, Committeeman Holliday,
Captain Roohr, Committeeman Kostoplis

Welcome to the team, Police K-9 Remi! Remi is a 16-month-old black and white German Shorthair Pointer who is being handled by Patrolman Keith Alexander. Remi and Officer Alexander graduated from the New Jersey State Police Scent Detection Class on June 11, and Remi is a single-purpose narcotics scent dog. We look forward to everyone meeting him at upcoming community events!

The Township Committee approved the renewal of two agreements with the Bordentown Regional School District. The first was renewing the Student Resource Officer for the 2022-2023 school year, and the second agreement was the continuation of Officer Crowell’s position as the Class Three Special Law Enforcement.

Ordinances were adopted by the Township Committee to:

  • Authorize the purchase of the vacant Old Mill Restaurant property at 765 Farnsworth Avenue. The property will be used in the design of the new Municipal Complex.
  • Finance a revised land use code and other Municipal Code updates.
  • Restrict street parking along Burlington Road.
  • Reduce the maximum building height in the GC-I and GC-II zoning districts from 50 feet to 35 feet and increase the minimum buffer requirements for properties which abut a residential use or residential district.
  • Update the Property Maintenance Standards enforcement process to allow for more expedient mitigation of code violations.
  • Authorize a Payment in Lieu of Taxes for a 66-unit affordable housing development.

Daniel Hornickel was named to the Bordentown Sewerage Authority replacing Len de Groot who resigned after a long and distinguished career representing the Township at the Authority.

In June, Mayor Benowitz proclaimed and celebrated the month as Pride Month. The Mayor also recognized the importance of the Juneteenth holiday and Municipal Offices were closed on Friday, June 16 for the state and federal holiday. Also recognized by proclamation, were Bryan Branson as the 2021 Veteran Hometown Hero, Sam Cranmer as an Eagle Scout, and Bettye Campbell on the occasion of her 95th birthday! Happy Birthday Bettye!

A Moment of Silence was dedicated to former Mayor Gail Houlihan at the June 27 Committee Meeting. Ms. Houlihan passed away on June 3 at the age of 85. She was elected to Township Committee and served from 1983 to 1988. In 1986, she was chosen to be the first female Mayor of the Township. Township flags were flown at half-mast on June 27 in Ms. Houlihan’s honor.

An ordinance to update the Township’s vacant property registration process and fees was introduced and will be open for public hearing at the July 18 Committee Meeting. Also at the July 18 Committee Meeting, the Committee will be reviewing and accepting the 2021 Audit. The audit will be posted on the website and is open to public review.

Save the date! Approval was made for the Turkey Trot 5k and is set to be held on November 19, 2022 by Bordentown Traditions.


Updates from the Bordentown Township
Environmental Commission

Thanks to All Who Attended our Annual Green Fair!

Thanks to all who joined us at the Bordentown Township and City Green Fair that took place last month! We appreciate the partnership between the City and Township Environmental Commissions that made the Fair a successful event. Prizes were given out throughout the day while guests listened to live musical entertainment. This year's event had over 50 exhibits and vendors. We hope that everyone who came had an enjoyable time and learned something new.

We’ve Completed Planting the Community Garden!

The Environmental Commission has completed planting the Community Garden, where all organic produce is grown and donated to local food pantries. Thank you to the SEWA of Chesterfield and SEWA of Cherry Hill for their help. The Township donates approximately a half ton of produce each year, all due to the hard work of our volunteers. Want to be a part of the team? Only a couple of hours a week makes a big difference! Email [email protected] for more information.

Community Garden


Updates from the Community Development Office

In June, the Planning Board heard an application for amended and preliminary site plan approval with a bulk variance submitted by Curaleaf NJ, Inc. to allow for the additional sale of adult-use recreational cannabis at the existing medical dispensary. The Planning Board also reviewed Township Committee ordinances for Master Plan consistency as required by the Municipal Land Use Law.

There are several options for affordable housing for seniors and families in the Township. The Point for seniors is open and the Reserve at Crosswicks is coming soon. For more information on Affordable Housing and the application, please visit our website.

The Scooter and Home Gym Equipment Store has opened at 310 Ward Avenue by Loretta and Chris Nelson. Stop by to see the latest in scooters, home gym equipment and accessories, including: bikes, skateboards, trikes, hoverboards, tricycles and more. They will be sure to keep you moving! Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Open other days by appointment. Visit the website here to learn more!

CVS on the corner of Route 130 and Farnsworth is coming soon, with an expected opening in the late summer!


Third Quarter Tax Updates

Annual Tax Bills are expected to be mailed later this summer. When received, please check the DUE DATE as the grace period will be extended to accommodate any delays. If you have any concerns, please email the Tax Clerk at [email protected].


A Reminder on Business Licenses

All businesses, whether commercial or residential, are required to be licensed. Business licenses are renewed each July. If you have not yet applied for your license, please do so now! Visit our website for more information or contact the Township Clerk at [email protected].


Learn About the Straight… to Treatment Program

The Straight…to Treatment program operates every Wednesday at the Bordentown Township Police Station, 1 Municipal Drive from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., in conjunction with recovery coaches from City of Angels, that provides free services to those battling addiction. Straight…to Treatment enables people facing addiction to walk into our Police Department and be connected with a treatment program. Police Officers work with them to clear warrants, and participants can also turn in any drugs or drug paraphernalia in their possession and not be charged with a drug possession offense. Insurance is not necessary to receive help through Straight…to Treatment, and neither is residency in Burlington County. The program focuses on making sure that help is available at the critical moment someone has decided to seek assistance.


Upcoming July Meetings:

Please be sure to check the Bordentown Township website for any changes or meeting cancellations. All Township meetings are being held virtually and login information can be found on the Township website with the respective agendas. The Township July Meeting Schedule is as follows:

VAC Meeting:
Tuesday, July 5 @ 7 p.m.
VAC Meetings are held in person at the Senior Community Center, 3 Municipal Drive.

Senior Meetings:
Tuesday, July 5 @ 1 p.m.
Monday, July 18 @ 1 p.m.
Senior Meetings are held in person at the Senior Community Center, 3 Municipal Drive.

Planning Board Meetings:
Thursday, July 14 @ 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 28 @ 7 p.m.
Planning Board Meetings are being held remotely via the Zoom platform.
See agendas for access information.

Township Committee Meeting:
Monday, July 18 @ 7:30 p.m.
Township Committee Meetings are being held in person at the Municipal Building.
For agendas,
please visit this link.

Environmental Commission Meeting:
Tuesday, July 26 @ 7:30 p.m.
Environmental Commission Meetings are being held remotely via the Zoom platform.
See agendas for access information.


Helpful Links

Bordentown Township Website: www.bordentowntownship.com
NJ Department of Health Website: www.covid19.nj.gov
Burlington County Website: www.co.burlington.nj.us
Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website: www.cdc.gov