July 2023 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.


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Save the Date! National Night Out
Tuesday, August 1

We are excited to partner with the Bordentown City Police Department again this year for a joint National Night Out. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, August 1 at Joseph Lawrence Park from 6-9 p.m. This family-friendly event will include community building with activities such as police officer meet & greets, tours of emergency vehicles, a ‘Cops vs. Kids’ kickball game, Cornhole with Cops, Xbox with a Cop, refreshments, a DJ, games, inflatables, K-9 demonstrations, face painting, music, safety information booths, and so much more! Keep an eye on this link for more information to come about this event.

National Night Out


Coming this Fall:
Music in the Park

Join Bordentown Township for Music in the Park later this year in the fall! The Township is excited to try something new with early fall concerts when the weather is a bit cooler and more predictable. We hope you stay tuned and join us in the fall for some free and exciting entertainment.

Music in the Park


Your Township Government Update

In June, Bordentown Township Mayor Steve Benowitz made two proclamations:

The first proclamation recognized Matthew McIntyre for his accomplishments as an Eagle Scout. The Township congratulates Matthew for his outstanding achievements!

The second proclamation honors Salvatore Ruggeri and his family for their long-time operation of Rosario’s Pizzeria. Ruggeri and family have been serving residents for over 50 years.

An emergency contract was awarded to repair the erosion and roadway deterioration at the end of Grand Avenue.

A bond ordinance was introduced to fund the following capital projects/purchases:

  • Roadway improvements for Vine Way, Shady Lane, Arlington Road, Orchard Lane, and Thorntown Lane.
  • Stormwater management improvements for Bonnie Lane.
  • Two medium or heavy-duty pick-up trucks with plow packages, a two-behind trailer for the Department of Public Works.
  • Design and Construction of a roof structure for the Township’s recycling yard.
  • Two SUV Police cruisers and public safety equipment for the Police Department.
  • Vehicle for the Office of Emergency Management.
  • Township Park improvements.

A public hearing on the bond ordinance will be held at the next Township Committee meeting to be held on July 17.

Updates


Your Township Community Development Updates

In June, the Planning Board held regularly scheduled meetings which took place on June 8 and June 22. At the June 8 meeting, the Planning Board heard and approved an application made by New Cingular Wireless for the construction of a telecommunications facility in the rear of the Team Campus site. The Planning Board also continued to hear and ultimately approved the preliminary and final site plan application made by Foggia Restaurant Group, LLC (does business as Ristorante Lucca) for the expansion of the existing restaurant/banquet facility into a restaurant/event center.

At the June 22 meeting, the Board approved a variance application made by residents for the installation of a 6-foot fence at a reduced setback at 46 Valley Forge Road. The Board also heard and approved a preliminary and final site plan application made by Bordentown Real Estate Associates for the construction of a 102,000 square foot warehouse in the rear of the property located at 205 Bordentown-Hedding Road.

The Township is currently in the process of updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan Element of the Master Plan. The first opportunity for public participation on the document will be at the July 17, 2023, Township Committee meeting.


Thank you for Attending the 3rd Annual
Bordentown Green Fair

Bordentown City and Township hosted their 3rd annual joint Green Fair. Hundreds of people attended the event and enjoyed live music, food, crafts, and various activities to educate attendees about our planet.

Many community organizations attended to educate visitors on various community improvement projects that they oversee. This included a vendor whose mission was to educate residents on bike paths throughout the region. Groups also recruited new members to volunteer for their organizations. Local government entities also distributed educational pamphlets, and the Bordentown Township and Bordentown City Police Departments hosted a booth where they registered bicycles.

The Green Fair’s mission is to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world and to understand the consequences of modern living.

Green Fair


Thank you for Attending Bordentown Township
23rd Annual Fish Derby

The Township’s Annual Fish Derby was held at Northern Community Park earlier in July. This free event awarded eleven trophies to those who caught the largest fish. Over thirty door prizes were also given away, some of which were donated by Over the Rainbow Child Care. Congratulations to all the winners!

The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife in Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery attended with Ron Jacobson, who has been attending this annual event for the past fourteen years. Ron and his co-worker brought their truck with 72 fish to stock the pond. The fish consisted of 6 Channel Catfish, 9 Large Mouth Bass, 3 Yellow Perch, and 1 Hybrid Bass, 1 Sunfish, and 1 Bluegill fish. After stocking the pond, Ron held a presentation for the children who attended the Derby.

The largest fish caught was 22” inches in length. Also caught were a 21-inch fish, a 19-inch 17-inch, a 16-inch, three 15-inch fish, two 13-inch, fish, and two 11-inch fish. The fish were caught by children ages 3-12 years old and Catfish were the largest to be caught again this year.

We had a total of 53 children participate in this year’s Derby with approximately 160 onlookers of family and friends.

23rd Annual Fish Derby


Thank you for attending Our 8th Annual
Fireworks Display at Joseph Lawrence Park!

Fireworks Display


Congratulations Class of 2023!

Bordentown Township wishes the graduates of Bordentown Regional High School much-continued success and a relaxing summer before they continue their educational journeys this fall.

Congratulations Class of 2023!


Congratulations Pack 65 Cub Scouts!

Bordentown Township Mayor Benowitz and Committeeman Holliday recently spoke with and commended Pack 65 Cub Scouts during their moving-up ceremony on June 24. The Township is proud of the Scouts' achievements and looks forward to working with them in the future!

Pack 65 Cub Scouts


Bordentown Township's Hometown Hero

Special Law Enforcement Officer and Animal Control Officer Nicole Bencivengo was honored as Bordentown Township’s Hometown Hero at the Trenton Thunder baseball game in June.

Nicole, along with other locally nominated heroes, were recognized with a pregame ceremony and then threw out the first pitch. She was also included in the Thunder’s Hometown Hero card set which all the honorees autographed during a meet and greet on the third base concourse. Thank you to everyone who came to show their support. Congratulations Nicole!

Hometown Hero


Bordentown Township & City Police Departments
Present Operation Safe Summer

Bordentown Township and Bordentown City Police Departments have partnered with local ice cream shops to promote bike helmet safety for children. Officers will issue free ice cream ‘tickets’ to children who demonstrate safe riding habits by wearing their helmets while on bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.

The tickets can be redeemed at the Bordentown Creamery located in Bordentown Township, and The Candy Jar by 1892, located in Bordentown City. The program will run until the end of the summer and both Bordentown Township Chief Pesce and Bordentown City Chief Lafferty hope that it will encourage children to wear helmets while riding their bikes to prevent traumatic brain injuries. This program is also a great way for local youth to interact with the police in a positive way.

In New Jersey, anyone under the age of 17 is required to wear a helmet when cycling, roller-skating, or skateboarding. Injuries can happen anywhere, including parks, bike paths and driveways – so anyone and everyone riding a bicycle should wear a helmet.

Every year, individuals are killed or seriously injured while riding bicycles. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, serious head injuries are the most common cause of death among bicyclists. This can be easily prevented by wearing a helmet.

Safe Summer


Say Hello to the Hybrid Bass!

The State Department of Environment Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife added a hybrid bass to the pond at Northern Community Park during the Fishing Derby.

This fish, which can potentially grow to a size that can break state records, was hatched at the Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery. The current size record for the Hybrid Bass is 17 pounds and 12 ounces.

The Hybrid Bass is a mix of spotted bass and white bass and can be fished on a catch and release basis. If you catch this Hybrid Bass, please take a photo before releasing it and post it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #BordentownHybridBass.

We look forward to seeing these pictures of the bass and tracking its growth. The Township thanks Ron Jacobson for this opportunity!

Hybrid Bass!

Pictured (L-R): Mayor Benowitz, Ron Jacobson, and Deputy Mayor Eugene Fuzy


Bordentown Township Police Department
Vacation Security Checks for Residents

Planning a vacation in 2023? Leave your worries behind and have the Bordentown Township Police Department perform a security check of your home so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your trip. Download the necessary form from the Bordentown Township website.


Lightning Safety Reminder

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Due to the recent increased number of thunderstorms, Bordentown Township would like to remind everyone about lightning safety. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or an afternoon at the pool, gather your things and seek shelter at the first sign of a storm. By the time you hear thunder or see lightning, you’re already in danger. You do not want to be the tallest object in an open field or stand under a tall tree. Learn more by visiting weather.gov/safety/lightning.

Lightning Safety Reminder


Interested in Volunteering For Habitat for Humanity?

There are volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. Check out this link for more information.


Summer Hours

Town Hall will be starting summer hours are in effect through Labor Day. Township offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, Town Hall is open from 8 a.m. to noon.

Bordentown Township Public Works has also switched to summer hours. Public works is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.


Bordentown Township Public Works Offers Brush Pick-Up

Bordentown Township Public Works is offering brush pick-up for residents. Scheduled brush pick-ups take place every Tuesday. Call 609-291-2133 to schedule your pick-up.

View the list of requirements for accepted brush and how to schedule your pick-up by visiting this link.


Bulk Waste Collection - Call in for Pick Up by Thursday!

Residents must call to schedule a bulk waste collection. Call 609-291-2133 or send an email with your address and the types of items to be collected. Bulk waste collection will still be twice a month and, depending on the zone in which you live, bulky items will either be collected the 1st and 3rd & Mondays of the month (Zone 1) or the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month (Zones 2 and 3). Due to the upcoming summer hours, requests for the Monday bulk pick up must be received by 3 p.m. the Thursday before.

Find your zone and see the schedule by visiting this link or scanning the QR code. Bordentown Township thanks you for your cooperation!

Bulk Waste Collection Update for 2023


Veteran State and County Medal Application

Veterans interested in learning how to get their State and County Medals can access easy-to-fill-out forms on the Bordentown Township website. The Veteran Advisory Committee hopes this allows eligible veterans easier access to their earned medals. Please contact [email protected] for assistance with filling out the forms.

Veteran State and County Medal Application


Veteran Advisory Committee Offers
NEW Email Address to Assist Veterans

Are you or do you know a Veteran in need of assistance with their benefits or other related issues? The Veteran Advisory Committee is happy to help through their new email address! Contact [email protected] for assistance.

Veteran Advisory Committee Offers 
NEW Email Address to Assist Veterans


Upcoming July Meetings:

For agendas and last-minute changes or cancellations, be sure to check the agenda and minutes page on the Bordentown Township website.

Township Committee Meetings:
Monday, July 17 @ 7:30 p.m.
Township Committee meetings are held at the Municipal Building.

Planning Board Meetings:
Thursday, July 13 @ 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 27 @ 7 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are held at the Municipal Building.

Environmental Commission Meeting:
Tuesday, July 25 @ 7:30 p.m.
Environmental Commission Meetings are being held virtually via Zoom. See agendafor access link.

Senior Citizen Club Meetings:
Monday, July 17 @ 1 p.m.
Senior Citizen Club Meetings are held at the Senior Community Center,
3 Municipal Drive.

Veteran Advisory Committee Meetings
September 5 @ 7 p.m.

(Please note, the July and August meetings have been cancelled).
Veteran’s Advisory Committee Meetings are held at Senior Community Center,
3 Municipal Drive.


Nixle

Do you want to stay informed and receive alerts about relevant public safety information from Township Police? Text your zip code to 88877 to opt-in to our Nixle emergency messaging system.

Nixle


Civic Ready

Residents are encouraged to sign up for CivicReady alerts from Burlington County. Receive real-time alerts and notifications when you sign up. Learn more by visiting this link.

Civic Ready


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