Clinton Township Newsletter

1 8 A p r i l 2 0 1 7 www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com C L I N T O N T OW N S H I P M U N I C I PA L N E W S w w w. C l i n t o n T W P N J . c o m It's been a busy time since my last letter in January and I'd like to take this opportunity to update you on recent projects and future initiatives: • First and foremost on everyone's mind are taxes, and I'm pleased to inform you that we are nearly finished with our 2017 budget and that it appears our tax levy will be unchanged for the new year. The Council and I have worked very hard to keep taxes flat while still providing the services you expect and need. • I n F e b r u a r y , a f t e r a r i g o r o u s vetting process, we promoted several well-qualified Police Department personnel. Patrolmen Harry Bugal, John Tiger, Jeffery Glennon and Andrew McCluskey were promoted to Sergeant, and Sergeant Tom DeRosa was promoted to Lieutenant. • We've made significant progress working with a local developer on the redevelopment of the Old Municipal Building site on West Street in Annandale Village, who recently unveiled the design at a Council meeting. The dilapidated structure on the site will be dissembled back to the historic Fox & Seals store, restored in accordance with State Historic Preservation O f f i c e r e q u i r e m e n t s , a n d i s intended to house a restaurant or coffee shop on the first floor with two apartments above. The project also includes a ten-unit apartment building designed to look like a 2 ½ story residence. Eleven of the twelve units will be market rate apartments. The Township will retain and pave the current community parking lot and close a portion of Washington Street. We're finalizing arrangements with the State and developers and are hoping construction could start by the Fall. • W e recent ly spearheaded an init ial meet ing bet ween ExxonMobil, North Hunterdon/Voorhees, the County Economic Development Director and the Township to begin work on an initiative by which students interested in STEM careers would have an opportunity to visit ExxonMobil's world class facilities and interact with their scientists and engineers (as they already do in the Clinton Township Schools). Other new approvals and economic developments: • On Beaver Avenue to the west of Hesco in the old PNC Bank, local residents Josh DeChellis and his wife, Jennifer are finishing work on their new restaurant with an opening expected in April. It's great having one of our long-time residents come back and bring his world-honed culinary skills to Clinton Township! • Plans were approved by the Planning Board for the construction of a Chase Bank Branch on the site of the Country Griddle at Clinton Point. • An application to redevelop the vacant TD Bank building on Beaver Avenue (near Belvidere Avenue) as a dental office for Round Valley Dentistry was recently approved by the Planning Board . • T h e P l a n n i n g B o a r d g r a n t e d p r e l i m i n a r y a p p r o v a l f o r t h e construction of a synagogue by Chabad of Hunterdon on Payne Road (across from the recently opened Sweet Melissa's Patisserie); we expect Chabad to apply for final approval shortly. • We're in the process of forming a group of volunteers that will focus on improving public use and access to our existing open space holdings, with a specific focus on the two parcels that run from Regional Road (opposite North Hunterdon High School) to Allerton Road. The design could incorporate such items as walking/hiking trails, a dog park and perhaps a Cross Country Track for North Hunterdon athletes. NHHS has already designated a representative to the group and we expect to get the project moving very soon. All ideas are welcome – just write the Mayor or one of our Council members. • The Township has ordered several credit card machines which will provide additional payment options for items such as dog licenses, zoning and building permits, etc. Look for an announcement on our web page as these become available for use. Finally, we continue to work with the Town of Clinton to seek solutions to the commuter parking situation, which has been a long-term issue for the Clintons as both Park & Ride lots fill up very early on weekdays. More on that in a future Newsletter. In closing, 2017 has begun well, with many projects progressing which aim to maintain Clinton Township as the wonderful community we have all come to love. Respectfully, John Higgins, Mayor A L e t t e r f r o m John Higgins, Mayor, Clinton Township, NJ Family and friends gathered at the February 8 Township Counsel meeting to witness the promotion of five Clinton Township Police Officers. The officers from left are: Sgt. Andrew McCluskey, Sgt. John Tiger, Lt. Thomas DeRosa, Sgt. Harry Bugal and Sgt. Jeffery Glennon. Questions? Call the Township Clerk: 908.735.8800, ext 204. YOU CAN NOW PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAXES ONLINE Please see the "PAY YOUR BILLS ONLINE" tab at: www.ClintonTWPNJ.com Administrative (Non-Police and Court) address: 1225 Route 31 South, Lebanon, NJ 08833 Police and Court: 1370 Route 31 North, Annandale, NJ 08801

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