Why Is This News? "Middletown Flood Gates Turned On As High Tide Looms"

Why is it newsworthy everytime someone does their job to make sure that the Port Monmouth flood gates are closed prior to an event that has the potential to flood the streets and homes of residents? I'll tell you why, because the Township is often negligent of its duties. So, when the Patch has to post an article titled "Middletown Flood Gates Turned On As High Tide Looms", for the purpose of letting residents in the area know that the flood gates will actual be closed and they can breath a sigh of relief, it becomes newsworthy because often the flood gates are left open.

At last month's LWV Candidate Forum between Tony Perry and myself, Perry blamed the NJDEP for not getting the gates closed. Perry took no responsibility whatsoever for past failures that caused mass flooding in the area that has lead to property damage to residences. He stated that the Township isn't responsible for the operation of the gates, that the NJDEP is. To me and many others, that is unacceptable.

As acting mayor, Perry has a responsibility to make sure the Township is proactive in ensuring that those flood gates get closed when needed. Whether it is the responsibility of Township Administrator, Tony Mercantante, Director of Public Works, Ted Maloney, or Perry himself, someone needs to make sure those flood gates get closed by proactively making a call. Simply blaming the NJDEP is just passing the buck!

Or how about this, if the NJDEP is in total control of activating the flood gates during times of potential flooding that would be caused by an extreme weather incident or full moon, why not take the responsibility of closing the gates away from the NJDEP? Why not take on the responsibility yourself to ensure that residents don't need to worry about their homes, cars or other property becoming a casualty of Mother Nature? A casualty mind you, that is preventable with a little foresight and effort on the part of our governing body.      

    

Phil Murphy Town Hall Meeting in Port Monmouth

This Sunday, you're invited to a town hall in Port Monmouth hosted by Democratic candidate for governor Phil Murphy. Join us as we discuss the opioid epidemic, Sandy recovery, sustainable energy, and the creation of a New Jersey that is strong, fair, and works for every New Jersey family.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 29th at 6:00 PM in VFW Post 2179, located at 1 Veterans Lane in Port Monmouth. Doors open at 5:00 PM.

RSVP at https://go.murphy4nj.com/page/event/detail/grassrootsevent/wrvz

Middletown Flu Clinics Scheduled

Middletown Public Information:

October 20, 2016

The Middletown Township Health Department is accepting appointments for 2016 Influenza Clinics. The following dates and times are available:

1. October 27, 2016 (Pediatric Residents Only, 6 months of age to 18 years) 4:30pm -6:30pm
2. November 7th, 5:30pm -7:30pm (Residents Ages 6 months and Older)
3. November 14th, 11am- 1pm (Residents Ages 6 months and Older)
4. November 17, 2016, 1pm – 3pm (Residents Ages 6 months and Older)

The Immunization Clinics will be held at the Health Dept., Bayshore Annex, located at 180 Main Street, Port Monmouth, 07758.The Influenza vaccine is provided free of charge to residents of Middleton Township.

Please call 732-615-2000 x2171 and speak with Mariann Corin to schedule an appointment. Appointments are set on first come basis. Space is limited. Walk-ins cannot be accepted at these clinics.

Pallone & Army Corps of Engineers Announce Second Phase of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project in Port Monmouth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2016


Long Branch, NJ --- Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $13,696,687.00 contract for the Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project in Port Monmouth. The contract will help fulfill the project’s second phase, which includes constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, a tide gate, road closure structures, road raising and pump stations. The funding is part of the $110 million allocated for Port Monmouth in the Sandy relief package that Pallone worked to secure in 2013. The contract was awarded to Kyle Conti Construction of Hillsborough, New Jersey.

“Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy, unlike anything this community has ever seen,” said Pallone “All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The work being done here will strengthen our local infrastructure, reduce future damage, and keep our communities safe. I have been working to bring this project to fruition for years, so I’m pleased that the second stage is underway.”

The first phase of the project was successfully completed in June of 2015 and included dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes. The entire $110 million effort will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years. The Army Corps of Engineers hopes to complete the entire project by 2019.

ICYM - Pt Monmouth Flood Control Project Info Session Oct 29

Middletown Public Information - 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), will be holding a public information session to provide a status update on the Port Monmouth Flood Control Project which will include briefing the current alignment, phases and features of the project with some visual aids. The Corps will also provide an update on the status of the upcoming construction contracts.

Details concerning the public information session are as follows:

Date: October 29, 2015
Time: 7-9 PM Location: VFW Post 2179 , 1 Veterans Ln
Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 , (732) 787-0999

The Port Monmouth Flood Control project involves the construction of about 7,070 feet of levees, 3,585 feet of floodwalls, 2,640 feet of dune, and beach renourishment at 10-year intervals along the Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay in Port Monmouth Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Army Corps of Engineers will execute 5 construction contracts in order to complete this project. The entire project cost is an estimated $105M. The first contract involved building a new groin, pier extension, dune and beach berm system. It also included 2,640 feet of protective dunes with a wide flat beach berm in front of the dune and nourishment of the beach with roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. The project was completed in June 2015 and cost roughly $18M.

Detailed design work is ongoing for work to be accomplished in the 2nd phase of the Project which will include a system of levees, floodwall, closure gates, pump stations, road raising and other elements to reduce risks from coastal flooding. The Corps expects to begin awarding contracts for the 2nd phase in May 2016.

Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee Brings Lakewood Vet Center Services To VFW Post 2179

From Middletown Alerts:
7/11/14

MIDDLETOWN –The Mobile Vet Center (MVC) of Lakewood, NJ offers weekly counseling and outreach services in Middletown Township. VFW Post 2179 located on Route 36 hosts the MVC in their parking lot on Thursdays, thanks to a partnership made possible through the Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee.

Vet Centers provide counseling services to combat veterans and veterans who experience sexual trauma while on active duty. They can also provide services to the family members of these veterans as well as family members of those who have fallen while on active duty. The MVC is staffed by a counselor and an outreach specialist. The MVC is located in Middletown on Thursdays.

“We are trying to bring services closer to the veterans,” says Daria Pampaloni, LCSW, Team Leader for the Lakewood Vet Center. “We provide services to veterans in Monmouth and Ocean County but Lakewood can be a long trip if a veteran doesn’t have a car, or if they need to hire a babysitter. We’re trying to bring the services closer to those who need us.”

Because the MVC is a multi-purpose vehicle, it will continue to fulfill its mission to provide outreach services at events around the state. Post 2179 provides a private office so the counselor can continue to meet with veterans and their families if the mobile counseling center is not available on a Thursday. Interested veterans can contact 908-607-6364 to set up an appointment.

Lt. Governor Bill Siginig July 10th - at Middletown VFW Hall

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno will be in Port Monmouth tomorrow to sign a bill designating the month of May as Military Appreciation Month. If you have nothing going on during the morning  head on over to the Middletown VFW post in Port Monmouth and say hello.

Below is the announcement that I received via email earlier today:

Please join us at 9:45am on Thursday, July 10th for the Lieutenant Governor’s bill signing at the

Middletown VFW Hall, located at 1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth, New Jersey.

The Acting Governor will be signing a bill

designating May of each year as Military Appreciation Month.

Please RSVP to Samantha Steinberg at Samantha.steinberg@gov.state.nj.us or call 609-777-2495. We look forward to seeing you at the Bill Signing!

Best,

Samantha Steinberg

Office of the Governor

Pallone Announces Start of Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

For Immediate Release:
6/13/14

PORT MONMOUTH, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Colonel Paul Owen, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, announced that work will begin on the first phase of the Port Monmouth Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. This $17.7 million project will reduce the risks that coastal storms pose to residents and businesses in the Port Monmouth area. The project is federally funded through the Sandy relief package that Pallone fought for and helped to pass in Congress in January 2013.

(Phase I)

"I am so glad that work is beginning on this crucial project that will protect so many homes and businesses in our area from future flooding,” said Pallone. “Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy, unlike anything this community has ever seen. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The work being done here will strengthen our local infrastructure, reduce future damages, and keep our community safe. I have been working to bring this project to fruition for years, so I’m pleased that it is finally underway.”

This first phase of the project will include dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes, which will involve roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. Pallone highlighted the fact that this flood control project will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township.

(Phase II)

The project’s second phase will include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, and nearby pump stations. The entire $110 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years.

Congressman Pallone and Colonel Owen were joined by Stephanie Murray, Mayor of Middletown; Tony Mercantante, Middletown Township Administrator; and George VanBuskirk, a Port Monmouth homeowner.

*****
Photos courtesy of Linda Baum

County Mosquito Spraying Scheduled Mon eve, 6/16/14 in Pt Monmouth

From Middletown Alerts:

In response to extremely high numbers of adult mosquitoes, the Monmouth County Mosquito Commission will be conducting adult mosquito control operations in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township on Monday, June 16, 2014 between 7:30 PM and 1:00 AM.

In case of inclement weather conditions, the operation will be postponed to Tuesday, June 17, 2014 between 7:30 PM and 1:00 AM.

Up-to-date information will be posted on the Commission’s website www.visitmonmouth.com/mosquito and on their hotline at 732-578-1600

The Commission will be using the product resmethrin, known as the brand name Scourge, applied with Ultra Low Volume spray equipment mounted on pick-up trucks. Resmethrin is a pyrethroid-based pesticide registered with the USEPA and NJDEP for residential adult mosquito control. The USEPA does not require relocating or taking any special precautions during the mosquito control spraying; however, those who wish to avoid or minimize exposure may take precautions such as staying indoors, keeping windows shut and turning window air conditioners and fans off during the spray operation.

Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township:

Area north of Route 36 from Coe Place east to Creek Road and north to Port Monmouth Road between Pews Creek and Comptons Creek.

Pallone & Army Corps of Engineers to Announce Start of Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

PORT MONMOUTH, NJ – On Friday, June 13th at 10:00a.m., Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Colonel Paul Owen, Commander of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will announce that work is set to begin on the first phase of the Port Monmouth Hurricane and Storm Damage Reduction Project. This $17.7 million project will reduce the risks that coastal storms pose to residents and businesses in the Port Monmouth area. The project will be federally funded through the Sandy relief package that Pallone fought for and helped to pass in Congress in January 2013.

This first phase of the project will include dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of protective dunes, which will involve roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. Pallone will highlight the fact that this flood control project will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township.

Congressman Pallone and Colonel Owen will be joined by Stephanie Murray, Mayor of Middletown; Tony Mercantante, Middletown Township Administrator; and George VanBuskirk, a Port Monmouth homeowner.


WHO:
Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06)
Colonel Paul Owen, Commander, New York District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Stephanie Murray, Mayor, Middletown
Tony Mercantante, Middletown Township Administrator
George VanBuskirk, Port Monmouth homeowner

WHAT:
Announce Work to Begin on Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

WHERE:
Seabrook Wilson House (Located in Bayshore Waterfront Park)
719 Port Monmouth Road
Port Monmouth, NJ 07758

WHEN:
Friday, June 13, 2014
10:00am

Pallone Announces $17.7 Million Contract Awarded for Port Monmouth Flood Control Project

PORT MONMOUTH, NJ — Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $17.7 million contract for the first phase of the Port Monmouth Coastal Storm Risk Management Project to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company of Oak Brook, Illinois. The project will reduce the risks that coastal storms pose to residents and businesses in the Port Monmouth area. The project will be federally funded through the Sandy relief package that Pallone fought for and helped to pass in Congress in January 2013.

This first phase of the project includes dune restoration, beach replenishment, groin work, extension of the fishing pier, and construction of 2,640 feet of protective dunes, which will involve roughly 400,000 cubic yards of sand. Work is expected to begin this summer.

"I am very glad to hear that work is set to begin on this crucial project, which will protect so many homes and businesses in our area from future flooding,” said Pallone. “Many in Port Monmouth faced serious flooding during Sandy. All along the Bayshore, flooding has become an increasingly common phenomenon as severe storms have become more frequent and residential and commercial development has increased. The work being done will strengthen our local infrastructure and reduce future damages. I am pleased that this project is finally underway.”

Pallone announced that this flood control project will address major flood prevention to protect the low-lying residential and commercial areas in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown Township. The project’s second phase will include constructing a system of levees, a floodwall, and nearby pump stations. The entire $110 million project will be funded by the Sandy relief package and will offer significant protection to the area, which has suffered frequent flooding, erosion and damage from rain and coastal storms in recent years.

Will 3rd Time Be A Charm? Christie Town Hall Set For Thursday

If at first they don't succeed, try, try again...

After twice canceling his Town Hall meeting in Middletown due to inclement weather, Governor Christie is giving it one more try on Thursday to get in the 110th town hall event of his administration. And lucky for me, I'm off and will be able to attend.

For those interested in attending, the town hall takes place at the Middletown VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth and doors will open at 10 a.m., with the event starting at 12:30 p.m. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis and open to the public.

According to weather reports Thursday will be a mostly sunny day with a high temperature of 47 degrees. If the weather forecast holds as planned I'd say its a safe bet that the governor get the town hall in as scheduled this time.


As I stated in my earlier posts announcing Christie's arrival in Middletown, this Town Hall will be the first Town Hall meeting since the Bridgegate lane closure scandal and accusations of using Hurricane Sandy aid money to extract political endorsements from Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and others, engulfed his administration last month. And while we know what Governor Christie intends to talk about (Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts) it's what he won't be talking about that will be on a lot of people's mind.

Christie's Town Hall Meeting Cancelled, Rescheduled For Tuesday

Yesterday Govenor Christie was to hold one of his famous Town Hall meetings  at the Port Monmouth VFW Post 2179 but due to the big snow storm that was baring down on us the meeting was cancelled and rescheduled for next week. The Town Hall will now be held on Tuesday February 18th.

If you're interested in going to see what the governor has to say you still have time to RSVP. Here is a link from Middletown Township announcing the rescheduled event and instructions on how to RSVP.

As I stated in my earlier post announcing Christie's  arrival in Middletown, this Town Hall will be his 110th such meeting that Christie will have held since taking office in 2010. More importantly, it will be the first Town Hall meeting since the Bridgegate lane closure scandal and accusations of using Hurricane Sandy aid money to extract political endorsements from Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and others engulfed his administration last month.

 While we know what Governor Christie intends will be talking about Tuesday morning (Superstorm Sandy relief and recovery efforts) it's what he won't be talking about that will be on a lot of people's mind.

Unfortunately for me, I once again am scheduled to work on Tuesday and will have to miss it. I'm sure however it will be widely covered by the media so I'll hear all about it shortly afterwards.

Wreaths Across America Convoy Coming to Middletown Wed, Dec. 11th

From Middletown Alerts:

Middletown NJ - With the help of thousands of volunteers, Wreaths Across America (WAA) is working to fulfill its mission ofremembering, honoring and teaching through the annual laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become a tradition in itself, allowing locals along the route to share in the emotional and educational experience as the WAA convoy passes through their hometown. On December 11, 2013 the parade of wreaths will stop in New Jersey, at Thorne Middle School, 70 Murphy Road, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

In preparation for the event the Middletown VFW 2179 and American Legion 515 will presented 800 flags to the Thorne Middle School principal on Thursday, December 5for the school to use as part of the Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

Thorne Middle School houses the World War II Battle of the Bulge Monument, previously located at Fort Monmouth. The school is named for Corporal Horace “Bud” Thorne, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, who was killed in December 1944 during the battle that the monument commemorates. Thorne Middle School is the only school in New Jersey named for a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. The convoy will stop at the school on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at approximately 11 a.m. to present wreathes.

The journey to Arlington National Cemetery will begin Saturday, Dec. 7, in Harrington, Maine, and will travel down the East Coast. The convoy will arrive in Arlington on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 14, where it will be met by thousands of volunteers who will place a wreath for the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country, ensuring no one is forgotten.

Attendance at the December 11th Thorne Middle School Ceremony includes:Morrill and Karen Worcester - founder and executive director (respectively), Wreaths Across America;American Gold Star Families; Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage; Active and retired military including survivors of the Battle of the Bulge such as Middletown VFW 2179 member Tom Scriffignano; membersof the Thorne family; Thorne M.S. staff, students, Middletown Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee members and community members; Patriot Guard Riders. Local officials including the Middletown Township Committee are also invited to attend.

Middletown 350: Video Living History Project

Don Watson
Chairman, Middletown Democratic Party



Middletown Township has been advertising the celebration of its 350th anniversary this coming year. The following is an excerpt from promotional materials on the township website:

“A series of programs and special events are scheduled to celebrate the township's founding in 1664...If your organization is hosting any special events with a historic focus between September 2013 and September 2014, we would like to include them in the Middletown 350 listing. Please fill out the form attached and return it by July 1, 2013 for possible inclusion in printed materials. Postings for the web and social media should be sent at least two weeks in advance.”

The Middletown Democratic Party submitted the required form in June of 2013 to notify the Township of our intentions to provide non-partisan video interviews of residents in Middletown who have knowledge of the history of the Township. The video interviews would be personal accounts of historical events and how things have changed over time and would not include any political comments.

We believe Middletown residents have a wealth of knowledge that would provide a living history of the Township. When a story is presented by the person that lived through it, it is always an added treat, so we encourage every resident to come and tell their stories of life in Middletown and how it has changed over the years. Leave your contact information in an email sent to middletowndems@gmail.com.

 The first video we submitted to the township is a brief history of VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth and includes how the VFW Post participated in helping township residents during the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. We invite you to view the video accounts of people’s lives to gain an appreciation of how Middletown has grown and changed over the years. This will be an excellent way for residents and non-residents to get a sense of how our community has changed over time.

Our concern now is that, as of this posting, we have not received any acknowledgement from the township regarding our application to participate in this celebration through submission of our video interviews. We sent a certified letter on November 8th requesting a response and so far have not received one. It appears that the Middletown 350 Committee does not consider the historic accounts of our residents worthy of inclusion. The Democratic Party of Middletown thinks these accounts are important, so we are participating in this historic celebration of our town by posting these videos for all to view. The first video can be seen below:

A History Of VFW Post 2179 And The Role It Played During Sandy

You can download a copy of the letter inviting participation in the celebration, as well as the application that was submitted by the Middletown Democratic Party in June, seeking to participate in the Middletown 350 -  HERE.


********************
UPDATE: 
There seemed to have been a problem with this video freezing on the YouTube server it has now been fixed and can now be viewed.

A Middletown 350 Halloween Treat: The Mystery of the Spy House

Here's a blast from the past that I originally posted in 2011. Seeing as Middletown has started to celebrate its 350 anniversary this year, a little local lore is in order for the day.

While looking for an interesting ghost story to post in honor of Halloween, I came across a real treat. I found a 2003 documentary posted on Youtube (posted in three parts and recently updated in 2010 ) that featured arguably one of the oldest, if not the oldest home in Monmouth County, the Whitlock/Seabrook House a.k.a The Spy House located in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown NJ. It is said that as many as 23 ghosts call the Spy House home.

The documentary features Psychic Consult Jane Doherty, who years ago use to give ghost tours of the Spy House during this time of year. I remember taking a tour of the old house years ago when Doherty was acting as our psychic tour guide. It was a fun night and enjoyable experience even though we didn't meet any ghosts first hand that night.

I also remember meeting Gertrude Neidlinger on a few other visits to the house, she really was a special person she always made you feel at home, and boy could she tell a story! Neidlinger pasted away in 1998.

The 4th video below is a more recent, updated story of the Spy House. It was posted online this past August 17th and contains a brief summary of the house's history (containing some clips from the original documentary) along with the results of a paranormal investigation that was performed at the site.

These video's were posted on Youtube by The Paranormal Rangers, I hope you enjoy them.

Never Leave It In The Hands Of The Judges

This letter also appears on Middletown Patch:

This expression, more commonly used in a boxing ring is also true in a courtroom in Freehold. Judge Lawrence M Lawson reversed the denial by the Middletown Planning board for construction of a White Castle restaurant in Port Monmouth on March 12, 2013. After reading legal briefs submitted by White Castle and Middletown Township, oral arguments by both attorneys and a review of evidence submitted to the court at the hearing on February 21, 2013. It all came down to one single word “IMPRACTICABLE”.

The definition of impracticable is: “incapable of being performed or accomplished by the means employed or at command”. 

(Final White Castle site plan)

This was the core issue that Judge Lawson based his reversal of the Planning board’s denial for the White Castle application. It all revolves around one of the townships ordinances that they did not comply with. There are actually 18 but this one ordinance is the reason the township attorney cited in the resolution to deny. Ordinance is #16-622 D-9 and it states:

“Parking lots or unloading areas of commercial, business, or industrial uses abutting residential uses shall provide a landscaped buffer screen at least fifty (50') feet wide on the perimeter of all parking or loading areas”.

Simply, parking spaces for commercial properties need to be 50 feet away from the property line of a residential home. White Castle originally gave 10 feet and eventually, through comments and direction of the Planning board, increased it to 24 feet. The board inquired if 8 or so of the 21 parking spots could be moved to another area on the property to eliminate the request for the exception to 16-622 D-9 and comply with the ordinance. White Castle’s engineering expert, William Stevens-Vice President of Professional Design Services in Lakewood NJ after being questioned by board member Kevin Settembrino at the March 7, 2012 planning board meeting testified that:

“Parking could be provided on the easterly portion of the site. That could be done”

At the same meeting White Castle’s professional planner, Ian Borden-President of Property Professional Design Services in Lakewood NJ testified:

“There’s eight parking spaces along the rear of the site and possibly one or more on the western parking spaces toward the southern portion of the site. If those were relocated to the eastern portion of the site, we would conform”.

Mr. Jason Greenspan, Director of Planning for Middletown Township, during a discussion with Mr. Borden about the distance between the relocated parking spots and the restaurant commented:

“So that distance is probably about .05 of a mile?”

Mr. Borden replied:

“I think it’s not really so much what a fraction of the mile it is. I think it’s more what’s convenient for the use”

Again the definition of impracticable is: incapable of being performed or accomplished by the means employed or at command. 

The criteria the judge must use to reverse the Planning Boards decision is that they acted arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable towards the applicant (White Castle). The movement of 8 or so parking spots that the applicants own experts testified could be done is somehow IMPRACTICABLE? How is the refusal of White Castle to move those parking spots considered arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable on the Township of Middletown? In the publication of Judge Lawson’s ruling he states:

“In considering the testimony at the hearings, and the exhibits presented to the Board, this court finds that the Plaintiff did, in fact, prove that compliance with the site plan requirements is impracticable”.

When both the applicants engineering and planning expert testify the parking can be moved it cannot be IMPRACTICABLE (incapable of being performed or accomplished by means employed or at command).

The denial was the correct legal decision by the Planning board based on the evidence that was presented by White Castle. The judge decided that White Castle’s “convenience” not to relocate parking spots is more important than the Township’s right to govern against overdevelopment and negative impacts on its community. The Planning board has authorized an appeal to overturn Judge Lawson’s ruling. I want to applaud them for fighting for everyone in the community.

There are many issues with White Castles plan but overdevelopment is the primary issue that affects everyone who lives in the area (See Photo). As you can see the entire lot is 1.67 acres because of the combination of 5 lots that created this jigsaw puzzle of property. Only 0.70 acres is used for the building, parking lot and drive thru service. The entire front yard is a storm water basin designed to spill onto Highway 36 during a storm event. The entrance is located within an acceleration lane about 100 feet from the entrance ramp to HWY 36 off Main St. These are the issues where they DO NOT COMPLY with Middletown’s ordinances. Local residents are still opposed to this development. All we ask is for White Castle to comply with all of Middletown’s building codes.

Shannon Ecklof

Chestnut St

Port Monmouth

Veterans Job Fair – April 24 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Middletown VFW

From Middletown Alerts:

Hiring our Heroes, a Job Fair for Veterans, will be held on Wednesday, April 24 from 10 am to 1 pm at Middletown VFW Post 2179. The post is located at 1 Veterans Lane in the Port Monmouth section of town.

The fair, which is organized by the Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee, is free for both employers and job-seekers. Employers across all sectors will be recruiting for currently-available positions. Interested employers and veterans can register for the event at hoh.greatjob.net. A resume writing class for veterans will be held in advance of the event at 8:30am.

Also at the job fair will be a Mobile Health Outreach Unit from the US Department of Veterans Affairs that will provide basic health screenings as well as representatives from the Monmouth County Veterans Service office who will assist veterans with benefits and claims information.

White Castle Update: The Fight Isn't Over, Middletown Planning Board Intends to Appeal Judge's Decision

Since learning last week that the NJ Superior Court and Judge Lawrence Lawson, overturned the decision of the Middletown Planning Boards to deny the fast food chain White Castle from building a restaurant on an undersized lot located between Main Street and Wilson Ave., on highway 36 in Port Monmouth, I’ve been in contact with Chestnut Street resident Shannon Ecklof. Ecklof has been leading the fight against White Castle sliding into the lot that butts up to his back yard and wrote the letter, ”They can’t fit 10lbs of White Castle in a 2lb bag” that appeared on this blog back in March of 2012. He has informed me that he and his neighbors haven’t given up on their fight against the White Castle.


Shannon informed me that he and his neighbors knew of Judge Lawson’s decision on the day it was handed down last month and that their attorney attended the April 3rd meeting of the planning board in response to discuss it.

At the planning board meeting, their lawyer asked the board if they had any plans to appeal Judge Lawson’s decision. After a brief discussion, it was decided by unanimous vote that the planning board would appeal.
I was also informed that they (Shannon and others) have since met in the Mayor’s office, where they were told by mayor Scharfenberger, the township would not appeal unless they thought they had a good chance of overturning Judge Lawson’s opinion. They would not waste tax payer’s money fighting a lost cause because of public scrutiny over township spending, but they were confident in a positive outcome and an appeal should be forthcoming.

For Shannon Eckof and others that live in the vicinity of where the White Castle wants to build, the news that the township and planning board are planning to appeal is welcomed. As a matter of law (and common sense in my opinion), it would seem that the planning board was right to deny White Castle’s application, it just doesn’t make sense to cut corners in order to squeeze a site plan that would normally require a 3 acre parcel of land onto a lot half that size.

Depending on the courts, the appeal of Judge Lawson’s decision could take anywhere between 6 months to 2 years to be heard according to Ecklof’s attorney. So don’t expect to be driving into a White Castle location in Port Monmouth anytime soon, it could be awhile or not at all.

We’ll keep you posted.

White Castle Coming To Port Monmouth; NJ Superior Court Overturns Middletown Planning Board Application Denial

It looks as though White Castle will be "sliding" a restaurant onto a vacant piece of land between Main street and Wilson Avenue in Port Monmouth after all. After having their application denied by the Middletown Planning Board last year, White Castle System, Inc. appealed the decision to the New Jersey Superior Court and on March 26th of this year, the NJ Superior Court ruled in favor of White Castle and overturned the Middletown Planning Board.


The ruling by the Superior Court states that all preliminary and final site plan approvals, including site design waivers, to permit White Castle to construct and operate a  restaurant with a drive-thru on property has been approved by the court and can move forward.

It seems now that the area residents, who strongly opposed the construction of the White Castle, will need to hire their own attorney if they wish to continue their fight and appeal the decision of the Superior Court that will be built in their backyards.

Below is the notice of the Courts decision that appeared in the pages of the Asbury Park Press public notice section yesterday:

TOWNSHIP OF MIDDLETOWN

NOTICE OF DECISION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Superior Court of New Jersey, by its Order dated March 26, 2013, resulting from an action entitled White Castle System, Inc. vs. Planning Board of The Township of Middletown, Docket No. MON-L-2139-12, reversed the April 4, 2012 denial by the Township of Middletown Planning Board of White Castle System, Inc.'s ("Applicant") application, and granted preliminary and final site plan approval, including site design waivers, to permit the Applicant to construct and operate a White Castle restaurant with a drive-thru on property located at 382 Route 36, Township of Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, also known as Block 533, Lots 4, 5, 6, 7 and 15 as shown on the current Tax Map of the Township of Middletown. A copy of the Order with respect to the above matter is on file for public inspection in the office of the Planning Department located in the Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway, Middletown, New Jersey, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m), Monday through Friday. By: Price, Meese, Shulman & D'Arminio, P.C. Attorneys for Applicant, White Castle System, Inc. By: Reginald Jenkins, Jr., Esq. ($35.00) 721344
Public Notice ID: 20058532