Say NO to offshore LNG! Comment Deadline Today, Monday, March 16th

Monday, March 16 is the last day to submit public comments regarding Port Ambrose, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility proposed for off the coast of New Jersey.  This is essentially the same project that Governor Christie vetoed a few years ago.  See this fact sheet for more information about the project and reasons you should voice your opposition.  Please take just a few minutes and comment today to let Governors Christie and Cuomo know that the people want a veto on Port Ambrose!  To comment directly to the Federal docket, click here.

REMINDER: FILE TAX APPEALS BY JANUARY 15

by Linda Baum

The deadline to file a property tax appeal is January 15th. Tax assessment cards for the 2015 tax year were mailed out to Middletown residents in mid-November and reflect the re-assessment of all properties in the township, according to the tax assessor’s office. This round of assessments also marks the start of a plan to re-inspect 20% of properties each year on a rolling basis.

News around town is that many residents are seeing double digit increases in their assessments. An employee in the township tax assessor’s office stated that the assessments were based on sales data and that the valuations were done in-house rather than by an outside firm.

The earlier mailing of assessment cards and moved-up deadline for appeals went into effect throughout Monmouth County in the fall of last year. Previously, assessment cards were mailed in January or February and the appeal deadline was in April. A reason for the moved-up schedule is so that the assessment base is more final (more appeals are settled) by the time the township sets the tax rate.

For additional information, contact the Middletown Tax Assessor’s office at 732-615-2089.

General Election Information Voter Registration & Changes Deadline Oct. 14

From Middletown Alerts:

The final day for voter registration and/or voter registration changes is Tuesday, October 14, 2014 to be eligible to vote in the General Election held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 (Polls will be open 6:00am to 8:00pm).

Voter Registrations are taken in the Township Clerk’s Office from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the year. You may also obtain a Vote by Mail Ballot application at the Office of the Township Clerk. If you have any questions regarding the General Election or any Election process please call the Township Clerk’s Office at 732-615-2015 or email townclerk@middletownnj.org.

Also:

Monmouth County Residents living outside of Middletown may register at the Monmouth County Voter Registration Office, 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold Township from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. The office will remain open until 9 PM on Oct. 14. Residents can also register at their local municipal clerk’s office during business hours.

Those wishing to register by mail can download the NJ voter registration application from the county clerk’s website here.

A driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number must be entered on the NJ Voter Registration form.

To be eligible to register, you must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age by Nov. 4.

Obamacare Numbers On Track To Enroll 7 Million At Deadline

Obamacare Sign-Ups on Track to Hit 7 Million on Final Day - Talking Points Memo

ALERT: TAX APPEAL DEADLINE IS NOW JANUARY 15 !

by Linda Baum

This year there was a change in the assessment process throughout Monmouth County. Tax assessment cards for the 2014 tax year were mailed out in mid November, a few months sooner than in the past. The deadline to file an appeal is also a few months earlier, now January 15th of each year. For additional information, contact the Middletown Tax Assessor’s office at 732-615-2089.

Pallone to FEMA: Don’t Close Disaster Recovery Centers and Extend Registration Deadlines, New Jersey Still Needs Your Help

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 28, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator (FEMA), Craig Fugate calling on him to halt the planned closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Leonardo and Union Beach, which are scheduled to close February 28th and March 5th, respectively. DRCs have offered a variety of services for victims of Superstorm Sandy including serving as direct points of contact for residents to speak with FEMA representatives to register with the agency and make claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Pallone’s letter also called on FEMA to extend the deadline for New Jersey residents to register with FEMA, citing the extension already approved in New York.

“Too many in New Jersey are still suffering and need as much help from FEMA as they can get,” said Pallone. “The DRCs have served an important role in helping residents move forward with recovery and their closure is simply premature.”

Noting a previous letter sent to Administrator Fugate, Pallone also called on FEMA to address the slow and cumbersome process of advancing flood insurance claims. In his February 6, 2013 letter, Pallone told Administrator Fugate that, “It is simply unacceptable for residents of New Jersey, who have faithfully paid flood insurance premiums for years, to be left in the lurch when they need this assistance the most…I respectfully request that you take necessary steps within your power to cut the red tape and expedite the NFIP claims process so that New Jersey homeowners and businesses can begin the path to recovery.”

The following is the text of Pallone’s February 28, 2013 letter:



February 28, 2013
W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I write today regarding the planned closure of the two remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Monmouth County, New Jersey. My office was notified today that the DRCs in Leonardo and Union Beach will be closing February 28th and March 5th, respectively. I respectfully request that you continue operation of a DRC in Monmouth County so that residents and businesses can continue to meet with FEMA staff as they move forward with the recovery process. I also request that the FEMA registration period for New Jersey be extended for one month, which has been done in New York.

Much work remains to be done to help homeowners and businesses recover from the historic damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. While I understand the registration deadline is approaching, many residents still have questions about their settlements and claims that require the assistance of FEMA representatives. These DRCs also serve as a local hub for all recovery activity in the area, with volunteer groups and local officials based nearby so residents can have their issues addressed all in one place.

Further, I am still seriously concerned about the slow pace at which National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims are being paid out in New Jersey. I have yet to receive a response to the letter I sent to you on February 6th outlining several problems my constituents are facing with delays in processing NFIP claims. As of last Friday, according to FEMA data, over 24,000 claims remain open in New Jersey.

Homeowners and business owners in New Jersey are still struggling as they work to rebuild after this devastating storm. I believe it is the responsibly of FEMA to be present in the community to help them as this process moves forward.

Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

Deadline Looms - Register To Vote Today

The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey is this Tuesday (10/16/12)! Take five minutes right now to register at http://www.gottaregister.com/—and make sure your registration form is postmarked by tomorrow.

Library Scholarship Application Deadline is May 21, 2012

by Linda Baum

Monday, May 21st is the last day library science students can submit an application for the Conover-Wihtol Scholarship to the Middletown Library.

As of this past Wednesday, the Library had not yet received any applications, but that could be because applicants are waiting for end-of-semester transcripts to include with their last minute submissions.

The Scholarship is open to New Jersey residents who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in an accredited master of library science program. The amount of the annual Scholarship is no less than $500 and is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

You can link to an application form Here 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
The candidate must:
1. Complete the standard application form which can be obtained from the Library.
2. Submit a written statement of 200 words indicating what contribution you can make to the library profession and librarianship as a career.
3. Submit a transcript from the college/university you are attending (Graduate/Undergraduate).
4. Submit two reference letters.
5. Submit evidence of enrollment or acceptance to an accredited program for a MLS or advanced degree.

If you have questions or to submit your application electronically, contact the Library’s administrative secretary, Wendy Latona, at WLatona@mtpl.org or call 732-671-3700, ext. 311.

Read more about the Scholarship on the Library’s website 

Good luck.

FEMA Aid Deadline for Local Governments Looming

Long Branch, N.J. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Friday urged towns and local governments, to submit their application for FEMA Public Assistance if they haven’t already done so. Certain private nonprofit organizations may also receive assistance. The deadline for towns to submit an application for assistance is Friday, September 30, 2011.

“The money is ready and available for towns to put to work on repairs for damage caused by the hurricane, it would be a shame for this assistance to go unused because someone didn’t know about it,” said Pallone.

Projects eligible for assistance may fall under one of the following categories and include debris removal, emergency protective measures, road systems and bridges, water control facilities, public building and utilities and parks.

Last week, FEMA conducted a round of briefings across the state which informed prospective applicants of available assistance and eligibility requirements for obtaining Federal assistance as a result of damage from Hurricane Irene. Pallone’s staff was also present at some of the briefings to assist constituents.

In the days since Hurricane Irene caused significant damage, FEMA has opened 21 disaster recovery centers, provided $76,852,437 in housing assistance and completed 35,416 out of 41,354 house inspection requests.

Individuals who seek federal assistance can register with FEMA through one of the following, going to www.disasterassistance.gov, to m.fema.gov or calling FEMA toll-free, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

Federal assistance became available after the president issued a major disaster declaration on Aug. 31. Assistance is provided for eligible damage from the Hurricane Irene and related flooding, Aug. 27 through Sept. 5, 2011.