Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Middletown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in public safety with medium priority
Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month and Middletown Alliance programming
October is Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, and the Middletown Alliance has free events for parents: an October 15 DEA 'Hidden in Plain Sight' workshop and an October 27 youth wellness fair at High School North. There's also a survey on the township website for ideas on spending opioid settlement funds.
Firefighter Appointments
Two new volunteer firefighters joined the ranks: Joseph W. Cavanagh at Port Monmouth Fire Company and Matthew R. Domalewski at Belford Engine (Station 3).
Volunteer first responder homebuyer incentive
The township finalized a benefit helping eligible volunteers buy their first home in Middletown — aimed at keeping volunteer firefighters and EMS members living in town. Deputy Mayor Hibell called it a big win for the fire service.
9/11 25th Anniversary Remembrance
A remembrance ceremony will be held Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m. at the Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Gardens, honoring the 37 residents lost.
Leonardo junkyard near the skate park
A resident says a township-owned junkyard next to the Leonardo skate park is falling apart — a building collapsing into the creek, trees through abandoned vehicles, and possible pool chemicals on site. The Mayor agreed to send code enforcement, the building department and the fire marshal to inspect.
New Police Hires and Special Officer
The township added three officers: entry-level hires Charles Honan and Alyssa Vetrano, and Special Law Enforcement Officer II Kyle Smith — a boost to police staffing.
Red-Light Running at Highway 36 and Thompson Road
A resident raised safety concerns about drivers running the red light at Highway 36 and Thompson Road, citing near-miss hazards and suggesting the committee study traffic-slowing measures. The state controls the traffic lights, so the police department will be the initial point of contact.
Storm Response and First Responder Appreciation
Committee members praised police, fire, EMS, and DPW crews for handling a severe storm that left eight entrapments on Route 36, downed poles, and 5.5 feet of flooding on Highway 35. Mayor Perry highlighted a tree removed within an hour of a lightning strike.
Opposition to State Public Safety/Immigration Laws
The Committee formally opposes several recently enacted state laws touching immigration enforcement cooperation and police operations, and asks the Governor and Legislature to repeal them.
Lead-based paint inspections in residential rentals
A public hearing was held on an ordinance requiring lead-based paint inspections in certain residential dwellings, aimed at protecting residents, especially children, from lead hazards in older housing.
Emergency Operations Plan and mutual aid
The Committee adopted the township's updated Emergency Operations Plan and joined the county mutual aid agreement — the paperwork that keeps Middletown ready for storms and disasters.
Briarcliff Place Parking Restrictions
A public hearing was scheduled on banning parking at all times on the south side of Briarcliff Place, based on a police traffic safety recommendation. Residents along the street would be affected.