Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Middletown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in public safety
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.
Middletown EMS Relocation to Leonardo
Middletown EMS is moving from 1 Penelope Lane to the former Leonardo First Aid Squad building at 32 Viola Avenue, which has indoor vehicle storage, training space, and quick access to Normandy Road for faster emergency response.
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.
Target Enforcement Zones for Speeding
Police will strictly monitor Ocean Avenue, Locust Point Road and nine other roadways starting October 1 — and tickets in these zones mean a mandatory court appearance. New warning signs are going up.
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.
Support for Police and Assembly Resolution 149
The committee passed a resolution strongly backing the Middletown Police Department and endorsing a state assembly resolution condemning anti-police rhetoric.
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.
Ideal Beach parking lot late-night activity
Bayside Parkway residents say the township promised parking signs at Ideal Beach in April and still hasn't delivered; an ordinance fix is now due August 17, adopted in September. They also want more frequent litter pickup and better trash cans.
Belford Sidewalk Hazards After Utility Work
A resident told the Committee that JCP&L left utility poles in the middle of dug-up Belford sidewalks, forcing pedestrians — including wheelchair users — into the street, and cited 43 ADA violations with photos.
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.
EMS Ordinance Overhaul
The Committee unanimously rewrote Chapter 37 of the township code governing emergency medical services, consolidating the EMS division. Multiple committee members publicly thanked EMS volunteers, with Committeeman Clarke crediting his own EMS service at 16 with launching his career.
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.
Armed Class III Officers in All Schools
A new shared services agreement with the Board of Education keeps armed Class III special law enforcement officers at every Middletown school through June 2028. Adopted unanimously on the consent agenda.
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.