Freehold Township

"Western Monmouth County's Family Town"

Community Booklet

WELCOME Welcome to Freehold Township. We're glad you've decided to make "Western Monmouth County's Family Town" your home. Freehold Township is a growing community that is home to the region's largest shopping mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, and to the oldest daytime harness track in the United States, Freehold Raceway. The Township still maintains a historical feeling with landmarks such as Monmouth Battlefield State Park and the 18th-century Oakley Farmhouse with collections that chart regional and State history. We've provided this booklet to help you fully experience the amenities and benefits this community has to offer. Here you will find information to help you take advantage of our numerous services and resources, as well as details on our government and administration to enable you to become an active member of our community. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to call the numbers listed throughout this booklet. FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP FACTS Population: 36,142 Area: 38.8 square miles (24,000 acres) Type of Government: Township Committee – a five-person committee elected on a staggered basis for three-year terms. The Mayor is selected by the Committee to serve a one-year term Website: www.twp.freehold.nj.usEmail Address: Info@twp.freehold.nj.us -1-

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP Our History From the beginning, Freehold Township has been a nice place to move to when you wanted to get away from somewhere else. That’s not just a glib generalization. It's an accurate observation on how this community began and how it has continued to grow. The area was first settled in 1685 by a band of Scottish reformers fleeing religious persecution. Freehold Township was formally established by an act of the Legislature on October 31, 1693, as one of the three original townships in Monmouth County. Our Tricentennial was celebrated in 1993 by those who moved here primarily for a happy and wholesome life. Throughout the intervening three centuries, Freehold Township has been a place where people could raise their families, earn their living, and live out their life as they so chose. Both then as now, it has been a community of farms and churches, of homes and neighborhoods. In an age of discontinuities, this community maintains astonishingly strong roots in a rich colonial tradition and an illustrious past. The Battle of Monmouth, which is considered the turning point of our War of Independence, was fought here on a scorching day in June 1778. Today, Monmouth Battlefield State Park marks the site of this famous encounter in which every major American military leader of the time participated: George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Benedict Arnold, Anthony Wayne, Charles Lee, Alexander Hamilton, Nathaniel Greene, Friedrich von Steuben and the non-military but legendary Molly Pitcher. Most of the history made here, however, has been of the personal kind; of families and farms and small businesses, of the enduring values those institutions have produced and will continue to produce throughout the future. Freehold Township residents hold strong connections to this community and we want all residents to know some of that heritage and to become a part of it.

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What's in the Name? In early America, the right to vote was restricted to property owners. These were seen as responsible men who held their possessions free and clear. In a very literal sense they were “Freeholders.” This expression has lasted through the years and is used extensively in this part of New Jersey. Originally, the Freehold community embraced several of the Townships that now surround us – and for whom Freehold is still a focal point. This is a source of civic and historic pride but it is also the source of some confusion in the use of names. Because some of the towns and school systems in the general area have “Freehold” in their titles, we should explain the difference:

Freehold Township is the community in which you live. It contains over 36,142 people in its 38.8 square miles. It is separate and distinct, with its own municipal government in the form of a Township Committee, and it levies and collects its own taxes and acts as the collector for local schools, the Regional High School system, Monmouth County and the local fire districts.

Freehold Borough was originally part of Freehold Township, but in 1919 it was established as a municipality in its own right. At approximately 1.7 square miles and surrounded by the Township, it is governed by a Mayor and a Council and has its own elementary school system. Freehold Township Schools are operated for elementary grade children of your Township. The Freehold Township Board of Education presently operates seven schools, which are listed later in this booklet. They propose their own budget that is annually voted upon by the citizens.

Freehold Regional High School District refers to the six schools operated by the Freehold Regional Board of Education, which provide high school programs for eight Western Monmouth communities. Freehold Township and Freehold Borough send students to these schools, and the six other participating municipalities are the Boroughs of Farmingdale and Englishtown, and the Townships of Colts Neck, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro.

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To add to the confusion, Upper Freehold Township was once part of Freehold Township until it became a totally independent municipality in 1731. Today it is a large agricultural community that is actually located southwest of Freehold Township. So when someone says, “I’m from Upper Freehold Township” they aren't referring to the northern part of our Township. Finally, New Jersey is unique in the United States in that it is the only state wherein 21 counties are each governed by a “Board of Chosen Freeholders.” Our Monmouth County “Freeholders” have their offices in Freehold Borough, the Monmouth County Seat. The Future Freehold Township is a 38 square mile piece of suburban America located roughly halfway between New York City and Philadelphia. It has highways in easy access to every major market and distribution point within 350 miles. More than that, it is also the approximate midpoint of a huge megalopolis between Boston and Washington, which forms the largest single market in the world. The heart of that megalopolis is the State of New Jersey, and Freehold Township is one of the 566 separate municipalities in the state. In the late 1980’s, Freehold Township began an aggressive Open Space Acquisition Program to help ensure the quality of life in our Township for future generations. The Open Space Committee, comprised of members of the Township Committee, professionals in the area of planning and development, and members of the community ranging in expertise from finance to real estate, is charged with evaluating all remaining undeveloped residential property. Freehold Township has instituted an aggressive policy of rezoning and property acquisition, and 31% of our community, 7,400 acres, is Permanent Open Space. Integrating this suburban, industrial and commercial development effectively with the character and style of Freehold Township requires careful organization and planning. Residents and the government work together to collaboratively solve problems, provide quality education and market our assets to further enhance this community. -4-

Your Neighborhood & Home Building Permits To ensure that Freehold Township homes are safe, a building permit is required for any changes made to a building structure, either interior or exterior. Any home construction including alterations and additions such as garages, sheds, fences, patios, pools, etc., requires a permit. The Construction Department enforces the Uniform Construction Code of the State of New Jersey, and inspectors review structural construction, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, fire and electrical work. You may need to survey your lot and provide copies of your plans to the Construction Department, especially if it is a large project. All completed construction permit applications must include a copy of the proposal for the project. When your plans are complete, the appropriate inspector will examine them and may request changes to comply with the Code. These alterations can involve using different building materials or employing different building methods. It is important for you to make sure your contractor or builder calls 1-800-272-1000 to make sure all underground utilities are marked out before they do any digging. This will eliminate the possibility of the contractor inadvertently hitting water, electric or cable lines and possibly knocking out service. Three working days notice in advance of digging is required. Once you have met the requirements for a construction permit and paid the applicable fee, the construction permit is issued and construction can begin. During construction you will receive routine on-site inspections to ensure your project is progressing in a safe and reliable way. A final inspection is required when the job is complete. If the project is completed in accordance with Code, the Construction Official will issue a certificate of occupancy or certificate of approval. Contact the Construction Department at 732-294-2050 to obtain a permit. For more information, visit the website www.twp.freehold.nj.us, click on Department Directory, then Construction Department.

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Your Neighborhood & Home Garbage and Recycling Trash collection is by private contract. Consult your“Yellow Pages” or a neighbor for the names of companies that service your area. Recyling is mandatory in the State of New Jersey and residential pickup is conducted twice a month in the Township according to the schedule. The Township’s Website(www.twp.freehold.nj.us) provides information on the Recycling Center and a schedule of all pick up days. This information is also published on the Township’s Municipal Access Cable Station –TV 77. In addition, the Township operates a “residents”only Recycling Center at the Public Works Yard on Jackson Mill Road where Freehold Township residents may bring bulk items, tires, papers, cans, bottles, electronic equipment, ect. Garden mulch is avalible free to residents to pick up at the Recycling Center. Delivery is also avalible for a fee. Hours of operation are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. No Commercial Vehicles Allowed For More Information, call 732-294-2160 or visit the Township’s website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us -6-

Your Neighborhood & Home Commuter Parking Permits Freehold Township operates three commuter-parking facilities. The first is located in the Freehold Mall on Route 9 North. Lots 2 and 3 are located at Schibanoff Road on Route 9 North and South. Parking permits are limited to Freehold Township residents only, one per household. There is an annual fee for parking and residents are required to fill out an application and return it to the Clerk's Office. Proof of Township residency and a copy of the commuter's driver's license showing the commuter's Freehold Township address and registration must accompany the application. Freehold Township also operates a daily parking lot for Township residents only, located at the Schibanoff South lot. For a fee of $2.00, daily permits are available from the Township Clerk's Office with proof of residency. Permits are valid from February 1st through January 31st of each year, and current permit holders renew permits during the month of January. If the permit holder changes his/her residency to a location outside of Freehold Township, the parking permit is no longer valid and must be surrendered to the Township Clerk's Office within two weeks. Fore more information, call 732-294-2010 or visit the Township's website www.twp.freehold.nj.us. -7-

_Your Neighborhood & Home Handicapped Temporary handicapped placards may be obtained by having a physician sign a form and deliver in person or mail to Police Headquarters with a check for four dollars made out to New Jersey Motor Vehicle. Permanent handicapped plates or placards are issued by the DMV in Trenton. Forms may be obtained from the local DMV office or from Police Headquarters. Inspection Station The Motor Vehicle Inspection Station is located on 801 Okerson Road, Freehold. A current driver's license, proof of insurance and car registration must be presented at the time a car is inspected. Old license plates may also be returned here. For more information, call 888-656-6867. Pet Ownership Dog Licenses Dogs over six months of age must be licensed annually. A dog license can be obtained at the Health Department in the Municipal Building. Proof of rabies vaccination must be presented at the time of license application. For more information, call 732-294-2060 or visit the Township's website - www.twp.freehold.nj.us. Lost or Stray Animals To report a stray animal or lost pet, prepare a description of the animal, and call the Health Department at 732-294-2060.

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Your Neighborhood & Home_ Swimming Pools Private swimming pools, either permanent or portable, must be enclosed with an approved fence. A building permit is required. Water and Sewer Utilities The Freehold Township Water and Sewer Utility operates all municipal wells, water treatment plants and water storage tanks, and maintains sewer transmission lines and pumping stations in the Township. Rates are available from the Tax Collector’s Office. All payments must be received within 30 days of the bill date to avoid additional charges. Freehold Township is now able to serve our residents by allowing direct bill payment utilizing automatic debit from your checking account (ACH Debit). ACH debit electronically moves your payment from your bank to ours. It is a safe, efficient process for making tax payments and/or water and sewer payments. Freehold Township enforces a year-round water conservation policy. This permits residents with odd numbered homes to water lawns and wash cars on odd numbered days and residents with even numbered homes to water and wash on even numbered days. All residents may water lawns and wash cars on the 31st day of the month. For more information, call 732-294-2170 Billing Services: 732-294-2019 Emergency & Repair: 732-431-0121

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Schools The mission of the Freehold Township Schools is to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to be responsible, productive citizens who will be competitive in the international marketplace of the future. District Directory • Superintendent of Schools……………………………….732-462-8400 • Assistant Superintendent,

Education & Administrative Services………..….732-462-8400 Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Staff Development……………………..732-462-8400

• Business Administrator…………………………………...732-462-8400 • Freehold Regional High School District………………….732-792-7300 Public Schools The Freehold Township Schools are a K-8 district. There are five elementary schools handling grades K-5 and two middle schools for grades 6-8. www.freeholdtwp.k12.nj.us The Freehold Regional High School District has six schools and is the largest regional district in New Jersey. www.frhsd.com ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS C. Richard Applegate School 47 Jeanne Brennan Drive 732-431-5460 Joseph J. Catena School 275 Burlington Road 732-432-4430 Laura Donovan School 237 Stonehurst Boulevard 732-431-3221 -10-

Schools Marshall W. Errickson School 271 Elton-Adelphia Road 732-431-8022 West Freehold School 100 Castronova Way 732-431-5101 MIDDLE SCHOOLS Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School 498 Stillwells Corner Road 732-431-4403 Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School 279 Burlington Road 732-431-3910 HIGH SCHOOLS Colts Neck High School 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck 732-761-0190 Freehold High School 2 Roberstville Road, Freehold 732-431-8360 Freehold Township High School 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township 732-431-8460 Howell High School 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell 732-919-2131 Manalapan High School Church Lane, Manalapan 732-792-7200

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Schools Marlboro High School 95 North Main Street, Marlboro 732-617-8393 Child Study Team The Child Study Team's primary function is to evaluate and design appropriate programs for students experiencing learning difficulties. Some children may be eligible for special education, and individual programs are designed for these students. The members of the team, including school psychologists, social workers, learning disabilities teacher/consultant, speech therapists, nurses and the school physician, also coordinate community services that are available to students. Both individual and group counseling are offered to selected students in each school, and the Team also determines eligibility for related services such as speech correction, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adaptive equipment, etc. For more information, call your building principal. School Closings Schools may be closed in the event of severe snowstorms or other emergencies. Special announcements will be made on various local radio stations. Listen carefully for the name FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS or FREEHOLD REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOLS. -12-

Service and Resources Freehold Township Municipal Website and Cable Access Station ♦ The Freehold Township Website: www.twp.freehold.nj.us. The

Township's website contains a wealth of information for residents – monthly calendar of meetings and events, recreation and senior activities, recycling, leaf, bulk and brush collection schedules. Residents can look up information on property taxes and water/sewer accounts. Township forms for recreation, construction, planning and zoning, vital statistics and others can be downloaded from this site.

♦ The Freehold Township Email Address: Info@twp.freehold.nj.us ♦ TV-77 is a municipal access television station operated by the Cable-TV

Advisory Committee for the entertainment of our residents. In addition, TV-77 offers a community bulletin board for Township information and local non-profit organizations. For more information, call 732-294-2033.

CentraState Medical Center CentraState Healthcare System is a not-for-profit health organization providing a range of services through a medical center, a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living facility, a life care retirement community, a family medicine center and a health education center.

Facilities and major programs include: ♦ CentraState Medical Center: 271 bed medical facility with more than 400

board-certified physicians. A Medical Arts building features a new radiation therapy center, oncology, ambulatory surgery center, diagnostic radiology suite and physician offices. Added additions include a spine center, sleep center, vascular center, expanded maternal/child services and an expanded emergency department.

♦ Applewood Estates: New Jersey’s first Life Care Retirement Community affiliated with a medical center.

♦ The Manor: Skilled nursing facility offering comprehensive, quality care. ♦ Monmouth Crossing: First assisted living facility in Western Monmouth

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Services and Resources ♦ Seniors First: Community outreach program that serves more than 5,000

members in Freehold and surrounding municipalities. ♦ The Health Awareness Center: Offers a variety of health education

programs, support groups, and health screenings to the community. There is also a unique Student Health Awareness Center (SHAC), designed for students and faculty.

♦ Community Advisory Council: Identifies and targets the specific health needs of the various central New Jersey communities.

♦ Family Medicine Center: Offers primary care and medical-surgical specialties to individuals meeting financial qualifications. Treats nearly 17,000 patients annually.

.Complementary Dispute Resolution Program This citizen dispute resolution program is intended to resolve minor disputes. It is considered a short-term process, rather than a long-term intervention. CDR, conducted under the guidance of the Municipal Court, is to provide citizens of Freehold Township with convenient access to dispute resolution processes that are fair, effective, inexpensive and expeditious.

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Services and Resources Libraries Monmouth County Headquarters 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan (just off Route 9) 732-431-7220 Colts Neck Library 1 Winthrop Drive, Colts Neck 732-431-5656 Freehold Public Library 28 ½ East Main Street 732-462-5135 Howell Township Library Marlboro Public Library 318 Old Tavern Road, Howell 1 Library Court, Marlboro 732-938-2300 732-536-9406 Licenses The Township Clerk's Office issues a variety of licenses and permits, including marriage and birth and death certificates. For more information, call 732-294-2010 or check the Township's website www.twp.freehold.nj.us.

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Services and Resources Maintenance Services The Public Works Department provides maintenance services for Township roads and infrastructure, including storm sewers, curbs, roadway stripping and street sign installation. Other responsibilities include recycling, roadside mowing, street sweeping, snow and ice control, an annual leaf collection and the Bulk and Brush Cleanup Program. Consult the Township's website www.twp.freehold.nj.us, . Newspapers ♦ Asbury Park Press (Daily, Sunday)……………………….…732-863-1500

www.app.com♦ The News Transcript (Weekly)……………………………..732-358-5200

www.gmnews.com

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Senior Center The Freehold Township Senior Center is located at 116 Jackson Mill Road. The Center is open to all residents age 55 and over. The Center offers classes in yoga, line dancing, aerobics, strength and breathing, oil painting, glass painting, arts and crafts, computers and much more. Lunches are served every Tuesday; movies are shown every Friday afternoon. Brunches are held once a month, afternoon socials and evenings of entertainment are scheduled monthly. The Center’s business meeting is held the third Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. The Center offers trips to various locations which include lunch or dinner and a show. Trips are scheduled to Atlantic City, museums, shopping excursions and a variety of exciting places. The Senior Center has a bus service to bring residents to the Center as well as to Shoprite and Foodtown. Trips to local shopping centers are also available to members. Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information contact the Center at 732-294-2029 or visit the Township’s website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us

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_________________ _________PARKS__ Freehold Township currently contains 20 park sites, 14 operated by Freehold Township, one jointly with Freehold Borough, three by Monmouth County, and one operated by the State of New Jersey. The total area of these parks is over 6,000 acres. For more information on township parks, call 732-294-2190 or check the Township's website www.twp.freehold.nj.us TOWNSHIP PARKS Duchess Court Park Duchess Court Multi-purpose court Durand Park Memorial Arboretum Randolph Road between Route 537 and Dutch Lane Roads Arboretum, walking trail, Butterfly Meadow, pond Memorial Tree Planting with plaques. For information call 732-294-2073. Memorial Tree Planting with Greentree Park Coldspring Road Open space Lake Topanemus ( operated jointly with Freehold Borough) Lake Topanemus Drive Lake, walking trail, playground area Medford Park Medford Boulevard Basketball Courts, Playground -18-

Michael J. Tighe Park 65 Georgia Road Activity Center, ball fields, basketball courts, bike path, fitness trail, football fields, handball court, in-line hockey rink, picnic areas, skate park, soccer fields, splash pad, tennis courts, ADA compliant playground areas Opatut Park East Freehold Road Lighted Facility, Pop Warner Home Football Field, multi-purpose fields, walking trail, ADA compliant playground area. . ______________________________________Parks Orchard Hill Park Joysan Terrace Open space Sandy Brook Park Parkside Avenue Basketball courts, tennis courts, playground Sargent Park Sargent Road Open space

Stonehurst Park Stonehurst Boulevard Basketball courts, playground, tennis courts, sand volleyball Whitter Oaks Park East Freehold Road Basketball courts, playground, tennis courts Woodcrest Park Spruce Street Soccer fields Woodgate Park Ticonderoga Boulevard Open space Wynnefield-Juniper Park Koenig Lane and Andorra Terrace Baseball fields, basketball courts, picnic sites, playground

-20- Parks______________________________________ MONMOUTH COUNTY PARKS Baysholm Conservation Area East Freehold Park Showgrounds Turkey Swamp Park STATE PARK Monmouth Battlefield State Park 347 Freehold Road, Manalapan

Picnic Reservations While picnic areas are publicly accessible at the Michael J. Tighe Park, permits are also available to reserve your group's space. Forms can be obtained at the main office in Michael J. Tighe Park. For more information, call 732-294-2190. Splash Pad The Michael J. Tighe Park features a 2,707 square foot, zero depth interactive aquatics playground containing 19 splash features. The splash pad are open from mid-June through August. During summer camp the splash pads pad are open from 4p.m. to 7 p.m. daily On weekends and non-camp days, the hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 732-294-2190.

-21- ________________________________Your Safety YOUR SAFETY Emergencies In case of an emergency, whether medical, fire, or police, dial 911. It is important that 911 be used for reporting a fire and for emergency calls to the Police Department or to the Freehold First Aid Squad.

When a call is placed to 911, all the necessary emergency information is immediately displayed on a computer screen at the dispatch center. This information includes caller’s exact location, telephone number and emergency services responsible to respond to that area. Fire Protection Two volunteer fire districts that work in close cooperation with each other provide fire protection service in Freehold Township. Two five-member

Boards of Fire Commissioners that are elected for three-year terms on a rotating basis, govern each district. The Commissioners in each district are responsible for providing fire protection and for preparing an annual budget that is placed before the voters for approval. Elections for new Commissioners and for approving the budget are held on the second Saturday of each February. In carrying out their functions and plan, the Commissioners work in complete cooperation with the fire companies located in their district. The Freehold Independent Fire Company #1 serves that portion of Freehold Township west of Route 9 and was chartered in 1963. Its original firehouse is located on Siloam Road. The second firehouse is located on Stillwells Corner Road adjacent to the Township’s Municipal Complex.

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Your Safety________________________________ The East Freehold Fire Company serves that portion of Freehold Township east of Route 9 and was chartered in 1967. Its main firehouse is located on Dutch Lane Road and East Freehold Road. The second firehouse is located on Daniels Way, and the third and newest is on Pond Road.

www.station16-1.orgwww.eastfreeholdfire.com

First Aid Service The Freehold First Aid Squad, serving Freehold Borough and Freehold Township, has approximately 40 active volunteers who are nationally certified as Emergency Medical Technicians. The First Aid Squad is run solely by your donations for equipment, ambulances and maintenance of vehicles. The squad responds to almost 4,000 calls per year throughout the Township of Freehold and the Borough of Freehold. The squad has five ambulances, one crash/rescue truck which carries special equipment for fire or automobile accidents and one crash/rescue boat. For more information call 732-308-1515. www.freeholdfirstaid.org Personal Safety Tips

♦ When walking, stay in well lit areas where other people are present. Walk briskly and purposefully, and be alert to your surroundings.

♦ If you are being followed while driving, go to a populated area and honk your horn or call the police.

If someone is trying to flag you down while driving, drive on to a busy area to assess the problem. If you feel threatened, call the police. ♦ If a robber demands your wallet or purse, toss it far away from you

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_______________ Your Safety__ ♦ Park in well-lit areas and look around before getting in and out of your

car. Always lock car doors. ♦ When on the phone, never give information to people you don't know. ♦ When traveling abroad, make two copies of your passport: one to keep

in a safe place, and one to carry with you. ♦ Photocopy the contents of your wallet – both sides of each license,

credit card, etc. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will know what was in it, the account numbers and numbers to call and cancel. Immediately place a fraud alert on your name and social security number by calling the three following national credit reporting organizations: EQUIFAX: 1-800-525-6285 EXPERIAN (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 TRANS UNION: 1-800-680-7289

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271 Police Department The Police Department is located in the Justice Center directly behind the Municipal Building. There are currently 72 full time officers who patrol the township 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For police emergencies, residents should dial 911. For non-emergencies, call 732-462-7908.

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Your Safety________________________________ The mission of the Freehold Township Police Department is to enhance the quality of life throughout our jurisdiction by working cooperatively with all citizens. The Department will preserve the peace, enforce the law, reduce the perception of fear and provide a safe and caring environment for Township residents. The officers and employees of the Department maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in order to fulfill this mission. Reporting Crime If you see a crime being committed, or just see something that seems suspicious, call 911. Calls to 911 are not only restricted to life-threatening emergencies. If you have information about a crime that has been committed, call the Police Department at 732-462-7908. COMMUNITY LIFE__________________________ Parks and Recreation

Adult and Youth Programs

Recreation Department personnel have teamed with the Board of Parks and Recreation Commission in support of the Township Committee’s vision to meet the diversified recreation needs in a growing township. The result is a comprehensive, year round selection of activities that takes programming beyond bingo and basketball. From pre-school programs to daily Senior Center Activities, an array of quality-driven, affordable programs provide a value- added benefit to living in Freehold Township. A fall/winter and spring/summer brochure is distributed through the Township schools. Complete program information is posted on the Township website www.twp.freehold.nj.us. For more information, call 732-294-2190 or check the Township's website www.twp.freehold.nj.us.

Camps The most popular of all Freehold Township Recreation programs is its seven week Summer Day Camp. Children aged 4-13 celebrate fun in the sun through a wide range of age and developmentally appropriate activities. Meeting new friends, learning new skills, special events, and off site activities guarantee campers a summer they will always remember. For more information, call 732-294-2190.

Preschool Programs Preschoolers are offered varying classes to help develop and strengthen physical, mental and social skills. Some of the programs offered include ballet, gymnastics and leap into learning. For more information, call 732-294-2190.

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Community Life_____________________________

Teen Programs The Freehold Township Recreation Department conducts various exciting attractions for teenagers, such as ski/snowboard day trips, and outings to New York City for Broadway shows and sports events. Advance registration is required for all teen programs. For more information, call 732-294-2192. Volunteer Opportunities Hundreds of dedicated volunteers serve on various commissions, councils, committees, bureaus and boards. The following, listed in alphabetical order, provide an idea of the scope of municipal functions and a glimpse at the dedication of the residents who live here. Volunteers are continually in need by the fire companies and the Freehold First Aid Squad as well as all these following boards and committees which citizens are urged to participate in. ♦ Clean Communities Advisory Board - Advises the Township on anti-litter

programs and other projects that will encourage citizens to keep the community clean.

♦ Complementary Dispute Resolution Program - This citizen dispute resolution program, conducted under the guidance of the Municipal Court, is intended to resolve minor disputes to provide citizens of Freehold Township with convenient access to dispute resolution processes that are fair, effective, inexpensive and expeditious.

♦ Emergency Management Council - Reviews every legally required emergency management plan that is prepared by Freehold Township business and government entities.

♦ Environmental Commission - Reviews all site plans for conformance to environmental codes and recommends new environmental programs and ordinances to the Township Committee.

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_____________________________Community Life ♦ Fire Prevention Bureau - Reviews all site plans for conformance with the

fire codes and develops and recommends fire safety programs ♦ Historic Preservation Commission - Researches, records and protects the

history of Freehold Township. ♦ Human Relations Council - Provides reviews of any matters involving the

human rights of all citizens. ♦ Insurance Advisory Committee - Reviews all Township insurance

programs and recommends changes to the Township Committee. ♦ Lake Topanemus Commission - In conjunction with Freehold Borough,

develops programs for the operation, use, maintenance and protection of Lake Topanemus.

♦ Recreation Commission Volunteer Coach - Serve as a volunteer coach or assistance coach for a youth or adult sport organization.

♦ Street Name Review Committee - Examines all site plans containing proposed streets to ensure a systematic development of street names.

♦ Transportation Board - Works with surrounding municipalities and various state officials to improve commuter transportation.

♦ Youth Guidance Council - Acts as an arm of the Juvenile Court to adjudicate lesser offenses committed by minors.

For more information, call 732-294-2000. Mission Statement: The Township of Freehold will continue to be recognized as a leader in municipal government by providing efficient, value added, and high quality services to the public, while preserving and enhancing the quality of life and historic character of the community. Our employees will be empowered to apply innovative, collaborative, cost effective solutions to provide effective services to our customers (the public). We will remain committed to family values, and organizational stability. Our services will be delivered in a compassionate, respectful manner that will exceed the expectations of our customers.

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Your Government___________________________ Freehold Township Committee Freehold Township is governed by five Committee persons, each of whom is elected for a three-year term. Their terms are staggered, so that two members are elected in each of two years, with a fifth member in the third year. At the beginning of each year, the Committee persons elect one of their members to serve as Mayor and another as Deputy Mayor for that year. This five member Committee governs the Township, and is empowered to enact local ordinances, levy municipal taxes, and conduct the affairs of this community. In almost all cases, it can review and approve the actions of other Freehold Township boards, committees and agencies. The Township Committee conducts virtually all of its business at meetings open to the public. These usually occur on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Municipal Building on Schanck and Stillwells Corner Road, and all residents are encouraged to attend. The Township Committee is assisted in governing the Township by a trained and dedicated staff. In addition, there are many other municipal bodies charged with specific administrative responsibilities. While they are either hired or appointed by the Township Committee, some are fully autonomous and some are semi-autonomous. Only two, the Board of Health and the Shade Tree Commission, have limited powers to pass ordinances within their own domain. Board of Adjustment The Board’s central responsibility is to administer the Township’s zoning ordinances. This usually involves the granting or denial of exceptions, called variances, to those ordinances. This is the Board’s “adjusting” function from which it receives its title. Members of the Board are appointed by the Township Committee and serve for four-year staggered terms. The Board currently meets at 7:30 PM, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the Municipal Building.

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___________________________Your Government This “quasi-judicial body” is granted the following power: ♦ To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order

or decision based on enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. ♦ To hear and decide requests for special exceptions or for interpretations of

the zoning law. ♦ To grant variances where the withholding of such will inflict undue

hardship upon the applicant. Board of Health The Board’s primary responsibility is to protect the health of the citizens of the Township by monitoring and preventing the spread of disease within the boundaries of the Township. The Board of Health is one of the only two bodies, outside of the Township Committee, which has the authority to pass ordinances which relate to their specific activities. The Board of Health currently meets at 7 PM, on the second Thursday of each month in the Municipal Building. The Board actively supervises the Freehold Township Health Department which, in effect, enforces policies and provides services deemed necessary by the Board of Health. The Health Department consists of a Director of Public Health, four Health inspectors, an Animal Control Officer and support staff. Contracts for public health nursing, childhood immunizations and maternal-child health services exist with the Visiting Nurse Agency of Central Jersey (VNACJ), formerly known as MCOSS. Other services provided by the Health Department include the inspection of restaurants, food markets and food handling establishments; monitoring of septic systems and private wells; investigation of environmental and public health nuisance complaints; monitoring and controlling communicable diseases; dog licensing, animal and rabies control; and the senior citizen flu immunization program.

For more information, call 732-294-2060.

-30- Your Government___________________________ Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners The Board’s primary responsibilities are to formulate plans for the development and improvement of public park and playground lands now or hereafter owned by the Township; to propose methods for the proper maintenance and care of such lands; and to formulate rules and regulations for the public use of parks and playgrounds. The nine members of the Board are appointed by the Township Committee and serve for five-year staggered terms. The Board meets at 7:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Michael J. Tighe Park. In addition, the Board develops and maintains a multi-faceted program of recreational activities for all age groups. An overview on some of these programs can also be found in the "Community Life" section of this booklet. For more information, call the 732-294-2190. Clerk's Office The Township Clerk's Office is charged with the responsibility of recording the minutes of all Township Committee meetings, as well as processing records, filing and advertising all ordinances, resolutions, and official acts of the Township Committee. The Clerk's Office also oversees voting registration, and issues a variety of licenses and permits, including marriage, birth and death certificates. For more information, call 732-294-2010 or visit the website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us.

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___________________________Your Government Engineering Office The Township Engineer’s Office is responsible for a wide variety of functions that serve the public. These include maintaining conventional and digital mapping of the Township, supervising all construction site work, administering Township roadway projects and administering the Township’s sidewalk reimbursement program for residents. The popular and ongoing sidewalk replacement program allows property owners to be reimbursed 50% of the cost of replacing defective sidewalks along their property frontage within the normal right-of-way. Digital mapping is created and made possible with a new GIS database and other mapping received or generated by the Township. This data, as well as conventional mapping, is available to the public. For more information, call 732-294-2070 or visit the website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us. Municipal Court The initial jurisdiction for all criminal and motor vehicle violations is the Municipal Court, located in the Justice Center directly behind the Municipal Building. The Court processes complaints filed against individuals who have been charged with traffic, local ordinance or disorderly persons violations. Charges of a more serious nature, such as indictable charges, are filed initially with the municipal court and are then forwarded to the Office of the County Prosecutor. There, it is determined whether the case will be disposed of at the county level, or if it will be downgraded and returned to the municipal court for disposition. The Municipal Court has the capability of hearing cases of inmates from most of the County Jails and State Prisons via video teleconferencing, and court sessions also have digital recording. The Court holds sessions on Tuesday at 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and on Wednesday at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM.

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Your Government___________________________ For more information, call 732-294-2150, or visit the website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us, click on Department Directory, then Municipal Court, where traffic tickets can be paid for online. Office of Administration This office conducts the day-to-day operations of the Township including personnel, budget functions, purchasing, etc. The Township Administrator and the Assistant Administrator head this office and all other departments in the Township report to the Administrator. For more information, call 732-294-2001. Planning Board This board’s title is essentially descriptive. One of its two primary functions is to “plan for the future growth of the community.” Under the Municipal Land Use Law, each municipality is responsible for developing a Master Plan for its orderly development. While the governing body must approve this plan, the responsibility for its careful development and regular updating is assigned to the Planning Board. As part of this responsibility, the Board also makes recommendations on changes to the zoning ordinances. Its other primary function is to review and approve applications for minor and major subdivisions of property. To protect the applicant as well as the community, the Planning Board must perform their review functions within the parameters of the State “Municipal Land Use Law.” The Board consists of nine members and two alternates who each serve four-year staggered terms. The Mayor and one other Township Committee person, another Township official not on the governing body, and eight lay citizens appointed by the Mayor. All members work without compensation. The Board currently meets at 7:30 PM, on the first and third Thursday of each month in the Municipal Building. These meetings are open to the general public.

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___________________________Your Government Shade Tree Commission The Shade Tree Commission has numerous responsibilities and powers related to the beautification of our community. The Commission exercises full and exclusive control over the regulation, planting and care of shade and ornamental trees and shrubbery in any public right of way, park, or parkway except where specifically excluded by others. It is in charge of administering treatment to or ordering the removal of any tree situated upon private or public property which is believed to harbor a disease or insects readily communicable to neighboring healthy trees. The Commission will also require the removal of any private property tree or tree branches considered to be dangerous to public safety. The Commission provides for Township residents a booklet entitled “Homeowners Guide for Beautiful, Safe and Healthy Trees.” For a copy of the booklet write to the Commission at 1 Municipal Plaza, check the Web site at www.twp.freehold.nj.us or call 732-294-2073. The seven members of the Commission are appointed by the Township Committee and serve for five-year staggered terms. The Board meets at 7:30 PM, on the first Wednesday of each month, in the Municipal Building. For more information, call 732-294-2073 or visit the website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us. Tax Assessor The primary function of the Assessor’s Office is to place values on real property, such as commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential properties within the Township. Whenever a change or alteration is made to real property, the assessed value must be adjusted by the Assessor’s Office. Applications for tax deductions may also be obtained here. For more information, call 732-294-2040 or visit the website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us.

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Your Government___________________________ Tax Collector The Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for collecting real estate taxes and water and sewer bills. In addition, the tax collector is required by law to collect taxes imposed by the County government, the local and regional school districts and the two fire districts. Taxes in Freehold Township are due and payable February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1. There is a ten-day grace period. Applications for tax deductions may be obtained here. Freehold Township is now able to serve our residents by allowing direct bill payment utilizing automatic debit from your checking account (ACH Debit). ACH debit electronically moves your payment from your bank to ours. It is a safe, efficient process for making tax payments and/or water and sewer payments. Also handled by the tax collector is the eligibility for a reduction of property taxes. Entitled residents include qualified veteran, widow of a veteran, senior citizen, disabled person or surviving spouse of a qualified senior citizen or disabled person. For more information, call 732-294-2025 or visit the website at www.twp.freehold.nj.us. Voting To qualify to vote in Freehold Township you must be 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Freehold Township for 30 days prior to the next election, and registered to vote. Permanent registration to vote may be accomplished by mail or during any business day between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM at the Township Clerk’s Office located in the Municipal Building or at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office located at 300 Halls Mill Road.

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__________________ Your Government

__________________Western Monmouth County Any properly registered voter may apply for an absentee ballot if they will be outside the U.S or the State on election day, or will be unable to cast a ballot at the polling place due to the nature of employment, illness or physical disability, including blindness or pregnancy, observance of a religious holiday, or resident attendance at a New Jersey school, college or university. For more information, call 732-294-2010. Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders This board consists of five members elected from Monmouth County who govern the affairs of the County. At each General Election one or two members are elected to serve for a term of three years. Regular meetings of the Board are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The meetings held on the second Thursday of each month begin at 2 PM and are held in the Hall of Records. On the fourth Thursday of each month, the Freeholder’s meeting begins at 8 PM and may be held in any one of the 53 municipalities in Monmouth County. For more information, call 732-431-7387.

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Western Monmouth County__________________ Phone Numbers ♦ Office on Aging……………………………………………...732-431-7450

Hall of Records Annex, 1 E. Main St., Freehold - information and referral center regarding Medicare, nursing

homes, senior centers, retirement homes ♦ Monmouth County Department of Consumer Affairs……….732-431-7900

Veterans Memorial Building, PO Box 1255, 50 E. Main St., Freehold - investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces NJ

Consumer Fraud Act and related regulations, conducts consumer education via speaking engagements, written articles, TV and radio

♦ Monmouth County Department of Economic Development/Tourism 732-431-7476 or 800-523-2587

31 E. Main St., Freehold - provides an assortment of guides, brochures, and maps on

Monmouth’s points of interest, activities, and up-to-date information on area events

♦ Monmouth County Department of Public Information…......732-431-7310 Hall of Records Annex, 1 E. Main St., Freehold

♦ Monmouth County Court House………………………….…732-431-7000 71 Monument Park, Freehold

♦ Monmouth County Park System………………………….….732-842-4000 ♦ Monmouth County Passport Office……………………….…732-431-7353

Hall of Records, Main & Court Sts., Freehold

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_________________Western Monmouth County

CentraState Healthcare Systems 732-431-2000 901 W. Main St., Freehold, NJ 07728 www.centrastate.com

County of Monmouth 732-431-7300 Hall of Records, 1 E. Main St., Freehold, NJ 07728 www.visitmonmouth.com

GPU 800-545-7738 NJ NATURAL GAS 800-221-0051 CALL BEFORE YOU DIG 800-272-1000 POST OFFICE 200 VILLAGE DR FREEHOLD 732-431-4525 NJ TRANSIT 800-772-2222 YMCA of Western Monmouth County 732-462-0464

470 E. Freehold Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 www.ymcawesternmonmouth.org

Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce is an organization of approximately 500 for profit and not-for-profit businesses in 13 Western Monmouth municipalities. Their magazine “Panorama” lists many of the clubs and organizations available in the 200 plus square mile area they serve. For more information, call 732-462-3030.

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PHONE NUMBERS Administration 732-294-2001 Clerk's Office 732-294-2010 Construction Department 732-294-2050 Engineering Department 732-294-2070 Freehold Fire Department 732-462-2112 Freehold First Aid 732-308-1515 Health Department 732-294-2060 Monmouth County Government 732-431-7000 Municipal Offices 732-294-2000 Municipal Court 732-294-2150 Parks & Recreation 732-294-2190 Police 732-462-7908 Public Information Officer/Municipal Access Channel

732-294-2033

Road and Recycling 732-294-2160 Senior Center 732-294-2029 Shade Tree Commission 732-294-2073 Tax Assessor 732-294-2040 Tax Collector 732-294-2025 Water and Sewer Utilities 732-294-2170 Billing Services 732-294-2023 Emergency and Repair 732-431-0121

Website 732-294-2033

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INDEX Community Life Adult and youth programs 25 Camps 26 Family Fun Day 26 Preschool programs 26 Senior programming 26 Teen programs 27 Volunteer opportunities 27 Government Board of Adjustment 29 Board of Health 30 Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners 31 Clerk's Office 31 Engineering Office 32 Freehold Township Committee 29 Municipal Court 32 Office of Administration 33 Planning Board 33 Shade Tree Commission 34 Tax Assessor 34 Tax Collector 35 Voting 35 Neighborhood and Home Building permits 5

Commuter parking permits 7 Dog licenses 8 Garbage, recycling 6

Handicapped placards 8

Lost or stray animals 8 Motor vehicles 7

Swimming pools 9 Water and sewer utilities 9 Parks Park sites 19 Picnic reservations 21 Safety Emergencies 22 Fire protection 22 First Aid service 23 Personal safety tips 23 Police Department 24 Reporting Crime 25 Schools Child study team 12

District directory 10 Public schools 11 School closings 12 Services and Resources Township Website 13

CentraState Medical Center 13 Complementary Dispute Resolution program 14 Libraries 15 Licenses 15 Maintenance services 16 Newspapers 16 Senior Center 17 Transportation 17 Utility companies 18

Western Monmouth County

County services 36 Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders 36

Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce 39