Thank you for helping to make July an absolute blast with our Red, White, and BOOM fireworks event. Our community was able to enjoy an assortment of food trucks and ice cream vendors, ahead of a fireworks display that lit up the night sky. Thank you to Bell Works for playing host to all of us.
Since school’s have let out, our town’s historical sites, seven nature parks, and serene walking trails at Bayonet Farms and Cross Farm Park have also been a big draw for local families and athletes alike. Keep in mind that we would not be able to enjoy these locations to their fullest without the efforts of our municipal employees, and the hard work they put in to maintain the grounds. When you see them out on the job, please extend your thanks.
For those of us who just want to cool off, there’s still time to become a member of the Holmdel Swim Club, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this summer. Register for a membership or come out as a guest to enjoy a swim in one of the club’s four pools. There is still time to have some fun with the entire family at an upcoming theme night, as the club will remain open seven days a week through Labor Day.
Still to come this summer is our newest camp offering, “In the Mix with DJ Menson,” a comprehensive experience that educates kids ages 9 to 15 about the music industry. Campers will learn both technical skills and performance techniques, with a culminating performance on the final day of camp, which runs from August 6-10. Don’t miss out!
August 20-24 will also be a big week for local campers, as we’ll be offering our “Drobots Camps,” which introduce kids ages 9 to 15 to drone flight and the drone industry, as well as our “Multi-Sports Camp,” which has half day and full day options for kids ages 5 to 11.
For more information or to register for our camps please visit the Township’s website (www.holmdeltownship-nj.com) or call our Recreation department at 732-946-2820 ext. 1226.
CALLAN FARM PRESERVATION
Committeeman Eric Hinds and I are thrilled to announce that the purchase of Callan Farm for farmland and open space preservation is near completion. Located at 153 Everett Road, this acquisition will protect and preserve approximately 12 acres of land. The property was designated a “target” farm by Monmouth County, and has been included in the Township’s Open Space Plan for many years. Committeeman Hinds has played an integral role in the acquisition, and has worked tirelessly with the Callan family and Township personnel to help preserve this piece of farmland for Holmdel’s future generations. I applaud all of their efforts and commitment to this process.
POWER OUTAGES
I am excited to announce that JCP&L submitted a plan for approval to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for its Reliability Plus initiative, a four-year infrastructure plan aimed to enhance the reliability and resiliency of its services during severe weather events. JCP&L representatives will be coming to the Holmdel Township Senior/Community Center Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. to make a presentation about the effort to our residents.
If approved by the BPU, JCP&L plans to increase its annual investment by approximately $400 million to acquire new equipment, as well as institute new methods of vegetation maintenance to enhance reliability and resiliency of its products, and reduce the frequency and duration of outages. We’re looking forward to working with them.
HIGH TENSION POWER LINES
On behalf of the entire Holmdel Township Committee, I am extremely pleased that back in June the BPU decided, in accordance with Judge Gail Cookson’s well-reasoned conclusion, that high-tension power lines standing up to 210 feet tall have no place in our community.
I extend my thanks to the Committee, our neighboring municipalities, counsel from the Joint Municipal Group, and Residents Against Giant Electric (RAGE) for their efforts that led to this result. And most of all I need to thank you, our residents, as we could not have obtained this decision without your continued support and grassroots opposition to the JCP&L application.
ROADWORK
There’s no escaping the multitude of roadwork projects happening around town. This infrastructure maintenance can be an inconvenience at times, but they are essential safety measures. Please visit our website for upcoming projects.
I wish you all a wonderful rest of the summer season, and look forward to seeing you around town or at an upcoming committee meeting.
Have a wonderful rest of the summer season - Mayor Tom Critelli