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ANNOUNCEMENTS

• This message was received May 16 from Bristol Township Emergency Management. There is an incident at Dow Chemical in Croydon that is causing an unpleasant odor in surrounding areas. If you smell the odor, we recommend you close all doors and windows and limit your exposure to the odor. For more information contact the hotline 215-781-4600

• The Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a survey in an attempt to collect information about flooding damages that have been incurred along the Assunpink Creek and tributaries in Lawrence.  It is not limited to the Hurricane Irene/T.S. Lee events. The attached form can be used to participate in the study. 

• Sewer bill payments are due on Friday, June 1st. Payments received after June 11th will be subject to interest charges accrued from the June 1st due date.

• NEW JERSEY WATER TO RESUME CHLORAMINE TREATMENT - New Jersey American Water has resumed the use of chloramine (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) to treat water at its Canal Road and Raritan Millstone Water Treatment Plants, which serve customers in parts of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union Counties. Please see attached press release for more details.

• Click here to see the Introduced 2012 Budget

• The Lawrence Township Health Department is working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to improve awareness about the effects of radon. Free radon testing kits are now available in the Health Department. For more details about this program click on the attached press release.

• Township of Lawrence 2011 to 2012 Assessment Change Data.

• Please see Press Release regarding recent print article on the Red Light Camera at Route #1 at Franklin Corner Road/Bakers Basin Road.

• Please see 2012 Budget Presentation from the Township Council meeting of February 7th.

• Resolution No. 340-10 regarding Lawrence Township's introducing legislation that would remove the current property tax exemptions for not-for-profit educational institutions.

• The 2012 Municipal Budget Recommendation was presented at the Council meeting on January 17th. Please see attached.

• Lawrence Township Health Department April Activities include a monthly screening and educational program at the Senior Center. Please see attached flyer further details about the Screening/Lecture program.

• Lawrence Township has done it again! The Township has been awarded Sustainable Jersey Bronze certification for the third year in a row. Please see attached press release.

• The New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency has announced the "New Jersey HomeKeeper Program" funded through a grant from United States Treasury's Hardest Hit Fund. The program offers financial help to homeowners who are in danger of losing their home as a direct result of unemployment or underemployment. It provides assistance in the form of a second mortgage loan whereby the proceeds may be used to cover arrearages and/or an approved amount of the homeowner's monthly mortgage payment, including property taxes, property insurance, and mortgage insurance. Program details are available online at www.njhomekeeper.gov or the toll-free HomeKeeper call center at (855)-NJ-KEEP-1.

• Foreclosure Fast Facts: A 2-page listing of assistance, numbers to call and general assistance, including counseling agencies experienced in foreclosure: www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/foreclosureprevention_resources.pdf

• The NJ HOPE (Home Ownership Preservation Effort) website provides information about resources that are available for homeowners who are delinquent in their mortgage payments, need counseling or have questions: www.state.nj.us/dobi/njhope

• New information for Lawrence Township Comcast customers regarding changes to service effective January 2012. Please see attached letter from Comcast.

• Caring for trees...click for information.

• Effective January 1, 2011, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is banning the disposal of all "covered electronic devices". Covered electronic devices include televisions, computers, monitors, and portable/laptop computers. Please do not place any of these items in your blue cart for disposal. These items MUST be recycled! You can visit www.state.nj.us/dep and click on "recycling & planning" for additional recources. Please see Public Work's new drop-off information. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the Public Works Department at 609-587-1894 for assistance.

• The Shade Tree Advisory Committee has marked the Township’s 14th year as a Tree City with a brochure highlighting the benefits derived from trees and the memorial tree program. Click here to view brochure.

• LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP 2010 REPORT OF AUDIT: The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010 has been submitted and accepted by the Lawrence Township Council. The 2010 CAFR contained no negative findings or recommendations on the fiscal activity of the Lawrence Township municipal government. See full the report Financial Audit for 2010.

• ENERGY REBATE: Expanded incentives for residents, businesses and local governments have been made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). More information for residents may be found at NJCleanEnergy.com/arra, and details for commercial and industrial customers may be found at NJCleanEnergy.com/noniou.

• Lawrenceville’s Landmarks Guide is available for purchase...see locations.

• Are You Register Ready?  The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness have created “Register Ready” a registry program which assists people with special needs in the event of an emergency.  The program is a free, voluntary, web-based program intended to help people with special needs get to safety at the time of an emergency.

   

  Individuals with special needs or their caregivers can register electronically at www.registerready.nj.gov.  You can also register by calling New Jersey’s toll- free 2-1-1 telephone service. This service will register individuals, offer free translation and provide TYY services for the hearing impaired.

• Brush Collection Reminder: The Lawrence Township ordinance regulating brush collection requires brush to be placed at curbside no earlier than the weekend prior to the scheduled week of pickup. Christmas Trees will be collected during the regular zone pickup. Materials shall be placed no more than 4 feet from the edge of the pavement and not piled higher than 3 feet. Tree limbs in excess of 8 inches in diameter will not be collected. Limbs should be cut in lengths of 5 feet or less. Brush and leaves must be in separate piles. Brush may also be disposed of at the ecological center at 3107 Princeton Pike, Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Beginning April 2nd the center will be open Saturdays from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Any further questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 609-587-1894.

• Concept Plan Business Route #1 from NJ DOT are available in two parts:
  • Project beginning from Pear Street
  • Project ending at Lake Drive

• Help is available for paying your energy bill, winterizing or conserving energy. Click for more information.

• Utility Work: Verizon is currently installing a fiber-optic upgrade within Lawrence Township to provide cable TV, telephone, and broadband access. This work is being conducted by a contractor for Verizon in the utility easement in front of residential homes throughout the Township. Should any resident have a concern or complaint, please contact the hotline at 1-888-240-5752.