In an effort to reduce traffic congestion on the Route 70 corridor, motorists will no longer be permitted to make left turns from Chambers Bridge Road on to Route 70 either east or west bound beginning June 23.  This change will increase the length of green lights on both roads and permit more cars to travel through the lights.

“We have been working on answers to our traffic problems for some time and have already implemented several solutions so far,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis. “This is the simplest change to date, but we are confident that it will have the most dramatic impact on the traffic congestion that has plagued Route 70 for years.”

The changes are the result of extensive traffic studies conducted by Birdsall Engineering.  The firm studied traffic flow and traffic counts along Route 70, Chambers Bridge Road, Cedar Bridge Avenue and Brick Boulevard.

Motorists wishing to access Route 70 East from southbound Chambers Bridge Road will be required to travel to the intersection of Chambers Bridge Road and Brick Boulevard.  Motorists wishing to access Route 70 West from northbound Chambers Bridge Road will be required to use the u-turn on Ovation Way.

By eliminating left turns, the traffic on Chambers Bridge Road will be able to travel north and south bound simultaneously.  This will increase the length that lights will be green for both Chambers Bridge Road and Route 70.

“The longer the light stays green, the more cars that can go through,” said Mayor Acropolis.

This project will coincide with the reconfiguration of the intersection of Route 70 and Cedar Bridge Road.  The State is currently reconstructing that intersection and motorists will no longer be able to make a left turn from Route 70 West to Cedar Bridge Road.

Over the last few years, the Township has completed a number of projects on Route 70 in an effort to improve traffic flow.  In the past year, the Township has extended the left turn lanes Route 70 West to Chambers Bridge Road and at Route 70 West to Brick Boulevard.  A Do-Not-Block-The-Box area was designated and striped at the intersection of Route 70 and Brick Boulevard.

“Working to reduce traffic congestion has been a priority of this Council and we have been aggressively working towards this goal,” said Council President Joseph Sangiovanni.  “We have done many projects over the past four years and will continue to look for ways to keep traffic moving.”

Mayor Acropolis plans to meet with business owners to discuss future solution projects that will further improve traffic flow.  “Our engineers have come up with some interesting plans that would improve traffic flow while not limiting access to shopping centers.  I am looking forward to meeting with our businesses to share the plans with them and hear their thoughts.”

Information about the project is available on the Brick Township website, www.bricktownship.net.

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Mayor Stephen Acropolis is proud to announce Brick Township has appropriated $282,147 in federal grant monies for community non-profit organizations, housing rehabilitation, historic preservation and affordable housing and more.  The money is from the Township’s Community Block Development Grant allotment.

“Our job is to improve the quality of life of residents and our CDBG Program helps us do just that,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.  “The money we distribute through this program will have a positive impact on countless people and families.”

The Township’s CDBG efforts are administered by Rehabco/Oross Associates located on Mantoloking Road in Brick.  Grantsman Ervin Oross works with the Township to identify community needs, submit the funding applications to HUD, and disburse the funds to the local service providers.

“The Township has had a great relationship with Rehabco and, using Federal funds, we have been able to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Council President Joseph Sangiovanni.  “Being able to make a difference is why each and every one of us on the Council became involved in public service.”

$138,645 of the CDBG money will be used for the Township’s Housing Rehabilitation Program and a historic preservation project at the Hulse House on Herbertsville Road.  The Hulse House is slated to be the future base of operations for the Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission.  It will also have an office for the Township Historian.  The Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission was created in 1998 to make recommendations and advise the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment and the Township Council about designated historic landmarks.  Last year, the Township allocated $58,000 in CDBG funds for the renovation of the home, the first time CDBG monies were used to fund a historical preservation project.

The Brick Township Housing Rehabilitation Program assists low and moderate-income homeowners renovate their homes which require health and safety or code compliance upgrades. The program also includes an "emergency provision" which allows applications to be taken out of order if a home has a dangerous condition or lacks electricity, heat and/or hot water. Specific questions regarding the program or in order to obtain an application, please call Rehabco Inc at 732 477-7750.

$52,902 will be distributed to community non-profit organizations.  Recipients this year will include Oceans Harbor House ($1,000), Contact of Ocean County ($1,000), The ARC of Ocean County ($1,000), VetGroup ($4,000), Ocean County Hunger Relief ($7,000), Catholic Charities Providence House ($7,500), Dottie’s House ($10,000), Community Services, Incorporated ($10,000), Interfaith Homeless Network ($3,000), Big Brothers Big Sisters ($1,500), Caregiver Volunteers of Ocean County ($4,902), New Beginnings Youth Services ($1,000) and Destiny CD Corporation Food Pantry ($1,000).

“Non-profits across the nation are struggling to find funding so that they can continue to help people,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We are fortunate to have the chance to provide this support to non-profits that serve our community.”

The Township has allocated $33,700 for improvements to the community’s affordable housing infrastructure and $33,700 towards public facility upgrades at the Drum Point Sports Complex and curbing and sidewalks on Burnt Tavern Road near Greenbriar.  $95,792 of Federal Stimulus money will also be used for the Drum Point Sports Complex and Burnt Tavern Road projects.

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Township residents looking for help in spreading the word about their garage sale can now place an announcement on Brick Township’s municipal television station, BTV. 

“People are looking for ways to make additional income and this is one way we can lend a hand.  An announcement on BTV might end up making residents a few more dollars,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Any resident who obtains a garage sale permit can place a free announcement on the BTV bulletin board.  Residents are asked to send an email to emoroney@twp.brick.nj.us with GARAGE SALE ANNOUNCMENT in the subject line.  The email should contain the address of the sale, the date and the times of the sale and the permit number for verification.  Announcements will run for a period of one (1) week prior to the garage sale.

Garage sale permits can be obtained at the Township Clerk’s Office.  Permits are $5 and are good for three (3) consecutive days.  Residents can purchase four (4) permits a year.  The Clerk’s Office is located in the Municipal Building and is open Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.

“BTV is the community’s television station,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It is here for the betterment of our community and we want to do just that with it.”

BTV broadcasts on Comcast Channel 20 in Brick Township.  The BTV Bulletin Board can be accessed on the Brick Township Website, www.bricktownship.net.

BRICK, NJ- The Brick Township Municipal Alliance Committee (B-MAC) will host a free showing of the movie Hotel for Dogs on Friday, June 5, 2009 at 7p.m. at the Civic Plaza, Chambers Bridge Road.  B-MAC is encouraging people planning to attend to bring needed items for the Jersey Shore Animal Center to the movie.

“One of the casualties of the economic downturn was the Jersey Shore Animal Center’s annual telethon,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.  “That was an important fundraiser for them.  Now they are a bit behind the eight-ball and we are asking residents to help out and show how much Brick cares.”

Admission to the movie is free.  Each family attending is asked to please bring an item from the animal shelters wish list.  Items requested are all for the upcoming cat / kitten season and include:  KMR – Kitten Milk Replacer, Purina cat & kitten chow, flea shampoo, blankets, towels, feline pine or non-clumping litter, non-catnip toys, canned food, bleach & laundry detergent, sponges with a scrubby side and PetSmart or PetCo Gift Cards.  On hand will be representatives from the Jersey Shore Animal Shelter to accept and collect all donations made. 

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Free refreshments and popcorn will be provided for all children in attendance.

Residents wishing to contribute to this fundraiser, but cannot attend the movie night can mail a donation anytime before June 5 made payable to the ‘Jersey Shore Animal Shelter’ addressed to BMAC, 401 Chambers Bridge Rd, Brick, 08723.  For more information about the shelter, contact them at 732-920-1600.

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Brick, NJ – Brick Township has been ranked #6 in Newsmax Magazine’s rankings of the Top 25 Uniquely American cities and towns.  The rankings were compiled by noted travel expert Peter Greenberg and revealed in the May edition of the magazine.

“This is a tremendous honor for Brick Township,” said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.  “Those of us who live in Brick and grew up here know how special this community is.  This ranking is testament to that.”

The rankings were based on scores for criteria such as hospitality, wholesomeness, family-friendliness, business-friendliness, devotion to religion, culture, community activities, scenic beauty and education.  Newsmax cites Brick Township’s perennial ranking as one of the safest cities in America and Brick Township’s thriving business community as reasons for the high ranking.

Brick Township joins communities such as Wichita, Kansas, Madison, Wisconsin, Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Kansas City, Missouri on the list.  Franklin Township was the only other New Jersey community to appear on the list.

Peter Greenberg is an Emmy Award winning journalist and producer.  He serves as the Travel Editor for Today on NBC and has written several New York Times best-selling books on travel.  In determining the rankings, Mr. Greenberg wrote “To me, it’s all about community.  It’s not a question of would I visit a place or live there.  But could I call it home?  That’s the important distinction.  It’s not about size, but comfort; not about high-tech, but ‘high-touch.’  And of course, it’s about the people and the values they embrace.”

“Brick Township residents truly embody the American spirit and ideals,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We are a community of civic-minded, family oriented, hard-working Americans.  It is an honor to be able to say that I am the Mayor of this town.”

Newsmax Magazine is published by Newsmax Media, Inc.  According to the Newsmax website, more than a half million people read the magazine each month.

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Brick, NJ – Mayor Stephen Acropolis and the Brick Township Housing Authority are hosting safety luncheons for the residents of the Housing Authority’s apartment complexes.  The luncheons will be held on Tuesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 6 and will feature speakers on topics relating to safety for senior citizens.

“These safety luncheons are the outgrowth of the tragedies on Chambers Bridge Road,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I felt that it would be beneficial to the residents of the Housing Authority to have experts speak to them about safety and share their knowledge with them.”

Mayor Acropolis cites multiple fatal accidents involving pedestrians on Chambers Bridge Road in recent years as the catalyst for the luncheons.

Speakers for the luncheon include Mayor Acropolis, Brick Township Safety Inspector Joseph Gilsenan, Ocean County Consumer Affairs Director Stephen Scaturro, Ocean County Office of Senior Services Director Jane Maloney (Wednesday) and Rich Orlando of the Brick Township Board of Fire Commissioners.  Topics for the luncheon include pedestrian safety, consumer safety, etc.

The luncheon is free to attend for residents of the Housing Authority.  The May 5 luncheon will be held at the Conway Apartment Building and the May 6 luncheon will be held at the Forge Pond Apartment Building.

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Brick, NJ –  Construction has started on installation of sidewalks in the Midstreams area.  The project is being funded through a Safe Routes to School Grant.

“This is a great project for the Midstreams community.  Not only will it make the journey to and from school safer, it will hopefully encourage more kids to get active and walk there,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Brick Township was awarded a Safe Routes to School Grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.  The federally-funded Safe Routes to School program aims to encourage people to lead healthy and active lifestyles from an early age by increasing the number of students who walk to school. The program is also designed to reduce fuel consumption, air pollution, and traffic near schools.

“This construction isn’t costing our taxpayers any of their property tax dollars,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It is funded entirely through the grant.  We will continue to work to get grants to pay for important projects such as this.”

The Township awarded a contract to R & B Builders, South River, for the construction project.  The project entails installation of sidewalks on Midstreams Road, Orion Drive, Meridian Drive, River Park Drive and Colonial Drive as well as curbing and drainage work.  The project is expected to take approximately 60 days.

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Brick, NJ – Brick Township has been awarded a $1,000,000 matching grant by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program.  The grant money will be used to fund the development of the Trader’s Cove Marina Park on Mantoloking Road.

“We are excited and grateful to have been awarded this matching grant,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.  “One million dollars is more than we expected but it shows that the state recognizes the value of this project and the positive impact it is going to have on not only our community, but the Jersey Shore.”

Brick Township received the largest municipal matching grant in the State.  The grant will help fund the development of the site into one of the finest waterfront parks in New Jersey.  Trader’s Cove will provide waterfront access and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors to the community.

“I have always said grants are a win-win for the taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This grant will help us invest in our community’s future while lifting some of the burden off of our taxpayers.”

This grant will bring total Green Acres funding for Trader’s Cove to nearly $5,000,000.  Green Acres has earmarked over $3.7 million for the acquisition of the property.  The Township became eligible for that reimbursement earlier this year when Mayor Acropolis signed a restricted deed preserving the property from residential development forever.

Future plans for the site include a boardwalk/promenade area, an office building, ample parking areas, a kayak/canoe launch, an ADA-accessible playground and a water play area.

Brick Township has received money from Green Acres in the past to help preserve open space and to develop recreational facilities and amenities such as the Drum Point Sports Complex, Bayside Park, Ocean Beach I & III, Sawmill Tract, Frede Park and Arrowhead Park among others.

“We have an outstanding relationship with Green Acres.  They see what we have done with their investments in the past and they know that we will give the people a good return on Green Acres’ money,” said Mayor Acropolis.

Brick Township purchased Trader’s Cove in 2005 to stop potential residential development on the waterfront property.  The Township partnered with Ocean County, the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program and several other entities to purchase the property.

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Brick, NJ – The next time you call the Brick Township Municipal Building, it may be your neighbor who answers the phone.

Last week, Township residents began volunteering their time to work at the reception desk in the Brick Township Municipal Building and provide switchboard assistance.  Mayor Stephen Acropolis reached out to members of the Senior Advisory Committee and urged them to consider volunteering at the Municipal Building.

“I spoke with our Senior Advisory Committee and told them how we are doing more with less,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “We are operating at an almost bare minimum in town hall.  They listened to what we are doing and appreciated our efforts to rein in costs.  I asked them to consider helping and the response was very enthusiastic.”

The employee who worked at the reception desk retired on March 31.  In keeping with the staff reduction by attrition policy, the Township has not filled her position.  Instead, employees have been manning the desk in shifts.  “Many of our offices are already stretched thin.  Having an employee leave for an hour to cover the switchboard can present difficulties,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “Anytime we can get a volunteer to cover the desk and switchboard, it helps our organization.”

Mayor Acropolis would like volunteers to help in offices throughout town hall and is considering appointing an employee to serve as Volunteer Coordinator.  “There is a lot that volunteers could help with such as making copies, phone coverage, filing and more,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “This could help our employees focus on serving the residents and taxpayers even better.”

“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, meet new people and help us reduce the costs of government,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I encourage anyone who has some free time to consider helping out at town hall.”

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Municipal Building should call the Mayor’s Office at 732-262-1240.

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“This is a great opportunity for residents to share their thoughts, concerns and suggestions about our community with me in an intimate, one-on-one setting,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “It is also a great opportunity for me to meet residents and hear what they want from their local government and how we can serve them even better.  I am looking forward to it.”

Mayor Acropolis will continue to have an open door policy during traditional work hours.  “My office door is always open for any resident who wants to meet with me,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “These additional office hours will accommodate those residents who may not have the opportunity to come to town hall during the day and is another example of my commitment to improving service to our residents.”

The office hours sessions will be held on a bi-weekly basis.  Residents wishing to meet with Mayor Acropolis should call 732-262-1240 to schedule an appointment.  Walk-ins will be accommodated after residents who make appointments.

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