Category: Uncategorized

Authorities have revealed another detail in the brutal killings of an Ocean County man and the woman he was dating — both adults were shot in the face in addition to being stabbed repeatedly.

Sherry Lee Heffernan, 55, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, was arrested on Oct. 5, accused of the murders of her own father, John Enders and Francoise Pitoy in Enders’ waterfront home on Long Beach Island.

Hefferman now faces two more illegal weapons possession charges stemming from a handgun, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.

The 87-year-old Enders and 75-year-old Pitoy, of Manchester, were found on Oct. 3 when Surf City Police responded to do a wellness check and discovered the bloody scene.

Enders’ cause of death had already been determined as multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, Billhimer said.

A day later, an autopsy on Pitoy found her cause of death to be multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the face.

That prompted the Medical Examiner to recheck Enders’ body, which confirmed a gunshot wound to the face among his fatal injuries.

Heffernan previously was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two illegal weapons possession counts, stemming from a knife.

Investigators believe the elderly couple, who had dated for about 15 years, was actually killed several days before the grisly discovery.

Surveillance cameras on the Route 72 bridge very early Sept. 29 captured footage of Heffernan driving towards LBI in her 2003 Ford Winnebago, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

Other surveillance footage and documentation also track her return home, the affidavit said.

Ocean County Sheriff’s Office detectives later found blood stains inside the RV, officials said.

At the time of the killings, the $2 million house had been listed online as a pending sale.

The property has since been taken off-market.

With previous reporting by Dan Alexander

Red flags for someone who claims to be from New Jersey

TRENTON – School officials say the bus driver shortage isn’t abating, which is leading to some New Jersey students not getting back home at the end of the day until nearly sunset.

Some students won’t get home until after the sun is down, once clocks are turned back when Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 7.

At a meeting of the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on the Public Schools, school leaders said that although school bus regulations are largely driven by the federal government, there are ways for the state to help:

• Lobby the federal government to drop the ‘under the hood’ and mechanical knowledge requirement for school bus drivers to pass the commercial driver’s license test
• Improve the scheduling and administration of commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams by the Motor Vehicle Commission, such as by reallocating staff to expedite the process
• Bring in National Guard members to drive buses, like in Massachusetts
• Engage in direct outreach and matching of individuals with CDLs to school bus routes through incentives, like in New York
• Allow 15-passenger vans to be used to transport students with a temporary state waiver from the CDL requirement

“Supply has not met demand, and if students are not in buildings, they cannot learn,” said Harry Lee, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Charter School Association, who said a statewide approach is needed, not a district-level one.

“We have routes not running, and we have students being picked up an hour and a half before school starts and being dropped over two hours after the end of our day,” said Sarah Bilotti, superintendent of the North Warren Regional School District.

Plainfield runs 16 buses rather than its target of 37, meaning some students don’t get home until 5 or 6 o’clock in the evening – including kindergarteners and first graders.

Toms River changed the start time for five of its 19 schools because the district is 30 bus drivers short. The last of four tiers of students to be bussed home hits traffic and consistently gets home 30 to 45 minutes late.

The changes to the CDL test for bus drivers were brought up a few times at the committee meeting.

“Bus drivers are not truck drivers. They don’t have to go under the hood,” said Christine Burton, superintendent of schools in Millburn. “They fall back on calling for a backup bus.”

“Bus drivers drive buses. They don’t repair them,” said Tony Trongone, the superintendent of schools in Millville.

Michael Symons is State House bureau chief for New Jersey 101.5. Contact him at michael.symons@townsquaremedia.com.

Among the many earthy, orange pumpkins you and your kids may see lining New Jersey residents’ front porches or adorning their doorsteps this Halloween, you might also spot an occasional gourd that’s been painted a bright bluish-green.

More than likely, that indicates a household is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which since 2013 has amplified the obstacles families with children who have food allergies face every year around trick-or-treating time.

Tiffany Leon, a registered dietitian and senior manager of training and professional programs for Food Allergy Research & Education, or FARE, said that there are nine foods or food groups that account for 90% of all food allergies in the United States.

And while you probably won’t find traces of fish or shellfish in any Halloween candy, there could well be peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, or sesame.

“There are 32 million Americans that have a food allergy, and 1 in 13 children are living with food allergies, and there are many others that are impacted,” Leon said.

The Teal Pumpkin Project doesn’t ask households to eliminate candy altogether from their Halloween offerings, but just to keep anything edible separated from favors that are available for all to take.

The idea is to promote safety and inclusivity, Leon said, and to make Oct. 31 more about collecting tokens from each home rather than just diving in and eating all of them.

“A teal pumpkin outside your home signifies that you have non-edible treats like playing cards, or simple crayons, that sort of thing,” she said. “For those kids that are looking forward to this holiday but that have food allergies, this is just another way for them to be able to participate with their peers.”

One thing candy buyers may not be aware of, but should be, according to Leon, is the supermarket or drugstore “variety pack” that contains different types of candy within a single, larger bag.

Even if each candy is individually wrapped, that could cause problems.

“The smaller, ‘fun-size’ candy bars may have different allergens or be made in different facilities than the full-size candy bars,” Leon said.

Leon invites anyone who plans on participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project this year to add their address to an interactive map at tealpumpkinproject.org.

UNION CITY – Governor Phil Murphy, alongside New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Senator Brian P. Stack, today announced a proposed investment of over $100 million in urban parks, playgrounds, open spaces, and other local park improvement projects through the Green Acres Program. The over $100 million proposal, which is pending final approval by the Garden State Preservation Trust, would establish new parks and expand existing ones, develop athletic fields and playgrounds, improve access to waterways, create open spaces, build flood resilience, and enhance stewardship by restoring lands for nature and public enjoyment. New Jersey has more than 20 percent of its land dedicated to parks and wildlife – more than any other state in the continental United States. 

“With these investments, we will take another significant step toward ensuring all New Jersey communities have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the benefits of natural resource conservation,” said Governor Murphy. “The proposed projects will provide equitable and meaningful access to urban parks, help address the impacts of climate change, and advance our long-term resilience goals. Investing in our communities through these projects will improve the quality of life for families living across New Jersey now and in the future.”

“From our incredible Green Acres investments in local parks, to our historic investments in the restoration of natural resources throughout the state, including at Liberty State Park, our Administration has put its money where its heart is,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “With Governor Murphy’s vision and leadership, we are accelerating our work to put all of New Jersey’s residents in touch with their environment, with a long overdue focus on those communities that have not shared equally in the environmental benefits of our great state.”

For this round of Green Acres funding, applicants were encouraged to develop projects that anticipate and address climate change impacts, advance long-term resilience goals, provide equitable and meaningful public access, and maximize social, environmental and health benefits to the public, particularly within overburdened communities.

The Garden State Preservation Trust will consider the following recommended allocations:

• $42.2 million in grants and loans for 49 park development projects in urban, suburban and rural communities. Nearly 84 percent of these funds are for local park development projects and land acquisitions in municipalities with overburdened communities;
• $35.8 million in grants and loans for 57 county and municipal land acquisitions projects;
• $8.8 million for acquisition projects by 14 nonprofit organizations;
• $4.9 million for park development projects by 11 nonprofit organizations;
• $2.3 million for 10 local stewardship projects; and,
• $901,000 for six nonprofit stewardship projects.

The Garden State Preservation Trust will forward its final recommendations to the Legislature for funding approval.

Other funding allocations include:

• $54.5 million for improvements to state parks, forests and wildlife management areas;
• $38.4 million for the state to acquire and preserve open space;
• $6 million in the FY21 and FY22 budgets for land acquisition, park development, and historic preservation projects in overburdened communities, through a new Urban Parks initiative to promote environmental equity. Eligible communities were invited to apply for funding and 13 will receive grants;
• $4.6 million for the Blue Acres Buyout Program to purchase flood-prone properties.

Some of the major Urban Parks Grants include:

• Renovating Tippin’s Pond Park in Pennsauken, Camden County, with fishing docks, viewing platforms, trail improvements and volleyball courts;
• Acquiring a half-acre property, demolishing a former firehouse on site and creating a firehouse-themed splash park for children in Guttenberg, Hudson County;
• Acquiring an 11.5-acre parcel in Edison Township, Middlesex County, to create a waterfront park;
• Expanding the Holmes A. Adams Recreation Complex in Neptune City, Monmouth County; and,
• Stabilizing the historic Colt Gun Mill on the Allied Textile Printing site in Paterson, Passaic County, to preserve the mill and transform the property for passive open space.

Some of the major local projects approved for matching Green Acres grants and loans include:

BERGEN COUNTY

• Multiple improvements would be made to Riverside County Park South in Lyndhurst and North Arlington, including a new all-access point at Park Street and a foot path connection at the Bergen Avenue and River Road intersection. An extended walkway system with footbridges and lighting; fitness stations; a playground and spray park with safety surfacing; riverfront overlooks; a relocated baseball field; a pavilion; landscaping, fencing, stormwater management improvements and more are also proposed.
• Basketball courts and walkways would be improved at Carver Park, while playground and athletic field improvements are proposed for Columbus Park, both in Hackensack.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

• The second phase of improvements at Willingboro Lakes Park in Willingboro would expand parking and improve public access to the lakes and Rancocas Creek.
• Sports lighting would be added to two baseball/softball fields at the Pemberton Sports Complex, and to two football fields, a practice field and a game field at Nesbit Park in Pemberton.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

• The Joseph E. Romano Sports Complex in Vineland would use its grant to develop an inclusive playground and sensory garden, exercise circuit stations around the existing running/walking track, and construct restrooms.

ESSEX COUNTY

• Oval Park in East Orange would see multiple improvements: a turf restoration of the multi-purpose playing field, constructing a circuit rubberized walking path encircling the field, razing and rebuilding the field house, resurfacing the basketball courts, adding spectator seating, and landscaping.
• Newark, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, would develop Broadway Park to include playgrounds, playing fields, additional lighting, art, rain gardens and a community garden.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

• The existing grassed football field at South Delsea Drive Park in Glassboro would be replaced with a synthetic turf multi-purpose field that can be used for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.

HUDSON COUNTY

• Kearny proposes improvements at Passaic Avenue and Bellevue Turnpike, including a new floating dock and ramps along the Passaic River shoreline, riverbank stabilization, bulkhead reconstruction and stabilizing the area around the boathouse. A new gazebo picnic area is also proposed. Additionally, the town would upgrade the existing soccer and baseball fields at Harvey Field to synthetic turf and convert an existing parking lot to a green infrastructure permeable surface to improve drainage. Sidewalks also would be installed.
• Union City proposes to acquire a small land parcel on Palisade Avenue to demolish an existing building there and redevelop it with a soccer field for younger children.

MERCER COUNTY

• The former American Biltrite Rubber site at 3 Amtico Square in Trenton would be converted into a skatepark with lighting and a shade structure. Several multi-purpose game courts would be constructed at the park for bicycle polo, street soccer, tennis, basketball and volleyball. Additionally, a trail would be built along the creek toward Capital City Farm and the D &R Canal Towpath.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

• Old Bridge would develop the Cottrell Farm property over four phases. Phases 2 through 4 propose a walking/fitness trail, splash pad, community/memorial garden, gazebo and picnic grove with pavilion,  playground, amphitheater, parking improvements, various landscaping upgrades, stormwater management improvements and a restroom building.
• The Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex in Perth Amboy would see multiple improvements including the conversion of four grass baseball fields to synthetic turf multi-purpose fields for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. An expanded patio and picnic area with a shade structure, sheltered dugouts, scoreboards, landscaping, fencing, stormwater management improvements and a walking trail connecting to Willow Pond Park are also proposed.

OCEAN COUNTY

• Brick would complete the third phase of a multi-park improvement project at Bayside Park, with playground equipment and safety surfacing, shade structures, fish bait cleaning stations and safety ladders, walkways, lighting, utilities, irrigation, security improvements, landscaping and parking lot work.

PASSAIC COUNTY

• The county, city and the Trust for Public Land are partnering to do multiple upgrades at Dundee Island Park in Passaic City. A second phase of improvements proposes improved parking, a refurbished soccer field, playground and spray park, exercise equipment area, community garden, boat launch, river walk and landscaping.
• Passaic plans improvements at Veteran’s Memorial Park and Pulaski Park. Baseball field lighting and drainage, playground safety surfacing, parking lot improvements, tennis court rehabilitation and lighting, basketball court lighting and landscaping are proposed for Veteran’s Memorial Park.  Pulaski Park would get a new fitness trail, pump track, bike park, dog park, playground equipment, landscaping and security cameras.

UNION COUNTY

• Improvements to the pool and playground area are planned at the Rushmore Avenue Recreational Complex in Plainfield. The kiddie pool would be replaced with a splash pad and the city would construct a new pavilion and asphalt walkway. Park benches, picnic tables, and a decorative park entranceway arch are also proposed.
• Home Terrace Park in Roselle would undergo significant renovations including the relocation  and installation of playground equipment with a rubber safety surface, construction of a splash park and concrete walkways, and installation of decorative lights, park benches and landscaping. 

“Everyone in New Jersey deserves quality parks and recreation facilities that give children places to play, help connect us to nature, improve our physical and mental health, and enhance quality of life, especially in our most vulnerable and overburdened communities,” said Martha Sullivan Sapp, Director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program. “These proposed grants and loans enhance the Murphy Administration’s historic commitment to environmental justice on all levels, helping to improve public health and drive economic development statewide.”

“I am excited for all the changes that are coming to our community thanks to the Green Acres funding award,” said Senator Brian P. Stack. “As a mayor in one of the mostly densely populated areas in the state, my administration has focused on the creation and preservation of green spaces for community and recreational use. I have made it my mission to bring equity to our community in form of green spaces and through the maintenance of our local parks. Special thanks to Governor Phil Murphy and his administration for their commitment to the preservation of green spaces.”

For the complete list of projects proposed for funding, visit www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres.

We demand a re-count.

Listen to Diana Tyler nights on 92.7 WOBM and download our free 92.7 WOBM app.

You reading this, and I both know that Ocean County has some of the best beaches in The Garden State. Heck, it’s literally called OCEAN county.

So I was a bit disappointed to read the list of the 15 Best Beaches in NJ from The Crazy Tourist – because out of the 15 beaches that made the list, only 3 were from Ocean County. That’s not okay.

The beaches that got the recognition they deserve are Point Pleasant, LBI, and Lavallette. It looks like parking, attractions, and closeness to NYC were factored in the decision-making.

I’m going to take the liberty of adding a few more of our amazing Ocean County Beaches to the list, but before I do, check out The Crazy Tourist’s Full Top 15 List:

• Asbury Park Beach
• Point Pleasant
• Long Beach Island
• Spring Lake Beach
• Cape May
• Belmar Beach
• Ocean Grove Beach
• Lavallette Beach
• Sandy Hook Beach
• Wildwoods
• Seven Mile Beach
• Avon by the Sea
• Atlantic City Beach
• Fisherman’s Cove
• Keansburg Beach

Now for the fun part. Keep scrolling to see the Ocean County Beaches that were forgotten on the list.

Do you think these towns should have made the cut?

Now, check out the 20 Worst NJ Towns to Live

(POINT PLEASANT BEACH) – An iconic Point Pleasant Beach restaurant that announced over the weekend it was closing its doors after serving locals and visitors for over 35 years will restart under new ownership.

On Saturday, Frankie’s Bar & Grill owner Jeffrey Palumbo announced the closing via a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, “After making countless friends and memories spanning over 2 decades, I bid farewell!! It was a great run!!”

The restaurant, which has been a staple in town since 1985, was bought out by Chefs International. All current employees of Frankie’s will remain working at the restaurant to prepare for the reopening or sister restaurants owned by the Point Pleasant Beach restaurant group that operates Jack Baker’s Lobster Shanty, Wharfside Patio Bar and Jack Baker’s Wharfside Restaurant in Point Pleasant Beach until the restaurant reopens, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

According to the Asbury Park Press, Chefs International purchased its sister restaurant, Rod’s Olde Irish Tavern in Sea Girt last year, as well. Additionally, the Asbury Park Press reported that the group will also be working with Frankie’s chef Dennis Sullivan, “to bring back a pre-COVID Frankie’s menu that includes their signature 10-ounce hand-formed burger chargrilled behind the main bar.”

Frankie’s Bar & Grill will reopen after a transfer of its liquor license, according to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The Asbury Park Press reported the restaurant will not be renamed.

“We appreciate the support we’ve seen from our community for so many years and we hope to be serving you for many more. We will post any and all updates on reopening here to our page. We can’t wait to see you all again soon!,” in a message the restaurant posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

For any inquiries about Frankie’s please email them at frankies@chefsint.com.

UNION CITY – Governor Phil Murphy, alongside New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Senator Brian P. Stack, today announced a proposed investment of over $100 million in urban parks, playgrounds, open spaces, and other local park improvement projects through the Green Acres Program. The over $100 million proposal, which is pending final approval by the Garden State Preservation Trust, would establish new parks and expand existing ones, develop athletic fields and playgrounds, improve access to waterways, create open spaces, build flood resilience, and enhance stewardship by restoring lands for nature and public enjoyment. New Jersey has more than 20 percent of its land dedicated to parks and wildlife – more than any other state in the continental United States.

“With these investments, we will take another significant step toward ensuring all New Jersey communities have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the benefits of natural resource conservation,” said Governor Murphy. “The proposed projects will provide equitable and meaningful access to urban parks, help address the impacts of climate change, and advance our long-term resilience goals. Investing in our communities through these projects will improve the quality of life for families living across New Jersey now and in the future.”

“From our incredible Green Acres investments in local parks, to our historic investments in the restoration of natural resources throughout the state, including at Liberty State Park, our Administration has put its money where its heart is,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “With Governor Murphy’s vision and leadership, we are accelerating our work to put all of New Jersey’s residents in touch with their environment, with a long overdue focus on those communities that have not shared equally in the environmental benefits of our great state.”

For this round of Green Acres funding, applicants were encouraged to develop projects that anticipate and address climate change impacts, advance long-term resilience goals, provide equitable and meaningful public access, and maximize social, environmental and health benefits to the public, particularly within overburdened communities.

The Garden State Preservation Trust will consider the following recommended allocations:

• $42.2 million in grants and loans for 49 park development projects in urban, suburban and rural communities. Nearly 84 percent of these funds are for local park development projects and land acquisitions in municipalities with overburdened communities;
• $35.8 million in grants and loans for 57 county and municipal land acquisitions projects;
• $8.8 million for acquisition projects by 14 nonprofit organizations;
• $4.9 million for park development projects by 11 nonprofit organizations;
• $2.3 million for 10 local stewardship projects; and,
• $901,000 for six nonprofit stewardship projects.

The Garden State Preservation Trust will forward its final recommendations to the Legislature for funding approval.

Other funding allocations include:

• $54.5 million for improvements to state parks, forests and wildlife management areas;
• $38.4 million for the state to acquire and preserve open space;
• $6 million in the FY21 and FY22 budgets for land acquisition, park development, and historic preservation projects in overburdened communities, through a new Urban Parks initiative to promote environmental equity. Eligible communities were invited to apply for funding and 13 will receive grants;
• $4.6 million for the Blue Acres Buyout Program to purchase flood-prone properties.

Some of the major Urban Parks Grants include:

• Renovating Tippin’s Pond Park in Pennsauken, Camden County, with fishing docks, viewing platforms, trail improvements and volleyball courts;
• Acquiring a half-acre property, demolishing a former firehouse on site and creating a firehouse-themed splash park for children in Guttenberg, Hudson County;
• Acquiring an 11.5-acre parcel in Edison Township, Middlesex County, to create a waterfront park;
• Expanding the Holmes A. Adams Recreation Complex in Neptune City, Monmouth County; and,
• Stabilizing the historic Colt Gun Mill on the Allied Textile Printing site in Paterson, Passaic County, to preserve the mill and transform the property for passive open space.

Some of the major local projects approved for matching Green Acres grants and loans include:

BERGEN COUNTY

• Multiple improvements would be made to Riverside County Park South in Lyndhurst and North Arlington, including a new all-access point at Park Street and a foot path connection at the Bergen Avenue and River Road intersection. An extended walkway system with footbridges and lighting; fitness stations; a playground and spray park with safety surfacing; riverfront overlooks; a relocated baseball field; a pavilion; landscaping, fencing, stormwater management improvements and more are also proposed.
• Basketball courts and walkways would be improved at Carver Park, while playground and athletic field improvements are proposed for Columbus Park, both in Hackensack.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

• The second phase of improvements at Willingboro Lakes Park in Willingboro would expand parking and improve public access to the lakes and Rancocas Creek.
• Sports lighting would be added to two baseball/softball fields at the Pemberton Sports Complex, and to two football fields, a practice field and a game field at Nesbit Park in Pemberton.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

• The Joseph E. Romano Sports Complex in Vineland would use its grant to develop an inclusive playground and sensory garden, exercise circuit stations around the existing running/walking track, and construct restrooms.

ESSEX COUNTY

• Oval Park in East Orange would see multiple improvements: a turf restoration of the multi-purpose playing field, constructing a circuit rubberized walking path encircling the field, razing and rebuilding the field house, resurfacing the basketball courts, adding spectator seating, and landscaping.
• Newark, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, would develop Broadway Park to include playgrounds, playing fields, additional lighting, art, rain gardens and a community garden.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

• The existing grassed football field at South Delsea Drive Park in Glassboro would be replaced with a synthetic turf multi-purpose field that can be used for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.

HUDSON COUNTY

• Kearny proposes improvements at Passaic Avenue and Bellevue Turnpike, including a new floating dock and ramps along the Passaic River shoreline, riverbank stabilization, bulkhead reconstruction and stabilizing the area around the boathouse. A new gazebo picnic area is also proposed. Additionally, the town would upgrade the existing soccer and baseball fields at Harvey Field to synthetic turf and convert an existing parking lot to a green infrastructure permeable surface to improve drainage. Sidewalks also would be installed.
• Union City proposes to acquire a small land parcel on Palisade Avenue to demolish an existing building there and redevelop it with a soccer field for younger children.

MERCER COUNTY

• The former American Biltrite Rubber site at 3 Amtico Square in Trenton would be converted into a skatepark with lighting and a shade structure. Several multi-purpose game courts would be constructed at the park for bicycle polo, street soccer, tennis, basketball and volleyball. Additionally, a trail would be built along the creek toward Capital City Farm and the D &R Canal Towpath.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

• Old Bridge would develop the Cottrell Farm property over four phases. Phases 2 through 4 propose a walking/fitness trail, splash pad, community/memorial garden, gazebo and picnic grove with pavilion,  playground, amphitheater, parking improvements, various landscaping upgrades, stormwater management improvements and a restroom building.
• The Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex in Perth Amboy would see multiple improvements including the conversion of four grass baseball fields to synthetic turf multi-purpose fields for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. An expanded patio and picnic area with a shade structure, sheltered dugouts, scoreboards, landscaping, fencing, stormwater management improvements and a walking trail connecting to Willow Pond Park are also proposed.

OCEAN COUNTY

• Brick would complete the third phase of a multi-park improvement project at Bayside Park, with playground equipment and safety surfacing, shade structures, fish bait cleaning stations and safety ladders, walkways, lighting, utilities, irrigation, security improvements, landscaping and parking lot work.

PASSAIC COUNTY

• The county, city and the Trust for Public Land are partnering to do multiple upgrades at Dundee Island Park in Passaic City. A second phase of improvements proposes improved parking, a refurbished soccer field, playground and spray park, exercise equipment area, community garden, boat launch, river walk and landscaping.
• Passaic plans improvements at Veteran’s Memorial Park and Pulaski Park. Baseball field lighting and drainage, playground safety surfacing, parking lot improvements, tennis court rehabilitation and lighting, basketball court lighting and landscaping are proposed for Veteran’s Memorial Park.  Pulaski Park would get a new fitness trail, pump track, bike park, dog park, playground equipment, landscaping and security cameras.

UNION COUNTY

• Improvements to the pool and playground area are planned at the Rushmore Avenue Recreational Complex in Plainfield. The kiddie pool would be replaced with a splash pad and the city would construct a new pavilion and asphalt walkway. Park benches, picnic tables, and a decorative park entranceway arch are also proposed.
• Home Terrace Park in Roselle would undergo significant renovations including the relocation  and installation of playground equipment with a rubber safety surface, construction of a splash park and concrete walkways, and installation of decorative lights, park benches and landscaping.

“Everyone in New Jersey deserves quality parks and recreation facilities that give children places to play, help connect us to nature, improve our physical and mental health, and enhance quality of life, especially in our most vulnerable and overburdened communities,” said Martha Sullivan Sapp, Director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program. “These proposed grants and loans enhance the Murphy Administration’s historic commitment to environmental justice on all levels, helping to improve public health and drive economic development statewide.”

“I am excited for all the changes that are coming to our community thanks to the Green Acres funding award,” said Senator Brian P. Stack. “As a mayor in one of the mostly densely populated areas in the state, my administration has focused on the creation and preservation of green spaces for community and recreational use. I have made it my mission to bring equity to our community in form of green spaces and through the maintenance of our local parks. Special thanks to Governor Phil Murphy and his administration for their commitment to the preservation of green spaces.”

For the complete list of projects proposed for funding, visit www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres.

Programs can help alleviate growing balances for customers having financial difficulty

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Residential customers of Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), who are having difficulty making ends meet are encouraged to contact their utility now to enroll in payment plans or to receive referrals for bill assistance programs. Establishing an affordable payment arrangement or obtaining assistance can help keep balances manageable.

“We understand many customers are in a difficult financial situation because of the pandemic,” said James V. Fakult, president of JCP&L. “Customers who have lost income during this crisis may be eligible for assistance that was unavailable to them before.”

Programs customers may be eligible to participate in include:

• The Universal Service Fund (USF) Program: Eligible customers can receive a monthly bill credit and may also receive utility debt forgiveness. To assist customers during the pandemic, eligibility requirements were changed to increase the income limit to 400% of the federal poverty level. Program benefits were modified to provide greater benefits to participants. Even if you participated before, you may receive forgiveness of your past due balance. To apply call 2-1-1 or visit the DCAid screening tool.

• The Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program can provide customers with cash grants for home heating bills and emergencies, including past-due balances or termination notices. Customers must have income at or below 60% of the federal poverty guidelines, own or rent their home and be responsible for heating bills. Apply today by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-510-3102 or visit the DCAid screening tool to see if you meet the income limits for LIHEAP.

• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program: This program helps low- to moderate-income customers in New Jersey who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. The NJ PAGE program provides grants to those over the income limits for LIHEAP as well as those who already applied for LIHEAP but require additional assistance. To apply call 732-982-8710 or visit the NJPowerOn website.

• 2-1-1 Helpline: This nationwide resource and information helpline identifies locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. For more information dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the 2-1-1 website.

• Customers who are having trouble paying rent due to the pandemic can apply for emergency rental assistance at https://njdca.onlinepha.com.

For a complete list of assistance programs for which customers may be eligible, including installment payment plans and budget billing, please visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist, or call customer service at 1-800-662-3115.

Story continues

JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jcpl-encourages-customers-to-arrange-payment-plans-and-apply-for-bill-assistance-programs-during-assistance-week-301404982.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

As many New Jerseyans continue to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, paying monthly utility bills for some has been quite a challenge.

In an effort to help, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the Department of Community Affairs have announced new and expanded efforts to provide financial assistance as part of “Utility Assistance Week,” which runs until Oct. 22.

“As a result of this economic impact, utility bill arrearages have grown to historic levels with hundreds of thousands of customers unable to meet monthly utility bill obligations,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU president.

The state has been ramping up promotion of their assistance and deferred payment programs to reach customers who may not be aware that assistance for past-due utility bills is available.

The grace period on utility shutoffs ends Dec. 31, 2021. That is when utilities can be disconnected for non-payment.

New Jerseyans who are having trouble paying their utility bills are encouraged to apply for assistance.

Assistance programs available

The NJBPU has also temporarily expanded its Universal Service Fund (USF) program to moderate-income families who are encountering a financial setback during the pandemic.

Under the program, a family of four can make up to $106,000 per year and qualify for the program. USF covers energy costs over a certain percentage of income, depending on the heat source, up to a cap of $2,160 per year.

USF provides monthly credits on electric and gas bills and also a pathway to energy debt forgiveness through its Fresh Start Program. It provides credit of up to $180 per month on gas and electric bills for households at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Fresh Start customers provides unlimited forgiveness of overdue electric and gas bills for anyone with an overdue balance of $60 or more. Fresh Start customers need to pay their current bills in full each month for 12 consecutive months to earn full forgiveness on pre-existing overdue balances.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps households at or below 60% of the State Median Income ($77,272 for a family of four) pay for heating costs, medically-necessary cooling expenses in the summer, emergency grants to prevent service shutoffs and energy debt forgiveness.

To apply for USF and LIHEAP, go to https://njdca-housing/dynamics365portals.us/en-US/dcaid-services/

Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) provides electric and/or gas grants of up to $700 to customers with overdue balances. Households must have an overdue balance of at least $100 and should not have $15,000 or more in liquid assets.

The Lifeline Utility Assistance Program provides an annual $225 grant for electric and gas costs to seniors and the disabled. Income limits are set at less than $28,769 for a single person or at $35,270 for married couples. Apply at aging.nj.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-792-9745.

With New Jersey American Water Company, Aqua NJ and SUEZ New Jersey, customers can apply for grants with the nonprofit New Jersey SHARES at www.njshares.org.

NJBPU’s Division of Customer Assistance investigates consumer complaints, negotiates fair payment arrangements on behalf of customers and prevent utility shutoffs. Customers can call the hotline at 1-800-624-0241 or visit www.nj.gov/bpu.

UNION CITY – Governor Phil Murphy, alongside New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Senator Brian P. Stack, today announced a proposed investment of over $100 million in urban parks, playgrounds, open spaces, and other local park improvement projects through the Green Acres Program. The over $100 million proposal, which is pending final approval by the Garden State Preservation Trust, would establish new parks and expand existing ones, develop athletic fields and playgrounds, improve access to waterways, create open spaces, build flood resilience, and enhance stewardship by restoring lands for nature and public enjoyment. New Jersey has more than 20 percent of its land dedicated to parks and wildlife – more than any other state in the continental United States. 

“With these investments, we will take another significant step toward ensuring all New Jersey communities have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the benefits of natural resource conservation,” said Governor Murphy. “The proposed projects will provide equitable and meaningful access to urban parks, help address the impacts of climate change, and advance our long-term resilience goals. Investing in our communities through these projects will improve the quality of life for families living across New Jersey now and in the future.”

“From our incredible Green Acres investments in local parks, to our historic investments in the restoration of natural resources throughout the state, including at Liberty State Park, our Administration has put its money where its heart is,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “With Governor Murphy’s vision and leadership, we are accelerating our work to put all of New Jersey’s residents in touch with their environment, with a long overdue focus on those communities that have not shared equally in the environmental benefits of our great state.”

For this round of Green Acres funding, applicants were encouraged to develop projects that anticipate and address climate change impacts, advance long-term resilience goals, provide equitable and meaningful public access, and maximize social, environmental and health benefits to the public, particularly within overburdened communities.

The Garden State Preservation Trust will consider the following recommended allocations:

• $42.2 million in grants and loans for 49 park development projects in urban, suburban and rural communities. Nearly 84 percent of these funds are for local park development projects and land acquisitions in municipalities with overburdened communities;
• $35.8 million in grants and loans for 57 county and municipal land acquisitions projects;
• $8.8 million for acquisition projects by 14 nonprofit organizations;
• $4.9 million for park development projects by 11 nonprofit organizations;
• $2.3 million for 10 local stewardship projects; and,
• $901,000 for six nonprofit stewardship projects.

The Garden State Preservation Trust will forward its final recommendations to the Legislature for funding approval.

Other funding allocations include:

• $54.5 million for improvements to state parks, forests and wildlife management areas;
• $38.4 million for the state to acquire and preserve open space;
• $6 million in the FY21 and FY22 budgets for land acquisition, park development, and historic preservation projects in overburdened communities, through a new Urban Parks initiative to promote environmental equity. Eligible communities were invited to apply for funding and 13 will receive grants;
• $4.6 million for the Blue Acres Buyout Program to purchase flood-prone properties.

Some of the major Urban Parks Grants include:

• Renovating Tippin’s Pond Park in Pennsauken, Camden County, with fishing docks, viewing platforms, trail improvements and volleyball courts;
• Acquiring a half-acre property, demolishing a former firehouse on site and creating a firehouse-themed splash park for children in Guttenberg, Hudson County;
• Acquiring an 11.5-acre parcel in Edison Township, Middlesex County, to create a waterfront park;
• Expanding the Holmes A. Adams Recreation Complex in Neptune City, Monmouth County; and,
• Stabilizing the historic Colt Gun Mill on the Allied Textile Printing site in Paterson, Passaic County, to preserve the mill and transform the property for passive open space.

Some of the major local projects approved for matching Green Acres grants and loans include:

BERGEN COUNTY

• Multiple improvements would be made to Riverside County Park South in Lyndhurst and North Arlington, including a new all-access point at Park Street and a foot path connection at the Bergen Avenue and River Road intersection. An extended walkway system with footbridges and lighting; fitness stations; a playground and spray park with safety surfacing; riverfront overlooks; a relocated baseball field; a pavilion; landscaping, fencing, stormwater management improvements and more are also proposed.
• Basketball courts and walkways would be improved at Carver Park, while playground and athletic field improvements are proposed for Columbus Park, both in Hackensack.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

• The second phase of improvements at Willingboro Lakes Park in Willingboro would expand parking and improve public access to the lakes and Rancocas Creek.
• Sports lighting would be added to two baseball/softball fields at the Pemberton Sports Complex, and to two football fields, a practice field and a game field at Nesbit Park in Pemberton.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

• The Joseph E. Romano Sports Complex in Vineland would use its grant to develop an inclusive playground and sensory garden, exercise circuit stations around the existing running/walking track, and construct restrooms.

ESSEX COUNTY

• Oval Park in East Orange would see multiple improvements: a turf restoration of the multi-purpose playing field, constructing a circuit rubberized walking path encircling the field, razing and rebuilding the field house, resurfacing the basketball courts, adding spectator seating, and landscaping.
• Newark, in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, would develop Broadway Park to include playgrounds, playing fields, additional lighting, art, rain gardens and a community garden.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

• The existing grassed football field at South Delsea Drive Park in Glassboro would be replaced with a synthetic turf multi-purpose field that can be used for football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey.

HUDSON COUNTY

• Kearny proposes improvements at Passaic Avenue and Bellevue Turnpike, including a new floating dock and ramps along the Passaic River shoreline, riverbank stabilization, bulkhead reconstruction and stabilizing the area around the boathouse. A new gazebo picnic area is also proposed. Additionally, the town would upgrade the existing soccer and baseball fields at Harvey Field to synthetic turf and convert an existing parking lot to a green infrastructure permeable surface to improve drainage. Sidewalks also would be installed.
• Union City proposes to acquire a small land parcel on Palisade Avenue to demolish an existing building there and redevelop it with a soccer field for younger children.

MERCER COUNTY

• The former American Biltrite Rubber site at 3 Amtico Square in Trenton would be converted into a skatepark with lighting and a shade structure. Several multi-purpose game courts would be constructed at the park for bicycle polo, street soccer, tennis, basketball and volleyball. Additionally, a trail would be built along the creek toward Capital City Farm and the D &R Canal Towpath.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

• Old Bridge would develop the Cottrell Farm property over four phases. Phases 2 through 4 propose a walking/fitness trail, splash pad, community/memorial garden, gazebo and picnic grove with pavilion,  playground, amphitheater, parking improvements, various landscaping upgrades, stormwater management improvements and a restroom building.
• The Veterans Memorial Youth League Complex in Perth Amboy would see multiple improvements including the conversion of four grass baseball fields to synthetic turf multi-purpose fields for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. An expanded patio and picnic area with a shade structure, sheltered dugouts, scoreboards, landscaping, fencing, stormwater management improvements and a walking trail connecting to Willow Pond Park are also proposed.

OCEAN COUNTY

• Brick would complete the third phase of a multi-park improvement project at Bayside Park, with playground equipment and safety surfacing, shade structures, fish bait cleaning stations and safety ladders, walkways, lighting, utilities, irrigation, security improvements, landscaping and parking lot work.

PASSAIC COUNTY

• The county, city and the Trust for Public Land are partnering to do multiple upgrades at Dundee Island Park in Passaic City. A second phase of improvements proposes improved parking, a refurbished soccer field, playground and spray park, exercise equipment area, community garden, boat launch, river walk and landscaping.
• Passaic plans improvements at Veteran’s Memorial Park and Pulaski Park. Baseball field lighting and drainage, playground safety surfacing, parking lot improvements, tennis court rehabilitation and lighting, basketball court lighting and landscaping are proposed for Veteran’s Memorial Park.  Pulaski Park would get a new fitness trail, pump track, bike park, dog park, playground equipment, landscaping and security cameras.

UNION COUNTY

• Improvements to the pool and playground area are planned at the Rushmore Avenue Recreational Complex in Plainfield. The kiddie pool would be replaced with a splash pad and the city would construct a new pavilion and asphalt walkway. Park benches, picnic tables, and a decorative park entranceway arch are also proposed.
• Home Terrace Park in Roselle would undergo significant renovations including the relocation  and installation of playground equipment with a rubber safety surface, construction of a splash park and concrete walkways, and installation of decorative lights, park benches and landscaping. 

“Everyone in New Jersey deserves quality parks and recreation facilities that give children places to play, help connect us to nature, improve our physical and mental health, and enhance quality of life, especially in our most vulnerable and overburdened communities,” said Martha Sullivan Sapp, Director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program. “These proposed grants and loans enhance the Murphy Administration’s historic commitment to environmental justice on all levels, helping to improve public health and drive economic development statewide.”

“I am excited for all the changes that are coming to our community thanks to the Green Acres funding award,” said Senator Brian P. Stack. “As a mayor in one of the mostly densely populated areas in the state, my administration has focused on the creation and preservation of green spaces for community and recreational use. I have made it my mission to bring equity to our community in form of green spaces and through the maintenance of our local parks. Special thanks to Governor Phil Murphy and his administration for their commitment to the preservation of green spaces.”

For the complete list of projects proposed for funding, visit www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres.