Archives
July 2006
Jul. 31, 2006 - Best Place to Live |
Wow! CNN determined that our little town is among the best places to live in the USA! Franklin Township ranked 20th for safest cities and NJ had 13 of the top 25 locations. Read more about it. |
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Jul. 30, 2006 - FAIR REBATE and PROPERTY TAX RELIEF for 2005 |
2005 FAIR Rebate
Deadline for filing FAIR rebate applications is August 15, 2006.
The FAIR Rebate Program provides rebates for homeowners and tenants who occupied their principal residence in New Jersey on October 1, paid property taxes on that dwelling either directly or through rent, and whose gross income for the entire year does not exceed certain limits.
Only New Jersey residents who were either homeowners or tenants on October 1, 2005, are eligible for a 2005 FAIR rebate. Homeowners and tenants file different applications according to their status on October 1:
For more information: Click Here
Property Tax Relief Filing Deadlines Extended
The deadline for senior and disabled homeowners to file their 2005 FAIR homeowner rebate applications has been extended from June 1, 2006, to August 15, 2006 and the deadline for filing 2005 Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) applications has also been extended to August 15 from the original June 1 due date.
Because of the time needed to process both the FAIR and Senior Freeze applications, eligible applicants who file applications for either of these benefits after the original June 1 deadline may not receive their checks in the initial mailings. The Senior Freeze checks are currently scheduled to be mailed mid-July and the FAIR rebate checks are currently scheduled to be mailed in early August. Checks for applicants who file between June 1st and August 15 will be issued as quickly as possible.
Contact Information: For FAIR Homeowner Rebate: File applications by phone at 1-877-658-2972; File applications online at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ ; ask questions at 1-888-238-1233; online information at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/fair/trhomeowner.htm and e-mail address to nj.fairrebate@treas.state.nj.us. For the Property Tax Reimbursement Program: ask questions at 1-877-225-1312; check the status of a filed application at 1-800-882-6597; listen to information or to order an application: 1-800-323-4400; online information at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.htm |
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Jul. 28, 2006 - Recyling Center - First Saturday of the month |
July 24, 2006
“First Saturday of the Month” Drop-off
BRIDGEWATER - The next First Saturday of the Month drop-off will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane.
The Recycling Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on First Saturday of the Month drop-off dates, including Aug. 5, Sept. 9 (second Saturday due to holiday), Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.
As part of the drop-off program, the Recycling Center will accept VCR's, TV's, typewriters, radios, stereo equipment, modems, fax machines, cell phones and used computer electronics such as computers, CPU's, monitors, CRT's and printers. New items that will be accepted during First Saturday of the Month drop-offs include CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes and cassette tapes.
The Recycling Center also will accept tires, scrap metals, used motor oil, anti-freeze, used oil filters, microwave ovens and the usual curbside materials on these drop-off dates.
For more information, call the Recycling Center at (732) 469-3363.
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Jul. 28, 2006 - Senior Center Events - August |
QUAIL BROOK SENIOR CENTER
625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ
(732) 563-4213
Line Dancing - Every Monday at 10:00, and Friday at 9:30
Healthy Bones - Monday and Thursday, 1:00
Country Western Dance Lessons w/Ann Gant – Wednesday, 1:30
Chair Exercise – Every Tuesday, 11:00
Bingo – Every Thursday, 11:00
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Jul. 23, 2006 - A message from Congressman Rush Holt |
Dear Michael,
This week, President Bush cast the first veto of his presidency on legislation that would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. This research holds the promise of improving the way we diagnose, treat, and cure deadly and debilitating diseases. The bill that President Bush vetoed had strong and bipartisan vote in both the House and the Senate, and enjoyed strong public support. I strongly believe it is humane and ethical to pursue types of research that give our medical community the tools to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and ALS, just to name a few. To view my full statement on President Bush’s veto, please
click here.
The Flood’s Aftermath
The waters have receded in areas along the Delaware River affected by recent floods, but three weeks after the storm, thousands are struggling to recover from damage to businesses, homes, hospitals, infrastructure, and farmlands. I was pleased that Governor Corzine promptly declared a state of emergency and President Bush soon afterwards issued a Presidential Disaster Declaration authorizing federal emergency assistance for affected individuals, businesses, and state and local governments. Unfortunately, important needs continue to go unmet.
The existing federal recovery resources do not provide adequate aid for repairs and improvements to water infrastructure, assistance to farmers, and aid for economic recovery. I recently joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers representing districts damaging by recent flooding in calling upon President Bush to provide increased emergency assistance. We also must work together to develop long-term strategies to mitigate and prevent flooding and mitigate the damage. To view our letter to President Bush, please
click here.
Job Opportunities for Veterans
Despite the practical and technical skills that they have gained through their service to the country, many veterans have difficulty in adjusting to a civilian life after their service is over. In fact, veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces from every war in recent history have a higher unemployment rate than the general population. In addition to health care and retirement security, part of fulfilling our promise to veterans is ensuring that they have employment opportunities following their service.
This week, the House Veterans Affairs Committee passed my bill to establish a national “Hire A Veteran” week to urge employers, labor organizations, veterans service organizations, and federal, state, and local governmental agencies to hire more of America’s veterans. I look forward to consideration on the House floor of this bill, which will help Congress full its promise to those who have borne the battle.
Sincerely,
RUSH HOLT
P.S. Just a reminder: I always want to hear from you, but please don’t hit the 'reply' button on your email. Instead, please email me through my website at
www.holt.house.gov, or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT (1-877-874-4658) to let me know what's on your mind. Please also note that you may unsubscribe from this list by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.
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Jul. 20, 2006 - Mosquito Spraying/West Nile Virus Information |
July 17, 2006
Mosquito, West Nile Virus Information
on Somerset County Web Site
Somerset County residents can find out about local mosquito spraying and the West Nile virus issue in general by visiting the county’s Web site.
Up-to-date information and helpful links about West Nile virus and mosquito control are on the county’s Web site under Health and Safety/Mosquito Information.
You can sign up for free email updates to the Mosquito Information page by clicking on the link near the top of the page.
“The Mosquito Control Section of the county Road Division continues to work in cooperation with the county Health Department to identify potential areas for treatment,” Freeholder Director Ken Scherer said. “The county has a detailed protocol, or list of procedures, that it follows to address this issue. This protocol is one of the documents available on the Web site.”
The county’s mosquito spraying schedule is posted on the Web site as it becomes available.
Also featured are a summary of the Mosquito Control Section’s goals and objectives for 2006; information on West Nile Virus, bird identification and uses and types of mosquito repellents; information on the county’s vegetation control program and on the pesticides used in mosquito control; and a link to the county Mosquito Control Section’s Web page, which includes their brochure, “Mosquito Control In and Around the House.”
The Web page also has an interactive Standing Water Report form that residents may complete online and e-mail directly to the county Health Department. Investigators will determine whether identified locations warrant mosquito treatment measures.
For more information, contact the county Health Department at (908) 231-7155 or healthdiv@co.somerset.nj.us, or the Road Division’s Mosquito Control Section at (908) 541-5021.
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Jul. 20, 2006 - Franklin Townhip gets $100K Grant |
Streetscapes in Somerville and Franklin will be improved with $250,000 from the Somerset County Board of Freeholders.
Freeholder Deputy Director Robert Zaborowski presented the Economic Development Incentive Program checks to Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher and Franklin Mayor Brian Levine on June 27.
The $100,000 grant to Franklin will help implement streetscape improvements along a five-block stretch of Hamilton Street from Matilda to Lawrence avenues, said Frank Hasner, township director of economic development. New lighting, brick paving and sidewalk repairs are planned.
Get the complete story at: http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/NEWS/607130304
from the Courier News website www.c-n.com |
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Jul. 20, 2006 - Should Deputy Mayor Wandra Ashley-Williams resign? |
Franklin official maintains post, new job in D.C.
By DAVID STEGON
Gannett New Jersey
FRANKLIN (Somerset) -- Deputy Mayor Wandra Ashley-Williams recently sold her Franklin, Somerset County, home to pursue a job in Washington D.C., but will maintain a residence within the township to continue her term and commute between the two locations.
"Others have done this without a problem," Ashley-Williams said. "It's not an issue."
Ashley-Williams, 56, sold her condominium at 23 Sapphire Lane in Franklin Park and for the past couple of weeks, has been making the roughly 180-mile drive to Washington, D.C., where she also has a residence, to work for the Department of Corrections.
She said that she will be wherever her schedule dictates and does not see the commute as a hinderance to serving the township.
"I've had other jobs that called for me to make long commutes or be in other parts of the country, and it did not affect me," Ashley-Williams said. "This is absolutely not going to stop me from my duties and being deputy mayor."
There are questions, though, on the township council and among local politicians.
Roz Sherman, municipal chair of the Democratic Party, said she is fine with the move as long as Ashley-Williams maintains a legal residence within the township and is still able to handle the duties of her office.
"My only fear is that she will lose touch with the town," Sherman said. "It's a grueling thing to be two places at once, but if she is able to handle it and it does not affect her job, then I see no problem with it."
Mayor Brian Levine said that while attending to the town's business is important, there is something to be gained from being a full-time resident.
"I'll be at Dunkin' Donuts, and someone will come up to me with a problem. Or I'll be driving around and see something I think should be fixed," Levine said. "It's one thing to be at the meetings, but to be fair, that is only part of the job."
Ashley-Williams has lived in Franklin for 29 years after growing up in Louisiana. She has been active in the community by serving on various boards and committees, including as president of the city's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1990 to 1996 and again from 1998 to 2000.
Ashley-Williams was elected to the township council in 2003 along with Brian Regan and Bernard Schrum and sworn in on New Year's Day in 2004. She was elected by the town council as deputy mayor last year and sworn in on New Year's Day. Her council term expires on New Year's Eve of next year, and she made no indication how long she planned to stay in office.
"It may be two months or it may be two years," Ashley-Williams said. "We're just going to see what happens." If Ashley-Williams chooses to resign before Sept. 1, the Democratic committee will select three people to fill the seat and then hold a special election. If she resigns after Sept 1., the committee will appoint someone to the position who will serve out the rest of Ashley-Williams' term.
from the Courier News website www.c-n.com |
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Jul. 20, 2006 - Travel companies pay for passports |
| Travel companies pay for passports |
The reason: Beginning Dec. 31, all U.S. citizens traveling by air or sea will need a passport to travel to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and Canada. (Passports will be required for land border crossings starting Dec. 31, 2007.) The new rules are part of an initiative to tighten border security. But because fewer than 23% of Americans have a passport, tourism officials in those regions are worried that the law will reduce visitation.
Apple's deal knocks $100 off the price of some seven-night 2007 vacation packages booked by Oct. 31. The passport fee for those 16 and older is $97.
SuperClubs' "Passport Included" incentive, good for bookings that are made by July 31, deducts the cost of a new or renewed passport for four-night-minimum vacations in 2007. The company operates 10 all-inclusive resorts in five Caribbean countries under the Grand Lido, Breezes and Hedonism brands.
And the Westin and Sheraton Grand Bahama resorts at Our Lucaya will offer a $100 resort credit from Sept. 5 to Oct. 15, 2007, for guests whose passports were issued between August and December.
Though seven Caribbean islands now require passports for entry, others, plus Mexico and Canada, necessitate only a driver's license or birth certificate.
If the new rules go into effect as scheduled — and travel officials from affected areas are waging a lobbying effort against them — applicants can expect an end-of-the-year crunch at passport offices.
For information on how to apply: travel.state.gov/passport.
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Jul. 14, 2006 - Another "Dubai Ports" Type of Plan |
Administration Charges Ahead With Foreign Ownership
 Our country already has a dependence on foreign oil. Are we going to allow the DOT to make air travel dependent on foreign airlines, too?
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta, who has resigned his position after five and a half years, stated yesterday that the Bush administration plans to move ahead this summer with its proposal to ease restrictions on foreign investment in U.S. airlines despite strong congressional opposition. The issue is similar to this year's controversy over the Dubai ports plan, which was initially approved by the Administration but later scrapped after an uproar in Congress.
Although the House overwhelmingly rejected the airline foreign ownership plan a couple weeks ago, the issue will probably remain unresolved in Congress until the end of the year -- the time it will take lawmakers in both chambers to pass a final transportation spending bill. Mineta said the Transportation Department hopes to finalize the foreign investment rule by the end of August, which would exploit the expected congressional lag time for addressing the matter and meet the timeline for European review.
It's important now that we place public pressure on the White House. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, call and e-mail the White House and Transportation Department to express your outrage and be sure to let your Senators and Representatives know how angry you are about the Administration's actions to ignore democracy. Your participation can and will make a difference!
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Jul. 10, 2006 - Public Utilites |
PSEG Gas & Electric
Patriot Media Cable TV, Digital Phone, High Speed Internet
Verizon Telephone, DSL High Speed Internet
MyPhoneCompany Telephone (Franklin Park)
Franklin Township Public Works, 40 Churchill Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873 Phone: 732-249-7800 Fax: 732-249-7810 After hours emergencies - Call the Franklin Township Police Department, 732-873-2300, ext. 1001 or 1002
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Jul. 10, 2006 - Quail Brook Senior Center July Schedule |
QUAIL BROOK SENIOR CENTER
625 New Brunswick Rd., Somerset, NJ, (732) 563-4213
Line Dancing - Every Monday at 10:00, and Friday at 9:30
Healthy Bones - Monday and Thursday, 1:00
Country Western Dance Lessons w/Ann Gant – Wednesday, 1:30
Chair Exercise – Every Tuesday, 11:00
Bingo – Every Thursday, 11:00
July 17 – Video Match with Lynda
July 24 – Horseracing with Lynda
July 31 – Biography Trivia with Lynda |
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Jul. 10, 2006 - Understanding Agency - Buyers |
As a NJ Realtor, I can represent both the seller and buyer. I can also be your exclusive buyer's agent. An excerpt from Realtor Magazine helps to clarify what a duel agent can and can not do. Read on...
UNDERSTANDING AGENCY
What a Dual Agent Can and Can't Do for a Client
Can:
- Provide information about the property to the buyer.
- Disclose all latent material defects.
- Help the buyer compare financing alternatives.
- Provide information on comparable properties so that both parties may make educated decisions on the price.
Can't
- Disclose confidential information about either client without permission.
- Recommend or suggest a price to either the buyer or the seller.
- Disclose the lowest price the seller will take for the property or the seller’s financial position without permission
- Disclose the highest price the buyer will pay for the property or the buyer’s financial position without permission.
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Jul. 10, 2006 - Franklin Township |
Franklin Township
Somerset County's Franklin Township is somewhat of a mini-New Jersey with a diversity of culture, religion, ethnicity, housing and land use from the newest houses to some 18th century historic houses. One will find everything here from urban to rural. A relatively new arrival to the township is the influx of several age restricted housing developments complete with recreational facilities.
Located between New Brunswick and Princeton, two of New Jersey's largest corporate business centers, the township is approximately 40 miles from New York City. Interstate 287 crosses Franklin's northern tip, while Routes 18, 1, 22, 206 and 202 surround its borders, providing easy access to a variety of shops and services. Bridgewater Commons, Menlo Park Mall, Quaker Bridge Mall and Princeton's Forrestal Village are all popular destinations. Many corporations have found Franklin's central location to be advantageous for business. The industrial areas are centered around Davidson Avenue and Veronica Avenue. Veronica Avenue has a number of medical-related facilities. Franklin's corporate neighbors include Cardinal Health, Sun Microsystems, Frito Lay, Federal Express, Kyocera Optics, Mary Kay, Cosmair/L'Oreal Inc. and a number of major hotels. Franklin has been able to maintain its manufacturing base with Rotor Clip and smaller manufacturing companies in town that are related to the biotech, computer, communications and pharmaceutical fields. The town also has the Garden State Exhibit Center, which hosts a variety of consumer, trade and private events.
The abundance of businesses here means there are plenty of job opportunities for residents close to home, though many still commute outside the area to work. Those traveling to Manhattan can catch NJ Transit trains in Bound Brook and New Brunswick. Commuting in and out of town is evenly mixed.
As a contrast and balance to its industrial parks, Franklin Township boasts 8,860 acres of beautiful preserved land. State preserved land, such as the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park and the Six Mile Run Reservoir, are nearly 5,000 acres. More than 430 acres is preserved farmland with some farms still operational. Constructed in 1834, the Delaware and Raritan Canal is a highlight of Franklin. It runs the entire length of the township,from Princeton at the southern tip of the township up to South Bound Brook, then it extends along the northern border of the town from South Bound Brook to New Brunswick.
Franklin has Colonial Park with its picnic sites, playgrounds, fishing ponds, play fields, tennis courts and a paved bicycle path. The 542-acre park has frontage on both the Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Millstone River. The Rudolf Van Der Good Rose Garden at Colonial Park displays more than 3,000 roses of nearly 300 varieties. At Cook Natural Area in Kingston, a 26-acre forest has a short trail among ponds and native trees. Naaman Williams Park features the community pool. Spooky Brook Golf Course and Quailbrook Golf Course are 18-hole facilities owned and operated by the county and open to the public. Bunker Hill and Tara Greens are private courses available to residents.
Franklin's Department of Recreation provides programs for youths, teens, adults and the Senior/Community Center hosts programs for seniors, as well as other community activities.
The Franklin School District includes Conerly Road, Elizabeth Ave, Franklin Park, Hillcrest, Macafee, Pinegrove Manor, Sampson G.Smith and the new Franklin High School. The 2005 NCLB Report provides a detailed analysis of the local public schools. Vist my website for links to more school data that you can use. Franklin also boasts a newly expanded public library located on Demott Lane.
Opportunities for higher learning close to home include Rutgers University in New Brunswick, Princeton University in Princeton, Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, Rider University in Lawrence and Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch.
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08873 is the Postal Code for Franklin Township in Somerset County, NJ and we love living here. Hi, I'm Mike Adams and this is a Real Estate blog For and About current and future residents of Franklin Township, also known as Somerset New Jersey.
I would love to help you with your central NJ real estate needs. Just contact me via phone, my websites or email.
I invite your comments and please visit Somerset 08873 often.
Michael Adams
CENTURY21 Our Town Realty
852 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ 08873
Business: 732.828.3700 ext.306
Fax: 732.828.3913
mjadams@century21.com
http://www.mjAdamsSellsHomes.com
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