Apr. 30, 2007 - FEMA opens a Bound Brook center

Registration required for FEMA assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Sunday opened six flood-damage recovery centers in New Jersey locations hit by the April 15 nor'easter.

The centers, in Bound Brook, Fairfield, Hackensack, Lumberton, Manville and Paterson, will stay open indefinitely from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Lynch said.  People and businesses that register with FEMA can go to the centers and meet with FEMA representatives to "access the full menu of federal programs that are out there to assist people," said Barbara Lynch, a FEMA spokeswoman. 

The Bound Brook center is located at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 214 Church St.  FEMA officials are scouting Middlesex for a  center location.

FEMA said flood victims who wish to register for assistance can call a toll-free number, (800) 621-3362. The number for those with hearing impairments is (800) 462-7585.

Apr. 30, 2007 - Message from Congressman Holt

Apr. 26, 2007 - Aid available for Nor' Easter Damage

Bush OKs Federal Relief 

President Bush declares Somerset County a disaster zone; among five others in New Jersey.  New Jersey Sen. Lautenberg urges the President to include the entire state.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. For more details click here.

Apr. 26, 2007 - Rates drop for second week

30 year loans average 6.16%

Freddy Mac said mortgage rates edged slightly lower in the week ending Thursday, with the national average on the 30-year fixed loan dipping to 6.16% from 6.17% a week ago.

Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist said, "Recent economic data releases showing weaker existing home sales in March, coupled with lower consumer confidence in April, caused the market to pause and re-evaluate the potential growth of the economy this year.  This allowed all mortgage rates to decline slightly this week."

Apr. 22, 2007 - Happy Earth Day

Easy tips to conserve energy and help save our planet.

• Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs. You'll find more on energy-efficient products and practices at Energy Star. Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug your cell phone charger from the wall when not using it. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially overnight).
• Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.
• Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you!
• Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper.  If you do use plastic grocery bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.
• Shop smart. Choose eco-smart products. 
• To learn more about making every day Earth Day go to: Earth 911.org

Save 10% on light bulbs, thermostats, appliances and more at Lowes Home Improvement stores.  Register for your coupon.

Apr. 21, 2007 - 2,000 sample ballots not mailed

Ballot snafu may have changed school election

Board of Education officials say the outcome of Tuesday's Board of Education election may have been different if 2,000 sample ballots had been mailed in time to voters in two election districts.  The Somerset County Board of Elections has admitted to an oversight in not sending the ballots to districts 15 and 17 in the northwestern section of the township.  Mike Yaple, a spokesman for the state School Boards Association, said sample ballots by law had to be mailed out by noon April 11.

Since 1995, county election boards have been responsible for mailing out the sample ballots and individual districts are responsible for providing information for the ballots, he said. Yaple said in 1993, the Newark Board of Education failed to mail out 8,000 sample ballots but a judge ruled it was insufficient reason to void the election, ruling there was no connection with the failure to mail out the sample ballots and the outcome of the election.

Read more about it

Apr. 20, 2007 - Mortgage rates drop

Rates are down from an average of 6.22% to 6.17%

Depending upon your source, it was reported for the first time in five or six weeks mortgage rates on 30-year mortgages edged down.  In its weekly survey, mortgage giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.17% this week.  That was down from 6.22% last week and marked the first decline in the 30-year rate since it dropped in early March to 6.14%, the lowest level for this year.

The government reported earlier this week that construction of new homes and apartments rose for a second straight month in March, although some analysts cautioned against reading too much into the rebound, given that much of the strength came from warmer-than-normal weather.

Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages dipped to 5.89%, down from 5.90% last week.  The mortgage rates do not include add-on fees known as points. Thirty-year and 15-year mortgages both carried a nationwide average fee of 0.5 point.

A year ago, rates on 30-year mortgages stood at 6.53% while 15-year mortgages were at 6.17%. Five-year adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 6.16% and one-year adjustable-rate mortgages were at 5.63%.

Apr. 20, 2007 - Franklin Township School Elections

Unofficial results of elections held Tuesday April 16th.

BUDGET
Yes: 1,549
#No: 2,043

Apr. 18, 2007 - Road Closings

Somerset County Flooded Roads

The following county roads and bridges are closed as of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, due to flooding:

Millstone River Road - between Hillsborough and Montgomery

Main Street - Manville

Main Street - Bound Brook

River Road - Montgomery

Griggstown Causeway - Franklin/Montgomery

Blackwells Mills Causeway - Franklin/Hillsborough

Queen's Bridge - Bound Brook/South Bound Brook

Please note: This list is subject to change.

Apr. 16, 2007 - Nor'Easter Watch

Somerset County Shelters

The American Red Cross, Somerset County Division, is requesting donations of the following items: clean towels, blankets and socks, baby food and baby formula, diapers, new personal care items, and sanitary products. No clothing will be accepted. Donations should be taken to the Food Bank Network, Building 9E, Easy Street (off Chimney Rock Road).  Contact Marie Scannell at (732) 560-1813 with questions or for directions.

As of 1:30 p.m. on April 16, the Office of Emergency Management announced that the following shelters have been opened for people were evacuated from their homes in Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville and Somerville: 

·         Bound Brook High School, West Union Ave, Bound Brook NJ 08805

·         Bound Brook Presbyterian Church, 409 Mountain Ave., Bound Brook NJ 08805

·         Bound Brook Smalley Elementary School, Cherry Ave, Bound Brook NJ 08805

·         Hillsborough Municipal Building, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough NJ 08844

·         Manville VFW Post 2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville 08835

 The Office of Emergency Management also has information that the following shelters are available for pets (residents also can contact their local veterinarian): 

·         Animerge, 21 US Hwy 206, Raritan NJ 08869

·         Manville VFW Post 2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville 08835

·         St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, 1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough

Apr. 16, 2007 - Nor' Easter Watch

Numerous county roads closed due to flooding.

Griggstown Causeway. County Rte 605 near Blue Spring to Princeton line. Chimney Rock Road south of dam in Bridgewater. Old York Rd bridge Bridgewater / Branchburg. South Middlebush Rd between Skillman and Courtelyous. South Middlebush between Bennetts and Blackwells. Blackwell Mills Causway. Burntmill Rd between Cowperthwaite and Rattlesnake Bridge Rd. Studdiford Dr.Amwell Rd between Long Hill and Blackpoint. Lyman St Bridge. County Rte 601 between E Mountain Rd and Harlingen Rd. New Center between Auten Rd and Roycefield.Queens Bridge. Weston Canal Rd. Millstone River Road between Statts and Griggstown. Burntmills Rd Branchburg. Rte 28 between Milltown Rd and Station Rd. Easton Ave east of Cedar Grove Rd. Elizabeth Ave between Weston and Schoolhouse.Millstone Causway between Franklin and Millstone Boro.Main St between Brooks Blvd and South St  South Branch Rd in Branchburg. Lamington Rd. Station Rd. North Branch River Rd. Millstone River Rd from Hillsborough into Manville. 

The eight Senior Centers operated by the Somerset County Office on Aging will be CLOSED today (Monday, April 16) due to the storm.  Meals on Wheels will NOT be delivered today but clients should still have shelf-stable backup meals on hand.

Apr. 15, 2007 - Taxpayers file compliant against school board

School Board elections, Tuesday

Last month a complaint was filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission against Franklin Township’s practice of using school district auto-dial systems to place "get-out-the-vote" calls ahead of school board elections. 

The charge was made by the local group, Taxpayers United in Franklin and claimed the practice targets people more likely to vote in favor of the budget, thus it gives school boards an unfair advantage.  It was reported in the Home News, the average homeowner's annual tax bill would increase by $160 if voters apporve the 2007-2008 Board of Education budget

With the influx of adult communities in Franklin Township, the stage is being set for a battle of school budgets in years to come.  The taxpayers group’s strongest argument seems to be the simplest; just be fair.  Call all registered voters to remind them to vote or call no one.  It also seems the township is willing to do the right thing and will call all registered voters tomorrow evening  The school board elections are scheduled for Tuesday, April 17^th.

Apr. 9, 2007 - Getting Cozi on Grand Central

Get connected and organized this spring

Surfing the net, I discovered two pretty cool applications that might help to keep my busy life (and yours) just a little more organized. The first can be found at GrandCentral.com  You sign up and get a new phone number. When people call this new number, the system takes their name (the first time they call; after that, it remembers), and rings all of your telephones for you at the same time--your desk, your mobile, your home--and lets you pick up the call from any of them. It get’s better; it can even send a voicemail to your email inbox. There is one drawback in its Beta format.  At present, there are no local numbers for area code 732, but 908 and 609 area codes are available.  Best of all…it’s FREE.

The second find is a program that’s easy to use, accessible wherever you are, and offers a shared calendar, lists, quick messages, and a dynamic photo collage.  You can get this one at CoziCentral.com.  The Wall Street Journal said, “Cozi just works. It looks clean, organized and uncluttered, regardless of hectic schedules. It's also easy enough for anyone to use, and Cozi Group Inc. is constantly working to improve the program, which is a good sign. But even its smaller faults can be overlooked for usability. Cozi makes kitchen computers, or family computers anywhere in the house, more useful.”  Oh yeah…it, too, is FREE.

Apr. 9, 2007 - Kids Count Study Results

Of the state’s twenty-one counties, Somerset County ranks third by a statewide child welfare study that examines everything from test scores to teen pregnancy.

Kids Count is a national data mining project that uses data about all children younger than 18 from the U.S. Census and various state departments.  This year's measures are more inclusive than last year's, however, Somerset’s  ranking remains unchanged from last year; as reported by The Association for Children of New Jersey.  The ACNJ has sponsored Kids Count in New Jersey for more than 10 years.

Results are attributed to high incomes and educated parents having a lot to do with the county's success. 

For the complete story click here

Apr. 7, 2007 - Christianity's Holiest Holiday

Apr. 6, 2007 - March Resisential Sales

Franklin Township Residential Sales

The month of March ended with 147 Franklin Township private residences sold with an average of 85 days on the market and receiving 97% of the listing price. 

The month also ended with 783 active listings which remained on the market an average of 91 days.

If you have a question about a specific property, or stats for surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

AREA MARKET ANALYSIS REPORT - BY TOWN, BEDROOMS (Year To Date)

SEARCH CRITERIA County Code: 27 Town Code: 2708 Period 1: 3/2007 Period 2: 3/2007

BY TOWN: Franklin Twp. (2708)

#Beds Active Listings New Listings Under Contract Sold Listings SP/LP   # Avg. LP Med. LP Avg. DOM # Avg. LP Med. LP Avg. DOM # Avg. LP Med. LP Avg. DOM # Avg. SP Med. SP Avg. DOM   0-2  275  287,378  280,000  86  148  285,312  283,000  37  81  263,636  258,000  67  62  250,031  245,000  82  97%  3  239  372,958  349,900  89  128  381,889  353,000  38  58  358,697  345,900  85  44  337,988  325,000  90  97%  4  224  525,703  469,900  97  111  523,932  495,000  38  50  505,614  489,900  85  37  477,886  462,000  88  97%  5+  45  701,202  539,000  102  26  673,081  530,000  39  7  529,800  539,000  94  4  547,500  520,000  57  98%  TOWN  783  405,463  349,900  91  413  403,788  349,900  38  196  363,001  329,900  78  147  341,804  313,000  85  97%

ALL TOWNS 783 405,463   91 413  403,788   38 196 363,001   78 147 341,804   85 97%

© Copyright, Garden State MLS, L.L.C. **Info. deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED - ALL Room Sizes are Approx.** MICHAEL ADAMS

Apr. 3, 2007 - Finally...Property tax relief is on the way

Gov. signs bill into law  

At last, this summer, New Jersey homeowners can expect up to a 20 percent property tax cut under a tax relief package signed into law today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.  The measure aims to cap annual property tax increases at 4 percent. New Jersey property taxes average about $6,330 per homeowner, or twice the national average, and have been increasing 7 percent per year.  The governor also signed into law legislation creating county school superintendents with authority to veto local school spending, though schools could appeal to the state. The superintendents will also recommend to voters a plan to merge schools.

The statewide the program will send state payments averaging $1,070 apiece to about 1.3 million homeowners under age 65 who earn less than $250,000. About 500,000 home-owners who are over age 65 or disabled qualify for payments averaging $1,205. The program also includes $252 million in tax subsidies for renters or double the amount currently offered to them.

Corzine said the, "tax relief is real".  The new tax credit program replaces the existing Homestead Rebate program for most homeowners, and distributes benefits based on a homeowner's income.

Apr. 3, 2007 - News you can use

April Highlights

1. Order 2007 Consumer Action Handbook

If you would like to be a savvy consumer--or take action after being ripped off--order a free copy of the 2007 Consumer Action Handbook. Inside, you'll find:

 2. Government May Owe You Money

Does the government have any of your unclaimed money? Visit USA.gov’s Government May Owe You Money page to:

• Check the status of your income tax refund.
• Replace lost, stolen, or destroyed bonds.
• Search for unclaimed pension money from former employers.
• Exchange damaged currency.
• And more!

3. Find Important Travel Tips

Visit USA.gov’s Travel, Transportation, and Recreation page for links on domestic and international travel, air travel, road and train travel, and more.

A recent addition to USA.gov’s International Travel page provides a link to Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Foreign Countries. You’ll find information on passports, visas, immunizations, HIV testing, and fees you may need to be aware of when traveling abroad on tourism or business.

If you plan to enjoy the great American outdoors, visit USA.gov’s Recreation and Tourism page. For fishing trips, be sure to check out the link to Fish and Wildlife Agencies, by State and apply for any necessary licenses before your vacation begins.

4. Compare Car Safety

If you’re buying a car, check out USA.gov’s link to Compare Car Safety. This resource from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides safety ratings for vehicles dating back to 1990. You can also use the site to look up defects and recalls and find safety information on child safety seats, air bags, tires, and more.

 5. First Saturday of the Month Drop-off

The next drop-off for the First Saturday of the Month program will be Saturday, April 14, at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane.  In deference to the holiday weekend, this drop-off date is scheduled on the second Saturday of the month.  The Recycling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on First Saturday of the Month drop-off dates.   

The Recycling Center will accept VCRs, TVs, typewriters, radios, stereo equipment, modems, fax machines, cell phones, computers, CPUs, monitors, CRTs, printers, CDs, DVDs, computer disks, diskettes, videotapes, cassette tapes, tires, scrap metals, used motor oil, anti-freeze, used oil filters, microwave ovens and the usual curbside materials. 

6. Recycling Tours Sscheduled for Earth Day

The Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, will hold an open house in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 20.   The public is invited to schedule a guided tour of the Recycling Center between 9:30 and 11 a.m. or 1 and 2 p.m.  Registration for tours is requested by Monday, April 16. Tours will take about 40 minutes. To register, call Recycling Coordinator Stacy Grillo at (908) 231-7109.

Apr. 2, 2007 - Why is this night different from all other nights?

Happy Passover

To my Friends and Neighbors

of Jewish Faith 

Apr. 1, 2007 - Rutgers stuns L.S.U., 59-35

Local women's team advances to N.C.A.A. Final

Congratulations, ladies! 

It will be Rutgers' first ever appearance in the N.C.A.A. National Championship game. Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer led the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Final Four in 2000, where they fell to Tennessee in the semifinals.  The Scarlet Knights hit eight 3-pointers in the first half to build an intractable 37-19 lead. Guard Matee Ajavon scored 16 points and forward Essence Carson added 15 before leaving the game with a leg cramp.    The Scarlet Knights take on the winner of Tennessee vs. North Carolina in national title game on Tuesday.  Way to go!