57:01One notable discussions revolved around safety issues on County Road 520 and the newly reconfigured Exit 109. Residents, including representatives from the Linro Village Green Association, voiced their worries about the frequency of accidents in the area. Melanie Eler highlighted significant incidents at Exit 109 and called for a safety study of the 520 Corridor. Eler emphasized the need for intervention due to the high number of accidents, particularly following the redesign, which involved businesses such as Lifetime Fitness and Red Bank Vet. She provided details from a report by BFJ Planning that underscored the necessity of prioritizing road safety.

The council acknowledged past collaborations with county authorities to enhance traffic safety, despite the financial burdens on the township. However, it was clarified that Exit 109 falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, complicating direct township interventions. The council noted that accident data would be reviewed in future traffic studies, and developers might be required to implement safety improvements as part of project approvals. Opinions varied on whether the redesign of Exit 109 had contributed to the spike in accidents, with some arguing that driver adjustment periods played a role, while others called for ongoing monitoring and analysis to identify underlying causes.

24:56The redevelopment of the Middletown train station, in partnership with the Middletown Historical Society, was another focal point. The council highlighted plans to renovate the station ahead of America’s 250th birthday, acknowledging the efforts of individuals from the Historical Society. An event featuring Rick Gein, centered on the naval Battle of the Navyn from 1777, was discussed as a way to illuminate local history. The council also mentioned recent renovations at the old Middletown train station, now leased to the Middletown Historical Society, which experienced a successful opening event.

Public concerns extended to the Exit 109 Redevelopment, particularly the Avalon Bay project. Resident Laura Smith-Stains inquired about the developer’s status and tax implications. The council confirmed that Avalon Bay remains involved under the name Urban Renewals LLC and clarified that while the redevelopment includes tax payments, it does not exempt the developer from property taxes. Instead, a negotiated payment structure is in place due to the area’s redevelopment status. The developer’s withdrawal of five years of tax appeals was noted as a benefit to the township.

Smith-Stains also questioned the absence of information about an apartment complex in the current agenda, which focused on commercial aspects like a new Starbucks installation. The council explained that the apartment complex had been addressed in previous meetings and that the current agenda was part of a multi-step process. Another resident, Doug Tomchuck, raised concerns about the tax implications and traffic issues related to the redevelopment. He emphasized the need for clearer comparisons of projected tax revenues and criticized the traffic studies for not accurately reflecting current conditions. The council responded by stressing the importance of revitalizing an area with declining tenancy and planning for future development to prevent high-density housing, which could worsen traffic issues.

0:04During the meeting, a proclamation recognizing March 2025 as Women’s History Month in Middletown was adopted, and a resolution concerning professional engineering services for Bodman Park Field improvements was approved. Deputy Mayor Rick W. Hibell introduced the Wellness Wheels program, a partnership with Uber to assist residents struggling with opioid addiction by providing transportation to treatment. He emphasized the importance of addressing accessibility issues for those in need.

The meeting also celebrated the achievements of local youth, with Mayor Tony Perry recognizing the Middletown High School South wrestling team for their recent championship win. Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz highlighted the success of the Middletown Alliance’s leadership program for fifth graders, noting the substantial number of graduates each year.