Township Updates
Town Budget - Discussion and Vote - May 29
The 2019 Township Budget will be discussed and put to vote at the Tuesday, May 29 Town Council meeting, 7pm at Town Hall or via livestream. Please see the proposed budget. If you have questions about the budget in advance of the meeting, please direct them to Liza Viana, Township Administrator, at lviana@bhtwp.com.
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Please join fellow Township residents and officials on May 27, 2019 to pause and remember everyone in all wars who have given their lives in the service of our country. The parade starts at 9:30am from the Rescue Squad and ends at Veterans Memorial Park with a ceremony. Full details available on Township website.
Municipal Complex
Please check here for regular weekly updates and photos.
Notes from Town Council
Check out the new column by the Berkeley Heights Communications Committee, Notes from Town Council, which provides cliff notes into what your elected officials are doing including potential and current initiatives as well as past and upcoming community events.
Spring Chipping
All branches must be out for pickup on the first day of the schedule for your section. Absolutely no branches will be collected once a section is completed; please follow these guidelines for pickup. There will be no exceptions to the published schedule.
- Section 1 - April 8th-17th - COMPLETED
- Section 2 - April 22nd-May 1st - COMPLETED
- Section 3 - May 6th-15th - COMPLETED
- Section 4 - May 20th- 29th -IN PROCESS
- Section 5 - June 3rd-12th
Full details and schedule can be found on NEW website BerkeleyHeights.gov.
If you're not sure which section you live in, check our online lookup.
2019 Municipal Innovation Award
Berkeley Heights is a proud winner of the 2019 Municipal Innovation Award, having been recognized for forming our new Grants Committee. The awards were announced May 11 at the Municipal Innovation Summit, an event for municipal officials from Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties hosted by the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University and presented by The Government Strategy Group.
Recycling Schedule
REMINDER: The Township is now divided into two sections for recycling pickup. Snyder Avenue/Horseshoe Road is the dividing line between the East and West sides of Berkeley Heights.
Pickup will occur every other Wednesday for streets East of Snyder Ave (toward Summit) and every other Thursday for streets West of Snyder Avenue (toward Warren). Both sides of Snyder and Horseshoe will be picked up on Wednesdays.
Full 2019 schedule with East & West dates is online.
Specific questions can be sent directly to Giordano at (service@gogreengiordano.com or call 800-216-2250) for the most up-to-date information. Read a summary of Recycling "Do's and Don'ts".
June 2019 Recycling Dates:
- EAST: June 12, 26
- WEST: June 13, 27
Township Council Meeting Schedule
Township Council meetings take place at Town Hall (29 Park Avenue) at 7 pm.
Upcoming Township Council meetings:
- May 29 (Wednesday) - Budget adoption meeting. Please see the proposed budget.
- June 12, 25
- July 9, 23
Upcoming Planning Board meetings:
Committee & Board Updates
Downtown Beautification Committee
The Downtown Beautification Committee is thrilled with the strong community support for Adopt-A-Sign, a program launched this year to plant flowers and maintain the areas around Berkeley Heights' Welcome and Park signs. Families, Girl Scout Troops and businesses stepped up to the challenge, adopting 14 signs for the duration of the 2019 growing season. The DBC would like to acknowledge the following list of outstanding volunteers who are helping Berkeley Heights keep its small town feel: Bartholomew Family; Chaleff Family; Facey Family; Girl Scout Troop 42065; Girl Scout Troop 40178; Girl Scout Troop 40254; JL Franchino Masonry; Lawrence-DiLullo Family; Manieri Family; Ortega Family; Palermo Family; Scorzafava Family; Thayer Family; and Varnerin Family.
In addition, area businesses sponsored 14 hanging flower baskets this year, which almost doubled last year's number. Downtown Springfield Avenue is now bright with flowers thanks to the following generous supporters of the Fill-a-Basket program. Berkeley Hardware & Paint; Berkeley Development Co.; DeFabio Chiropractic Spine & Sports Rehab; DiMaios Cucina; Giovanni's Bistro Bar and Catering; Goodman's Deli & Restaurant; Investors Bank; Peak Medical; Primrose School of Berkeley Heights; RE/MAX Integrity Advantage Jim & Barbara Mulcahy; RE/MAX Achievers Laurie Holsten Homes; Rotary Club of Berkeley Heights; Smith Chiropractic Family Care & Sports Injury Center; and Sublime Salon & Day Spa.
Berkeley Heights Planning Board
At the Planning Board meeting was held on May 15, there was a Public Hearing and a presentation of preliminary investigation regarding "“The Mondelli Property” or "Vito's Property" made by Mr. Keenan Hughes, of Phillips Preiss Grygiel Leheny Hughes LLC.” Redevelopment Law grants the governing body of the power to authorize the Municipality to conduct a study to determine whether an area is need of redevelopment and to adopt a redevelopment plan for the designated area. The former building was demolished before the study was completed; the property owner, Elite Properties, took down the structures for safety reasons. Mr. Hughes stated that this “wrinkle in the process” should not prevent the Planning Board from voting to send the formal resolution to the governing body. Next stop will be to present at an upcoming Town Council meeting.
On the same night, the Planning Board adopted two resolutions. The first was an application to grant a soil movement permit to Nokia of American Corp. The second was to approve an application that includes interior modifications to a building, loading zone as well as parking lot improvements to a building in the LI Zone on Industrial Road.
Please reach out to Connie Valenti, Board Secretary, at cvalenti@bhtwp.com with any questions.
Berkeley Heights Communications Committee
Looking for Community Service hours? Willing to spend a few hours each month helping the town? The Communications Committee is seeking ad-hoc volunteers. Flexible hours and timing and work can be done from home in your spare time. No special writing skills needed, although writing skills are helpful. If you or your high school student is willing to consider helping out, please contact the Committee: BHCommunications@bhtwp.com.
Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission
Invasive Insect Threatening Ash Trees
A new threat has come to New Jersey and it could be devastating. Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmairet), an invasive insect native to Asia, has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees (Fraxinus species) in urban, rural and forested settings. Berkeley Heights awarded a contract to evaluate, treat or remove ash trees on the right of way in the Township.
The Environmental Commission encourages homeowners with ash trees to have a licensed tree expert evaluate the trees. Call the Board of Licensed Tree Experts at (732) 833-0325 or e-mail njtreeexperts@gmail.com for a list of tree professionals serving your area. Detailed information for homeowners, including how to identify if an ash tree is affected.
Lower Columbia Park Litter Clean up- Friday May 31 at 4pm
Want to help members of Girl Scout Troop 40822 earn their Silver Award? Pitch in to keep lower Columbia Park beautiful by joining Girl Scout Troop 40822, Val's Valiants, Sustainable Berkeley Heights, the Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission, and the Downtown Beautification Committee in a litter clean up. We will meet in the Lower Columbia Park parking lot, near the kids' playground and picnic tables at 4pm. Girl Scout Troop 40822 will give a brief presentation on litter and its environmental impact before we begin. Bags and reinforced gloves will be provided at no charge. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as the ground could be muddy and as most plants - including poison ivy, etc. - are now in bloom.
Grants Committee
The Township has a new Grants Committee! Working with the Township and our volunteer organizations, the Committee will research and help write grant applications. If you are interested in joining the committee, please submit an application. The committee seeks researchers, writers, copywriters, graphic designers, a bookkeeper or accountant and a data manager.
Community Updates & Events
Berkeley Heights Community Pool - Berkeley Heights YMCA
Looking for a pool this summer while the Berkeley Heights YMCA is under construction? Check out options on our website.
Senior Club Update (Ages 55+)
Weekly Meetings. Please join the "Seniors" at their weekly meetings - Tuesdays at 10:30am at Mount Carmel (56 River Road). All welcome, working or retired. Everyone 55 and over is invited and encouraged to attend our meetings, 2019 trips and loads of parties.
Berkeley Heights Fire Department
Over the past two decades the Berkeley Heights Fire Department has been experiencing a steady decline in membership. The Department is considered fully staffed with 55 active members, a number that has not been seen in close to 30 years – despite the 10% increase in population over the same time frame. In the year 2017, there were only 12 members who responded to 30% or more of the departments total call volume. Even more concerning, only three members had a response of over 50%. In contrast, call volume for the department has risen markedly - close to 150% since 1990.
The Department presented the issue and proposed the below solutions to the Township Council on May 7:
1. A quarterly stipend based on incident attendance percentage
2. Incentive stipend for attending advanced training courses
3. Incentive stipend for overnight call attendance
4. Adoption of the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP)
Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad
The Rescue Squad always needs volunteers, both medical and auxiliary! Come to the Rescue Squad's new "Meet &Greet - Open House" every Tuesday from 7-9pm. Come meet our members, learn more about us and what it takes to join the Squad. Free refreshments and ambulance tours too - bring the family! For additional information, visit their website or call (908) 464-0013.
Berkeley Heights Public Library
June Events
- A Universe of Stories: Summer Reading Program (Children/Tweens/Adults)
- Sign ups begin Friday, June 21
- Paper Plate Story Times (Ages 3-5)
- Tuesdays, June 4, 18, 25 from 9:30 am to 10 am
- Good Tyme String Band (All Ages)
- Tuesday, June 11 from 10:30 to 11 am
- Mother Goose on the Loose: Books, Music, Rhymes & Play (Ages 0-24 months)
- Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20 from 9:30 to 10 am
- Science Tellers presents “Aliens Escape from Earth” (Ages 5-12)
- Monday, June 24 from 3:30 to 4:15pm
- Yoga with Michelle (Ages 3-5)
- Tuesday, June 25 from 9:30 to 10:00 am
- Rockness Music: Interactive Rock- n- Roll Show (Ages 0-8)
- Thursday, June 27 from 9:30 to 10:15 am
Berkeley Heights VFW Fundraiser BBQ - Sunday, May 26 at 2pm
Fundraiser & Membership Drive for BH VFW, American Legion & Sons of American Legion.
Come out for a Memorial Day Weekend BBQ at the VFW Hall, 15 Locust Ave. Cost is $15pp, $8 for children under 12, Children five years old and under eat FREE! To register, please see a bartender in the Foxhole or contact VFWgirl22@gmail.com.
Berkeley Heights PBA Fundraiser
Scotch & Wine Tasting - Saturday, June 1
Don't miss the PBA Scotch & Wine Tasting Event on Saturday, June 1 at 7pm at 200 Connell Drive. Cost is $50 per person. For more information and to register, please contact bhPBA144@gmail.com.
BIG BH WEEKEND - June 8 & 9!!
Berkeley Heights Business and Civic
Rubber Ducky Festival--Saturday, June 8, noon - 4pm
Come out for a fun family day of festivities starting at noon which will include food, games, blow up bounce houses and end with a rubber ducky race! Great day planned, read all about it, along with some fantastic prizes for the fastest ducks, get in on the action!
Summer Block Party - Sunday, June 9, 1-4pm
On June 9, the Berkeley Heights Business and Civic, in conjunction with the Berkeley Heights Recreation Department, will be hosting the inaugural Downtown Summer Block Party. Located on Springfield Avenue and running from 1 to 4 p.m., the Summer Block Party will be a showcase for all local restaurants, businesses, sports teams, non-profit organizations and service clubs. To learn more about the event, visit TapInto Berkeley Heights.
Pour into Summer Wine Festival - June 8 & 9, noon - 5pm
Mt Carmel Society, Berkeley Heights - Come wine down with some of New Jersey’s best wineries as they kick off the summer season in style. Family friendly event - something for everyone. More information available at www.newjerseywineevents.com
Berkeley Heights Youth Police Academy
Berkeley Height Police Department Youth Academy 2019
Save the dates! Registration forms and full packet can be found here.
- Grades 8-12 July 8-12
- Grades 2-4 July 15-19
- Grades 5-7 July 22-26
- Grades 5-8 July 29-Aug 2 (For those who have previously attended BHPD Youth Academy)
BH Police Department & BH Diversity Council, "Coffee with a Cop", June 22
YMCA, Berkeley Heights
Please join the BHPD and the BHDC for “Coffee with a Cop”. Coffee with a Cop brings police officer and the community members they serve together - over coffee - to discuss issues and learn more about each other. It’s agenda free - no speeches or specific topics. Just informal conversations about what matters to community residents. More details, including start time, to follow soon!
Berkeley Heights Board of Education
New Superintendent
Doug Reinstein, president of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education, announced in late April that Dr. Melissa Varley has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Schools for the Berkeley Heights School District, effective July 1, 2019. For questions about this staffing change, please reach out to the Board of Education Secretary, Mrs. Donna Felezzola, at dfelezzola@bhpsnj.org
Summer camps available in Berkeley Heights
All-Sports Camp
For children entering grades K through 8, The All-Sports Camp is the perfect blend of sports, recreational games and camaraderie from 9am to 1pm directed by Terry Hanratty, PE Teacher at GLHS. For more information, call (908) 896-6175.
Heights Cheerleading Camp
For girls entering grades K-9, The Heights Cheerleading Camp runs from 9am to 1pm and is directed by former and current GL Cheerleaders and Coaches. For more information, call (908) 896-6175.
Highlander Football Camp
For football players grades 3-9, Highlander Football Camp is designed to teach young players safe and proper Track & Field fundamentals as well as instill the characteristics that make up a Highlander. Running from June 24- 27th, the camp is directed by Head Football Coach at GL, Dan Guyton who can be reached at (908) 451-3173.
Highlander Track & Field Camp
For football players grades 3-9, Highlander Track & Field Camp is designed to teach young players safe and proper Football FUNdamentals as well as instill the characteristics that make up a Highlander. Running from July 15-18th, the camp is directed by Head Track and Field Coach at GL, Dan Guyton, who can be reached at (908) 451-3173.
Boy Scouts
Join Scouting!
Berkeley Heights has a long-standing tradition of being a scout friendly town with many chartered Scouting organizations for young men and women. Troop 68 has been in Berkeley Heights since 1934 and has produced more than 110 Eagle Scouts over the years. Troop 68 prides itself in giving back to the community and enabling young members to learn valuable life skills along the way. The Troop has something for everyone; from high adventure camping to STEM. They meet Mondays at 7:30 pm @ Mary Kate McMillan School (651 Mountain Ave). Scouts is open to all young adults age 11-17. Stop by and come check them out! For further information, please contact Scoutmaster Richardson at PeterRichardson.BH68@troopmaster.email