Plainsboro Reporter

Plainsboro Reporter
A Quarterly Township Newsletter
Spring 2016
Healthy Eating, Active Living Classes Offered
P
rinceton HealthCare System (PHCS) and Plainsboro
Township Recreation & Community Services are excited to present Healthy Eating, Active Living—a free, sixsession program to help adults improve their health by incorporating fitness and better food choices into their daily lives.
The program was developed to help combat obesity, a growing
problem both nationally, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), and regionally, as evidenced
by a community needs assessment completed by PHCS in
2015.
Obesity has been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart
disease, stroke, sleep problems, certain types of cancer and
poor mental health.
Combining four nutrition classes with interactive sessions
on exercise and cooking, the program provides the recipe for
success in eating and living well. The nutritionist’s classes are
scheduled for April 13, 20, and 27, and May 4 and will cover:
• Nutrition for a Busy Lifestyle: How to Eat Healthy on the
Run
• Sugar Savvy: Understanding the Sugar Content of Foods
• How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
• Emotional Eating: The Connection Between Mood and Food
Healthy Eating, Active Living sessions will be held every
Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 p.m., from April 13 through May 18
at the Plainsboro Recreation and Cultural Center, 641 Plainsboro Road.
Wear your sneakers to the fifth class on May 11, when a fitness expert will demonstrate some easy moves to help you get
in shape. Finally, on May 18, an executive chef will whip up
delicious, healthy dishes for everyone to sample.
Admission is free, but residents are asked to register and commit to all six sessions to help the Township and PHCS to plan
and appropriately staff the program. To register for Township
recreation programs, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/
plainsboronj/ For more details, see the Recreation Insert.
Restaurants and Pet Store Slated for Village Center
Dan Driscoll of Panera Bread, Mayor Peter Cantu, Tom
Troy of Sharbell Development Corporation, Deputy Mayor
Neil Lewis and John McCormick of Five Guy Burgers and
Fries break ground on a 10,700 square foot building at the
corner of Schalks Crossing Road and Scudders Mill Road
which will include a Panera Bread restaurant, a Pet Valu
pet supply store, a Five Guys Burgers and Fries and a fourth
tenant that has not yet been named.
Healthy Eating, Active Living, funded by grants from Novo
Nordisk and area residents Scott and Tracy Sipprelle, is the
latest offering from PHCS Community Education & Outreach, which provides over 1,300 community events annually,
including health screenings and a broad range of free or lowcost educational programming.
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Plainsboro Awarded $10,000 Sustainable Energy Grant
P
lainsboro Township has been awarded a $10,000 grant
funded by Sustainable Jersey’s Gardinier Environmental
Fund.
The Plainsboro Energy Efficiency Building Improvement
Project will help fund energy efficiency building improvements
for two major municipal buildings: the Recreation and
Cultural Center and the Rush Holt Environmental Education
Center at Plainsboro Preserve. The improvements include:
high efficiency LED indoor and outdoor lighting for both
buildings and a five-ton water source heat pump and faucet
aerators for the Environmental Education Center and Preserve.
Both projects have a simple payback of less than 1.5 years.
“We are very grateful to Sustainable Jersey and the Gardinier
Environmental Fund for this $10,000 grant that will help the
Township reduce its carbon footprint and reduce the cost of
municipal operations”, said Mayor Peter Cantu.
Code Enforcement Department Resumes Early Hours
O
n Wednesday, April 6, 2016, the Plainsboro Code
Enforcement Department will again open its counter
at 8:00am every Wednesday.
The Department oversees Building, Housing and Fire
Prevention activities.
This initiative will continue every Wednesday through
September 28, 2016.
“Administrative staff will be available to assist customers in
applying for and issuing construction permits, scheduling
inspections and to answer general questions,” stated Township
Committeeman Ed Yates.
Tax Payments Accepted Online
Property tax payments are accepted online through our website at www.plainsbornj.com
Click the Online Payments icon on the main page to pay using a credit card, debit card or pay by e-check.
Include your name, address or block and lot.
Call the tax office at 799-0909 x1408 or x1409 with questions.
Service fees apply.
Community Garden
T
he Plainsboro Community Garden, located on the
south side of Plainsboro Road at the base of the railroad bridge is available for use by Township residents. Applications are available in the municipal building,
through the Township’s website at www.plainsboronj.com
or by calling the Public Works Department at 799-0099,
extension 1902.
March 7, 2016
Application deadline &
$25 application fee
April 8, 2016
Selected gardeners $50 Security
Deposit
April 9, 2016
Garden plots available for access
and use
December 10, 2016
Permits expire – deadline for clean-up
Plainsboro Reporter
Have You Seen Our New Website?
Visit www.plainsboronj.com to sign up for notifications and review
the service requests offered. If you were previously signed up to receive
notifications, you will automatically continue to receive them. 2
www.plainsboronj.com
Coming Soon – New Service Line Repair Program
Y
ou will be receiving a letter from the Township in
the coming months regarding a new, voluntary service line repair program which provides repair coverage for your outside sewer line, up to $4,000 per incident
with no deductibles.
to deteriorate - age, ground shifting, root invasion, fluctuating temperatures and more. Homeowners can spend from
hundreds to upwards of $3,500 to repair a broken or leaking
sewer line on their property.
SLWA, an independent organization, administers the program and is an accredited Better Business Bureau organization with an A+ rating. SLWA has helped more than 100,000
homeowners across the country save more than $64 million
in service line repair costs.
The Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) Sewer Line
Warranty Program is the only service line protection program for homeowners endorsed by the National League of
Cities. The program provides coverage 24 hours a day, 365
days a year.
*The Township supports this program as a voluntary, optional
program that may be helpful to residents. No public funds are
used in the marketing or administration of this program and the
Township receives no payment for participating in this program.
Necessary repairs to the sewer line that runs between your
home and the public utility connection are the responsibility of the homeowner. These lines have been subjected to
the same elements that have caused our public service lines
HRC Honors Volunteers Who Make a Difference
O
n January 17th the Plainsboro Human Relations
Council celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Make a Difference” volunteer awards. “The program
was organized by the council to honor volunteers who have made
an impact on the community,” stated Committman Nuran Nabi. This year’s award winners were:
the importance of community service. Volunteering with the
Plainsboro Public Library for the past five years, Smiriti spends
her time assisting patrons with technological issues at the “Geek
Desk”. As a student council member at school, she has been instrumental in organizing community service projects and raising funds for Hope Loves Company, an organization that supports children of patients with ALS.
Edward Shen (Individual Award) - Ed has studied Taiji (Tai
Chi) for 22 years and has voluntarily taught this increasingly
popular form of martial arts-based exercise to Township residents for the past 14 years. A former resident of Plainsboro, he
now lives in Monroe Township with his wife.
Attitudes in Reverse-AIR (Social Innovator Award) - Established in 2010 by Tricia, Kurt and Katelyn Baker of Plainsboro
after their son/brother Kenny ended his life following a long
battle with severe depression and anxiety, the mission of Attitudes in Reverse (AIR™) is to save lives by educating people
about mental health-related disorders and suicide prevention.
The Coming Up for Air ™, program has provided more than
22,000 presentations to middle and high school students in
New Jersey, New York and Vermont on this very important
topic. In addition, AIR™ has provided scholarship opportunities, various events and another popular program, AIR Dogs:
Paws for Minds™. This program is built upon the premise that
improvements can be made to the mental well-being of people
by introducing dogs into their lives. It has been proven that
simply petting a dog releases positive de-stressing brain chemicals which help to break down communication barriers.
Daniel Hurley (Emerging Leader Award) - Daniel has been
active in national, state and local politics for several years, having
interned for members of Congress and the New Jersey Assembly
and also providing assistance as a campaign volunteer. With a
clear understanding of the public service component of politics,
Daniel’s proactive nature sets him apart from his peers.
John Cook (Lifetime Achievement Award) - A resident of
Plainsboro for nearly 40 years, John’s contributions to Plainsboro Township have come in a variety of ways. John mentored
Plainsboro’s youth as a teacher and counselor for more than 25
years in the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District. John
also helped secure funding for Township programs through his
affiliation with the Middlesex County Housing and Community Development Program and also as a grant writer for youth
tennis programs. At the annual Founders Day celebration,
John can be found leading the parade or onstage emceeing.
Special thanks to Human Relations Council members Shikha
Rastogi, Jessica Cortese, Sangita Datta, Krishna Eleti, Joseph
Greer, Preetam Inampudi, Sgt. Joseph Jankowski (Police Liaison), Ruth Levy, Nuran Nabi (Township Committee Liaison),
Saloni Sharma and Lauren Skowronski.
The Human Relations Council, formed in 1994, provides
programs that embrace and celebrate Plainsboro’s unique cultural diversity.
Smriti Moorjani (Youth Award) - Smriti Moorjani, a junior at
the Mercer County Technical Schools Health Science Academy,
is an aspiring future health care professional who understands
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Archery Program Comes to Plainsboro
L
ast summer, the Plainsboro Recreation & Community
Services Department, with help from the New Jersey
Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDFW), introduced the
National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to Plainsboro. NJDFW loaned the necessary equipment to allow the
Recreation and Community Services Department to offer a
5-week “Kids Archery” program. The program was run by
Plainsboro Senior Ranger Craig Harley and Environmental
Educator Tara Miller, both of whom are certified NASP instructors. The program was well received with 16 participants
and many more on a waiting list. The NASP program was
developed to bring the sport of archery to schools across the
United States.
Archery is one sport in which boys and girls can participate
together and it puts everyone, athletes and non-athletes alike,
on a level playing field. It allows for people of all physical abilities and backgrounds to participate and increases self-esteem.
Given the success of the program and the fact that K-8 schools
in the surrounding areas do not offer archery programs, the
Recreation and Community Services Department plans to
purchase their own equipment and offer additional programs
to a variety of age groups.
Christine De Jong (front), Ellie Han (at left) and the
rest of last year’s ‘Kids Archery Program’ participants
take aim and prepare to release their arrows.
Summer Camp 2016
Registration opens on March 1, 2016. Visit www.plainsboronj.com or stop by the Recreation & Cultural Center to register.
Mark Your Calendar!
Sunday, May 1, 2016
37th Annual
FOUNDERS DAY
CELEBRATION
Come help our community celebrate!
Rain date: Saturday, May 7
Plainsboro Reporter
On Sunday, May 1, 2016, all are invited to join the fun and festivities commemorating Plainsboro’s birthday. The Founders Day Celebration is a time for the town to come together for an afternoon
of fun. The celebration will kick-off with a parade that starts at
12:30pm from Waters Edge Park and travel along Edgemere Avenue and Plainsboro Road to the Municipal Complex. As in years
past, thousands of people are expected to participate in a wide variety of free activities. Enjoy live entertainment, music, dance,
magic, super inflatables, arts and cultural programs, exhibits, local
history, and much more. Food and beverage will be available for
purchase from local non-profit groups.
Plainsboro Road, in front of Municipal Complex, will be closed
throughout the afternoon. Event parking will be available across
the street at the Enterprise Office Center. Other traffic updates
will be posted on the website at www.plainsboronj.com. For event
information, contact the Department of Recreation & Community Services at 609-799-0909 x1719. For traffic and parking information, contact the Police Department Traffic Bureau at 609799-2333.
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2016 Lenape Trail Cleanup – Calling All Volunteers
P
lainsboro historically conducts an annual volunteer
cleanup event. Until recently, the event was held in conjunction with Plainsboro’s Annual Arbor Day Celebration. In 2010, Plainsboro’s annual cleanup and Arbor Day Celebration were separated into two different events. This year’s
cleanup takes place on April 16, 2016 and is anticipated to
eclipse previous events. “Our goal is to host Plainsboro’s largest
cleanup event and for that, we are seeking all volunteers. It is
through the dedication of Plainsboro’s residents we believe this
is possible,” states Township Committeeman David Bander.
The cleanup will begin at 9:00 am with breakfast and a Clean
Communities presentation. Clean Communities is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program that provides
funding to municipalities for the removal, enforcement and
education on litter. At the conclusion of the breakfast and
program, volunteers will be grouped and proceed to the trail.
The cleanup lasts two hours. At its conclusion, the bags of
garbage and recyclables will be tallied and a total will be announced. Before leaving, volunteers will receive items recognizing their service and dedication to “Keeping Plainsboro a
Clean Community.”
This year Plainsboro’s goal is to clean the entire length of the
Lenape Trail abutting the Plainsboro Pond, approximately
2.5 miles. Each volunteer will be equipped with gloves, litter sticks, garbage bags, recycling bags and, depending on the
number of volunteers, assigned to groups. Along with volunteers from the Stonybrook Millstone Watershed Association,
Plainsboro’s volunteers will remove all items along the trail
and properly dispose of them.
Anybody interested in volunteering should contact Recreation
and Community Services Program Director, Tara Miller, 609799-0909 ext. 1708 or the Department of Public Works at
609-799-0099.
Arbor Day Celebration
Planned
P
lainsboro’s dedication to tree planting and preservation
is evident in its designation as a Tree City USA for 30
consecutive years. To maintain this status each year
a municipality must meet certain requirements. First is the
observance of Arbor Day and the issuance of a proclamation.
Plainsboro has always satisfied this requirement; but in 2009
the Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) and Township
Committee decided to take it further.
Beginning in 2010, and continuing every year since, Plainsboro has invited three classes from the Wicoff Elementary
School and Town Center Elementary School to the municipal
complex for an Arbor Day Celebration. The students meet the
Mayor, Township Committee and STAC members and participate in a brief question and answer game with the Superintendent of Public Works, Neil Blitz. The Mayor conducts
a tree planting ceremony and reads the annual proclamation.
The students are then treated to demonstrations on organic
fertilization and tree pruning. These services are provided by
professionals who have repeatedly donated their time each year
for this worthy cause.
Holiday Wishes Campaign a Success
Mayor Peter Cantu (left) accepts a holiday gift from Theresa Sudnick,
Superintendent of SUEZ Water Princeton Meadows (right) in connection with the Township’s Holiday Wishes campaign. Special thanks
also to Queenship of Mary Church, the Plainsboro Public Library,
MJ Hennessy and Associates, Girl Scouts of West Windsor-Plainsboro
and countless community businesses and dedicated volunteers. This
year, more than 500 gifts were collected to help those less fortunate
enjoy the holidays. This year Plainsboro’s Arbor Day Celebration is scheduled for
Thursday, April 28, 2016 and expectations are high. “Each
year our staff works hard to make this an enjoyable and educational experience for all students,” stated Township Committeeman David Bander. “This year we want the students to
cheer so loud that they stop traffic on Plainsboro Road.”
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Plainsboro Receives Body Camera Grant
P
lainsboro Township received an $18,000 grant from the
State Attorney General’s office to purchase 36 bodyworn cameras for each of the Township’s police officers.
The Attorney General issued a statewide policy in July 2015
designed to promote best practices and uniformity in using
the devices. The new policy – which guides police departments statewide that decide to deploy body cameras – establishes foundational requirements while allowing individual
police departments to tailor policies to local needs.
“We are grateful to the State for this grant. The body-worn
camera technology will promote transparency, mutual accountability, and trust between police and the community,”
said Mayor Peter Cantu.
S
Helmet Safety
pring and summer bring warm weather and increased
outdoor activity. Unfortunately, each year over 750
bicyclists lose their lives in crashes, most with motor
vehicles. Most deaths are attributed to traumatic brain injury and the simple task of wearing a helmet could significantly reduce the severity of injury. Wearing a helmet does
not mean that you can be reckless. However, it will provide
some protection for your face, head and brain should you
fall from your bicycle.
Plainsboro police remind everyone that wearing a helmet is required for all young people under the age of 17 when cycling,
rollerskating, or skateboarding. When cycling, follow the rules
of the road and ride with traffic, observe all traffic signs and signals, and use lights at dusk or after dark. Wear bright colors and
reflective material especially late in the day.
Patrolman Reichard Named 2015 Officer of the Year
I
n a ceremony held in December, Officer Daniel Reichard
was named the Plainsboro Township Police Department’s
Officer of the Year. “Officer Reichard is consistently recognized as a leader amongst his peers and, perhaps more importantly, generating positive morale and presenting a positive
image of law enforcement to the public he serves,” remarked
Chief of Police Guy Armour.
Daniel Reichard
known for the persistently positive affect he has on those
around him.
Prior to joining this Department, Officer Reichard served
6.5 years active duty with the United States Marine Corps as
a machine gunner and radio operator. His time in the service
included 2 tours of duty in Iraq, during which he earned the
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He has also
earned an Associates Degree in Communication Arts from
Union County College.
Officer Reichard has been a member of this department since 2010
after graduating from the Atlantic
County Police Academy and has
served in the Patrol Division for the
duration of his career. He serves as
the department’s recruiting officer
and also assists with cell-block management. Officer Reichard serves as
a role model for his peers and is
Deputy Mayor Neil Lewis commented, “Officer Reichard
consistently represents law enforcement in the best possible
light. His interactions with the public and peers are exemplary.”
Candle Safety Reminder
The Plainsboro Fire Company would like to remind residents to use
candles with caution in and around your home. Unattended candles
have led to several fires in the Township in recent years.
Please do not leave candles burning unattended.
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At your service . . .
Township Clerk’s Office 799-0909, extension 2547
2016 Election Schedule
Election
Date
Location
Polling Hours
Close of Registration
Last Day to Apply
(21 days prior)
for Mail-In Ballot
Last day to apply for a mail-in
ballot in person to County Clerk
(by 3:00pm)
PRIMARY
06/07/16
By District
6:00– 8:00 05/17/16
05/31/16
06/06/16
GENERAL
11/08/16
By District
6:00– 8:00 10/18/16
11/01/16
11/07/16
Pet Licenses
and $16.20 for non-neutered animals. Late fees of $5.00 per month
are assessed as of February 1st.
New Jersey State law mandates that all dogs six months of age or
older be licensed. Applications are available for all new pets in the
Township Clerk’s Office at 641 Plainsboro Road. Proof of rabies vaccination must be submitted with the application. According to state
regulation, when licensing, the rabies vaccination immunity
must extend through at least ten (10) months of the 12-month
licensing period. Therefore, licenses cannot be issued if the rabies
vaccination expires before November 1st of each year. If for any
medical reason the animal cannot be vaccinated in the required time,
form VPH-28 must be completed by the veterinarian and submitted with the form. Submit a copy of the spay/neuter certificate, if
applicable. The license fees are $13.20 for spayed/neutered animals
If you missed the Township Rabies Clinic in November please contact the Middlesex County Public Health Department at (732) 7453100 for the listing of the county scheduled clinics held in the surrounding municipalities.
Vital Records
Vital records such as birth, marriage/civil union and death certificates
are issued through the Township Clerk’s Office. For information regarding requirements, contact the office or visit the township website
at www.plainsboronj.com.
Public Works Department 799-0099
Conservation & Recycling Center
Heritage Way, Mayfarth Terrace, Millstone Court, Nostrand Road,
Okeson Street, Petty Road, Plainsboro Road, Pollack Court, Ponds
End, Scotts Corner Road, Stults Drive, Sullivan Street, Village Area
and Walker Gordon Estates
Brush Collection Guidelines:
• Must be curbside by 7:00am the first Monday of the month des ignated for your street ONLY. No brush should be placed in the
street or on sidewalks and no closer than 10’ from any catch basin.
• Brush left curbside during non-scheduled months is subject to
fines and removal costs.
• Trimmings from trees, shrubs and vines accepted (max. 6 feet
length and 5 inches diameter)
• NO trash, roots, stumps, soil, grass and leaves
• Brush shall be neatly placed parallel to the road with limb ends
facing the same direction.
Curbside Recycling
Scheduled pickup dates for this quarter are:
March 7, 21; April 4, 18; May 2, 16
Currently, the center is open on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
As of April 1st, the center is open Mondays and Thursdays from
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
2016 Bulk Waste Days
Bulky items such as furniture, appliances, bicycles, etc., will be accepted at the Recycling Center from 8:00am to 5:00pm on April 2,
June 11, August 6, November 5
Middlesex County Programs
The following services are provided by the county. For more information, call Middlesex County Solid Waste Management at
732-745-4170 or visit http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/Government/
Departments/PSH/Pages/Solid-Waste-Management.aspx for information.
Brush Collection Schedule:
April, June, August, October
Beechtree Estates, Brentwood Lane/Shallow Brook Estates,
Cypress Court, George Davison Road, Mapleton Road, Perrine
Road, Princeton Collection, Princeton Crossing, Princeton Manor,
Serina Drive and Woodland Drive
• Residential Paint Drop-Off • Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off • Consumer Electronics Drop-Off
• Paper Shredding Events
March, May, July, September
Brookside Court, Cooks Corner, Cranbury Neck Road, Dey Road,
Eiker Road, Gentry, Grovers Mill Estates, Grovers Mill Road,
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Presorted Standard
US Postage
PAID
Princeton, NJ
Permit No. 240
Plainsboro
Township of Plainsboro
641 Plainsboro Road
Plainsboro, NJ 08536
ECRWSS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
PLAINSBORO, NJ 08536
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
Peter A. Cantu, Mayor
Neil J. Lewis, Deputy Mayor
David Bander
Nuran Nabi
Edmund C. Yates
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Anthony Cancro
NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR
Teresa Carson
Township Directory and Information
Plainsboro Township Municipal Offices
Plainsboro Police Department
Location: 641 Plainsboro Road
Phone:
General 609-799-0909
Court
609-799-0863
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday8:30am-4:30pm
Website: www.plainsboronj.com
Location:
Phone: Website:
Like us on Facebook at
Facebook.com/PlainsboroTwpNJ
Location: 641 Plainsboro Road
Phone: General 609-799-0909, press 6
[email protected]
Register at: http://www.plainsboronj.com to receive
notifications from township officials and to request
services online.
Plainsboro Public Library
Location: 9 Van Doren Street
Phone: 609-275-2897
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday
10:00am-8:30pm
Friday – Sunday
10:00am-5:00pm
Website: www.lmxac.org/plainsboro
641 Plainsboro Road
Non-Emergency 609-799-2333
Emergencies 9 1 1
www.plainsboropolice.com
Plainsboro Recreation and
Cultural Center
Plainsboro Public Works
Department
Location: Scotts Corner Road at 20
Woodland Drive
Phone: 609-799-0099
Recycling Center, Bulk Waste
See Page 7 for details or visit website
School District Information
609-716-5000
Report Street Light Out to
PSE&G 1-800-436-7734
Report Potholes to
Public Works 799-0099
Township Meetings
All meetings are held at 7:30pm in the
Municipal Building, 641 Plainsboro
Road, unless otherwise noted.
Development Review Committee
3rd Tuesday, 7:00pm
Recreation and Cultural Center
Meeting Room #1
Environmental Advisory Committee
4th Monday, 7:00pm or as needed
Call 609-799-0909, x1502
for more information
Fire Commissioners
2nd Tuesday, 7:00pm
at firehouse
Shade Tree Advisory Committee
2nd Monday
Township Committee
Regular Mtg. 2nd Wednesday
Agenda Mtg. 4th Wednesday
Planning Board
1st & 3rd Monday
Zoning Board
1st Wednesday