TOWNSHIP TO DREDGE TRADERS COVE MARINA; MATERIALS WILL BE USED TO REPLENISH AND ENHANCE WILDLIFE REFUGE

The first phase of a dredging program at Brick Township’s Traders Cove Marina and Park is set to commence around November 1, 2024, and is expected to continue through December 31. This project, vital for maintaining safe and accessible waterways, involves removing accumulated sediment from the boat slips within the marina. The dredged material will then be repurposed for marsh restoration and ecological enhancement at the adjacent Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, making this effort both a practical and environmentally beneficial undertaking.

“Dredging Traders Cove has become necessary due to the shallow depths that have developed over time. This project will ensure that Traders Cove remains navigable and safe for residents and visitors that use the marina,” said Mayor Lisa Crate. “The project has the added benefit of restoring and enhancing the ecosystem of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.”

The project’s primary objective is to improve navigation by deepening the boat slips, achieving a dredging depth of approximately 3 feet below the channel surface, or 6 feet below the mean high-water mark. During the dredging process, material will be collected beneath the water’s surface and transferred through a pipeline to the refuge for eco-friendly repurposing.

Given the sensitive nature of the marine environment around Traders Cove, the contractor, Mobile Dredging of Chester, Pennsylvania, will use a turbidity curtain to minimize disruption and control sediment dispersal. These curtains are commonly used in marine construction projects to contain sediment and protect nearby water quality. They play a critical role in mitigating environmental impact by reducing sediment spread, ensuring the surrounding ecosystems are safeguarded.

The dredged materials, approved for use by both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will provide significant ecological benefits. Their placement on the marsh will not only help restore and enhance wetland areas but also improve habitats for threatened and endangered species like the Salt Marsh Sparrow and Black Rail. This habitat restoration will further bolster water quality and contribute to the resilience of the local ecosystem.

The marsh restoration component of the project is being funded through a DEP RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) grant and will have no cost to Brick Township’s taxpayers. The grants are funded by proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cooperative effort among several states to cap and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector.

ACT Engineers has been contracted to oversee this project, ensuring all operations adhere to environmental standards and best practices. This initiative underscores Brick Township’s commitment to both the functionality of its marina and the preservation of its natural surroundings, balancing recreational access with conservation efforts for long-term sustainability.

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2024-2025 BEACH VEHICLE PERMITS SOLD OUT; NO MORE INSPECTIONS AVAILABLE

The Township of Brick has issued all available Beach Vehicle Permits for the 2024-2025 season. No additional permits will be issued and no vehicle inspections will be done.

Thank you for your understanding.

Mercantile License Form

Mercantile License Form

BRICK FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF 10TH SEASON ON MAY 4

Mayor Lisa Crate is excited to announce that the Brick Farmers Market will return for its milestone 10th season at Windward Beach Park on Saturday, May 4. There are 60 vendors signed up for this year’s market.

“We are so thrilled to be celebrating our 10th year of the Brick Farmers Market,” said Mayor Crate. “When we started this market in 2015, we were hopeful that the community would embrace it and they have done so beyond our wildest expectations. The response and support of the community has been outstanding and the reason why this has become the best farmers market in New Jersey.”

The Brick Farmers Market will take place every Saturday from May 4 through September 28. The market hours are 8:30am until 1:30pm. Admission to the market is free. The Brick Farmers Market is dog-friendly; all canine guests must be leashed at all times.

Visitors to the Brick Farmers Market can expect a broad variety of products from the 60 vendors signed up including farm-fresh produce, delicacies, artisanal foods, jellies and jams, pickles, crafts, florals, handmade jewelry and goods, craft beers and spirits and much more.

“We are confident that this year is going to be our best one yet,” said Mayor Crate. “We have some new exciting vendors as well as many of the ones our guests have been stopping at for years, some of whom have been with us since our very first market in April 2015.”

Mayor Crate extends a special recognition to the vendors who have been with the market since its inception. They are Cream Ridge Winery, Beckage Farms, 502 Baking Company, Shore Shake, Farmer Al’s Market & Greenhouse, Jaker’s Pickles, Kauffman Farms, Krakus Deli, Momma’s Home Made, Sea Glass Jewelry by Kristen and Rella Woodworks.

For more information on the Brick Farmers Market, please call 732-262-1075.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL DROP-OFF DAYS ANNOUNCED

Mayor Lisa Crate is pleased to announce that residents can discard of construction materials at the Public Works Recycling Center, 836 Ridge Road, on Saturday, May 11 from 7:30am until 3:30pm.

On May 11, residents can bring construction materials such as kitchen cabinets, sheetrock, plywood, wood trim, molding, wood floors, tile flooring, decking, ceiling tiles, paneling, doors, 2X4’s, roofing shingles and outdoor sheds to the Recycling Center.  Hazardous materials will not be accepted.

This is for residents only; contractors or commercial vehicles will not be permitted.  Proof of residency in the form of a tax bill and driver’s license is required to gain access to the Center.  Materials must be brought to the site; there will be no curbside collection offered.

The Mayor has also authorized a second drop-off day for the autumn. That drop-off day is Saturday, October 12 for construction material collection.

The Township stopped collecting and accepting most construction materials in 2009 in response to escalating tipping fees and abuse by contractors.

For more information, please call Public Works at 732-451-4060.

MAYOR CRATE ANNOUNCES THE 2024 CAPITAL BUDGET

The Township Council will introduce bond ordinances totaling $10 million at their April 23, 2024 meeting. The bonds will be used to fund Mayor Lisa Crate’s 2024 capital budget. The budget includes appropriations for road improvement projects, drainage projects, police vehicles and equipment, sanitation vehicles, recreation improvements and more.

“The capital budget funds necessary infrastructure improvement projects, vehicle purchases, equipment purchases and upgrades and more,” said Mayor Crate. “They are necessary to maintain our community and keep it clean, healthy and safe.”

The largest expenditure in the capital budget is $2.627 million earmarked for a dredge project that includes marshland restoration at the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge. The project is being done to provide protection from future storms and sea level rise.

The budget includes $2,585,010 in roadway improvement projects. Areas and roads slated for improvements in 2024 include Bay Harbor, Baywood, Lakewood Gardens, Laurel Manor, Lions Head North (Courtshire Drive), Greenbriar, Cherie Manor, Normandy Beach, Herbertsville and Cherry Quay.

“Brick Township has more than 1,700 residential streets that we are responsible for maintaining. Every year, we fund improvement projects for streets that are in most need of repair,” said Mayor Crate.

The capital budget includes $1,277,000 in expenditures for Public Works. This includes $420,000 for a side arm garbage truck, $350,000 for a rear loading garbage truck and $400,000 for the Public Works facility at 836 Ridge Road.

$734,011 in the capital budget has been earmarked for the Police Department, including a high water vehicle and other police equipment. The budget also includes $28,000 for radar equipment and $6,509 for solar powered speed signs.

The capital budget provides $334,000 to remount two ambulances for the Brick Township EMS. By remounting the two bodies onto new chassis, the township is saving a significant amount of money. The estimated cost for two new ambulances is over $500,000.

$75,000 has been included for the design costs for a new public safety building that will be built on the Barrier Island section of the township. The building will house police, EMS and fire department personnel as well as summer crossing guards.

“It is necessary to support our Police and EMS and provide them with the tools, resources and equipment they need to keep our residents safe and this capital program does just that,” said Mayor Crate.

$335,000 has been appropriated for improvements to the Brick Beach 3 concession building. These improvements will focus on the open-air portion of the building and the columns that support the roof. The township will be replacing the columns in the near future with the expectation that the facility will be operational for the upcoming beach season.

Other significant appropriations in the 2024 capital budget include: $541,100 for Information Technology equipment; $60,000 for a new floor in the Civic Plaza Activity Center; $50,000 for new bleachers, $152,760 and for the replacement of the safety surface at Frede Park.

The Council will consider introduce four bond ordinances to fund the 2024 capital budget at the April 23 meeting. The bond ordinances will be up for a second reading and approval at their May 14 meeting.

MAYOR HONORS STATE CHAMPION BOWLING TEAM

At a special ceremony during the most recent Council meeting, Mayor Lisa Crate proudly proclaimed Wednesday, April 10 to be Brick Memorial High School Girls Bowling Team Day in honor of the team capturing the NJSIAA Group 3 State Championship this past season.

“I am proud to recognize the Mustangs Girls Bowling Team on their outstanding season and on winning another state championship for their school and our community,” said Mayor Crate. “These achievements are the result of all of the hard work these exceptional young women have put in to becoming the best team they can be. We are all proud of you!”

The Mustangs finished the season with a record of 23-0. They won the Shore Conference Class A South Championship, the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 Championship and the overall Group 3 Championship by defeating the Lacey Township High School Lions.

This is the fourth consecutive championship for the Mustangs and the ninth overall in the program’s history.

Mayor Crate presented the official proclamation to Head Coach Tori Boughton and presented the team members with Certificates of Commendation.

The members of the team are Brooke Collins, Cameryn DeMarco, Keira Fahnholz, Megan Guidone, AJ Jonkoski, Kendra Macomber, Faith Perrin, Olivia Salvatore, Kaitlyn Weitzell Sanchez and Patricia William.


The text of the Mayoral Proclamation:

WHEREAS, Brick Township has some of the most storied and successful interscholastic high school sports programs in the State of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, the Brick Memorial High School Girls Bowling Team stands as perhaps the most consistently successful and dominant in our community’s history; and

WHEREAS, this past season, the Mustangs Girls Bowling Team was once again a force to be reckoned with, compiling a record of 23-0, winning the Shore Conference A South Championship and winning the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 Championship with a victory over Woodbridge High School; and

WHEREAS, their season was capped off with a resounding 2-0 victory over the Lacey Lions in the NJSIAA Group 3 Championship, marking the fourth consecutive title and ninth overall for the Mustangs; and

WHEREAS, the members of the NJSIAA Group 3 Champion Mustangs Bowling Team are Brooke Collins, Cameryn DeMarco, Keira Fahnholz, Megan Guidone, AJ Jonkoski, Kendra Macomber, Faith Perrin, Olivia Salvatore, Kaitlyn Weitzell Sanchez and Patricia Williams; and

WHEREAS, the Mustangs were most ably led by Head Coach Tori Boughton, a proud alumnus of Brick Memorial High School where she excelled on the lanes and was twice named Bowler of the Year by the Asbury Park Press and was named to their all-decade team.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA CRATE, Mayor of the Township of Brick, in the County of Ocean, in the State of New Jersey, in recognition of their remarkable season and their capturing the NJSIAA Group 3 Championship, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 10, 2024 to be Brick Memorial High School Girls Bowling Team Day in the Township of Brick and I call upon all residents to join me in congratulating Head Coach Tori Boughton and the members of the Mustangs Girls Bowling Team on their accomplishments and thank them for representing our community in such an exemplary manner.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereby affix my signature on the day ninth day of April 2024.

Lisa Crate, Mayor

MAYOR HONORS STATE CHAMPION SOCCER TEAM

In recognition of their outstanding season and capturing the 2023 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Championship, Mayor Lisa Crate has proclaimed Wednesday, March 13, 2024 as Brick Memorial High School Girls Soccer Team Day in Brick Township. Mayor Crate presented the official proclamation at the March 12 Township Council meeting.

“I am proud to recognize the Mustangs on winning the State Championship this past season. This achievement was the result of all of your hard work, practice and commitment to teamwork,” said Mayor Crate. “Brick Township is proud of all of you!”

The Mustangs won the championship by defeating top-seeded Middletown South High School by a score of 2-1 on November 6. This was the seventh sectional championship in the history of the Brick Memorial High School girls soccer program.

Mayor Crate presented the proclamation to Head Coach Billy Caruso at the Council meeting. Each member of the team received a certificate of commendation.

The members of the State Champion Mustangs are Vic Hiotis, Giselle Lizardi, Lexi Caruso, Emily Cranston, Makayla Doheny, Chloe Gellici, Kylie McCullough, Ashlee Schlagenhaft, Skyler Schlagenhaft, Maggie Allen, Makayla Siciliano, Reese Keane, Mia Caruso, Gabby Hernandez, Lila Hopkins, Brooke DeAlmeida, Jordan McCullough and Sydney Mihalko.


Text of Proclamation:

 

WHEREAS, Brick Township Memorial High School has a tradition of success and championships in their various athletic programs; and

WHEREAS, one such program is the Mustangs Girls Soccer team; and

WHEREAS, this past fall, the Mustangs Girls Soccer Team had a remarkable season, accumulating a record of 15 wins, 5 losses and a tie while consistently demonstrating outstanding skill and teamwork and exemplary sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, the Mustangs Girls Soccer Team captured the seventh sectional championship in their school’s storied history by beating the top-seeded team from Middletown High School South in the championship game; and

WHEREAS, the members of the State Champion Mustangs Girls Soccer Team are Vic Hiotis, Giselle Lizardi, Lexi Caruso, Emily Cranston, Makayla Doheny, Chloe Gellici, Kylie McCullough, Ashlee Schlagenhaft, Skyler Schlagenhaft, Maggie Allen, Makayla Siciliano, Reese Keane, Mia Caruso, Gabby Hernandez, Lila Hopkins, Brooke DeAlmeida, Jordan McCullough and Sydney Mihalko; and

WHEREAS, the Mustangs were most ably led this season by Head Coach Billy Caruso, Assistant Coaches John Prani, Stephanie Butala, Crystal Badders, Jess Fuccello, Rich Kijak, Patrick Schlagenhaft and Gunther Ulbrich.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA CRATE, Mayor of the Township of Brick, in the County of Ocean, in the State of New Jersey, in honor of their outstanding season during which they captured the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III State Championship, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, March 13, 2024 to be Brick Memorial High School Girls Soccer Team Day in the Township of Brick and I call upon all residents to join me in recognizing and congratulating the Brick Memorial High School Girls Soccer Team for their remarkable achievement and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereby affix my signature on the twenty-sixth day of February 2024.

Mayor Lisa Crate

SPORT SATURDAY PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

The Brick Municipal Alliance Coalition (BMAC) is proud to once again offer the Sport Saturday program for township boys and girls ages 9 through 12.  The program offers young athletes 90-minute training sessions designed to help them achieve their personal best physically, mentally and emotionally in both sports and life.

Sport Saturday sessions are available every Saturday from March 16 through June 15 at the Brick Civic Plaza.  Sessions are at either 8:30am or 10:30am.  The program is free for participants.  Parents can register their children for one or more sessions.  There is a limit of 30 children at each session.

Each Sport Saturday training session is 90 minutes. Sport Saturday provides enhancement of general fitness levels, sports specific training, and the importance of leadership qualities, problem solving and character development designed to help youth increase self-esteem, awareness and resiliency as substance use prevention strategies.

“This program has been an incredible asset to families throughout Brick,” said Mayor Lisa Crate.  “Hundreds of children have participated over the years and each child has come away with the skills that help them both on the field and in life. It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to continue to work with BMAC to bring this program to the youth of Brick Township.”

Trainers are provided by Mentor Academy of New Jersey and are certified physical education teachers as well as youth sports trainers.

BMAC Chair Andrea Zapcic says programs like this are important in the effort to keep our youth healthy, safe and drug-free.  “The drive towards more professionalism in youth sports has caused an increase in over-use related orthopedic injuries in children ages 12 and up, for which an opioid pain reliever may be prescribed.”

Zapcic adds that “studies show youth exposed to prescribed opioids before high school graduation have a 33% increased risk of using opioids recreationally in the years after graduation, including those with a previous unfavorable attitude toward drug use.”

Sport Saturday is funded through the BMAC grant provided by the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (GCADA).

Register for Sport Saturday in the Recreation Office, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 4pm or online at register.communitypass.net/bricktownship. Call 732-262-1053 for more information.

MAYOR HONORS HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

In a ceremony at the February 13, 2024 Township Council Meeting, Mayor Lisa Crate honored the Brick Township High School March Dragons for their exceptional competition season during which they captured the New Jersey State Championship.

“Winning a state championship is an incredible achievement, whether that is on a football field, a wrestling mat, a bowling alley or as a marching band. The Marching Dragons showed an extraordinary amount of dedication, commitment, discipline, skill and musicianship this past season,” said Mayor Crate. “Their achievements are a testament to that hard work and it is my honor to recognize them for their well-deserved and well-earned success.”

Mayor Crate proclaimed Thursday, February 15, 2024 as Brick Township High School Marching Dragons Day in the Township of Brick and presented an official proclamation to Band Director Christian Negri at the meeting.

This past season, the Marching Dragons had an undefeated regular season, placing first in every competition they were in. They won the New Jersey Tournament of Bands Region 7 Championship, the New Jersey Tournament of Bands State Championship and finished second place at the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship, earning the highest score in the school’s history.

“As a member of my high school’s color guard, I am familiar with how much practice and hard work goes into being in the marching band. I also know that I cherish each moment I spent with my friends in the band back then and the memories I made,” said Mayor Crate. “I commend each member of the Marching Dragons and wish them all continued success!”

TEXT OF PROCLAMATION

BRICK TOWNSHIP HICH SHOOL MARCHING DRAGONS DAY

February 15th 2024

WHEREAS, the Brick Township High School March Dragons is one of the most accomplished units in the State of New Jersey and had one of its most successful competition seasons ever in 2023; and

WHEREAS, under the dedicated and enthusiastic leadership of Band Director Christian Negri, the Marching Dragons had an undefeated regular season, placing first in every competition they participated in; and

WHEREAS, the Marching Dragons captured the New Jersey Tournament of Bands Region 7 Championship, the New Jersey State Championship and finished second in the TOB Atlantic Coast Championship Competition, earning the highest score in the school’s history; and

WHEREAS, these achievements were the result of an extraordinary amount of hard work, dedication and commitment as well as countless hours of practice by the exceptional members of the band; and

WHEREAS, the members of the 2023 New Jersey State Champion Marching Dragons are Riley Allen, Morgandy Allen, Shay Attiko, Jasline Avila, Daniel Burns, Colin Burns, Collin Casella, Ivan Cintron, Frankie Civitano, Christian Combs, Jason Corona, Joseph Curcio, Peter D’Esposito, Isabella Delgado, Regina Gardner, Addison Gerhard, Karlos Gordillo, Lily Graziano, Hayden Jackson, Mason Jacobs, Liam Jubak, Andrew Kaminski, Emily Kozemcheck, Marlen Martinez, Alex Martinez, Richard Matlock, Cayden Mazzarisi, Emily Moreno, Scotlan Norman, Molly O’Brien, Sarah Olski, Marco Pellosie, Jacob Rios, Karla Ritter, Lola Rubino, Nicholas San Jose, Christopher Todd, Alexa Wachendorf, Jake Ward and Mariana Wharff.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA CRATE, Mayor of the Township of Brick, in the County of Ocean, in the State of New Jersey, in honor of their outstanding competition season during which they won the New Jersey State Championship, do hereby proclaim Thursday, February 15, 2024 to be Brick Township High School Marching Dragons Day in the Township of Brick and I call upon all citizens to join me in congratulating Band Director Christian Negri, the band members and all of the supporting staff and volunteers on all of their outstanding accomplishments this season.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereby affix my signature on the thirteenth day of February 2024.

Mayor Lisa Crate