Pequannock Named a 2015 New Jersey Monthly Top Town
Pequannock is one of the 10 Best Places to Live in New Jersey according to New Jersey Monthly's latest list of the Garden State's 100 Top Towns.
"The municipalities at the upper reaches of our ranking are among the most attractive in the state--for homeowners and homebuyers alike," says
New Jersey Monthly Editor Ken Schlager. "Each of these towns is in its own way a great value, with plenty to offer in terms of schools and quality of life."
Leflein Associates, an independent research firm based in Ringwood, compiled the 2015 list of Top Towns for New Jersey Monthly. In creating the rankings, the researchers considered five categories to represent the quality of life in New Jersey municipalities: property taxes, home values, crime rate, school performance, and lifestyle factors such as proximity to performing arts venues and restaurants, and commute time.
|
|
Pequannock Police Department
A Message from the Pequannock Township Traffic Bureau
Police Department -- Back to School Safety
As the new school year rapidly approaches, children and parents are reminded to please use our newly painted crosswalks that our Township DPW employees have refurbished with high visibility paint.
We ask that you please be mindful of children and our Crossing Guards in the school zones throughout the Township. Our Crossing Guards work very hard to ensure your child's safety to and from school, and your attention to the speed limits through school zones will be very much appreciated.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF NEW DRIVERS!!!!
Please talk to your sons and daughters about the dangers of speeding through our Township. Remember: Speed Kills, and it could be someone you know. Speeding also becomes very expensive, costing you increases in your insurance and possible suspensions through the New Jersey MVC. In addition, be mindful of the provisional driving laws for 17 year old drivers. The Pequannock Police Department has a zero tolerance policy for provisional driving violations. Remember to always buckle your seatbelt and do not talk or text while driving unless you have hands free capability.
Street Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs
The Pequannock Township Traffic Bureau in cooperation with the Township Council is pleased to announce the implementation of new In-Street Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs throughout the township. It is our hope that this will remind motorists to watch for pedestrians in the crosswalks as our town moves forward toward our goals for a safe walkable community.
As the new school year rapidly approaches, children and parents are reminded to please use our newly painted crosswalks that our Township DPW employees have refurbished with high visibility paint.
Pedestrians should also be reminded that although it is New Jersey State Law that vehicles must stop for pedestrians, they should try to get acknowledgement from the motorist that they are seen at the curb line with intent to cross before proceeding into the crosswalk. With these tips in mind we hope you have a safe and happy remainder of the summer!
|
|
Shop, Dine, Play Pick Pequannock
Everyone pretty much accepts the notion that shopping local is optimal for all components of a local economy. For some people they need more of an incentive to support their local merchant. What if we told you that there was a way to chip away at your property taxes for supporting local merchants? The property-tax reward program, an initiative program of our overall shop local campaign Pick Pequannock, aims to give residents an incentive to shop local. When residents shop at participating merchants of this initiative program they receive automated tax rebates that get applied to their end of year property taxes. Each merchant who participates in this initiative program chooses how much of a rebate to reward to residents and how to implement the program in their specific business model. For instance a business may choose to only implement this program for a specific portion of their business. These merchants have chosen to be part of this program and more are always welcomed to join. The rebate is similar to what would normally be reserved for a traditional coupon rate that would be promoted in a newspaper or magazine. Residents who need property-tax reward cards can go to the town-hall and pick them up. Multiple cards can be registered to one household for those tho have larger families. The EDC is always available for those residents who need assistance in registering their cards. Once the card is registered to the household property-tax savings can begin by shopping at participating merchants. Encouraging township residents to shop local is an ongoing goal of the EDC, and the property-tax reward program is just one of the ways that we aim to achieve our goal.
Participating merchants in the initiative property-tax reward program
Economic Development Committee
Jeff Turi - Chair
|
| 
Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) The Municipal Alliance Committee of Pequannock Township was established by resolution of the Governing Body of the Township of Pequannock in 1989.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Municipal Alliance Committee is to create a network of community leaders, private citizens, and representative from the public and private human service agencies who are dedicated to promoting and supporting alcohol and other drug and crime prevention and education programs. FUNDING: The Municipal Alliance Committee is overseen by the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and is funded through the Drug Enforcement Demand Reduction (DEDR) funds collected by fines for drug-related offenses, along with matching funds by the Township and private donations. This funding provides the Municipal Alliance Committee the ability to host certain programs for the Township youth. MEMBERSHIP: Membership on the Municipal Alliance Committee shall be appointed by the Municipal Alliance Chairperson, and shall include but not necessarily be limited to representatives of the Township Council, local Law Enforcement, Municipal Employees, Representatives of local religious groups, Township Youth Groups, and residents of Pequannock Township.
Anyone wishing more information can email the MAC at the email address below. Municipal Alliance Committee email:MAC@peqtwp.org
MAC OFFICERS: Mary Vineis, Chairperson |
| Fair Housing - Frequently Asked Questions Q: What are the household income limit requirements for the Affordable Housing Program? A: The Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) has prepared the Regional Income Limits available at their website. Count the number of people that make up your household, and follow across the guide to the number of people + your gross income. If your gross income is over the amount, go to the next level. For example, if your income is over the low income cap, go to the moderate income cap. If your income falls below the amount listed, that is the category you would be under. There are two categories -- low income or moderate income. Q: What is the average wait time to obtain housing? A: The Interested Persons List for the Affordable Housing Program of Pequannock Township aids unit owners in selling their units. The households contained on the list have not been approved, but have merely shown an interest in the program. The Interested Persons Questionnaire provides a guide for people seeking affordable housing and therefore, only requests general intake information. Fair Housing does not guarantee that a certain number of units will be sold each year. The number of units sold and the size of the units sold vary from year to year. An average of approximately 5-7 units are sold each year, and these vary from one, two or three bedroom units (low or moderate income). Q: What documentation is required to be sent in with the Interested Persons Questionnaire? A: The last 3 years of W-2 forms are required -- 2014, 2013, and 2012. Please provide copies of this documentation and return it with the Interested Person Questionnaire form. Do not send your tax returns and do not send original W-2 forms. Q: How long can my name remain on the list? A: The interested household shall remain on the list for a period of one year. After such time, Fair Housing will contact you and request you reapply. If you wish to reapply, complete the enclosed form, and send along with the documentation requested. If you are no longer interested in the program, do not complete the form. You will be given 30 days to return the form and documentation requested. After such time, if no form and documentation are received, your name will be removed from the list. Q: I was on the Interested Persons Listing, but I let the time elapse. Can I go back onto the list? A: Sure! Simply call or email and request a form. You will need to provide your documentation again, since all documentation for those households no longer interested is destroyed. You can always come back on the list! If you have any other questions, please contact Fair Housing, ext. 198. Meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at Town Hall, second floor. |
|
|
Tax Department
2013 Homestead Benefit
New Jersey homeowners will begin to receive their 2013 Homestead Benefit application packets shortly. The Division of Taxation will be mailing applications to the residents of Morris County beginning September 3, 2015. The
Division will also be sending emails with instructions for downloading the 2013 application packet to homeowners who requested electronic applications.
With very few exceptions, homeowners must file their applications over the Internet or by phone. The deadline for filing is Friday, Oct. 30, 2015. The application packet contains answers to most questions filers may have. Homeowners should read the instructions in the packet carefully, and if they meet the eligibility requirements, complete the worksheet in the packet before filing. Homeowners who have already sold the home that was their principal residence on October 1, 2013, or who plan to sell should pay particular attention to the packet instructions regarding sale of property to ensure they complete the application correctly.
The Homestead Benefit Internet filing application on the Division of Taxation website (www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/) and automated telephone filing system (1-877-658-2972) will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the filing period.
Homeowners may be eligible for the 2013 Homestead Benefit if they met the following conditions:
* Domicile (permanent legal residence) was in New Jersey.
* Owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence on October 1, 2013.
* Had New Jersey gross income for 2013 that was not more than $150,000 for homeowners who were 65 or older or disabled, and not more than $75,000 for homeowners who were under age 65 and not disabled. The income limits apply to a single individual, a married/civil union couple living in the same residence, and a married/civil union partner maintaining a residence separate from their spouse/civil union partner.
* The home was subject to local property taxes, and the 2013 property taxes were paid. (The State Budget requires that the benefit amount be calculated using 2006 property taxes.)
Because the State Budget limited eligibility for 2013 benefits for senior/disabled homeowners to those with New Jersey gross income of $150,000 or less, and for nonsenior/nondisabled homeowners to those with New Jersey gross income of $75,000 or less, many homeowners will not receive applications. Most homeowners will receive their 2013 benefit payment as a credit on a future property tax bill. They can expect to receive a property tax bill or advice copy from their tax collector reflecting the amount of the benefit. Homeowners who indicated when filing that they no longer own the property or those whose principal residence was a unit in a co-op or continuing care retirement community will receive their benefit by check (or direct deposit).
Residents should not confuse the Homestead Benefit Program with the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Program. They are separate property tax relief programs with different eligibility requirements, different applications, and different filing schedules. Applicants can receive benefits under both programs if they qualify. The total amount of property tax relief benefits a homeowner receives, however, cannot exceed the amount of property taxes paid on their principal residence for the same year.
If you have any questions about the Homestead Benefit or Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Programs, please NJ Division of Taxation at 1-888-238-1233
|
| Township of Pequannock 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444
973-835-5700
|
|
|
The Pequannock Township First Aid and Rescue Squad is currently seeking new members. Our volunteer organization provides Emergency Medical Services to the township during the night and on weekends. The minimum age for Cadet Members is 16, and Senior Members is 18. Training is provided free of cost.
The squad operates out of our building located directly behind town hall. We operate three Basic Life Support Ambulances, one Special Response Unit and one First Responder Vehicle. During the year we answer approximately 700 calls, and provide standby coverage at many special events.
If you are ready for a rewarding experience; consider joining the few that sacrifice their time, to help our neighbors in need.
For membership information, please contact us at (973) 835-6987 or visit our website at: pequannockems.org
|
Health Department
|
The Office of Emergency Management would like to remind all residents with special needs to register with the "New Jersey's Special Needs Registry for Disaster". This registry allows NJ residents with access and functional needs an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies, so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency. The information collected here is confidential and will not be available to the public. The information will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning. Residents can register at www.registerready.nj.gov
|
Election Day Poll Workers
Interested in helping ensure the fairness an validity of our election process? Poll workers, those who staff the polling locations for each of u elections, play an important role in ensuring that the voting process is fair and accessible. Elections are administered by the Morris County Board of Election. I you are interested I working at a polling location, information may be obtained at the
County Website
or by contacting he Morris County Board of Elections at
973-285-8350
|
| Itinerant Vendors Itinerant Vendors are vendors who go from place to place or from house to house for the purpose of selling services or merchandise to persons at their place of residence, or vendors that are temporarily parked at specific location. They are required to obtain a license from the Township of Pequannock which must be carried while engaging in vending activities. The licensed vender must produce this license for inspection whenever they are requested to do so. A list of current licensed vendors is maintained at the Pequannock Township Police Department. The hours during which Itinerant Vendor activities may take place are restricted. They may not start prior to 10 a.m. and must end at Sunset during the months of April through September, and one hour after Sunset from October 1st to March 31st. Residents may request anyone, licensed or not, to leave their property. If a vendor does not produce a valid license when requested, refuses to leave when requested, or engages in harassing or intimidating behavior, residents are encouraged to report this to the Pequannock Police Department 973.835.1700. Itinerant Vendors Licenses may be revoked by the Township if the vendor does not follow the rules established by Township Council. |
|
