Important Update From Mayor Dalina on StayNJ Property Tax Relief

As you may recall, in the spring of 2023, I traveled to Trenton and testified before the State Legislature in support of StayNJ. I strongly advocated for what many in our community already know: our senior residents deserve the ability to age in-place – in the homes and neighborhoods they love. That testimony helped propel the program forward. Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin visited the Monroe Senior Center back in August 2023 to lead a town hall meeting focused on the then-proposed StayNJ property tax relief program and solicited your ideas and suggestions to develop this initiative.

Today, I’m pleased to share that the state has continued its commitment to funding StayNJ in the FY26 state budget, and the program is officially set to launch in 2026.

Here's what you need to know about StayNJ:  

• Homeowners aged 65 and over may receive a 50% reimbursement of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000.
• The benefit is capped at $6,500.
• You must have owned and lived in your home for the full 12 months of 2024 and have an income below $500,000.
• Applications are open through October 31, 2025.
• Residents can now apply for StayNJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze using one single application—available online at: www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj/
• Stay NJ benefits are calculated after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits are determined. Payments are expected to be issued in early 2026.

If you need assistance applying for StayNJ or any of the available tax relief programs, please call 1-888-238-1233, visit online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or go in-person to the Freehold Division of Taxation located at 2 Paragon Way, Suite 1100, Freehold, NJ 07728. 

The Township Tax Collector’s Office is available to answer questions at 732-521-4405. Monroe Township Senior Center staff are also ready to assist by appointment only. Call 609-448-7140 to schedule.

Monroe has long led the way in advocating for senior affordability. As your mayor—and previously as a member of the Township Council—I have consistently fought for meaningful property tax relief. This includes supporting and expanding programs like ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and the Retirement Income Exemption. 

These initiatives were the result of persistent advocacy and strong collaboration with lawmakers in Trenton.

I remain committed to working with state leaders to protect the interests of Monroe residents and to ensure programs like StayNJ are supported, implemented, and improved over time.

Monroe Moves Forward with New Pickleball Courts and Parking Upgrades at Senior Center as Part of Parks Expansion Plan

Monroe Township is taking another exciting step forward in its ongoing Master Plan Parks Expansion initiative with the upcoming construction of five new pickleball courts and significant improvements to the parking area at the Monroe Township Senior Center.

At its regular meeting on Monday, August 4, the Monroe Township Council approved a resolution to award the construction bid to D’Avellino Construction Inc. for the Senior Center Pickleball Courts & Parking Lot Improvements Project.  

“New pickleball courts were one of the most requested items resulting from our public outreach initiatives during our Master Plan update process,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina.  “As we continue the responsible roll-out of our multi-year Master Plan, expanding parks and recreational facilities remains a top priority based on direct input from our residents.”

Located at 12 Halsey Reed Road, the project includes: 

• Five new pickleball courts
• A new parking area with approximately 75 additional stalls
• A shade structure for spectator comfort
• Upgrades such as lighting, sidewalks, grading, landscaping, and restriping of the existing parking lot

Construction is expected to begin next month.

The Monroe Township Chorus Invites You To the 4th Annual Hootenanny Sing Along: Saturday, August 16

The Monroe Township Human Relations Commission Elizabeth “Betty” Schneider Food Drive: Drop off Items 9/1 – 9/24 & Taste of Monroe: Saturday, 9/25

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