PLUMSTED		TOWNSHIP
Pride in Plumsted, the State's Center

Town Talk

The Township Committee is providing the required “Resolution of Municipal Endorsement” for the preservation of five (5) more farms into the Farmland Preservation Program. With the addition of five more farms to the Preservation Program, Plumsted Township would be at an all time high of 37 farms permanently protected and preserved forever from future residential development. The five newest farms to be endorsed for preservation are: the 29.3 acre Krowicki Farm, Route 539; the 18.6 acre Wenskoski Farm, Brindletown Road; the 14.8 acre Wall Farm, Route 539; the 9.65 acre Govan Farm, Lawrence Drive (off Route 537); and the 7.21 acre Hearne Farm, Long Swamp Road. These five farms represent another 80 acres that will be added to the more than 3,000 acres of Township farm and woodlands permanently preserved from future residential development.

           In Plumsted, agriculture is an integral part of our local economy. In addition to the traditional tax ratables of commercial and light industrial, our Township also has the agricultural tax ratables of farmer’s markets and buildings. Often times, the general public does not realize that farmers pay full taxes on their buildings and only receive a reduced assessment on the farmland itself. Farm buildings do not produce or house school children, yet, are yielding millions of dollars in tax ratables. Our Land Preservation program has prevented the construction of more than 2,000 homes and saved taxpayers millions in school taxes. The Township Committee thanks Ocean County Freeholder Director, Joe Vicari the entire Board of Chosen Freeholders for all their financial support to the Preservation Program.

           Any landowner in Plumsted Township with 5 acres or more of open space, farm or woodland, is encouraged to contact the Mayor for a market value appraisal at no cost or obligation prior to making any decision to sell or develop for residential homes.

The Township Committee has awarded a bid submission from Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless to construct two communication cell towers at Cellco expense on Township property with minimum payments to the Township of $40,000 per year. Additionally, the Township will receive 35% of gross revenues received each year from all other Communication Companies using the towers. The Township will also receive upgraded and enhanced Emergency Responder communication capabilities for our Police, Fire, First Aid and Emergency Management Departments. Township Committeeman Eric Sorchik, our liaison to Emergency Services, is to be commended for all his personal efforts, from conceiving to completing this project, to improve Public Safety at no taxpayer expense with the potential for the Township to receive in excess of $100,000 in revenues annually

            The next regularly scheduled public meetings with the new administration of Township Committee members Dave Leutwyler, Steve Reed, Eric Sorchik, Deputy Mayor Mike McCue and Mayor Ron Dancer is Wednesday, March 5^th at 8:00 P.M.  Public comments and participation are encouraged at all Township Committee meetings. . Browse the Township website: www.plumsted.org and www.mainstreetne.org for more information and current events.

            As a result of the new Township Committee meeting schedule, the dates for the monthly one-on-one personal meeting sessions with Mayor Ron Dancer at the Library every month have also been revised. In 2007, meet personally with the Mayor at the Library on the second (2nd) Wednesday of each month ( February 13^th) from 7 to 9 p.m. to discuss Local concerns or State issues. Residents may call the Library (758-7888) in advance to schedule a specific time.

           Can't get to the meetings or the hours scheduled at the library. To discuss your concerns and issues personally with the mayor, click for more information.

           Residents may also contact our State Legislative office at 732-901-0702 to meet or speak with Senator Bob Singer or Assemblyman Joe Malone. Concerning Federal issues, contact Congressman Chris Smith at 732-350-2300 and for County issues contact Freeholder Director John P. Kelly at 800-722-0291.

Ron Dancer, Mayor

609-758-2241 Township - Ext 102

609-758-3497 Home

Email: r.s.dancer@att.net

www.plumsted.org