The BRICK Times Vol. 24 - No. 52
In This Week’s Edition
CincO De Mayo BREAKING NEWS @
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Government Page 6
Community News Page 8-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
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Teen Center Reopens With Fresh New Look last several years, sitting empty.” As you walk into the new Teen Center, you’re transported into a warm and welcoming atmosphere decorated with vibrant, fun murals. Crate said they took inspiration from teens and published a survey asking what they wanted to space to look like. “We took everything down and we asked the Photo by Alyssa Riccardi kids what they were lookA group of teens play basketball while others mingle and enjoy the ing for. Last summer, Teen Center. I spent from the end of June until the end of August in here just working By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – After being closed for five years, the on the murals, working on the walls, getting the Township welcomed local youth to the reopening colors in, making it welcoming and figuring out what furniture we needed in here,” Crate said. of the Brick Township Teen Center. The revitalized space features Apple computers, The Teen Center, located at the Civic Plaza, board and video games, puzzles, arts and crafts, first opened its doors in 2017 when it was forfoosball, pop-a-shot basketball and dedicated merly known as the “Lounge 270 Teen Center.” homework spaces. Open to all Brick residents in Operations were forced to cease in 2020 due to grades 6 through 12, the center is completely free the COVID-19 pandemic and the space was left to attend and off ers something for everyone. untouched – until Mayor Lisa Crate’s plan to transWhile the Teen Center is only open during the form the center. school year, September through June, the Town“When I was elected mayor in November 2023, ship plans to use the space in the summer for because I was a teacher, one of the things that I special events like movie nights, open mic nights, wanted to do was reopen this place,” Crate said. craft sessions and more. “When I came in, every single wall was white and “The mayor and I are really proud of how we there was a cruddy old carpet. It was not really in (Teen Center - See Page 4) great shape and it was kind of neglected for the
May 3, 2025
Town’s Budget Is Political Discussion Topic By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - The public had the opportunity to ask questions about the 2025 municipal budget before its adoption during a recent Township Council Meeting. The spending plan was introduced in March. The proposed 2025 budget totals $122,711,490, with an increase of 1.9 cents on $100 of assessed value, or a $47 increase for the average Brick household. Last year’s budget totaled about $117 million. This is for the municipal portion of the tax bill only, and does not include the county, school or fi re district taxes. Most of the questions from the public focused on the utilization of some $14.6 million in surplus in the spending plan. In New Jersey, municipal budget surplus usage is guided by the NJ Local Budget Law which says surplus - which is essentially a township’s savings account - can be used, within guidelines, to smooth out budget fluctuations, provide a cushion against unexpected expenses, and potentially reduce the need for tax increases. Township resident Madeline Iannarone, who has been named as the Republican mayoral candidate this year and will be running against Democratic incumbent Lisa Crate, said that with a 1.9 cent increase in this year’s budget and the aforementioned use of surplus funds, “the mayor’s budget projects a 16.7 cent increase in 2026, [which] concerns me greatly.” (Town’s Budget - See Page 4)
Officials Urge Preparedness In Wake Of Jones Road Wildfire
Photo courtesy DEP Firefighters battle the Jones Road Wildfire.
By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - The massive wildfire burning deep in southern Ocean County offered some reminders for local residents. Life at the Jersey Shore isn’t just about sun and sand - it’s also about preparing for the real danger of forest fires. The Jones Road Wildfire, first spotted at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, scorched 15,300 acres in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. By evening, the fire had crossed both
the Garden State Parkway and Route 9, forcing about 5,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships to evacuate. Several outbuildings, one commercial building, and multiple vehicles were destroyed. Fire officials confirmed the cause as an improperly extinguished bonfire, and a Waretown man now faces aggravated arson charges. Joseph Kling, 19, is accused of setting pallets on fire and leaving the scene before the flames were extinguished. Despite the charge, he is considered (Wildfire - See Page 5)
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