The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 49
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 7
Community News Page 9-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Spring Brings Environmental Education And Action ucate people on how to live more sustainably. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of exhibitors and vendors, along with ref resh ments, prizes, door giveaways and more. This year’s theme is Wildlife, Wellness and Well-Being. The event is a joint effort between the Green Team (Sustainable Brick) and the Environmental Commission. Last year’s theme was “T h i n k G reen, Save Green” which highlightPhoto by Micromedia Publications ed simple, budget-friendFourth graders from Midstreams Elementary School’s green team ly ways to live sustaindemonstrate their project during last year’s Green Fair. ably and make a positive impact on the planet and By Chris Lundy your wallet. BRICK – As spring weather creeps out from Local schools got involved in the event, as well as winter’s shadow, people will be spending a lot the Brick MUA, Brick Township Shade Tree Commore time outside, and there are environmental mission, Save Barnegat Bay and nearly 40 vendors. organizations making sure that there will be Those interested in participating as a vendor or beautiful natural places to go. exhibitor can call Jeff at 732-262-4622 or email The Green Fair is going to be held Saturday, him at jnapoli@twp.brick.nj.us. May 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center, located at 515 Beach Sweeps Herbertsville Road. There will be ample opportunities to help clean This free, outdoor event is a showcase of a the environment this weekend by picking up litter number of organizations working to preserve at various waterways. natural areas, clean the environment, and ed(Spring - See Page 4)
County Introduces $655.6M Budget By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Ocean County’s proposed $655.6 million budget keeps the tax rate unchanged, the total cost to taxpayers is still rising. Wondering how that’s possible? Commissioners formally introduced the 2026 spending plan during a recent meeting, outlining a budget that holds the county tax rate at 28.2 cents while increasing the amount raised through taxation by nearly $47 million. Officials described the proposal as a product of disciplined financial management in a growing county. But the numbers reveal a more complex picture, where rising costs and increased spending are being absorbed by higher property values and continued reliance on budget reserves.
A public hearing and final adoption of the budget is scheduled for April 15 at 4 p.m. at the Ocean County Administration Building. “I think when you listen to the numbers, they sound scary,” Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione said during the budget introduction. “But it’s important to remember that the tax rate remains flat. What you’re seeing is growth in ratables across the county, and that allows us to make improvements without raising taxes.” Growth Driving Revenue The county’s total ratable base has climbed to approximately
GOLD Exceeds $4,500 an Ounce! OVER 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HIGHEST RATED CASH FOR GOLD STORE IN OCEAN COUNTY
April 11, 2026
Rental Properties To Have More Inspections By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - Township rental properties will be subject to annual inspections in order to receive an annual rental certificate. Previously, inspections only took place when there were new tenants, but during a recent council meeting, the governing body voted unanimously for the change. “In this ordinance, the township’s code enforcement officers will conduct these annual inspections which provides us with the ability to ensure that there is adequate code compliance for all rentals,” said Council Vice President Derrick Ambersino. Councilman Gregory J. Cohen said he had received an email from a resident who owns multiple properties and said he was very unhappy about this ordinance. “I can understand where they’re coming from,” Cohen said. “Being a property owner - the increase in the cost for the annual inspection - but what we’re hearing and what we’re seeing in town really makes this ordinance extremely important in order to keep the quality of life for our residents where it should be.” Referring to the same email from the resident, who also expressed concern about the cost of chimney inspections, Councilwoman Lisa Reina said that is not something that is included in the annual inspection. Councilman Cohen said that speaking as a former firefighter at Pioneer Hose Fire Company, chimney fires are very common. “Their objection to the chimneys being inspected - I believe everybody’s chimneys should be inspected,” he said. “The chances of a fire are substantial, especially if a chimney isn’t being used by a prior tenant [who] never used it, a new tenant comes in, they start to use it - it could be an absolute problem.” Township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin said the current policy is a chimney gets inspected every time the township issues a rental inspection. “So every time a tenant changes, or a property goes from owner-occupied to rental, (Rental Inspections - See Page 4)
(Budget - See Page 5)
SILVER Nears $70 an Ounce!
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