Vol. 24 - No. 44
In This Week’s Edition
THE BERKELEY
TIMES
FOR BREAKING NEWS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM | April 13, 2019
Your FREE Weekly Hometown Newspaper For Bayville, Berkeley, Beachwood, Pine Beach, Ocean Gate and South Toms River
Government Page 7.
Community News! Don’t miss what’s happening in your town.
Pages 8-12.
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News 9 Tips To Help Detect Hearing Loss
Page 16.
Dear Pharmacist
Calendula Soothes Reflux And Skin Problems
Page 17.
Civic Group In Danger Of Dissolving
Berkeley Township Homeowners’ and Civic Association Needs Help By Patricia A. Miller BERKELEY – A longtime homeowners’ group in Berkeley is in danger of collapsing unless more residents step up to help run it, the organization’s president says. “Your Homeowners’ and Civic Association is approaching a situation that seriously jeopardizes the future of our association,” said Keith Ruscitti, president of the Berkeley Township Homeowners and Civic Association in a post on the group’s website. Group officials have asked for volunteers for the non-profit organization in the lagoon home community over the past several years to serve as board directors, officers and volunteers, he said in the post. But that hasn’t happened. “The solvency of our association is a serious issue and I cannot stress enough if you appreciate what this association does for Berkeley Shores and the community...some people need to roll up their sleeves and get involved. It would be a shame to see this association have (Group - See Page 6)
Inside The Law Page 19.
Fun Page Page 20.
Business Directory Page 22-23.
Classifieds Page 21.
Horoscope Page 27.
Berkeley Shores is known for its lagoons and beautiful views.
Republicans, Democrats Square Off For Campaign Season
By Patricia A. Miller BERKELEY – The Republican and Democratic candidates for the mayoral seat and the three available Township Council seats this year are all running unopposed in the June primary. Republican Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. is running for his third full term, along with the three current GOP council members who were on his slate in previous elections. Amato, Pine Tree Drive, is being challenged for the four-year mayoral term by Laura Shaw, Bay Boulevard. She is president of the Berkeley Democratic Club. Amato says he is proud of the township GOP’s “fiscally-responsible, taxpayer-first approach,” and notes that the township has had zero
municipal tax increase in three of the last five municipal budgets and has earned two bond rating upgrades. “...an analysis was conducted by NJ.com last year found that Berkeley Township has the 27th lowest overall taxes out of 565 New Jersey towns, and 2nd lowest in Ocean County,” he said. He also points to the Town Center designation and the demolition of the Beachwood Shopping Mall as a “great start” and the township’s response to Superstorm Sandy as accomplishments. “We’ve come a long way on this front, but bringing in more economic development to Route 9 is a priority,” Amato said. “I am never
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(Campaign - See Page 5)
–Photo by Patricia A. Miller
How Will Minimum Wage Increases Affect Taxes? By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – Workers in New Jersey will eventually be making $15 an hour, but how will this affect municipal taxes in towns that employ people making minimum wage? T he Ne w Je r s e y Leag ue of Mu n icipalities opposed the legislation because it impacted towns, which
have to operate within a 2 percent cap on raising taxes. They worried that it would put towns in a difficult position: either raise fees or reduce services. Michael F. Cerra, assistant executive director of the league, said that municipal officials have been talking about reducing or eliminating services or reducing (Taxes - See Page 4)
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