Category: Environment

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Mercer County Park Commission takes nature-based approach to new parking lot

‘Green infrastructure’ gentler on environment, mitigates runoff

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

But rolling stormwater, called stormwater runoff, can gather much worse than moss, including trash, oil, sediment and other troublesome pollutants. And to make matters worse, without the proper infrastructure, the debris often goes straight into our lakes, streams and rivers.

With this in mind, the Mercer County Park Commission found an opportunity to do its part in mitigating the effects of stormwater runoff by designing “green infrastructure” into a parking lot repaving project at John A. Roebling Memorial Parkin Hamilton. The park is home to the Tulpehaking Nature Center, which houses the Park Commission’s Environmental Education Department.

“As the Park Commission and Mercer County invest in improvements to our park system, we strive to do so in an environmentally conscious way,” said Park Commission Executive Director Aaron T. Watson. “We know that as stewards of over 10,000 acres of open space in the county, our decisions should improve both the quality of life for residents and the environment as a whole.”

Roebling Park is located within the 3,000-acre Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh in the Delaware River watershed. The stormwater from its parking lot drains directly into Spring Lake and the park’s surrounding freshwater tidal marsh.

 

The Abbott Marshlands attracts rare wildlife such as river otter, American eel, and bald eagle. It is also an important stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway. Unmanaged stormwater runoff can negatively impact water quality and the local ecosystem, create harmful algal blooms, and increase the possibility of flooding.

The stormwater runoff has also eroded portions of the existing parking lot and has made Spring Lake less appealing for fishing and boating.

 

Improvements at the Spring Lake access area are scheduled to begin in early September.

The plan includes several rain gardens, a green infrastructure option that is both beautiful and effective in form and function. Rain gardens not only absorb rainwater, but they also filter out pollutants and provide food and shelter for local wildlife. More importantly, the rain gardens at the Spring Lake parking lot will capture stormwater runoff before it flows into the lake.

Access to Roebling Park from Sewell Avenue in Hamilton will be temporarily closed to the public during construction, but will be reopened when the project is complete.

Various native shrubs, grasses and perennial wildflowers will be planted in the garden, including northern bayberry, swamp milkweed, and woodland phlox. The colorful blooms amongst the grasses will add to the visual appeal of the garden for both people and pollinators.

This is a pilot project, which is being funded through the Mercer County Open Space Trust Fund. The results will inform plans for future upgrades at other park facilities, as the Mercer County Park Commission continues to effectively steward its numerous parks and recreation facilities.

For more information on rain gardens and how you could make your own, go to http://water.rutgers.edu/Rain_Gardens/RGWebsite/rginfo.html

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Culture Environment Lifestyle Local News Science

Annual ‘Insect Festival’ set for Sept. 9

This year’s theme is “Bugs Rule!”

Learn about the importance of insects in our lives and how to protect their habitats through fun, hands-on activities!

Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County will sponsor the 2023 “Bugs Rule!” Insect Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Mercer Educational Gardens,431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free and on-site parking is available. Learn about the importance of insects in our lives and how they create the biological foundation for all terrestrial ecosystems through fun, hands-on activities!

This year’s festival will feature how insects are important because of their diversity, ecological role and influence on agriculture, human health and natural resources. There will be educational activities for visitors of all ages, including the popular Scavenger Hunt and Metamorphosis game. Other highlights include “Bugs in Water,” and Q&A with  Rutgers Cooperative Extension Horticulturist, Justine Gray and Mercer Master Gardeners. Local environmental agencies and experts will offer displays and information to the public. Representatives from the Watershed Institute, Abbott Marshlands, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association, N.J. Department of Agriculture, and more!

Attendees are invited to view the demonstration gardens on site and learn how insects interact with the different plants. The public can also learn about various methods of composting. Along the way, there will be activities designed to teach children of all ages to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and essential roles of our insect friends.

About the Master Gardeners:

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the County. For home gardening, plant, turf, or insect questions, you can visit our Helpline office at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and speak with our Helpline team. You can also call us at (609) 989-6853 or send us an email at AsktheMGs@mercercounty.org. Visit our website at www.mgofmc.org for more information

PHOTO: Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County from left, Michele Berenwick of Lawrenceville; Amber Dalke of Princeton; Bev Phillips of Trenton; Marietta Hujber of Hamilton; and Susan Colket of Titusville don insect costumes at a previous Insect Fest and explain the importance of each insect. Look for these insects and fun activities at the upcoming 2023 Insect Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine at Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Pennington.

CONTACT: Justine Gray, (609) 989-6830 justinegray@njaes.rutgers.edu

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Ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates the grand opening of Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods

HAMILTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) has announced the official opening of Freedom Village at Hamilton Woods. This much-anticipated, transformative housing development represents a significant milestone in providing permanent accessible homes and supportive services that empower residents with disabilities to live independently within the vibrant community of Hamilton.

Hamilton Woods offers barrier-free living in every apartment, ensuring easy navigation for residents with wheelchairs. With rents as low as $882 per month, this development addresses the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals, making it truly a place they can call home. Furthermore, the residents will have access to on-site social services coordinators provided by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, further enhancing the support network available to them.

Donna Spencer, NJHMFA’s Director of Multifamily and Supported Housing and Lending at NJHMFA, expressed her gratitude and excitement during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She praised the efforts of all those involved in bringing this remarkable project to life, especially acknowledging the support and collaboration of Mayor Jeff Martin, the Township of Hamilton, and Project Freedom, a key partner in this endeavor.

“At NJHMFA, we are firmly committed to providing supportive housing to ensure that everyone has a safe, quality, and affordable home regardless of disability status,” Donna Spencer stated.

“Hamilton residents know from experience that Project Freedom builds and maintains accessible, affordable apartments to the highest standard, enabling tenants to reach their full potential. It is our expectation that Project Freedom’s second Hamilton project will prove just as successful as their first.”

The collaboration between NJHMFA and Project Freedom has been instrumental in making this project a reality. Funding of nearly $14 million generated through 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and an additional $1.2 million awarded through NJHMFA’s Special Needs Housing Trust Fund have been crucial to the success of Hamilton Woods.

Hamilton Woods is a housing development that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It offers 72 units with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Notably, a quarter of these units are thoughtfully designated for individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses, promoting equal housing opportunities. With over eight percent of Hamilton’s population representing people with disabilities, this project addresses their housing needs and is a welcome addition to the township.

Strategically located near the township’s “Center City” district, Hamilton Woods provides easy access to various neighborhood amenities, including a Capital Health clinic, the Hamilton Area YMCA, and the Hamilton Library, all just across the street. Residents will also enjoy convenient transportation options with a nearby bus stop and a range of shopping and dining opportunities within walking distance.

“Hamilton is proud to host a second Project Freedom development,” commented Mayor Jeff Martin. “Project Freedom’s commitment to affordable, barrier-free housing is second-to-none and we look forward to our continued partnership with everyone who made this project possible.”

Project Freedom’s track record in building and maintaining supportive housing has made them an invaluable partner in this initiative. Over the years, Project Freedom has created over 750 affordable homes in five counties, empowering tenants with disabilities and their families to live independently and thrive. Their previous developments have had a positive impact on both the tenants and the surrounding community by uplifting property values and fostering diversity within the neighborhood.

Tracee Battis, Executive Director of Project Freedom said, “We are so thrilled to be celebrating the grand opening of our beautiful Hamilton Woods project, our 12th since the inception of Project Freedom nearly 40 years ago and our 2nd in Hamilton Township. We cannot thank Mayor Jeff Martin, Hamilton Township, NJHMFA, Mercer County, TD Bank and National Equity Fund enough for their continued support for our mission.”

At the event, Norman Smith, Associate Executive Director and Founder, expressed that this is like a second homecoming for him, having grown up in Hamilton Township. He went on to explain what Project Freedom means to him. “Project Freedom’s housing provides a base from which people with and without disabilities can blaze their own paths. This is what I am most proud of. While others see apartments as just bricks and mortar, I see them as catalysts for lives being changed through the opportunity of freedom.”

The Freedom Village concept has proven to be a success in previous partnerships, with developments in Hopewell, Woodstown, Toms River, and more. These homes have brought hope and relief to residents, particularly those with disabilities, who often bear the brunt of the affordable housing crisis. The overwhelming response to Hamilton Woods, with nearly 600 applications received, highlights the pressing need for such supportive accommodations.

“On behalf of NJHMFA, I would like to thank everyone who played a part in bringing this project to fruition,” NJHFMA Executive Director Melanie R. Walter said. “Hamilton Woods offers modern, inclusive, accessible housing that will enhance resident access to and participation in the Hamilton Township community.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for the residents of Hamilton Woods, reflecting the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedication, partnership, and a shared vision for inclusive and supportive communities.

About Us: The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) advances the quality of life for residents of and communities throughout New Jersey by investing in, financing, and facilitating access to affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with specialized housing needs. To learn more about NJHMFA, visit: https://NJHousing.gov

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Mercer County Clerk announces digitization and preservation of land records

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello announced that her office completed a book-scanning project that preserved and digitized over one million of Mercer County’s historic property records.

These records, dating back to the County’s inception in 1838, are now available to the public online.

This will allow for business transactions to take place more efficiently, via computer, permitting more of Mercer County’s property searches to be conducted remotely. It also preserves the records of the County for future generations.

The project involved the scanning of 1,214 books in the Mercer County Clerk’s vast record collection. It includes deeds dating back to January 1839, Mortgage Releases from the early to mid-20th century, and Chancery Notices, also known as “lis pendens,” recorded from 1932-1960, all on one platform. Once scanned, the images were uploaded onto the Mercer County Clerk’s land record management system, New Vision Systems, for online searching.

The preservation of historic records is a critical responsibility of the Mercer County Clerk’s Office.

County Clerk Sollami Covello said, “This project represents my ongoing commitment to innovation and public service. As Mercer’s official property recorder, I know the importance of this project to our region’s title companies and real estate professionals. I’m especially proud it preserves valuable historic information before that information was lost due to the decay of aging books or other damage.”

The scanning project involved meticulous planning and collaboration over several years. It was also completed with the utilization of advanced technologies by vendor, County Business Systems, following a competitive contracting process wherein it was stressed that the records must be clear and legible for real estate professionals and future generations to be able to read them. Some images were enhanced to improve readability while other technologies were implemented to eliminate the “bleed-through” of words from two-sided copies.

To access the digitized records online, individuals must first register by visiting the Mercer County Clerk’s Online Public Record Search Page.

For more information regarding the services of the Mercer County Clerk’s Office, please visit the Clerk’s page here. The County Clerk’s Office and its Public Record Room is located at 209 South Broad Street, Trenton, from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and late on Wednesdays until 6:45 p.m. (with the exception of three Wednesday evenings from July 19 through Aug. 2

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FerTex Properties announces next steps as Vincent Ferrucci takes over as Chief Executive Officer

HAINES CITY, Fla. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — FerTex Properties has superseded its company business plan and three year forecast within its first year. We are honored and remain humble as we begin phase #7 of FerTex Properties.

Phase #7 will begin before the end of 2023. The additional work required will take shape over time and continue to be created together – across all channels, our cleaning partners and the FerTex customer support team, along with Astin’s Handyman Services – between each of us along with the feedback we received from the families we serve.

 

FerTex also announced the appointment of Vincent Ferrucci as Chief Executive Officer.

 

It takes courage to start a business from the ground up, but often the most important ingredients are belief and passion. For Vincent Ferrucci, it was his undeniable passion for traveling and his unique career path in delivering top-notch customer service to millions of customers that led him to creating FerTex Properties.

 

Since opening its doors in 2022, FerTex Properties has become the place to book your next vacation with locations across the U.S., including Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico.

 

Ferrucci said creating FerTex Properties was a passion project to fill a gap in his life after retiring from a 25+ year career in uniquely designed companies that all delivered top-notch services, such as Jenny Craig, Sylvan Learning Centers, Metabolic Research Centers, and NY Kids Club & NY Preschool, where he served as CEO until Feb. 2022.

 

As the Top executive of a prestigious preschool, with several locations, 19 to be exact, his dedication, passion and character were put to the test. He had to find creative and innovative ways to keep the business alive, clean, safe, and sustainable, so that their students could continue with their education. He did not fail, and exceeded all expectations.

 

As the tide was turning and the pandemic was no longer the number one priority on everyone’s mind, Vincent was able to comfortably walk away after delivering on his promise to his team of keeping the business alive and all locations opened.

 

We’re seeing unprecedented cultural division and economic trauma for so many – all while navigating through a once in a lifetime pandemic. Vacations only seemed to be a dream for so many and could now become reality for families around the world again. It was important to Vincent that everyone felt welcome, safe and at home when on vacation.

 

Vincent discovered this amazing opportunity and this huge hole in the market place of vacation rentals delivering five star service for its customers. “It was very exciting to discover something new and exhilarating,” Ferrucci said. “If you’re building a business, it takes so much time, effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears, all of it.”

 

So Ferrucci did what he has always done in his career; and that was jump in the trenches with creating phase #1.

 

Our mission is simple – to provide you safe, clean and luxurious accommodation to help lay down the foundation for the vacation of your dreams. Our team works tirelessly to ensure the only thing you need to think about is making memories that will last a lifetime!

 

See you on your next vacation!

 

About FerTex Properties

FerTex Properties was created in 2022 to make your travel accommodation experience painless and pleasant. From our hospitality, affordable pricing, quick response, to our personalized touches during your stay, we will ensure your visit will be a memorable one.

 

Our travels around the world have shown us what 5-star services and accommodations should be, and how to get it on a budget. FerTex Properties’ mission is to create a safe, comfortable and luxurious space for you and your loved ones. No detail is too small. Our budget-friendly homes are carefully chosen, and designed, with one goal-to be the foundation for the vacation of your dreams. No matter the destination, the most important part of any vacation is the memories you will make to last a lifetime.

Contacts

Media:

FerTex Properties

Vincent Ferrucci

Chief Executive Officer, CEO.

vincent@fertexproperties.com

FerTex Properties

https://fertexproperties.com/

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Rivers Casino Philadelphia plans boutique luxury hotel in Fishtown

Waterfront hotel with views of Ben Franklin Bridge to debut by year-end 2023


PHILADELPHIA — (BUSINESS WIRE) — Rivers Casino Philadelphia is “powering up” its hotel plans.

The casino announced today that it will open a 62-suite boutique luxury hotel inside The Battery, the mixed-use lifestyle campus underway on Beach Street in Fishtown.

 

The new casino hotel will be called “Riversuites,” and it promises a high-end experience. The upscale hotel will occupy four dedicated floors of The Battery’s existing adaptive reuse complex, creating a rarity for Philly — a waterfront hotel. The casino could be accepting reservations as early as this fall.

 

Guest suites are cavernous by hotel standards, averaging 854 square feet each, with even larger options up to 2,266 square feet. One-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations are available. Every suite includes a full kitchen. Several apartment-style suites feature patios or bi-level lofts, with sleeping rooms upstairs and living room and kitchen below.

 

Unobstructed views of the Delaware River extend well beyond the Pennsylvania and New Jersey shorelines past the Ben Franklin Bridge. On the street side, running parallel to the river, hotel guests will enjoy one of Philly’s hottest neighborhoods — Fishtown.

 

With Fishtown’s walkable streets and burgeoning cultural and culinary offerings, Riversuites guests will be just steps away from a growing inventory of trendy restaurants, coffee shops, craft brewhouses, distilleries, retail stores, galleries and other recreation.

 

“A hotel addition for Rivers Casino Philadelphia has always been part of the master plan for our Fishtown property,” said Tim Drehkoff, CEO of Rivers Casino and Rush Street Gaming. “The location and grandeur of The Battery allowed us to join a neighboring parcel, already in progress, with historic Philly significance.”

 

In addition to proximity to Fishtown, panoramic views and affiliation with the casino itself, Riversuites will boast several other traditional and unconventional amenities: co-working areas, lobby gathering spaces, a billiards table — and an indoor basketball court.

 

A Conduit Between Philly’s Past and Its Future

The Battery is an architectural stunner designed in Beaux-Arts classical revival style by famed turn-of-the-century Philly architect John Windrim. Windrim’s prolific portfolio also includes The Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Municipal Court and the provost’s residence at Penn.

 

Formerly the Delaware Power Station, the 11-acre Beach Street complex was commissioned as a PECO power plant in the early 1900s. By the 1950s, it was the utility company’s largest, providing power to nearly half of Philadelphia. Eight 167-foot-tall chimneys will remain as historic architectural elements.

 

Today, The Battery is a $154 million redevelopment initiative currently underway by its Philadelphia-based owner, Lubert-Adler Real Estate Funds. The active phase includes 173 apartments, 135,000 square feet of office space and 100,000 square feet of event space — and now a hotel.

 

“We saw in the old PECO power plant an opportunity to create a spectacular experience on Philadelphia’s waterfront that could be a home for both a residential community as well as an eclectic mix of commercial enterprises that will draw people to an area of the city that has until now been underused,” said Leonard Klehr, vice chairman of Lubert-Adler. “It is very exciting to see our vision for this project come to fruition, with our first residents moving in and Rivers Casino announcing its plans for a beautiful new hotel overlooking the river, and we are thrilled to welcome them to The Battery.”

 

The casino’s 22-acre waterfront property already connects with The Battery via the Delaware Riverwalk by way of picturesque Penn Treaty Park. The two properties are an eight-minute walk or a five-minute ride apart. Rivers will run a complimentary 24/7 shuttle with 24/7 security and will offer 24/7 valet parking.

 

Riversuites will be operated by Rivers Casino Philadelphia, which is owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates. Koo Architecture of Chicago is designing the Riversuites hotel. Strada of Philadelphia is the architect for The Battery.

 

“VIPs and out-of-town guests have long inquired about overnight stays at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, and they’re about to get a penthouse-style option,” said Eric Althaus, general manager of the casino. “We’re thrilled to introduce this entirely unexpected luxury suites collection — that’s exclusive to Rivers Philly.”

 

The Riversuites hotel project represents a $7 million privately funded investment. The new hotel will add more than 40 permanent hospitality jobs to the casino’s existing 1,100-plus workforce. Riversuites at The Battery is expected to open by year-end 2023.

 

ABOUT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA

Located along the Delaware River waterfront in Fishtown, Rivers Casino Philadelphia features 1,547 slots, 78 table games, 66 hybrid gaming seats, a 28-table poker room and a designated sportsbook area for live sports betting. Rita’s Italian Ice and Dunkin’ are among the popular grab-and-go locations in the casino’s Marketplace. The casino also offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars — among them are Martorano’s Sicilian Slice, Mian and Jack’s Bar + Grill. Martorano’s Prime, an Italian-American Steakhouse, is coming soon. Guests will also enjoy riverfront views, live performances in The Event Center, free parking, and daily promotions and giveaways. For additional information and current offerings, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

Contacts

MEDIA
Jeff Shurilla

For Rivers Casino Philadelphia

215-764-2376 (cell)

jeff@hornercom.com

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From natural hair to biological sex, July 1 brings new employment laws to your workplace

CHICAGO — When it comes to employment laws, human resource experts know that July is the new January. This is because many employment rules and regulations often go into effect on July 1.

 

The same is true for this year. Rob Wilson, human resources expert and President of Employco USA, can speak to the new regulations that has hit many states in July, including:

 

  • Reproductive Health: “Nevada is going to require all employers that offer health insurance plans to only offer plans that cover contraception,” says Wilson. “If you are a Nevada-based company and your health insurance for your employees doesn’t cover contraceptive services, you have to change this or risk penalty.”

 

  • Biological Sex: “Starting on July 1, Kansas SB 180 goes into effect,” says Wilson. “This bill states that for the purposes of any state laws and regulations, biological sex is defined as the sex which was observed at a person’s birth. This will have an impact on everything from an employee’s identification documents to sex-segregated spaces in the workplace.”   
  • Artificial Intelligence: “Employers in New York have until July 5 to use an independent auditing service to test their A.I. tools for any potential bias or discrimination that may exist,” says Wilson. “They want proof from employers that their A.I. is not racist.”  
  • Anti-Semitism: “Starting July 31, Arkansas has given employers a newly updated definition of antisemitism that is to be used when determining whether or not antisemitism occurred in the workplace,” says Wilson.  
  • Workplace Violence: “In Utah, employers will now have the right to get a workplace violence protection order against any ex-employee who demonstrated violent or abusive behavior on the job,” says Wilson.

 

Also, upcoming:  

 

  • Natural Hair: “The CROWN Act goes into effect on August 1,” says Wilson. “Under this act, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or potential employee because of their natural hair. This means that dreadlocks, twist, locs, and other natural hairstyles will be protected in the workplace.”
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Business Environment Lifestyle Technology

Entrepreneur introduces Truly Office – A privacy-first, budget-friendly, user-centric office suite

Visionary entrepreneur and business strategist Ronnie Teja announces the launch of Truly Office, a trailblazing, privacy-centric office suite set to redefine the intersection of productivity, affordability, and data sovereignty. The upcoming launch in August 2023 has already sparked intrigue and anticipation across the industry.
PHOTO:  Truly Office embodies the ethos, “Your Data. Your Rules.” To that end, privacy is not merely an add-on but the foundational bedrock of this revolutionary platform. “We believe in an uncompromising commitment to privacy and data sovereignty in today’s digital world. Truly Office ensures that your data stays yours,” asserts Ronnie Teja.

 

Our digital landscape has become a fertile breeding ground for tools that double as silent observers, prying into user data without permission. Office suite solutions are at the epicenter of this invasion of privacy, a situation further compounded by the labyrinthine web of subscriptions, upgrades, and hidden costs that customers are forced to navigate. In this backdrop, Truly Office emerges as a beacon of change, marrying simplicity, affordability, and functionality without compromising user data sovereignty.

 

Truly Office harnesses cutting-edge technology to create an office suite that respects user choice, catalyzes collaboration, and bolsters productivity. The suite’s customizable packages represent a seismic shift from the one-size-fits-all model prevalent in today’s office software solutions.

 

Beyond privacy, Truly Office seeks to democratize the digital workspace by providing an intuitive, high-performing user experience that doesn’t strain your budget. It’s not just about getting work done; it’s about empowering users to be their most productive selves, on their own terms. The suite is offered on a lifetime purchase basis, eschewing the need for expensive upgrades or recurring subscription fees. In line with this, Truly Office users will receive biannual updates, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve without added financial burden.

 

The Truly Office suite is a holistic amalgamation of productivity applications, each designed with the end-user in mind. It includes an advanced word processor, a spreadsheet editor, a presentation builder, an email client, and collaborative tools. As such, Truly Office positions itself as the go-to alternative for businesses seeking to optimize productivity affordably and securely.

 

As he unveiled Truly Office at the recent press conference, Ronnie Teja shared, “The creation of Truly Office signifies the dawn of a new era in business operations. This journey has been thrilling, and we’re confident our product encapsulates this energy. We’re committed to positively impacting a billion lives through secure, straightforward, and affordable tech solutions, with Truly Office serving as our flagship offering.”

 

 

Visit https://trulyoffice.com/ for the latest updates and further information on the launch.

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Mercer County gets $175,000 grant for Johnson Trolley Trail study

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County has been awarded a $175,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) for a Johnson Trolley Trail Corridor study, County Executive Brian M. Hughes recently announced.

The County will develop an alignment for the Johnson Trolley Trail. This identified Circuit Trails network component provides enhanced connections from the City of Trenton through Ewing and Lawrence townships, and the Municipality of Princeton.

The project is the largest among the six selected in New Jersey by the DVRPC and will be funded through the Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grant program.

“I thank the DVRPC for this generous grant award to help Mercer County, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, and our municipal partners advance this proposed bicycle and pedestrian trail link,” said Mr. Hughes. “The Johnson Trolley Trail Corridor would benefit our communities by promoting economic opportunity, transportation, recreation, and health in a climate-friendly way.”

“We are very grateful to the DVRPC, Mercer County, the City of Trenton, Ewing and Lawrence townships, and the Municipality of Princeton as partners in this endeavor,” said Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation Chair David Sandahl. “Working together, we will make the vision of reconnecting our communities a reality.”

The Johnson Trolley, named after Albert Johnson, a Kentucky native who operated a streetcar company in Cleveland and then acquired franchises in New Jersey among other states, began operating in 1902 and in its peak year of 1921, carried 1.6 million fares. A one-way trip between Princeton and Trenton took 35 minutes. The trolley’s heyday was short-lived, cut short by the automobile. The last passengers traveled the line in 1940. Today, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail and many other trails make use of former rail lines, offering hikers and bikers a calmer alternative to the highway.

Created by DVRPC, TCDI grants utilize federal transportation funds to support planning initiatives that further our region’s progress toward DVRPC’s vision for an equitable, resilient, and sustainable region. Since its beginning in 2002, the TCDI program has awarded over 300 grants, invested over $22 million, and leveraged over $250 million to municipal and county partners.

“The TCDI program furthers local efforts to improve the quality of life for communities,” said Ariella Maron, Executive Director, DVRPC.

“This year’s projects seek to expand access to existing public transit, business centers, and recreational areas; make streets safer for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists; contribute to healthier neighborhoods by encouraging active transportation and decreasing congestion; and help to reduce our region’s carbon footprint.”

About the Transportation and Community Development Initiative

Initiated in 2002, TCDI is a competitive grant opportunity that provides funds to local planning initiatives that further progress towards the region’s long-range plan, Connections 2050: Plan for Greater Philadelphia. TCDI focuses on linking land use, transportation, and economic development by improving community quality of life; enhancing the existing transportation infrastructure access; promoting and encouraging the use of transit, bike, and pedestrian transportation modes; building municipal capacity; and protecting our environment. To date, the TCDI program has invested over $22 million and leveraged over $250 million to municipal and county partners.

About DVRPC

DVRPC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the bi-state, nine-county Greater Philadelphia region. It includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties in New Jersey.

The Connections 2050 Long-Range Plan vision is an equitable, resilient, and sustainable Greater Philadelphia Region that: preserves and restores the natural environment; develops inclusive, healthy, and walkable communities; grows an innovative and connected economy with broadly shared prosperity; and maintains a safe, multimodal transportation network that serves everyone. Learn more at www.dvrpc.org.

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Who you gonna call? Mercer Mosquito Control

Summer’s most unwelcome guest, the mosquito, is here, and even though Mercer County runs a highly sophisticated Mosquito Control program to safeguard the health of residents, mosquitoes remain a reality throughout the warmer months.

PHOTO: Mercer County Mosquito Control staff with Gen. Supervisor Nick Indelicato, kneeling, right.

“While our crews can help mitigate the nuisance, mosquitoes are a backyard problem, and community involvement is crucial for success in controlling them,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“I urge our residents to take some simple measures, such as eliminating standing water in and around their homes, to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes.”

Female mosquitoes lay eggs on the walls of water-filled containers. To keep those eggs from hatching and becoming adult mosquitoes, residents should do the following:

• Empty out water from containers in your yard such as buckets, recycle bins and potted-plant saucers.
• Store tires indoors or away from rain. Check for tire recycling programs in your area.
• Empty and replace water in bird baths at least once a week. Remember: water plus seven days equals mosquitoes.
• Make sure drain pipes slope downward. These drain pipes are dominated by Asian tiger mosquito immatures, and this species is an aggressive day biter.
• Maintain your pool. Remove water from tarps and pool covers.

 

Other steps residents can take include keeping mosquitoes out of the home by installing or repairing window screens and using air conditioning when available; and preventing mosquito bites by using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent with an active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD).

 

If you’ve done all you can to control the mosquito populations by removing water sources and believe you need further help, you can fill out an inspection request and a member of our team will assist.

 

For more information about protecting your family from mosquitoes all summer long, as well as up-to-date information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit the Mercer County Mosquito Control website or watch our video, Mercer County Mosquito Control in the field – YouTube.