Mayor Dalina Thanks Monroe’s Legislators and State Officials for Substantial Capital Support in New State Budget
Greenstein, DeAngelo and Benson Deliver $6 Million in funding for Monroe, including funding for Open Space Acquisition and Police Building Expansion
MONROE TOWNSHIP – July 07, 2023 – Mayor Stephen Dalina is expressing his appreciation to Monroe’s legislative delegation for their strong financial support related to the recently-adopted fiscal ’24 state budget.
The earmarks to Monroe include $2.5 million for ongoing open space acquisition. “
The Township will use the funding toward acquiring targeted open space parcels to prevent development,” Mayor Dalina said. “Through the support of the fiscal ’24 state budget, we can ensure open space parcels are saved.”
Mayor Dalina expressed his continued appreciation to the 14th district state legislators – Sen. Linda Greenstein and Assembly members Wayne DeAngelo and Dan Benson – who worked with decision makers within the governor’s office and legislature to prioritize open space acquisition, as well as other ongoing projects in Monroe.
“This is about working together with all parties for the benefit of all residents,” the mayor said.
The new state budget also includes $2.5 million to fund improvements at police headquarters on Municipal Plaza. The state support comprises about 50% of the cost of the expansion project, set to begin this fall when the Township solicits bids for the work. With funding in hand, the Township is now finalizing the design for the 4,500-square-foot expansion project.
“The Monroe Township Police Department is the best in the state as exemplified by our designation as one of the Safest Cities in New Jersey and it is important that we avail our law enforcement professionals of a work environment that suits their needs,” Mayor Dalina said. “The facility as it stands was designed 40 years ago and built for a police force that was a little more than half the size of Monroe’s current police roster.”
Through the work of the 14th district state legislators, the state budget also includes $1 million to the Monroe Township Board of Education to help fund improvements to the Applegarth Elementary School.
This year’s earmarks build on the $1 million from last year for flood mitigation programs at the Rossmoor adult living community, following a request from the mayor.
Mayor Dalina said he was also pleased to see an extension of state’s ANCHOR benefits for a second year in the new state budget, offsetting property taxes and rent with benefits up to $1,500 depending on income. This year’s ANCHOR program (2023-2024) will include an additional $250 for seniors over age 65 according to the State.
Additionally, Mayor Dalina has been a vocal supporter of Speaker Craig Coughlin’s “Stay NJ” program, which is currently planned for early 2026. “My testimony last month in Trenton supporting passage of the StayNJ program laid the groundwork,” Mayor Dalina said. “Now we have to fight to make this tax benefit a reality for all of our seniors in the 2026.”
“When we meet with our state representatives and other key state leaders, our focus is ensuring that Monroe remains affordable,” Mayor Dalina said. “We have many initiatives underway, such as open space preservation and facility upgrades. By leveraging our relationship with the state, we are ensuring that the costs of these projects do not fall squarely on our taxpayers.
“Our successful funding requests in the latest state budget show that our efforts continue to bear fruit.”
###
All media inquiries may be directed to the Monroe Township’s Public Information Officer Stacey Kennedy at 732-521-4400 or