By Sunayana Prabhu
MIDDLETOWN – It was a celebration of old and new milestones as the township committee forged ahead into the new year at its annual reorganization meeting in a packed courtroom Sunday, Jan. 7.
It was the first reorganization meeting to be hosted at the new town hall building – unveiled last summer – setting the stage for progress in the year 2024 while celebrating 360 years of the township, officially founded in 1664.
Under the township’s form of government, the committee designates two members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor for a one-year term. Tony Perry was selected for a sixth consecutive term as mayor; Rick Hibell was selected to be deputy mayor for the fourth consecutive year.
“As I contemplate the legacy we leave behind for future generations, I’m filled with confidence,” said Perry during his mayoral address. “Middletown is poised to be a model of American progress for another 360 years, exemplifying growth, community and resilience.”
Middletown’s committee members welcomed the new year with much aplomb amid a large gathering of family and friends, new township appointees and a strong presence of Monmouth County officials, including County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone, Deputy Commissioner Director Ross Licitra, County Clerk Christine Hanlon, County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago and County Sheriff Shaun Golden, among others.
According to a township press release, Perry is “the longest serving mayor in more than half a century.” He and Hibell are “the longest mayor and deputy mayor duo to serve in the Township’s history.”
Committee members Kimberly Kratz and Ryan Clarke, reelected in November, took their oath of office to serve their respective three-year terms.
As the township reaches the 360-year mark, “a history stretching back to the days of Sachem Pompora, Richard Hartshorne and Leni Lenape tribes,” Perry said, “we continue to make history while never neglecting our solemn duty to celebrate it.”
Last year, Travel and Leisure magazine named Middletown as one of the Top 10 places to live. While he shared the excitement, Perry said he was “not surprised,” proceeding to acknowledge the “countless volunteers” from the fire department and “every individual who does the small thing that quietly transforms Middletown into that shining city on a hill.”
Perry noted during his address that in April Middletown will welcome the USS New Jersey, a block IV Virginia class submarine, the third vessel in the United States Navy’s history to be named in honor of the state, to be commissioned at the historic Naval Weapons Station Earle in the Leonardo section of Middletown.
Commenting on the preservation of open space and historically significant properties, Perry said the township has continued “to protect properties throughout the township from development and destruction.” Since Middletown’s Open Space Referendum in 2020, the township’s “success and capabilities of preserving land has dramatically improved,” Perry said. Although, he said, “This fight is far from over.”
The township has been opposing the state’s affordable housing mandates imposed by the courts since 2019 that make the township susceptible to builders’ remedy lawsuits.
“Our commitment will never waver,” Perry said. “We’re actively challenging Trenton’s hypocritical stance on housing mandates which unfortunately incentivizes the destruction of undeveloped and environmentally sensitive land.”
The township has currently authorized $350,000 in capital and grant funds for the full restoration of Murray Farmhouse within Poricy Park. “This project preserves a window in Middletown’s rich revolutionary history,” said Perry.
As nationwide events to commemorate America’s 250th birthday in 2026 commence, Middletown has organized a 13-member America 250 Committee that will collaborate with Monmouth County to acknowledge the area’s contribution during the American Revolution.
At the reorganization meeting, fire department and emergency medical services officers were also sworn in and volunteers for various boards, committees and commissions were announced.
Residents are appointed to serve on the various committees by the township committee. Perry called upon members of the community to become “active architects” in Middletown’s progress. “We must lead not just in words, but through resolute actions,” he said, “because our town is more than just a place on a map. It’s a home. It’s a community with a rich legacy and an even brighter future.”
The article originally appeared in the January 11 – January 17, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
