Christmas House Decorating Contest 2022
Middle Residents Can Now Register Online for a Short-Term Rental License
Middle residents can now register online for a short-term rental license
Licensing program balances homeowners’ earning potential with need for safety standards
Those who rent out their properties through Airbnb and similar marketplaces can comply with
Middle Township’s new short-term rental ordinance by registering through an online portal.
Beautiful beaches, the Cape May County Zoo, golf courses, restaurants, breweries, and wineries are just a few of the many attractions that draw tourists to Middle Township.
Now travelers can rest assured that their short-term rental meets local regulations.
Middle Township approved an ordinance over the summer to require licenses for short-term rentals and recently set up a portal so property owners can register online.
“Short-term rentals offer convenience for tourists and revenue opportunities for property owners. We established a reasonable set of standards to ensure the safety and success of the process for all parties,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “It also was important to create a vetting system to preserve the integrity of our residential areas.”
opens in a new windowShort-term rental applicants will use the municipal licensing program GovPilot, which is the same system used to access birth, marriage, and death certificates; public records and – starting in 2023 – dog licenses.
An annual short-term rental license is $250 and runs from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Anyone who applies before the start of the year will be covered through Dec. 31, 2023.
Middle Township also will receive revenue through occupancy taxes collected by the state. Those who rent Middle Township properties through online marketplaces such as VRBO, Airbnb and
Facebook will pay a 3 percent occupancy tax. The tax only applies to online listings, and not those rented through a real estate agent, newspaper ad or other means.
The criteria to register a short-term rental in Middle Township are:
• A completed landlord registration form
• Proof of liability insurance, including coverage specific to short-term liability insurance
• Proof of being current with taxes and sewer bills
• Certification of satisfactory fire inspection
The Township will review the registration and contact the applicant if they need to complete some of the requirements. If a fire inspection is needed, the township will ask the Fire Bureau to follow up with the applicant.
Property owners can learn more about the short-term rental licensing process and use of the portal during a Nov. 21 Township Committee work session.
Middle Township Announces Fall and Winter Paving Projects
Middle Township announces fall and winter paving projects
Roadwork is part of the Township’s five-year maintenance plan
Central Avenue was one of many Middle Township roads to be paved last year.
Middle Township has rolled out its paving schedule for the rest of the year. The projects will include Goshen Landing Road and West Main Street in Whitesboro, as well as a number of residential roads.
The construction is part of the Township’s five-year paving plan, which began last year with work that included extension drainage project repairs and upgrades.
“Middle prides itself on delivering a high level of service to our residents and we are diligent about maintaining local roads,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “Providing safe, reliable roads is one of many ways we work to make our Township a desirable place to live and do business.”
Work is expected to begin on or around Oct. 31 with the paving of Goshen Landing Road. The paving program also will include Goshen Creek Road, West Main Street in Whitesboro; Jackson, Fulton and Cherry streets; Savannah and Randolph streets; and English Way.
The Township hopes to complete the projects by the end of the year, weather permitting.
Middle Reminds Eligible Residents to Apply for Tax Relief
Middle reminds eligible residents to apply for tax relief
Some New Jerseyans could receive up to $1,500 through the recently expanded ANCHOR program
Applications for the ANCHOR tax benefit were recently mailed to homes.
At a time when homeowners are watching household budgets closely, Middle Township urges residents to take advantage of state-run tax rebate programs.
opens in a new windowThe Senior Freeze Program offers a property tax rebate for homeowners who are 65 or older or receive federal Social Security disability benefit payments. Taxpayers who meet income eligibility criteria will be reimbursed for any increase in property taxes. The deadline for 2021 tax year applications is Oct. 31.
opens in a new windowNew Jersey’s ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program replaced the Homestead Rebate program and expanded eligibility for state residents. The deadline to receive a benefit based on your 2019 property taxes is Dec. 30.
“Local taxpayers might already be aware of these programs, but a friendly reminder never hurts, especially when it could put significant money back in the bank,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “We are
always looking for cost-savings opportunities for our Middle residents, whether by seeking efficiencies in local services or highlighting benefits from the state or federal government.”
Here is what to know about each program:
Senior Tax Freeze Program
Benefit: A property tax reimbursement for seniors and people with disabilities who establish a “base year” of eligibility.
Criteria: Total annual income of $92,969 or less in 2020 and $94,178 or less in 2021, plus one spouse 65 or older or receiving Social Security disability
How to apply: opens in a new windowstate.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ptr/index.shtml or 800-882-6597.
ANCHOR Program
Benefit/Criteria: Homeowners with 2019 incomes of up to $150,000 will get up to $1,500 in relief.
Those who made between $150,000 and $250,000 will get up to $1,000. Renters with incomes of $150,000 or less will receive $450.
How to apply: opens in a new windowstate.nj.us/treasury/taxation/anchor/index.shtml or 888-238-1233. Forms also may have arrived by mail.
Alexis Kalish Honored as Middle Township Employee of the Month
Middle records clerk’s ‘determination’ and ‘keen eye’ earn her Employee of the Month
Alexis Kalish stepped up to make sure police department’s website has latest information
Alexis Kalish enjoys the different experiences each day brings working at the Middle Township Police Department.
The Middle Township Police Department’s website information needed updating, and Records Clerk Alexis Kalish was quick to volunteer for the job.
She is dedicated to serving the community, and her willingness to assist with these updates led to her being named Middle Township’s October Employee of the Month.
“I am very grateful for being nominated for Employee of the Month,” said Kalish. “Having this position as a Records Clerk has been, and continues to be, a great experience. I have learned a lot working at the Middle Township Police Department. And it is also nice to have good communication with my co-workers; this makes the job ten times easier.”
Kalish has been working with Middle Township for about six years, starting as a part-time recreation aide. She has been a records clerk for the police department since 2018.
“What I enjoy most about my job is that it offers room to continue to learn new things,” she said. “And you have different experiences every day.”
Her co-worker, Kendra Karstens, noticed Kalish’s commitment to her job and nominated her for Employee of the Month.
“She possesses the determination and keen attention to detail needed to continuously update the website, various digital forms, statistical reports, and important files in order to give our residents and staff the most up-to-date department information,” said Karstens, the department’s lead supervisor. “During a period of so much change within our department, she has volunteered to assist with these updates, helping to ensure a smooth transition.”
Besides updating the website, Kalish’s responsibilities include conducting monthly statistics and local records checks, copying reports for the public, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and insurance companies; processing expungement orders, issuing temporary placards for people with disabilities, and more.
“We are proud to recognize Alexis for her hard work and commitment to the MTPD and our community,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “The staff in our Police Records Department manages an ever-expanding database of reporting and record-keeping programs. This role is vital to meeting our compliance requirements and ensuring citizens access to important records in a timely manner.”
Kalish plans to take more training classes to enhance her work in the records department.
