Everybody enjoys a little extra attention now and again. That’s why the Mayor and Township Committee are launching Neighborhood Spotlight, a program that focuses on the uniqueness of Middletown’s neighborhoods as well as the interests and concerns of its residents.
“Middletown Township is comprised of more than a dozen unique neighborhoods,” said Mayor Stephanie Murray. “Neighborhood Spotlight offers an invaluable opportunity to focus on the beauty of our many neighborhoods and chat with the people living and doing business in them. Keep an eye out for dates, times, and specific locations.”
Over the next year, the township will station the Police Department’s Mobile Command Center in neighborhoods throughout Middletown. Residents will be encouraged to stop by and speak with police officers about concerns they may have about their neighborhood. Staff from other township departments will be on hand to answer questions about various services and program. The center will also be stocked general township information and popular forms.
The first Neighborhood Spotlight will be North Middletown this August. River Plaza follows in September, then Belford in October, Harmony/New Monmouth in November and Middletown Village in December. In 2016, the Mobile Command Center will be headed to Leonardo in January, Locust/Navesink in February, Port Monmouth in March, Oak Hill in April, Lincroft in May, and Fairview/Chapel Hill in June. Specific dates, times and locations will be announced.
Neighborhood Spotlight is part of the township’s Community Identity Campaign (CIC). Under this campaign, a series of programs and projects are being rolled out to help solidify a common community identity for Middletown as well as celebrate its diversity. Middletown includes 42 square miles, approximately 66,000 people, 20-plus schools, more than a dozen neighborhoods, 11 firehouses, several ecosystems and multiple zip codes.
CIC makes use of existing resources and new community partnerships. Recent endeavors include is the launch of a new slogan – Many Neighborhoods. One Middletown! – and the distribution of an updated welcome guide.