BERKELEY – When bulk pick-up days were taken off the calendar, a lot of people assumed that they are no longer happening, but Mayor John Bacchione reminded people that the new procedure just involves calling and scheduling a pick-up.
Before the change, there were just four bulk pick-ups a year in most of town, “now it’s every day. All you have to do is call Public Works,” he said at the most recent Township Council meeting.
Residents can call Public Works at 732-349-4616. A staff member will schedule your bulk pick-up on the day after your next trash pick-up. “Do not put bulk out at the curb and expect it to be picked up immediately after you call.”
If you can’t get through, call the mayor’s office at 732-244-7400.
The Public Works department recently put out reminders that bulk items include mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped), non-treated lumber, furniture, and other items that don’t fit in your trash can.
Bulk items can not include: construction material, pressure treated lumber, sheds, fencing, trash bags, masonry material, hazardous waste (please bring to Ocean County Reclamation Center)
Last year, township officials discussed issues with bulk pick-ups. Mattresses were being left out for weeks – without the mattress cover that is required. This led to unsightly and unsanitary conditions. There was also a concern that residents were allowing friends and relatives from out of town to come and drop off their bulk at their homes in Berkeley.
One of the main reasons for this change was that if someone was putting something out for bulk, it might sit out there for weeks waiting for the bulk pick-up day. Now, it’s done more quickly. Since there’s no official day, residents don’t have to wait for more than a week to bring it to the curb.
It also saves on time for the workers and gas for the truck. Instead of them driving around hunting for bulk, they know exactly where to go and get the job done.
In other news, Bacchione noted that the township has a newly revamped website. “It’s friendlier and there are more links on it. It’s really an easy read and a long time coming,” he said.
Open Space
The Township Council supported the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust to acquire a number of lots off of Evernhan Avenue (Blocks 780, 781, 782, 785,786, 787, and 1014.01). Evernhan is part of a series of small, old, narrow roads that lead to the trestle. This land is near the WOBM pit.
The OC Natural Lands Trust is fueled by taxes on every taxable property in the county. The county uses the money to buy land and preserve it as open space. The county representatives ask that the governing body sign off on land being taken off the tax rolls in this way.
Bacchione noted that none of these lots are owned by the town.
Veteran Housing
The Council also introduced three ordinances regarding land for the Tunnel To Towers development. This is a large property on Route 9 that will one day have 99 apartments and 25 single-family homes that are all restricted to veterans. There will also be related services for the veterans in the apartment building.
The ordinances all provide easements on the property. One is for a sight triangle and road widening; one is for shade trees and sidewalks; and one is for stormwater maintenance.
