METUCHEN, NJ – Owing to the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state and town, Metuchen recently announced it was moving all official business online.
“For the first time since mid-June, the Borough is moving back to a virtual operations schedule,” town officials said in statement.
The change though is temporary. Beginning this week, all in-person Borough meetings are suspended. Council members will now meet virtually.
Here’s what will change for all borough residents:
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Municipal offices: No in-office visits are permitted for the duration without a scheduled appointment. All offices are open and Staff will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions and concerns from the public via telephone and email.
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Health Department: Health inspections will continue by appointment only by calling 732-632-8504 or emailing at [email protected]. Emergency and critical inspections will also continue.
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Metuchen Municipal Court: The Metuchen Municipal Court sessions will continue to be scheduled virtually until further notice. The Court office will be closed to the public but can be reached at 732-632-8505. Payments can be made at the 24-hour drop-box located at the rear entrance to Borough Hall.
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Vital Records – New marriage license applications, pick-up of death certificates and birth certificates need to be scheduled by calling 732 632 8508. Dog and cat license registration can be done at www.metuchennj.org, click on Application & Forms, then select Health Forms. License payment can be made by mail or at the 24-hour drop-box located at rear entrance to Borough Hall. Call 732-632-8508 with questions.
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Public Work – public access to the Public Works building is not permitted. Bulk and metal scheduling will be suspended as of 12/01/20 and all pickups already scheduled prior will occur. Regular garbage and recycling pickup will continue, and the schedule is available at www.metuchennj.org, click on Trash & Recycling. DPW can be reached at 732 632 8519.
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Tax Assessor – tax appeal forms need to be filed with the County Tax Board. Forms and information are available at www.middlesexcountynj.gov, search: Board of Taxation. Appointments with the local Tax Assessor must be scheduled by calling 732 632 8516.
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Parking Authority –Permit payments can be made by mail, at the 24 hours drop-box located at the rear door of Borough Hall or on-line at www.metuchnnj.org, click on Parking, scroll down to MAKE A PAYMENT. Applications for Surface Lot parking permits can be downloaded from the same page and mailed to the Parking Authority. An appointment to pick up the permit can be made. You can reach the Parking Authority at 732 548 5553.
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All residents and property owners should utilize the following payment options for payment of taxes: regular mail, 24 hours drop-box located at rear entrance to Borough Hall and online at www.metuchennj.org.
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Police Accident Reports can be accessed online at CRASHDOCS.ORG. Questions can be directed to 732 632 8550. Do not go to the Police Records window.
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Requests for Police reports can be made online at www.metuchenj.org , click on Departments, select Police, click on Police Forms, then OPRA. Download the OPRA request form and email the completed form to [email protected]. You will receive a reply once your form is submitted.
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Building and Construction Inspections – Building permits and inspections will continue. All requests should be directed to the following emails: [email protected] or [email protected] for all permit requests and scheduling. All interactions with the Building and Construction Office must be done by appointment only. Please call 732 632 8515 to schedule pickup of permits and inspections. All documents can be dropped off at the blue door in the front of borough hall.
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Zoning Office – message can be left at 732-632-8514 to schedule an appointment. Payments can be made at the 24-hour drop-box located at rear entrance to Borough Hall.
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Fire Prevention Office: The public should not visit the Fire Prevention office. Inspections will continue and should be scheduled by calling 732-767-1147. Inspections will be conducted by appointment only
More recently, Edison announced it was closing all council meetings to the public, until further notice.
Read More Here: Edison Council Meetings Go ‘Hybrid’ Due to COVID
As COVID cases across the state spike, Gov. Phil Murphy recently asked residents not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
According to a recent report by the White House Coronavirus Task Force, nine of New Jersey’s 21 counties are in the red zone when it comes to the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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This article originally appeared on the Edison-Metuchen Patch
