Bill Would Help First Responders, Teachers Become Homeowners Capitol Comments

Senator Robert Menendez

Protector Educator and Responder (HELPER) Act to create a first-time homebuyer loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for teachers and first responders who have served at least four years in their respective role.

“First responders and teachers work day in and day out to make a

(Government - See Page 9) ly, instead of showing appreciation and patience to healthcare workers, there has been an increase in workers being treated poorly. When that leads to violence, we must act to protect healthcare workers. With the enactment of this measure, Gov. Murphy, Senator Singleton and Majority Leader Greenwald send a strong message that the tireless efforts of healthcare workers are appreciated and valued.”

“Health care workers are five times more likely to be assaulted than any other workforce, adding to the many reasons healthcare workers are migrating out of the profession,” said Debbie White, HPAE President. “We applaud the Legislature and the Governor’s office for the passing of this bill into law – the Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act. It’s a step forward in taking reasonable measures to minimize our risks. It’s time to treat workplace violence in healthcare settings with the seriousness this crisis warrants. If our hospitals and nursing homes are unsafe for workers, they are unsafe for our patients too.”

NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AUTHORITY –PROPOSED OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS, MILEPOST 80 TO 83, GARDEN STATE PARKWAY

Take notice that applications for a Freshwater Wetlands Individual Permit, Flood Hazard Area Individual Permit, Hardship Exception Request, and CAFRA/Waterfront Development/Coastal Wetlands Individual Permit, as well as Flood Hazard Area Verifications, will be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Land Resource Protection for the development described below:

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) is proposing to improve Garden State Parkway (GSP) from approximately Milepost 80 to 83 (including Interchange 80, 81, and 82/82A) by improving GSP geometrics to meet current NJTA design standards where feasible. Other proposed improvements include continuous auxiliary lanes to better accommodate queuing and weaves; Collector-Distributor (CD) roads (service roads) to physically separate local ramp traffic from the GSP through traffic; safety and operational improvements of GSP interchanges, ramps and adjoining State and local roadway networks. Additionally, improvements at Interchange 80 will include adding a new southbound entrance ramp to the GSP and northbound exit ramp to the local roadway network. The improvements will include reconstruction to approximately seven (7) bridges and several culvert pipes throughout the project area. Ancillary improvements will include replacement of guide rail, lighting, drainage system upgrades and overhead signing. Utility and NJTA Fiber Optic (ETC) relocations will be required at locations where proposed improvements conflict with these existing systems.

Hardship Exception: The proposed project includes a hardship exception request for N.J.A.C. 7:13-11.3(2) due to the placement of fill in a floodway to construct the proposed improvements. There is no regulatory floodway derived for the project area; thus, NJDEP is considering the entire floodplain a floodway. Therefore, the proposed fill being placed to widen the roadway is technically considered fill in a floodway. No floodrelated adverse impacts will be created due to the proposed improvements and no adjacent properties will be impacted.

The complete permit application package can be reviewed at the municipal clerk’s office in the municipality in which the site subject to the application is located or by appointment at the Department’s Trenton Office. Either a 30-day public comment period or public hearing will be held on the application in the future. Individuals may request a public hearing on the application within 15 calendar days of the date of receiving this notice. Requests for a public hearing shall be sent to the Department at the address below and shall state the specific nature of the issues to be raised at the hearing:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Land Resource Protection

P.O. Box 420, Code 501-02A

Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Attn: Toms River Township/South Toms River Borough/Berkeley Township Supervisors