Mayor's Message: Winter 2023

A New Year and a Snowless Winter

Who could ever imagine that a record has been set for a total lack of the white stuff? To the dismay of snow removal folks and school kids looking forward to a few days off this season, our small business owners are grateful that despite inflation, supply chain interruptions and personnel hiring problems, this has been somewhat of a bright spot.

Borough Administrator

However, within these hallowed halls, the new year brings a welcome addition to Borough operations with the hiring of Michael LePlace as full time Business Administrator. A well-seasoned professional, I believe he will bring his administrative acumen to handle the projects and challenges that Joe Costa, our Interim Business Administrator has been doing. I want to thank Joe for the extraordinary job he has been doing especially handling his many other duties. I know he is really looking forward to his well- deserved retirement along with his wife, Nancy.

The Backyard Bonfire

Fond memories abound as I harken back to my high school football games. As a member of our marching band at North Plainfield High School our biggest rival was South Plainfield High School where the traditional game was played every year on Thanksgiving Day. The centerpiece on that day was the bonfire. Such a conflagration added luster to the rivalry.

So, leave your marshmallows home and please join us for the Middlesex Borough Backyard Bonfire at Mountain View Park on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 2-7 pm. The event is hosted by our Recreation Department with the participation of MegaBites where tickets may be purchased. Read more about this event on our website here.

Community Day

Another popular event is our traditional Community Day celebration. Unfortunately, this event was suspended in the past due to Covid concerns. Since things are opening up in the Borough, we can now look forward to the new year with planned activities in our new normal. There will be exciting things for everybody including vendors, restaurants, local bands, food trucks and tons of activities for the kids. The date is Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Mountain View Park from 1-8 pm. So mark your calendar for these two spectacular events.

The Presbyterian Church

We are awaiting for the phase 1 environmental report regarding the Presbyterian Church acquisition. The Phase 1 site assessment has recently concluded. We are hoping that there is good news for us. This site will be the new site for Recreation and our Seniors. The American Rescue Fund Grant will cover most of the purchase.

Council President

Lastly, I want to commend our new Council President, Mr. Michael Conahan for the superlative job he has done for his brief time on the council. The goal of a council president is to disseminate all information received from the mayor, business administrator and clerk to the council members in the pursuit of efficient communication. This process puts everybody on the same page, opens up the flow of ideas for deliberation at council meetings and minimizes challenges in handling subsequent projects and goals. I wish him much success in the future.

Thank You,

Mayor John L. Madden 
January 30, 2023