NORTH BRUNSWICK – After being honored with an invocation by his father, Francis Womack II, North Brunswick Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack III gave his annual State of the Township address on Jan. 1, looking toward the future of North Brunswick.
“We work as a team with people who understand the critical importance of the job they do every day, the gravity of their obligation to the public. They’re people who are willing to go the extra mile for the people of North Brunswick,” Womack said.
In 2019, the township settled all nine of its union contracts and updated its personnel ordinance for the first time in about 20 years, Womack said.
He said an ad hoc committee reviewed the township’s water system to maintain water quality into the future, and will begin to review the sewer system.
“Infrastructure may not be glamorous but it’s necessary,” he said.
Womack said that during his time as mayor, more than half of the township’s 80 municipal roadways have been paved, a large potion of which has been funded through grants. He said officials will push Amtrak to refurbish the Adams Lane and How Lane overpasses.
The mayor also said a committee will evaluate the feasibility of rebuilding a new library, possibly across from the municipal building. He said libraries serve new purpose, including education, instructional space, technology tools, resources for job seekers, meeting space, tutoring, and a safe environment for social networking.
Aside from the township’s “unwavering commitment” to its train station, Womack said the business and theater districts in neighboring New Brunswick are “impressive” and impact North Brunswick in a positive way.
“Our goal will be to allow, facilitate and direct development that is consistent with surrounding neighborhoods but also takes advantage of our new train station and takes into account New Brunswick,” he explained.
Womack also mentioned new opportunities for seniors to stay in their homes, and tax abatements for homeowners to put money into home repairs instead of taxes.
On the safety side, a $2 million project with the county will expand the emergency radio system to include police, fire, first aid, emergency management, public works and parks.
Womack also brought attention to the portable ice skating rink across from the municipal building, and a Lyft-based senior transportation program.
“The objective, of course, is to make North Brunswick not only a healthy but a beautiful place to live,” he said.
Womack ended his speech by thanking all of the volunteers in town “who make our township all one healthy, wholesome place to live, where neighbors take care of neighbors.”
“It’s an exciting time to live in North Brunswick. It’s exciting to be part of a township where the council and the staff are dedicated to serving people responsibly and taking care of our longterm needs as well as our immediate concerns,” he said.
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@newspapermediagroup.com.
