Statement from Mayor Joseph M. DiBella

Fairfield Road Update

It has come to my attention that an anonymous letter is circulating within the community. This letter is being left in resident’s mail boxes and is related to a large tract of land on Fairfield Road in Howell Township. This unsigned letter suggests that the Township and Monmouth County are planning to open a prison or corrections facility. Currently this is a vacant parcel of land adjacent to the Brickyard Road exit ramp on Fairfield Road.

The origins of the letter and its author are unknown. More importantly its’ contents are absolutely false.

The Township nor the County of Monmouth has plans to develop the property, or open a corrections facility. The property is privately owned and zoned as a commercial tract of land. The Township has NOT been involved in any discussions, at any level, regarding this land being anything other than a viable commercial property. This property will hopefully bring in valuable tax revenue to the municipality. The land was recently sold by a religious organization to a private owner. The private owner has stated their intentions to commercially develop or to sell the land for business use.

Unsigned letters are often not worthy of anyone’s time or attention. However, in this case, the author has caused concern among area residents thus, creating fear of what a correctional facility would do to the area. The author’s real intentions are unknown. I felt it was important to end this hurtful rumor and to put resident’s minds at ease. It is also illegal to leave materials in mailboxes that are not officially distributed through the postal service. Residents should report any materials being left in their mail box to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

In the event residents have any questions on any issue, please contact my office anytime. You may also email me directly at MayorDiBella@twp.howell.nj.us.

I am always pleased to speak to residents and assist in providing factual information about issues of the day.

For additional information, contact the Mayor, 732-938-4500.