Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
- Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ
- Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ
- Is Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ Actually Legit?
- What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ?
- The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
- Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
- What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
- The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in East Brunswick, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in East Brunswick, NJ
East Brunswick native, former Bridgewater teacher eliminated from 'Deal or No Deal Island'
Cheryl Makinhttps://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/entertainment/television/2025/03/13/deal-or-no-deal-island-philip-solomon-east-brunswick-nj/82309166007/
It was the end of the line for East Brunswick native and former Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School middle school teacher Phillip Solomon Tuesday on Season 2 of "Deal or No Deal Island" (DONDI).Episode 10, which included a double elimination, left viewers knowing Solomon was headed home − though $75,000 richer − but cut off in a cliffhanger as to the identity of the second player eliminated.DONDI is a reality game show set on an island off the shores of Panama on which contestants compete in e...
It was the end of the line for East Brunswick native and former Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School middle school teacher Phillip Solomon Tuesday on Season 2 of "Deal or No Deal Island" (DONDI).
Episode 10, which included a double elimination, left viewers knowing Solomon was headed home − though $75,000 richer − but cut off in a cliffhanger as to the identity of the second player eliminated.
DONDI is a reality game show set on an island off the shores of Panama on which contestants compete in excursions to collect briefcases. After the weekly excursion, the players participate in the Banker's Challenge, the conventional high-stakes game of "Deal or No Deal."
Known for his witty banter and penchant for drama, Solomon was one of the final five DONDI contestants. Throughout the show's antics, he maintained his kinship with fellow players, although he is "done" with one "backstabber" now − Courtney Kim (C.K.)
"I feel amazing about the way I played," Solomon said to Boston Rob in the DONDI after-show. "I was so scared that I was going to come in here and be not a true version of myself, not an authentic version of me and I was going to hold back on certain things. And I did not. I think we can watch every episode and be like, 'Yep, that was me 100% of the time.' I didn't win, but I get to walk away with so much more. A wallet full of cash, a smile on my face, and I promise you, a heart that is so, so full."
Solomon was raised in East Brunswick and became a mainstay in the drama department. He also taught English for a decade at Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School.
Solomon relocated to Austin, Texas a few years ago. The fitness instructor/bodybuilder became a fan favorite on the show, dealing out pithy banter each week amid fair play − and that honesty may have sealed his fate.
Noting that the paradise was full of "snakes and eels everywhere" − and not the reptilian kind − Solomon was up against expert manipulators. It was during "The Banker’s Fire Pit" excursion that set Solomon up for the his final showdown.
Players had to hold onto a bag of money above a burn pit and whomever held on the longest would automatically win $75,000 − even if they were not the winner of the game as a whole.
The sacks were calibrated to weigh one-quarter of each player’s weight. As they were holding onto the bags, players watched as the briefcase models opened cases with random monetary values. Whoever secured the highest-value case won automatic immunity, with the lowest being up for elimination.
To claim a case, the players had to drop their money bag, thereby burning it. It didn't take long for the schemes and shenanigans to kick off in episode 10. From the start, Solomon was considering just how much the $75,000 would afford him "stability," but as he said to Boston Rob, he "would not ever be like, 'Guys, I've had a good run!' "
"Even if I felt it in my head, in my spirit, I never would have said that out loud," Solomon said. "Because I'm not stupid, because I know that everyone's always looking for an easy out."
Solomon held on the longest, guaranteeing himself $75,000, but ended with the lowest value case. "Australian Survivor" champion David Genat nabbed the highest case.
Genat then chose who to send home and who would face the banker. Even after an earlier promise to "take each other to the end," Genat sent Solomon home.
Trust is a tricky thing − and perhaps it was misplaced, or perhaps Solomon was ready to go home and relax with a few thousand under his pillow.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Affordable Housing Numbers Adjusted For East Brunswick After Town Challenge
Sarah Salvadorehttps://patch.com/new-jersey/eastbrunswick/affordable-housing-numbers-adjusted-east-brunswick
The affordable housing requirement has now been reduced by 15.8 percent for the township after it pointed out flaws in the calculation. Patch StaffEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has adjusted the number of affordable housing units allotted to the township, after officials challenged its methodology.The Fair Share Housing Center has not challenged the current calculations.According to East Brunswick, the ...
The affordable housing requirement has now been reduced by 15.8 percent for the township after it pointed out flaws in the calculation.
Patch Staff
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has adjusted the number of affordable housing units allotted to the township, after officials challenged its methodology.
The Fair Share Housing Center has not challenged the current calculations.
According to East Brunswick, the initial methodology was flawed as it miscalculated the land available for building the units.
The township had registered its argument with the DCA who then had a look at the documents and conceded.
According to initial estimates, the state goal for East Brunswick was 314. It has now been adjusted to 265, which is a reduction of 15.8 percent.
Find out what's happening in East Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
By DCA’s calculation, the number of units given was based on an estimate that the Township has 175 acres of developable land at their disposal.
But according to the East Brunswick town planner, the land available is 44 acres, and the number of units calculated was 256.
“We are glad we got to clear this misunderstanding. East Brunswick has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to providing affordable housing and will continue to do so,” Mayor Brad Cohen said.
Meanwhile a prominent builders association has filed a lawsuit against 158 towns, including East Brunswick. The New Jersey Builders Association argues in the lawsuit that the towns must go beyond what their local officials say is possible and commit to building more affordable housing.
Cohen now hopes that the lawsuit is dismissed. “I hope that we prevail in this as well, because we have been doing our part and have been fair,” Cohen said.
All towns are constitutionally mandated to provide their "fair share" of affordable housing for the region under the Mount Laurel Doctrine.
Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Seven most expensive homes sold in East Brunswick, Feb. 17-23
Real Estate Newswirehttps://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2025/03/seven-most-expensive-homes-sold-in-east-brunswick-feb-17-23.html
A house that sold for $770,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in East Brunswick in the past week.In total, seven residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $556,214, or $338 per square foot.The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Feb. 17 even if the property may have been sold earlier.7. $365K, single-family residence at 32 Nelson CircleThe property at 32 N...
A house that sold for $770,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in East Brunswick in the past week.
In total, seven residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $556,214, or $338 per square foot.
The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of Feb. 17 even if the property may have been sold earlier.
7. $365K, single-family residence at 32 Nelson Circle
The property at 32 Nelson Circle in East Brunswick has new owners. The price was $365,000. The house was built in 1950 and has a living area of 1,035 square feet. The price per square foot is $353. The deal was finalized on Jan. 30.
6. $430K, single-family house at 6 Terry Lane
The sale of the single family residence at 6 Terry Lane in East Brunswick has been finalized. The price was $430,000, and the new owners took over the house in February. The house was built in 1952 and has a living area of 1,212 square feet. The price per square foot was $355. The deal was finalized on Feb. 4.
5. $459K, single-family home at 18 Fifth Street
The sale of the single-family home at 18 Fifth Street, East Brunswick, has been finalized. The price was $458,500, and the new owners took over the house in February. The house was built in 1958 and has a living area of 1,120 square feet. The price per square foot was $409. The deal was finalized on Feb. 3.
4. $570K, single-family home at 78 Canterbury Road
A sale has been finalized for the single-family house at 78 Canterbury Road in East Brunswick. The price was $570,000 and the new owners took over the house in January. The house was built in 1956 and the living area totals 1,740 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $328. The deal was finalized on Jan. 30.
3. $620K, single-family house at 15 Viburnum Court
The property at 15 Viburnum Court in East Brunswick has new owners. The price was $620,000. The house was built in 1986 and has a living area of 1,871 square feet. The price per square foot is $331. The deal was finalized on Feb. 4.
2. $680K, single-family residence at 13 Smiths Lane
The 2,153 square-foot detached house at 13 Smiths Lane in East Brunswick has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in February and the total purchase price was $680,000, $316 per square foot. The house was built in 1850. The deal was finalized on Feb. 4.
1. $770K, single-family home at 21 Beacon Hill Drive
The 2,385 square-foot single-family home at 21 Beacon Hill Drive, East Brunswick, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in January and the total purchase price was $770,000, $323 per square foot. The house was built in 1971. The deal was finalized on Jan. 30.
Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.
East Brunswick BOE Addresses Possible Closing, Repurposing Of Bowne-Munro
Sarah Salvadorehttps://patch.com/new-jersey/eastbrunswick/east-brunswick-boe-addresses-possible-closing-elementary-school
The district said it aims to keep students together as much as possible, avoiding widespread relocation. Patch StaffEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick School District will once again be facing budget constraints due to the proposed cuts in state aid.The district earlier said that there could be the possibility of closing or repurposing Bowne-Munro Elementary School, much to the concern of residents.During last week’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Victoir Valeski and Assistant Superi...
The district said it aims to keep students together as much as possible, avoiding widespread relocation.
Patch Staff
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick School District will once again be facing budget constraints due to the proposed cuts in state aid.
The district earlier said that there could be the possibility of closing or repurposing Bowne-Munro Elementary School, much to the concern of residents.
During last week’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Victoir Valeski and Assistant Superintendent Bernardo Giuliana discussed the impacts of state aid cuts on the elementary school.
The board aims to keep students together as much as possible, avoiding widespread relocation. Valeski said the district administration is looking at every possibility.
“It's not our intention to spread children throughout the district, not saying that's not what might happen. That's not our intention,” Valeski said. "We don't have those answers yet, but that's what we're working toward.”
Find out what's happening in East Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
One of the suggestions proposed was repurposing the facility to expand the Early Learning Academy (ELA), a revenue-generating program.
Initial estimates suggest that adding more ELA classes could generate $578,000 based on the current waiting list, with potential to increase to $878,000 if all available seats are utilized, Giuliana told the Board and community.
However, operational costs for a nurse, custodian, and security need to be deducted, resulting in a conservative revenue of over $350,000.
Additionally, savings from certain positions could amount to an extra $760,000, totaling a $1.1 million positive impact.
Some of the proposed cost-saving measures included closing elementary schools at 6:15 p.m., reducing teaching positions due to enrollment declines, eliminating summer special education programs, and removing Saturday detentions.
These measures would save approximately $1.2 million annually.
Board president Heather Guas said she was uncomfortable with firing any teacher due to the possible closing or repurposing.
Although Valeski said it was not the district’s intention to fire employees, he did not want to make a public statement just yet.
“I'm just hesitant to give a public statement that might not be accurate in a week or two. I'm not trying to scare anybody. I just don't want to give that information in public,” Valeski said.
Giuliana told the BOE that the redistricting study that's currently underway would give administrators the data related to the number of students at each location. He also reminded members that there are a number of classrooms at district schools that are currently not occupied, and these will help when taking on the additional students that would be redistricted out of Bowne-Munro.
To watch the entire discussion, click here.
Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
DCA Miscalculated Land For East Brunswick Affordable Housing: Mayor
Sarah Salvadorehttps://patch.com/new-jersey/eastbrunswick/dca-miscalculated-land-east-brunswick-affordable-housing-mayor
DCA's affordable housing estimate was based on 175 acres of developable land, whereas the real number is 44 acres, Mayor Cohen said. Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ETEAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Last year, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) released its highly anticipated list of affordable housing quotas for towns and cities.The number allotted to East Brunswick was 315. And now the township will be challenging the DCA’s methodology, arguing that it miscalculated the lan...
DCA's affordable housing estimate was based on 175 acres of developable land, whereas the real number is 44 acres, Mayor Cohen said.
Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ET
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Last year, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) released its highly anticipated list of affordable housing quotas for towns and cities.
The number allotted to East Brunswick was 315. And now the township will be challenging the DCA’s methodology, arguing that it miscalculated the land available for building the units.
During Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen informed the community about the steps the township is taking.
"We are in the process of trying to speak to the DCA and get them to look at the methodology that they used,” Cohen told Patch.
“We saw that they were including areas that are just not buildable, areas that were wetlands, areas that were in open space, preserved areas.”
Find out what's happening in East Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to the calculation done by the DCA, the number of units given was based on an estimate that the Township has 175 acres of developable land at their disposal.
According to the East Brunswick town planner, the real number is 44 acres. As a result, the original number of units has also decreased.
“Our number is 256. It's not like we're asking them to drop it to zero. But we don't think that the 315 is fair,” Cohen said.
“We're still going to have to find a place for those units, but we'd like an answer on that before we start looking around and dealing with owners of properties and asking them to comply with the state's mandate.”
The Mayor has repeatedly emphasized that East Brunswick has been ahead of the curve when it comes to providing affordable housing in the state. The township's Housing Corporation predates the Mount Laurel Doctrine.
Over the years, East Brunswick’s Housing Corporation has been periodically going out and finding housing that they could purchase and rent out at below-market rates to people who qualify based on their income levels.
The last time the Township was allotted affordable housing numbers, the state had sent planners who spoke with local officials and then allotted the numbers.
Planners also took into consideration the work already done by the town to help low- and middle-income households.
This time around, the human touch was missing, Cohen said.
“They rushed it through. It was all done by computer. You had to turn in your information by a due date to a website, and there was no human interaction,” the Mayor said. “The DCA sat there with their maps and their drone views and whatever, and came up with numbers.”
According to Cohen, the take-home message is that every town has been willing to do its part to provide a fair share of housing – they just want to make sure it's fair.
“We don't want to do more than anybody else. We don't want to do less, and I think that there's a lot of people right now that just get very angry about,” Cohen said.
To accommodate the current affordable housing number, East Brunswick would have to build on “every last built possible area of open space in a state that's already densely populated.”
Cohen said he understood the residents’ frustration with the affordable housing number as it would affect local schools and infrastructure.
Cohen said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the township’s communication with the DCA. Officials are currently waiting to hear back from state officials.
The current housing projects in East Brunswick would satisfy the third-round housing obligation set by the state. Local officials have until June 30, 2025, to adopt specific plans for how they will meet that need.
All towns are constitutionally mandated to provide their "fair share" of affordable housing for the region under the Mount Laurel Doctrine.
Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
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