Advanced Knee Pain Treatment in Sayreville, NJ

MyCentralJersey.com

SAYREVILLE – The borough is finalizing a $3 million plan to renovate Bailey Park, funded through Green Acres and other outside funding.

The park, at South Minisink Avenue and Cheesequake Road, will undergo significant improvements beginning next year, such as walking trails, relaxation spaces and picnic groves. As part of the project, an inclusive playground will be constructed, according to a press release.

“We held a community-wide survey – with hundreds of respondents – who shared their opinions about the enhancements needed for Bailey Park,” Mayor Kennedy O’Brien stated. “We have closely studied more than 400 responses from across town and are working on a scope of work which will go out to bid in the fall.”

Sayreville maintains five large parks primarily centered on sports activities.

The borough envisions Bailey Park as a site for quieter recreation activities that will be accessible for people of all physical abilities. The popular park, featuring a pond, attracts residents from all over Sayreville, including Tangletown, Sayre Woods, La Mer, Morgan, Winding River and other communities and neighborhoods.

Prior to being designated Bailey Park decades ago, the facility was commonly referred to as “Ducks Nest” because of the shape of its spring-fed pond. It served for many years as the municipal swimming facility and was a popular spot for picnics. During the Silent Film era, a train crash was staged at the site for inclusion in the popular “Perils of Pauline” serial features, the release says.

Sayreville secured $975,000 from Green Acres to support enhancements at Bailey Park, as well as an additional $750,000 in state money under “Jake’s Law” to construct the inclusive playground, which would be accessible for those with all abilities. Other governments grants will also be leveraged to fund the project.

The term “Jake’s Law” refers to Jake’s Place, a playground in Cherry Hill, which was created in honor of Jacob Cummings-Nasto, who passed away due to complications of heart surgery at the age 2. He was born with hypoplastic heart syndrome, and the park was a preferred place for physical therapy.

“No child in Sayreville should lack access to playgrounds based on their physical abilities,” Council President Donna Roberts stated. “I am proud that Sayreville is leading by example, taking full advantage of Jake’s Law, ensuring our children, of every ability, have a place to play.”

O’Brien said his administration has committed to substantial upgrades to all the borough recreational facilities and has already made visible progress in delivering new and improved facilities.

A bid opening is scheduled on May 13 for two additional athletic fields at the Jerry Ust Recreation Complex, restroom renovations are underway at Kennedy Park with the installation of new and improved walkways slated to begin in the upcoming weeks, Roberts said.

Additionally, the installation of six new pickleball courts has commenced in Veterans Park with walkway improvements slated for the upcoming months. The borough also continues to renovate neighborhood “pocket” parks on a rolling basis; Sayreville residents benefit from almost 1,000 acres of open space, the mayor added.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

I Heart Horror & Hotrods Ice Cream Monster Jamboree To Happen This Saturday!

Community Contributor

On Saturday, May 17th, the Rotary Club of South Amboy-Sayreville, in association with I Heart Horror Day and Ice Cream Monster, present the "I Heart Horror & Hotrods Ice Cream Monster Jamboree" at VFW Post 575, located at 575 Jernee Mill Road in Sayreville. Taking place from 10:00am until 4:00pm, this event is designed to raise funds for the Stars & Stripes Veterans Center, which assists veterans with their ability to transition back into a civilian lifestyle. With a staff comprised of mostly veterans, Stars & Stripes assists veterans with securing housing, continuing education and aiding in their wellness needs.

Car registration for the show is only a $20.00 donation, which can be paid by cash, check or Venmo. Check-in for cars that are registering will take place between 8:00am and 10:00am. Trophies will be handed out for Best In Show (1st, 2nd and 3rd place), People's Choice, Most Patriotic and Best Horror! This event presents another interesting opportunity for car and hotrod lovers to showcase their vehicles and bond with like-minded individuals.

The day will include food, live music, vendors, ice cream treats and all kinds of family-friendly fun!. Live music will be provided by Springwood's Electric Luau, Frozen Jaam, Accelerators, Mikell's Plot and Dead Cowboys. Bringing the sounds of horror to the event will be Moe AV LLC. The rain date is scheduled for Sunday, June 1st. What is quickly becoming another successful annual event for the Brothers Cuneo, this show is being presented in honor of Armed Forces Day. For more information, you can contact them at ihh2023@yahoo.com or visit www.ihearthorror.net.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

New Jersey has reached a historic settlement of up to $450 million with 3M over “forever chemicals” contaminating state water supplies, including a site in Sayreville.

The settlement announced May 13 by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette is the largest statewide PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) settlement in New Jersey history.

The settlement resolves lawsuits dating to 2019 over the Chambers Works site in Pennsville and Carneys Point, Salem County and the Parlin site in Sayreville.

“Corporate polluters must be held accountable when they contaminate our state’s water supply," Platkin stated. "For decades, 3M knew that their PFAS chemicals were forever contaminating the New Jersey environment. But they continued to pollute the environment and escape accountability. That ends now.”

Platkin said New Jersey has some of the highest levels of PFAS in the country.

“Today’s settlement marks the latest chapter in our office’s efforts to combat PFAS contamination and protect access to clean water, he said. “We look forward to pursuing everyone else who had a role in contaminating New Jersey with PFAS.”

PFAS are a broad class of chemicals used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products such as clothing and cookware.

PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and last in the environment for years. Long-term exposure has been associated with health problems related to cholesterol levels, liver, kidney, immune system, the reproductive system in men, as well as developmental delays in infants and children.

The settlement also resolves the state’s claims against 3M in litigation over PFAS in the firefighting material known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

“The makers of PFAS forever chemicals knew how poisonous these substances were, yet they produced and thoughtlessly released them into New Jersey’s environment anyway,” LaTourette stated. “This historic settlement marks another step toward holding polluters accountable for dangerous PFAS contamination that has wrought havoc on our water supplies, injured our natural resources, and threatened the public health. The damages we recover from 3M will help fund New Jersey’s nation-leading PFAS abatement efforts.”

The settlement outlines a payment schedule over 25 years, with a total value of up to $450 million.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

MyCentralJersey.com

SAYREVILLE – The Planning Board is scheduled to vote June 4 on a controversial plan to construct a new mosque on Ernston Road.

Masjid Sadar and Community Center is seeking preliminary and final major site plan approval to construct the new mosque on a 2.49-acre property at 212- 216 Ernston Road, between Bordentown Avenue and Route 9 west of Samsel Upper Elementary School in the Parlin section of the borough near the Old Bridge border.

If approved, the congregation’s structures on the property would be demolished to may way for the new build.

Concerns were raised about the proposal, including parking, traffic, the hours of operation and the size of the building.

The hearings began in April 2024 and some of them were relocated to accommodate the crowd.

During the course of the hearings, a more than 2,000-square-foot decrease in the size of the building was proposed, reducing the size to about 42,687 square feet.

Other changes include a reduction in the total occupancy from 454 people to 321, which resulted in a reduction of parking.

The previous plan called for 166 parking spaces with the use of the lift parking system, but the revised plan calls for 107 spaces, including some below the building, without the use of the lift.

A variance is requested for on-site parking.

According to testimony, the mosque signed a lease for an additional 22 parking spaces for overflow parking off site at 3 Johnson Place.

No outdoor activities or events will take place on the property outside the building, and on-site activities would be restricted when prayer services are occurring, the testimony said.

In addition, Friday afternoon prayer service will be split into two sessions.

Police officers will be hired to assist with traffic control during the Friday afternoon services, as well as during special events and Ramadan, according to the testimony.

During the May 7 meeting, numerous people spoke about the project.

A resident, who lives behind the property, said she doesn't believe a few trees are going to buffer or hide this "giant" building.

"This will greatly affect my quality of life," she, along with others, said.

She also said it could potentially adversely impact property values for homeowners.

Others discussed the already-congested Ernston Road and the impact the new mosque will have on traffic.

Middlesex County's study to see what can be done to improve safety on the five most dangerous county-owned roads, which includes Ernston Road in Sayreville and Old Bridge, was also brought up at the meeting.

Parking remained a big concern. Residents also had concerns about the construction phase of the project.

The director and Iman for Masjid Sadar and Community Center assured the public on behalf of Masjid Sadar and Community Center that "we are committed to being respectful and considerate neighbors."

"We will work to ensure that our center is a positive addition to the community, promoting harmony and understanding," he said.

The June 4 meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the third floor Council Chambers at Borough Hall, 167 Main St.

Masjid Sadar and Community Center, which was closed due to code violations, was the subject of litigation between the borough and Shameer Properties, owner of the lot.

A lawsuit brought by the borough in 2022 against the congregation over failing to obtain a certificate of compliance was dismissed earlier this year.

However, in dismissing the lawsuit on Feb. 4, Superior Court Judge Gary K. Wolinetz ordered that restraints imposed by another Superior Court judge in 2023 remain in effect until further court action.

That measure ordered the mosque may not conduct services until the "property can be properly inspected."

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

A husband and wife have pleaded guilty to charges related to operating a prostitution ring at their family owned gentleman’s club, authorities said.

An investigation of the illicit side business at XXXV Club started in 2022.

Authorities alleged that the strip club, located on Route 35 in Sayreville, had spent years operating a “house of prostitution” inside the club and failed to pay taxes on cash payments received from the illegal activities.

On Tuesday, owners Doreen and Anthony Acciardi Sr., of Freehold, pleaded guilty to third-degree failure to pay income tax and fourth-degree maintaining a nuisance through maintaining a house of prostitution, the state Attorney General’s Office said in a statement.

As part of their plea bargain, the couple has agreed to pay $705,000 in unpaid taxes to the state. About $420,000 in cash previously seized by law enforcement will be forfeited and applied to the tax settlement, authorities said.

They originally faced more serious charges, including money laundering and racketeering.

The business, formally named 35 Club LLC, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree engaging in the operation of a sexually oriented business. As part of the plea agreement, the XXXV Club will be subject to independent monitoring for five years.

Acciboys, LLC, a company that owned ATMs inside the club, also pleaded guilty to maintaining a nuisance through maintaining a house of prostitution. The ATM operator is owned by the couple’s adult children, Anthony Acciardi Jr., of Old Bridge, and Stephen Acciardi, of Freehold.

The brothers, as well as two other relatives who worked at the club, will enter pretrial intervention programs for three years in addition to owing fines and penalties. Stephen Acciardi will also pay taxes owed to the state. The unpaid tax amount has not been disclosed.

As part of the deal, the state will seek three years of probation for Anthony Acciardi Sr. and two years of probation for his wife.

“The guilty pleas in this case underscore that illegal business dealings and tax cheating are not worth it,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “Those crimes will not go undetected and, once they’re uncovered, they will be prosecuted.”

During the investigation, authorities obtained surveillance footage from the business, which revealed that dancers had performed sexual acts on customers in VIP rooms, the state said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.