Dear Ewing Community,
As we turn the page on 2024, I’m excited to share some of the highlights in this week’s Ewing Insights newsletter, the first of the new year:
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Behind the Scenes at the Construction Code Office: Learn about the dedicated team ensuring safety and compliance in Ewing’s growth and development.
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Optimism at the Reorganization Meeting: Highlights from this week’s council reorganization, focusing on the progress and opportunities ahead for our community.
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A Call for Volunteers: Many Ewing-based organizations serving those in need are seeking helping hands. Discover how you can get involved and make a difference.
In this New Year, let's celebrate the connections that make Ewing, as the esteemed Councilwoman Kathy Wollert stated at the recent Reorganization Meeting, "such a special place to live, work, and play."
As the snow falls today, bringing 1–3 inches of accumulation, please be mindful of snow plows and road crews working to keep our streets clear and safe. Give them plenty of space and drive cautiously. Stay safe, Ewing!
Wishing you a prosperous 2025.
Mayor Bert H. Steinmann
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EWING SPOTLIGHT
Behind the Scenes: How Ewing's Code Enforcement Protects Homeowners and Enhances Safety
The Ewing Construction Office, also known as Code Enforcement, plays an essential role in maintaining the safety and integrity of our community's homes and buildings. While the office may sometimes be seen as a hurdle for homeowners, their primary responsibility is to protect both residents and property by ensuring that work is done to the highest standards.
Their team reviews applications and inspects projects to verify compliance with New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code (UCC), covering everything from electrical to plumbing and fire safety. This means when a resident embarks on a home improvement project—whether it’s adding a deck, renovating a bathroom, or upgrading electrical systems—the office steps in to ensure the work is safe, properly completed, and in line with established safety codes.
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An ounce of protection...
One critical aspect of their job is safeguarding homeowners from shoddy or incomplete work. Sometimes, work might look finished, but hidden issues—like faulty wiring or improper plumbing—can pose risks down the line. By thoroughly inspecting projects, the Construction Office can catch these problems early, protecting both homeowners and future occupants. For example, they ensure that emergency repairs, such as fixing roof leaks or heating systems, meet safety requirements, so residents can return to their homes without concern.
"As a retired electrician, I know firsthand the importance of doing things right when it comes to home improvements and safety” said Mayor Bert H. Steinmann. “Our Construction Office plays a critical role in ensuring that all work—big or small—is done safely and up to code. This isn’t just about following rules, it’s about protecting our residents, their homes, and their families. At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team, working together to keep Ewing a safe and thriving community."
Before Jim Megna became the Construction Official, he spent 30 years as a home remodeling contractor. “I understand that construction can be stressful for homeowners,” Jim says. “As code officials, we take great pride in the service we provide to homeowners embarking on remodeling projects. Knowing that they have an advocate watching out for them can reduce some of that stress.”
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We've got your back
Homeowners often come to realize that Ewing inspectors are sometimes the only safeguard between them and their contractors. Our code officials are experienced builders, plumbers, electricians, and fire safety experts.
We correct contractors who may have missed installing a metal joist hanger correctly. This oversight might go unnoticed until years later when a crack appears in the ceiling and wall, reappearing indefinitely even after repairs.
An improperly sized heating and air-conditioning unit installed without inspections may look fine initially. However, homeowners may soon feel uncomfortable with bedrooms that are too warm or suffer from high humidity levels throughout the house. This oversight can lead to high energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions for the next 20 years. Proper load calculations for HVAC systems, submitted during the plan review process, help avoid these issues.
We also ensure electrical systems are safe by carefully inspecting every wire and connection to eliminate fire hazards. Our fire subcode inspectors ensure the proper placement and functioning of critical smoke and CO detectors.
In addition to regular inspections, the office also steps in after storms or other disasters to assess whether damaged structures are safe to re-enter or need further repairs. While some may wish to bypass these processes, these measures are vital for preventing future hazards.
Their goal is not to be the "bad guys" but to maintain the safety and quality of life in Ewing. By enforcing codes, they are helping to protect property values, improve community standards, and ensure that our neighborhoods remain vibrant and safe for everyone. Ultimately, their work benefits all residents, making sure that homes and buildings stand strong for years to come.
The Ewing Construction Office is a partner in every homeowner's journey to improve their property—working alongside them to make sure projects are completed safely, responsibly, and successfully.
 Director Jim Megna, far right, with the Ewing Construction Office crew.
NEWS
Ewing Council Reorganization Meeting Highlights Progress and Community Spirit
On January 2, Ewing Township held its 2025 Council Reorganization Meeting in Council Chambers. Jennifer Keyes-Maloney was sworn in as Council President, accepting the gavel from outgoing President Kevin Baxter. David Schroth was named Council Vice President during the evening’s proceedings.
The theme of the night was progress, with council members reflecting on the significant strides made under the leadership of Mayor Bert H. Steinmann and the long-serving council. Key highlights included:
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Ewing Town Center: Nearing completion, this transformative development on the site of the former General Motors plant, which lay dormant for over two decades, now boasts high-end apartments and a beautiful clubhouse. It stands as a beacon of revitalization for the township.
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New Senior and Community Center: With plans advancing for a state-of-the-art facility to replace the one lost in a devastating fire, this project promises to be a modern centerpiece for Ewing’s community life.
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Naval Jet Propulsion Property: The ongoing demolition of this long-abandoned site marks another step forward in reclaiming valuable space for the township.
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Sylvia Street Extension: A key infrastructure improvement highlighted during the meeting.
Council members expressed their gratitude to Ewing residents for their feedback, support, and engagement. They encouraged everyone to actively participate in shaping the township’s future, emphasizing the importance of being the community you want to see.
Mayor Steinmann and the council remain committed to listening to residents and continuing to build on the momentum of progress in 2025.
 2025 Ewing Township Council, fourth from left, Council President Jennifer Keyes-Maloney; and from left, Vice President David Schroth, Councilwoman Kathy Wollert, Councilman Kevin Baxter, Councilwoman Sarah Steward, and Mayor Bert H. Steinmann.
Ewing residents offered free Radon Test Kits
January is Radon Action Month, and Mayor Bert Steinmann, the Ewing Township Health Department, and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection are providing free radon test kits to residents. Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, and testing is recommended, especially for homes with high potential. Kits are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can reserve a kit by calling 609-883-2900 Ext. 7619. Testing is critical for safety, and mitigation options are available if radon is detected. Learn more about radon exposure prevention at cdc.gov/radon/
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Ewing Arts Commission to host special art installation ‘Serendipity: the occurrence of events by chance”
Three young women, all born within a 5-mile radius, five years apart, live, play, learn, grow up, eventually move away.
Sixty years later, two of the three end up living in the same neighborhood, the third, close by, are all drawn together by their love of art – together they will serve as Ewing Arts Commission’s featured artist all winter at Ewing Town Hall. They are Linda Robinson, Ellen Wylie Smith and Janet Skwara McLaughlin.
For the months of January, February, and March, the three will be exhibiting their artwork at the Ewing Township Municipal Building through the Ewing Arts Commission’s (EAC’s) Featured Artist Program. Linda and Ellen will be the Featured Artists for the month of January, with Serendipity Part 1. All three artists will have work for the February group show, with Jan returning in March as the Featured Artist for that month, with Serendipity Part 2. There will be over 50 works combined. Spectators will see watercolor, acrylic, as well as oil paintings. Most works will be available for purchase.
The artists will dedicate 10% of all sale proceeds to EASEL, Ewing’s animal shelter.
Ewing Municipal Building is at 2 Jake Garzio Drive, Ewing, NJ 08628. Art may be viewed when the building is open: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from 12-1 for lunch). Please check the Ewing Arts Commission’s website and social media pages for more information about artists’ receptions for January, February, and March, as well as information about EAC’s Featured Artist Program.
PUBLIC WORKS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Post-Holiday Christmas Tree Pickup Notice
Curbside Christmas tree pickup is underway and will continue through January 17, 2025.
Please double check to make sure that all ornaments, lights and tinsel have been removed as the Township practices tree recycling. Residents may also drop off their trees at the Convenience Center. All trees collected by Township staff are chipped and shredded. Artificial trees are not part of this collection program. If you want to dispose of an artificial tree, you should place out for your regular trash collection.
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Reminder: Brush collection suspended from Nov.-Feb.
Seasonal curbside brush pickup has ended until March 1. Brush can be dropped off at the Brush Drop-Off Convenience Center at the end of Dover Avenue until Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (Access from Prospect Street to Dover Avenue end of street). The drop-off site is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Brush Drop-Off closes from Jan. 18-March 1.
A reader asks: A snowplow damaged my mailbox. What's next?
The roads in Ewing Township are plowed by three different entities. Ewing roads are plowed by the Ewing Department of Public Works. County roads are plowed by Mercer County road crews and State highways that run through Ewing (Interstate 295, Pennington Road (Rte. 31) and River Road (Rte. 29) are plowed by the State of NJ road crews.
Operating snowplow equipment is a visually difficult task. Visibility is reduced by the weather event itself and the need to work through the night depending upon the timing. Staff make every effort to avoid damage to private property that is too close to the street. For problems with snow removal and to report a complaint:
Ewing Roads - (609) 882-3382
Mercer County Roads - (609) 530-7500
State of N.J., Department of Transportation (732) 308-4086
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 The Ewing Bulk Item drop-off site on Scotch Road is closed for the winter. The site will re-open Saturday, March 29, 2025
Something to cheer! Residents can now recycle #5 plastics
The Mercer County Improvement Authority will now accept #5 plastics (polypropylene) in residents’ curbside recycling containers, along with plastics labeled #1 and #2.
Beginning in January, residents can recycle previously excluded items such as amber medicine bottles, beverage caps and takeout meal containers. To download Mercer County’s 2025 recycling pickup schedule and the latest list of acceptable materials, click here
Need an officially designated recycling bucket! Ewing Public Works has a limited supply. Visit 136 Scotch Road facility or call (609) 882-3382.
COMMUNITY SERVICES & SUPPORT
 
Resources & Services for Veterans
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has partnered with Unite Us to connect individuals and families to a wide variety of services and resources.
Unite Us is a coordinated care referral network of health and social service providers. Unite Us can connect our New Jersey military and veteran community to resources to obtain benefits, food assistance, housing, education, transportation, behavioral health services, peer support and more.
Struggling with bills? There may be help.
#EWINGSTRONG
2025: The Year to Make a Difference!
Volunteer Opportunities
Strong communities are created with the assistance of committed volunteers. In Ewing, many opportunities are available for talented and dedicated residents to contribute to their community. Residents can volunteer for an appointment to a Community Board, Committee or Commission; assist with a number of our emergency services; clean up a park or trail; teach a computer class, or call a senior bingo game. The possibilities are limitless.
Volunteering is also a great way make new friends in town, as well as to receive those intangible rewards that come from giving back to your community. If you have a talent or skill and would like to serve, please fill out our volunteer application. Appointments to the Township’s Boards, Committees, and Commissions are limited by statute and may not always have open positions, but there may other way to use your talents. Please file a volunteer application with Township Administration to be considered for openings. You can also contact Township Administration at (609) 883-2900 x7605 if you have any questions.
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Before you pack up for the season, help grow Ewing's Inflatable Garden!
 Do you have new or unwanted holiday inflatables taking up space? Even if they’re not in working order, we’d love to have them! Ewing Township is expanding its Inflatable Garden for our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and your donation could help make next year’s display bigger and brighter than ever.
Drop off inflatables at our Public Works site located at 136 Scotch Road, Ewing. Together, we can spread even more holiday cheer throughout the community!
Date/Time
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and Wednesday, Jan. 29, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location
Mercer County Office, 1450 Parkside Ave., Suite 22, Ewing.
The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is to attend one no-commitment Information Sessions. Learn about the volunteer program and find out how you can make a difference in the life of a child.
FAMILY FUN
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