Updates from the Mayor

Friday, September 10

Good afternoon Millburn Township residents. This is your Mayor Tara Prupis.

We are relieved that FEMA has officially included Essex County in its disaster declaration following Tropical Storm Ida. We are encouraging all of our residents who were impacted by the storm to apply for FEMA disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Please be advised that FEMA will be visiting Millburn Township tomorrow, September 11 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. to assess storm-related damages and answer residents’ questions regarding disaster assistance. FEMA representatives will be wearing blue vests while surveying the Township. Please note that they will not be going door to door.

Additionally, representatives from Congressman Tom Malinowski's office will be at Town Hall on Tuesday, September 14 to assist residents with questions and concerns regarding FEMA disaster assistance applications.

We’d like to thank all of our residents once again for their efforts in getting this town back on its feet following last week’s storm and for your patience in the run up to officially receiving our much deserved disaster declaration. We sincerely hope that all our residents and business owners in need of help will continue to ask the community for support.

A final note – tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the horrific attacks on our nation that took place on September 11th, 2001. All are invited to join the Township at our memorial service at 9:00 a.m. in Taylor Park where we will honor the lives of those we lost.

Thank you.

Wednesday, September 8

Good afternoon Millburn Township residents. This is your Mayor Tara Prupis.

I’d first like to extend a massive thank you to all of the volunteers who have stepped up to provide help to neighbors and businesses in our Township over the last week. The outpouring of support has been inspiring to watch. Many still need assistance in the wake of Tropical Storm Ida and our fellow residents have stayed committed to answering that call.  

 We are continuing to speak with State and Federal officials to have FEMA assistance brought to Millburn Township as soon as possible. Six counties in the State of New Jersey have been included in FEMA’s initial declaration. Essex County is currently under review. We are asking for your patience and will continue to disseminate official information as we receive it.  

 If and when Essex County receives the official emergency declaration, residents will be eligible to apply for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov. Once you have applied for FEMA assistance, your case will be reviewed and a FEMA Inspector will call you to set a time and date to assess your damage. FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster, but they do not decide if you will receive assistance. We urge residents to monitor the status of their case online at www.disasterassistance.gov after completing their application.

 Please know that the declaration process will not impact any insurance claims or flood insurance program claims – if you have insurance you should begin the normal claims process. FEMA cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance. If your insurance does not cover all your losses or is delayed, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance regarding your unmet needs. Visit www.nj.gov/ida for additional updates and information on disaster assistance.

Our Public Works Department has been out working to clear debris from the Township and is making several rounds for pick up in hard hit areas of town. The last day to put out debris materials at the curb will be Monday, September 13. The Public Works Yard will remain open for lingering debris materials after that date.

Any residents with commuter or business parking permits who had vehicles damaged due to flooding are eligible for temporary permits for use on rental vehicles. Once you have a permanent car, we will issue a new permit. Please contact the Tax Office at (973) 564-7000 to coordinate your temporary permit.

The Township is waiving construction permitting fees and expediting inspections for impacted homes and businesses. If there are any questions please contact the Building Department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at (973) 564-7055.

Earlier today, Governor Murphy announced a rideshare partnership with Uber and Lyft for residents across the state who lost access to transportation as a result of Ida. Over the next two weeks, New Jersey residents who lost a vehicle and need help accessing essential services can text NJIDARIDE to 898-211 to request a Lyft or Uber ride. Those without access to a smartphone can dial 2-1-1 from any phone line.

Please be aware that the Township is under a flash flood watch from 5:00 p.m. tonight through 2:00 a.m. tomorrow. Residents should look to cover exposed areas of their homes and make sure they are prepared for potential additional flooding this week.

Past storm updates and additional resources can be accessed on our website at twp.millburn.nj.us/IdaRecovery.

We continue to be in awe of the incredible ability of this community to come together in times of great challenge. Thank you, and stay safe.

Monday, September 6

Good morning Millburn Township. This is your Mayor Tara Prupis. 

Our community is truly amazing. Witnessing the outpouring of support, volunteerism and resolve first hand this past weekend has been incredibly inspiring. Neighbors helping neighbors by cleaning up, providing food and equipment brings hope during our time of need and devastation. I know that many still continue to need assistance in the wake of Tropical Storm Ida and our fellow residents have stayed committed to answering that call.  

We are continuing to speak with State and Federal officials to have FEMA assistance brought to Millburn Township as soon as possible. Six counties in the State of New Jersey have been included in FEMA’s initial declaration. Essex County is currently under review. We are asking for your patience and will continue to disseminate official information as we receive it.  

Public Works will continue debris pick up today and for the foreseeable future. If your debris was already removed, you do not have to call. Public Works will be making several rounds in those hard hit areas of town. Please place items at the curb for pick up and do not block street access. At this time, we cannot accept hazardous materials, such as paint or gasoline, so please exclude these items from any debris placed at the curb.

The Township will be waiving all construction permitting fees and expediting inspections for all impacted homes and businesses. This includes expediting health inspections to get restaurants back open. 

For additional information and updates, please follow the Township on Facebook and Twitter. Updates will also be provided through our website at twp.millburn.nj.us.

We live in an incredible town and when disaster strikes we show our true strength and compassion for each other. I am so humbled and proud of our residents and our first responders. We are Millburn Strong.  

Friday, September 3

Good morning Millburn Township residents. This is your Mayor Tara Prupis.

In the hours since Ida ripped through Millburn, we’ve seen an incredible community response from our students, scouts and other resident volunteers who came together and rolled up their sleeves to support our massive cleanup efforts. These volunteers cleaned sidewalks and streets in our Downtown, assisted businesses in clearing debris from stores and took to Taylor Park to tackle a major removal of debris and trash. This heartfelt display of togetherness and true spirt of community should make every one of us proud to call Millburn home. 

In addition to physical support by way of clean up, we hope that our residents will come together to consider financial support for those that have been impacted by Ida. Many of our residents have had significant loss to property and possessions. Unfortunately, some have even been displaced because of the extent of damage to their homes. Explore Millburn Short Hills, the Township’s special improvement district that serves our business community, has started to take donations to assist local merchants. We hope to see similar efforts for those residents that have been impacted and understand that efforts are currently underway. 

Our Fire Department and Public Works department continue operations to pump out standing water from low lying areas, residential basements and commercial basements. The Township has received more than 150 calls for these services. Residents who have called have been added to a queue and will be attended to as crews and pumps become available. Please know that standing water around homes must be cleared prior to any interior pumping. We ask that any residents who choose to pump out their own basements or homes to remember that this process will take time.

The Department of Public Works has begun debris removal operations in the downtown area. The amount of debris, trash and lost product from our small business community is devastating. Please know the Township is here to support both our businesses and our residents as they clean up and clear out damage from the storm. On Tuesday, September 7, Public Works will begin bulk pick up of storm damage in the Township. The start date for this operation will allow enough time for those that may be waiting on basement waters to recede or be pumped to access the debris they need to remove. We ask that residents that have not been impacted by flooding of their basement or other areas of their property avoid using this opportunity to get rid of items. Please remember the Public Works Yard can always be utilized by residents to dispose of debris. 

Clean up operations continue and all Township employees have been dedicated to getting Millburn Township back on its feet again as quickly and painlessly as possible. We have come together in the toughest of times and have truly shown the power of community. I am proud to be a part of Millburn and proud to be your Mayor.

Thank you, and stay safe.

Thursday, September 2

Good Morning, Millburn residents. This is Mayor Tara Prupis. 

Millburn has experienced devastating flooding as a result of Tropical Depression Ida. It is unlike anything we have seen in years. Many roads are flooded and remain closed and there is much debris across Millburn. 

Now is the time to come together and help one another, help our neighbors. We are asking that any residents who are unaffected by the storm and wish to help to assist in picking up storm debris and garbage throughout our neighborhoods. If you and your family are safe and able, please consider helping out.

Rest assured that Millburn Township’s departments are at full force working on cleaning up and assisting with recovery and have been around the clock. We are here for you.

Stay safe, Millburn.