Be a second set of eyes for Brick Township Police

The revival of Brick Township's Neighborhood Watch Program continues to generate interest, especially in the Herbertsville section, where officials have been canvassing streets and leaving informational door hangers.

Brick Councilman Jim Fozman said when the Township announced plans last year to rebuild three parks, it prompted him to bring up the idea of starting a Neighborhood Watch mainly to residents near the former Colorado Park, which was recently rebuilt and renamed Herbertsville Park.

"I got a good response. I got about 30 people within six streets of the park, so I brought this to the [Police] Chief at the time, and to two people who were in charge of D.A.R.E.," said Fozman.

About 25 people showed up to the initial meeting about the Neighborhood Watch Program at the Herbertsville Firehouse, according to Fozman.

After being re-elected to the Township Council for 2016, Fozman said he was appointed to the Public Safety Committee.

The Township used a $4,000 state grant from the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse to purchase informational flyers to hand out in two of Brick's 8 Districts, according to Fozman. He said when the grant is renewed in July, council members and members of the Brick's CERT team (Citizens Emergency Response Team) would canvass other areas.

"It gives all the valuable information of what to look for in your neighborhood, and also gives different venues to join," Fozman said.

Township officials plan to walk again in Herbertsville this Saturday, April 9, to hand out the flyers.

Another meeting on the Neighborhood Watch is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, at 9 a.m., at the Herbertsville Firehouse, according to Fozman.

"We're going to explain the program, how it works, what you do, what you can't do," said Fozman.

Fozman pointed out the parks are an investment in tax dollars that residents should want to protect.

He also said security cameras would be added this spring to the new Herbertsville Park, and two others also being reconstructed: Angela Hibbard Park on Drum Point Road and Lake Riviera Park.