Welcome to Lafayette Township
Harmony Foundation of New Jersey
An application was submitted to the Land Use Board for a major site plan for amended preliminary and final site plan as well as bulk variance approval. The Land Use Board has made the submitted documents available for the pubic. Please click on the name of the document to read. Application | Schedule E Checklist | Checklists | Applicants Summary-Approval Status | NJPDES-complete | Sussex County PB No Interest | Final Site Plan | Harmony Dispensary Plan
Food Pantry and Delivery information
Need food pantry home delivery? The Hunger Coalition stakeholders and the Sussex County Human Services Advisory Council are collaborating to create a safe, efficient method of food distribution for those in Sussex County. A list of the most up-to-date food pantry services currently being offered can be found at sussex.nj.us/documents/coronavirus-2020/food-pantry-update.pdf.
NORWESCAP Pathways 2 Prosperity is offering food delivery services every Tuesday for those who are not able to drive or lack transportation. To request delivery service please call 973-862-6680 or email morrisond@norwescap.org for further details. For information regarding how you can contribute donations please contact Jennifer Salt at jsalt@zufallhealth.org.
From the Mayor and Committee
April 6, 2020
To Lafayette Township Residents:
As of Monday, April 6th, the Sussex County Health Department has reported one new case of Covid19 in Lafayette, a 48 year old female. It is important that we all do what we can to halt the progression of this virus. Please limit your trips to public places and practice social distancing whenever possible. Another defense against the Coronavirus is washing hands frequently in bacterial soap. Any items brought into your home (groceries, deliveries, etc.) should be thoroughly wiped with disinfectant wipes.
For those infected with the virus, our thoughts and prayers are with you for a quick and complete recovery. You are not alone; we are all in this together and will strive to conquer this disease.
Alan R. Henderson, Mayor & Township Committee
Sussex County Update
March 31, 2020
a. The Sussex County Division of Health COVID-19 Hotline is now open. Residents may call the Hotline number at 973-579-9488 to speak with a Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) staff member or Sussex County Medical Reserve Corps volunteer. The Hotline’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
––––––––––
b. For those in need of emergency home food delivery should contact NORWESCAP Pathways 2 Prosperity at 973-862-6680 (note that the caller will need to leave a message / calls are being returned off site). The service is being extended to those who do not have the capacity to leave their homes in order to purchase food themselves. Food is being delivered on Tuesday every week, and will only be dropped off curbside. Food will not be brought into the home under any circumstance at this time. A complete list of food pantries and current human service provider offerings can be found on the County website and are updated daily.
––––––––––
c. The Sussex County Division of Social Services has implemented temporary changes for social services administered locally to make the application process and receipt of benefits easier for those in need. The Social Services agency is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached by calling 973-383-3600 or emailing info@dss.sussex.nj.us. The Social Services food pantry is open during the hours of operation. The Social Services agency will conduct interviews by phone in order to reduce exposure during this public health crisis. Residents are encouraged to apply for all benefits online at https://www.njhelps.org/. This is the easiest, fastest manner to apply. A paper application can be mailed to applicants who do not have access to the internet.
––––––––––
d. Sussex County Adult Protective Services (APS) staff continues to take referrals and investigate cases. Seniors or disabled who are vulnerable may call Social Services at 973-383-3600. Staff will visit or contact the most vulnerable clients weekly.
––––––––––
e. Applicants or clients who need to deliver paperwork to the office, can fax, mail or deposit items in the drop box located near the rear entrance of the Social Services building at 83 Spring Street in Newton. Paperwork can be mailed to the Sussex County Division of Social Services at PO Box 218, Newton, NJ 07860, or faxed to 973-383-3627. The agency can be reached by calling 973-383-3600. Residents are encouraged to visit the Sussex County website at https://www.sussex.nj.us for important updates pertaining to services and the COVID-19 virus.
State Update
April 2, 2020
Federal Resources to Help Combat the Coronavirus.
Letter from Josh Gottheimer:
Dear Friend:
I hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy. I wanted to share with you a guide we developed to help navigate the recently enacted bipartisan federal legislation regarding Coronavirus response. Please feel free to share with others, and I will update the document as we take additional measures.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me at any time (201) 250-1681 or at Josh.Gottheimer@mail.house.gov. Thank you for your leadership and please let me know what we can do to help.
Sincerely,
Josh Gottheimer, Member of Congress
Click here to read the summary of the Congressional Action to Combat the Coronavirus.
––––––––––
April 1, 2020
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardships, financial strain, and disruptions for many New Jerseyans and New Jersey businesses. As part of our response, we have reached agreement that the state income tax filing deadline and the corporation business tax filing deadline will be extended from April 15th to July 15th. Additionally, as part of the whole-of-government effort that is going into fighting COVID-19, we have agreed that the state fiscal year should be extended to September 30th . This will allow the Administration and the Legislature to focus fully on leading New Jersey out of this crisis, and to allow for a robust, comprehensive, and well-informed budget process later in the year. We are committed to working together to enact the necessary legislation and supplemental appropriations to accomplish these goals.
––––––––––
The NJ Department of Health has issued a COVID-19 Confirmed Case Summary. The data covers the dates of March 5 to 31, 2020. Click here to see the full report.
March 31, 2020
a. Governor Murphy signed into law Senate, No 2304 (Sweeney D-3/Scutari D-22)(Sumter D-35/Chapparro D-3), which expands the scope of the State’s temporary disability insurance (TDI), so that workers may obtain TDI or Family Leave Insurance (FLI) benefits by expanding that law’s definition of a “serious health condition” for which a worker may obtain the benefits, either for the worker’s own condition in the case of TDI benefits, or for the condition of a family member of the worker cared for by the worker in the case of FLI benefits.
In summary, the new law declares that during a state of emergency declared by the Governor, Commissioner of Health, or other public health authority, a “serious health condition” includes an illness caused by an epidemic of a communicable disease, a known or suspected exposure to a communicable disease, or efforts to prevent spread of a communicable disease, which: 1) in the case of FLI benefits, prompts the issuance by a public health authority of a determination that the presence in the community of the worker’s family member in need of care by the worker, would jeopardize the health of others; or 2) in the case of FLI or TDI benefits, results in the recommendation of a healthcare provider or public health authority that a worker, or a family member of the worker in need of care by the worker, voluntarily undergo self-isolation or self-quarantine as a result of suspected exposure to a communicable disease because the presence in the community of that worker or family member would jeopardize the health of others.
The law also eliminates the current one-week waiting period for disability benefits in the indicated epidemic-related cases. The law further modifies the Family Leave Act (FLA) so that the rights to reinstatement to employment provided to workers by that act are applied to the epidemic-related cases, and modifies P.L.2018, c.10 (C.34:11D-1) so that the earned sick leave provided by that law is provided in all of the epidemic-related cases accordingly. I hope you find this information helpful, and please do not hesitate to contact use with any questions or concerns.
––––––––––
b. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a suite of new programs designed to support businesses and workers facing economic hardship due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
The package of initiatives includes a grant program for small businesses, a zero-interest loan program for mid-size companies, support for private-sector lenders and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), funding for entrepreneurs, and a variety of resources providing technical support and marketplace information. Taken together, they will provide more than $75 million of State and private financial support, with the opportunity to grow to more than $100 million if additional philanthropic, State, and federal resources become available. The initiatives will support between 3,000 and 5,000 small and midsize enterprises and are meant to complement recently announced federal economic recovery initiatives. More information about the programs is available here: https://cv.business.nj.gov.
––––––––––
c. COVID-19 and Residential Mortgage Relief - The State of New Jersey has identified a way to lessen the financial impact of COVID-19 on residents who are struggling to pay their mortgage and bills. Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, US Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, in addition to over 40 other federal and state-chartered banks, credit unions, and servicers have committed to providing relief for consumers and homeowners in New Jersey.
NJ 211
March 20, 2020
NJ 211 is working around the clock to help the residents of New Jersey find the help they need during these difficult times. We are working closely with the NJ Department of Health and the Office of Emergency Management to stay abreast of all of the Executive Orders and mandated closures as well as the government services that are being initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also in direct contact with the many members of our VOAD (Volunteers Organizations Active in Disasters)community. As organizations create short-term resources in local communities, we are sharing that information with the public.
Please visit our website (nj211.org/coronavirus-covid-19) for the most up-to-date listing of government response resources and short-term community resources. We will post these as they become known to us on this page.
Live help on COVID-19 information is also available. Speak to a healthcare professional by dialing 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253. For general information & basic needs, dial 211.
Our call volume has intensified this week and our staff (many of whom are working remotely) is working diligently. Despite this, Call/Text/Chat wait times are longer than usual. We are doing our best to serve each caller. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
One way you can stay informed about the latest news related to COVID-19 is to sign up for our automated text alert and notification system. Simply text NJCOVID to 898-211 to be added to the system. Messages such as expanded business closures and the opening of the Bergen County test site were sent last night. Help us to help you stay informed. Sign up for this alert notification system and share this information with friends and family who live in New Jersey.
Sussex County Department of Health Update
April 3
The Sussex County Department of Health is requesting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE). Donations may be brought to the Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control, located at 150 Morris Turnpike in Newton, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thank you for helping to protect the safety of our healthcare workers and first responders!
Requested items include:
Nitrile Gloves (any size),
Coveralls/ Tyvek Suits/ Medical Gowns (any size),
Face Shields/ Goggles,
N95 Masks,
Procedure Masks,
P100 Masks/ Air Purifying Respirators.
Click for more information
April 2, 2020
Certified Disaster Response Crisis Counselors (DRCCs) are available to speak to Sussex County residents who may be experiencing emotional or mental difficulties related to COVID-19. DRCCs are trained to provide disaster mental health services, including psychological first aid and crisis counseling. Click here to read the Crisis Counselors press release.
March 25, 2020
The Sussex County Division of Health COVID-19 Hotline is now open. Residents may call the Hotline number at 973-579-9488 to speak with a Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) staff member or Sussex County Medical Reserve Corp volunteer. The Hotline’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additional information for residents can be found at the following:
- Sussex County website sussex.nj.us/covid19
- 2-1-1 - NJ Department of Health
- 1-800-962-1253
- Text NJCOVID to 898-211 - NJ Department of Health
All residents should continue to monitor their health and exercise good hygiene habits. Actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 include the following:
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Practice social distancing to reduce the spread of germs.
- Families and individuals should create or update their family emergency plans.
March30
PPE Needed
Due to the current public health crisis, supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are low. PPE is critical for healthcare workers and first responders to be able to safely care for our residents. The Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH) and Sussex County Office of Emergency Management (SCOEM) are asking for the assistance of non-essential businesses or personnel who are willing and able to donate PPE to aid our healthcare facilities and first responders in Sussex County.
Click here to read the press release.
The SCDOH is working diligently to monitor those residents who may have been exposed to the virus and to help prevent further spread of COVID-19. The community’s health and safety are of primary concern to the SCDOH and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and all possible steps are being taken to ensure the well-being of Sussex County residents.
The Sussex County website has a wide array of information available to the public on COVID-19 and links to both the CDC and NJDOH at sussex.nj.us. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov and the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health. Residents are also encouraged to call the NJ Coronavirus and Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out of state phone line with any questions.
2019 Novel Coronavirus Information & Updates
Due to the continually evolving situation and corresponding information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus, accessing the State Department of Health and Center for Disease Control web links will ensure consistent and updated messaging pertaining to the 2019 novel coronavirus.
CDC’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus website
Information on Preventing CoVID-19 Spread in Communities resource page
What you can do to lessen your chances of contracting Coronavirus and other contagious respiratory diseases resource page
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus Public Call Center (NJPIES) is 1-800-222-1222.
The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has published a webpage to help the public distinguish between facts and rumors/disinformation regarding COVID-19.
COVID-19 FAQs - What's closed? What are the signs and symptoms? Who should be tested?
Closed and Canceled
Playground – Please be advised the playground equipment area is closed until further notice to prevent and control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. DO NOT USE the playground equipment.
Municipal Building – The municipal building is closed to the public until further notice. Phone 973-383-1817 if you need to speak to one of our staff.
Easter Egg Hunt – The Township's Easter Egg Hunt has been canceled.
Fishing Contest – The Township's Fishing Contest has been canceled.
News for the Business Community
Eligibility Wizard provides information on which emergency assistance programs to consider for specific needs. Click here for Eligibility Wizard information.
Special websites and web pages have been created to assist business owners with the COVID-19 health crisis. Click here for the Business Resources PDF.
Small Business Fact Sheet provides information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Click here for Declaration 16349.
Notice of Economic Injury Disaster Loan Disaster Declaration #16349 due to COVID19. Click here to read NJ_16349.pdf.
From the Mayor and Committee
March 26, 2020
Lafayette Residents,
As of today, March 26, 2020, the Sussex County Health Department has advised that a Lafayette resident (57 year old Female) has tested positive to the Coronavirus. The Township Committee hopes for a speedy recovery of this resident. Please practice all the necessary social distancing and hand washing as recommended. In the last few days there have been significant increases throughout the nation and the state. As Mayor, I will keep you informed of any additional cases that occur in Lafayette Twp.
Alan R. Henderson, Mayor & Township Committee
March 20, 2020
The Mayor and Township Committee are very concerned for the safety and well-being of our residents and businesses and are conversing daily with local, County and State government authorities on measures that can be taken to slow down transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our and surrounding communities. Following CDC guidelines and directives from both Federal and State governments, we have enacted the following:
Until further notice, Lafayette Township Park is closed to organized sports groups. Additionally, use of the playground equipment located at the park is prohibited due to the viruses ability to reside on playground equipment for several days.
Until further notice, the Municipal Building is closed to the public. However, our employees are still working hard and are available to answer any questions you may have. Business continuity is essential; and our committed employees have made that job #1. Feel free to call the Municipal Building at 973-383-1817.
We, also, care about our local businesses. Lafayette Township has many small businesses; and our goal is to work with multiple levels of Government to ensure that any financial incentives that may become available are funneled here to Lafayette businesses. Please visit our webpage for assistance information.
Our goal is to communicate with you often so that you can be kept abreast of local status. Therefore, please visit our website for up-to-date information.
Also, please relay this information to anyone you know what might not have access to a computer. Thank you and be safe.
March 17, 2020
Dear Residents, Visitors, and Guests,
Please STOP — Access Limited to Municipal Employees Only
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, Lafayette Township has implemented protocols to limit access to municipal facilities.
We ask that you please understand the methods being undertaken at all levels of the government to maintain continuity of services.
All offices of the Lafayette Township municipal building remain operational during the normal business hours posted. Exterior doors are locked, with access restricted to employees only.
- Please call (973) 383-1817 to talk to one of our employees
- If dropping off payments, letters, or forms, please use the locked Drop Box located to the left side of front doors. Employees are checking the Drop Box throughout the day to minimize inconvenience or delays as much as possible.
- We continue to work with our IT partners for additional on-line services
Thank you for your understanding as we all work through this together,
Lafayette Township Committee
News and Notices
Lafayette Amateur Athletics Scholarships
Opportunities for 2020 high school graduates. details
Don't Recycle in Plastic Bags
Curbside recycling should not be in plastic bags. details
Register Ready:
Special needs registry for disasters. info
Quick Links
Calendar
Agendas
Minutes
Holidays
Ordinances
Resolutions
Finance
Municipal Maps