In every edition of the Ewing Observer, Mayor Bert Steinmann answers readers’ questions.
Why do we have to share our 08638 ZIP code with Trenton and not have our own ZIP code? I vehemently abhor when I receive something I ordered, and it comes back changed from Ewing to Trenton. I pay my taxes to Ewing Township, not Trenton.
–Alice Laird
We have worked aggressively with our Congressional representatives in the past (Rush Holt) and are working with our current representative, Bonnie Watson Coleman. In the past we have received support to use Ewing, NJ, in all of our correspondence, as long as we use the correct ZIP code.
Presently there are four ZIP codes in use for parts of Ewing (08618, 08628, 08638, 08560). Some of these same ZIP codes are used in Hopewell and Trenton. I have asked Rep. Coleman to set up a meeting with postal officials to push them for one ZIP code for Ewing Township.
Does Ewing have an ordinance regarding when you can put your garbage out for collection? I have noticed that some residents put trash out on the curb throughout the week prior to their collection day.
–Mark Yaple
Yes, we do have an ordinance regarding when you can put your garbage out for collection. The ordinance states that you can place your garbage out 12 hours prior to the pickup time that starts at 7 a.m. on your designated day. If you have a neighbor that violates this ordinance on a regular basis please contact the Code Enforcement Department at (609) 883-2900, ext. 7677.
Where can we drop off used motor oil to be recycled? Other townships have drop off points, but I don’t know what to do with the oil in Ewing.
–Robert Theer
The County of Mercer has three drop off days each year for Household Hazardous Waste Collection. The next one is scheduled for Saturday Sept. 26.
This shared service is located at the John Dempster Fire School located on Lawrence Station Road. This area can be accessed off of Rt. 1 and off of Quakerbridge Road.
I want to bring your attention to a damaged, historic bridge on Wilburtha Road (between Blackwood and Riverview). A car drove into the bridge in the early spring, causing significant damage.
Initially, the fender from the car was left, and the pond was exposed to traffic. Several weeks later, big orange cans were placed along Wilburtha Road to prevent cars from driving into the pond. Those barriers remain there, many months later. When will the bridge be repaired? It is unattractive and a hazard to drivers right now.
–Patricia Cook
This bridge is owned and maintained by the County of Mercer. The orange barrels were placed there by the county. They have assured me that the design work has been ordered with historic preservation in mind. The county is expected to place this in their 2016 capital budget for replacement.
The storm drain in front of 728 Parkway Avenue has been a problem for several years. Debris (road grit, leaves, grass, etc.) is packed in the drain at least five feet deep, allowing little or no drainage. In freezing weather, an ice lake forms around the drain and there is danger of cars sliding into the pedestrian-heavy sidewalk. I reported the issue to the township and was told that this is a Mercer County road. I called the county many times and was assured that they would send a repair road crew right away, but that never happened. Is there anything the township can do to remedy the situation?
–Priscilla Damiani
The storm drain is the responsibility of the County of Mercer. As I respond to your question, the County has indicated that the storm drain will have been cleaned out of all debris and clear for water to drain.
If you have a question for the mayor for next month’s edition, submit it by emailing bsanservino@mercerspace.com or by going to mercerspace.com and searching for “Ask the Mayor.” You must be a Ewing resident.
