A logo highlightng the 100 year birthday of Morris Plains
531 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950     973-538-2224

August 2026 Plains Talk – note corrections

Please note the following corrections to Plains Talk

  • The Block Dance is September 5th with a Rain Date of September 6th. (mailed PlainsTalk had incorrect date,but corrected in this version). We look forward to seeing you all there.
  • The 9/11 Memorial Service is on Friday September 11th not Sunday.
  • The Pumpkin Illumination is the 4th Annual not the 3rd and it’s on Friday October 30th not 24th.

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NJMVC Mobile Inspection @ Community Park Wed Aug 19th 9-2

On Wednesday, August 19th, from 9am-2pm, the Morris Plains Police Department in conjunction with the New Jersey DMV, are hosting a mobile inspection station at Community Park. By bringing inspections directly to Morris Plains, we want to help residents stay compliant with state requirements in a more convenient and efficient manner—reducing travel time, long wait lines, and overall burden on MVC facilities.

 

Fall Recreation Programs Registration Open

Register at  Recreation Registration

Blood Drive Thursday

Blood Drive Thursday, 8/13, at the Morris Plains Community Center
To schedule, visit nybc.org/njdrive
Sponsor Code 07688
or Call / Text Genevieve for an appointment 732-672-5281
For local info, contact Larry Ripley at larryripley@verizon.net or 973-998-1081

More Infrastructure Upgrades

A Note from Mayor Jason C. Karr
 
More Infrastructure Upgrades
 
PSE&G will be strengthening their infrastructure with new high pressure gas mains and updated house services.  These important upgrades will be replacing nearly 100 year old mains to better serve each resident. The project is to start in roughly 3 weeks and will be starting on Granniss Avenue from Mountain Way to Sun Valley Way.  This portion of the project should be completed before school starts.  Police will be on scene to assist residents during the hours of operation.  The other roads to be included in this project are Borough Terrace, Keenan Place, Watnong Drive, Madison Avenue, Washington Avenue, Idlewild Drive, Juniper Drive, Winding Way and W. Hanover Avenue. Residents will be notified prior to the commencement of work by PSE&G on each street. The entire project should be completed by mid to late Spring 2027.  We will keep you informed of the progress moving forward. 
 
~Mayor Karr

Morris Plains Adopts New E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety Ordinance

📢 Morris Plains Adopts New E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety Ordinance
On July 16th, the Borough Council formally adopted our new local ordinance covering e-bikes and e-scooters. Here’s what it means for our community, and how you can help shape what comes next.
Why now: New Jersey’s new e-bike law (S4834) took full effect July 19th, requiring riders to be licensed, register with the MVC, and carry insurance. But the state law leaves a lot up to local towns: where you can ride, how fast, and battery fire safety. Our ordinance fills those gaps.
What’s in it:
🚲 Clear rules for low-speed e-bikes, throttle-equipped e-bikes, and high-speed e-motos, each with different helmet and licensing requirements
🏫 Authority for the Council to set reduced speed zones near schools and in our business district
🌳 E-bikes and e-scooters limited to paved surfaces on Borough property, no unpaved trails or fields
📦 New accountability rules for businesses using e-bikes for local deliveries
🔋 Brand-new battery fire safety standards, the first time Morris Plains has addressed lithium-ion battery safety at all, including certified batteries, safe storage, and a ban on charging in apartment hallways and stairwells
👮 A 90-day period of warnings rather than fines for first-time violations, as our Police Department helps residents get up to speed
This is just the start. We heard real, thoughtful feedback from residents both before and during last night’s meeting, and we’re actively collecting resident input to help guide a future update to this ordinance. We want more voices in that process.
Here’s how to get involved:
📝 A short resident survey is coming this summer
🧺 Stop by and talk with us in person at an upcoming Morris Plains Farmers Market
✉️ Email the Council directly, anytime; we read every message
📄 Read the full ordinance here: Ord. 9-2026 Ebike Ordinance
Thank you to everyone who’s already reached out. Your input is genuinely shaping what comes next.

7/15 Storm Cleanup Updates

Cleanup from the storm following the July 3rd weekend is continuing throughout town.

  • The Department of Public Works will be collecting brush that is still remaining this coming weekend.
  • Cleanup will continue over the next few weeks during the week.
  • Jersey Central Power and Light will be collecting their debris, wires and remnants from the storm and that work should be completed by the end of next week.

MPPD: Borough Hall Additions & Alterations Presentation

After receiving valuable community feedback on the initial facility proposal—including concerns about cost and the potential relocation off Speedwell Avenue—we went back to the drawing board.

The department leadership, together with a Borough Council Committee, has worked to scale the project down to its most essential elements so we can meet mandatory standards.

To ensure the community remains fully informed about our path forward, we are sharing the PowerPoint presentation from the Council meeting on 5/7/2026, that outlines the updated direction. This presentation details how the revised plan strengthens safety for our officers, victims, witnesses, and detainees while addressing the concerns raised during the first proposal.

We encourage you to review the presentation and join us to see how we’ve reduced costs while keeping the safety of our town—and everyone who relies on our police services—at the forefront.

Chief Michael M. Koroski
Morris Plains Police Department

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Flags Flown Half-Mast in honor of former Mayor Al Florin

It is with heavy hearts we learned of the passing of former Mayor Al Florin.  We would like to honor him and his family of his dedication to the Borough with flying flags half-mast at all Municipal Buildings and Borough Property. Al Florin was a volunteer firefighter in the Borough for over 50 years and also chief.  Al Florin served as a councilmember from January 1, 1979 thru December 31, 1982 and Mayor of the Borough from January 1, 1983 to December 31, 1986. Flags will be half-mast from Thursday, April 2, 2026 thru Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Mosquito Control

See where and when spraying will occur or to request service at Morris County Mosquito Control

The best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate their habitat.  Take a few minutes to check your property for containers and standing water.  Tip and toss any standing water!  Read more tips here:  How to Protect Yourself

 

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Book Recycling

We are again collecting books at the recycling center.  Please see the flyer for details.

Pool Registration 2026 opens March 2nd

Online Pool Registration Opens March 2nd

The Morris Plains Community Park Pool

  • will open for the season on Saturday, June 13th at 12 Noon.
  • The pool will close for the season on Monday, Labor Day, September 7th at 5 PM.
  • Please note that during the week leading up to Labor Day, the pool will operate on limited hours. Be sure to check the posted schedule for specific times

Click to Review the 2026 POOL BOOKLET


Click Here and then Scroll to Pool Registration

  • All registration is online.  If you cannot submit online, please fill out 2026 POOL Membership Form –and deliver to Recreation at the Community Center so they can register online for you.
  • Annual “26” Validation Stickers or new photo IDs will be  available for pick up at the Pool Gate .
    If you need new photos on your badge, email them to recreation@morrisplainsboro.org
  • If eligible for 10% military discount, please register at full price below, and then pay in person at the community center at the discounted rate. 

Click Here to Pay for Pool Online – Must Add Invoice # from Registration Receipt

  • Cash or Check Paid to Borough of Morris Plains can also be delivered to the community center.  Include your invoice # with payment.
  • POOL MUST BE PAID BY SEPARATE CHECK OR SEPARATE MUNICIPAY LINE ITEM – SEPARATE FROM CAMP OR OTHER RECREATION PROGRAMS.

Swim Team

Swim Team Membership is separate than pool registration.  Please visit the Swim Team Website for information. A pool membership is required, and a swim team only pool membership is an option.

Swim Lessons

Register and pay for swim lessons at the pool once the season starts.