HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Howell Township Police Department expressed gratitude to the residents of Pine View Estates at Howell for their participation and warm welcome at a recent fraud presentation.
The presentation alerted seniors to the different types of fraud schemes occurring recently and how to prevent being the next victim of fraud.
The event, which took place earlier today, featured presentations by Detective Ortenzi and Detective Robertiello. Additionally, Traffic Officers Bush and Silvani were on hand to address all traffic-related inquiries. The police department used their Facebook page to extend thanks to all attendees and officers involved in the event.
- Why Is There a Giant Yellow Robot on the Side of the Road in Belmar?
BELMAR, N.J. – Drivers heading along River Road in Belmar might notice something unusual watching over the roadside: a smiling yellow robot standing roughly 6 to 7 feet tall.
His name is Alan. Far from being an abandoned movie prop or relic from some forgotten amusement park, the robot is a piece of local art created by Belmar Arts Council member John Hutchinson in 2014, according to the history provided by Roadside America.
Alan usually appears for the summer, so you might want to get a look at him before he disappears for the winter.
- Alan the Robot was built in 2014 by Belmar Arts Council member John Hutchinson.
- The roughly 6- to 7-foot-tall sculpture stands outside the Belmar Arts Council at 608 River Road.
- Alan is seasonal, spending the colder months indoors before returning outside in spring — sometimes with a different appearance.
The Meaning Behind Belmar’s Roadside Robot
Alan’s purpose is considerably simpler than his strange appearance might suggest.
He’s there to welcome people.
Roadside America describes the oversized sculpture as a friendly figure standing outside the Belmar Arts Council “welcoming all.” With a broad smile and intentionally playful construction, Alan fits the mission of the arts organization behind him.
He isn’t presented as a monument to a historical event or famous person. Instead, Alan functions as public art — something deliberately unexpected that makes people look twice, take photographs and wonder about the creative community inside the building.
That makes his location particularly fitting.
The Belmar Arts Council is a nonprofit community arts organization, and placing an eccentric homemade robot outside turns the property itself into an informal exhibition space.
Alan also makes art approachable. Someone doesn’t have to enter a gallery or know anything about painting or sculpture to appreciate a giant smiling robot beside the road.
John Hutchinson Built Alan in 2014
The robot’s story dates to 2014, when Belmar Arts Council member John Hutchinson constructed him.
Rather than attempting to make Alan look like a sleek piece of futuristic technology, Hutchinson gave him a deliberately homemade appearance.
He’s big, blocky and unmistakably a robot, with the sort of whimsical proportions that make him difficult to pass without noticing.
By 2019, visitors were reporting Alan as a roadside attraction in his own right.
“Outside the Belmar Arts Council stands Alan the Robot, welcoming all,” one visitor reported to Roadside America. “He stands about 6-7 feet tall and has a smile for everyone who visits.”
His location just north of Seventh Avenue also puts him in plain view of people traveling along River Road.
Why Alan Disappears Every Winter
Anyone who goes looking for Alan during the wrong season might come away wondering if the robot has vanished.
He hasn’t.
Alan is normally displayed during the warmer months and brought indoors when cold weather arrives. Then, when spring returns, so does the robot.
There’s another twist.
Alan hasn’t necessarily looked exactly the same every year.
Roadside America notes that he has returned in spring with “a slightly different look,” joking that the Belmar robot apparently understands “cybernetic evolution.”
Those seasonal changes have effectively turned Alan into an evolving piece of public art rather than a sculpture installed once and forgotten.
People familiar with him can come back and discover that their neighborhood robot has received another makeover.
A Roadside Attraction With a Very Jersey Personality
New Jersey has a long history of oversized roadside attractions designed to grab the attention of passing motorists.
Some advertised restaurants. Others promoted businesses, amusement parks or tourist destinations.
Alan belongs to a different generation.
He isn’t primarily selling a product. His oddness is part of the attraction, and his location outside an arts organization gives that oddness a purpose.
The robot gets people looking at the building, talking about public art and occasionally stopping for a photograph.
More than a decade after Hutchinson built him, Alan has become something else in the process: a small local landmark.
There may be no complicated secret encoded in the giant yellow robot on River Road.
The meaning is largely the reaction he creates — curiosity, amusement and an invitation to engage with art where people might not expect to find it.
Alan the Robot is a piece of community art.
Belmar Arts Council member John Hutchinson built the oversized yellow robot in 2014, and he has since become a recognizable fixture outside the organization’s River Road home.The robot is meant to welcome visitors.
Alan’s friendly appearance complements the Belmar Arts Council and brings an unusual piece of art directly into public view.Alan may be missing if you visit during winter.
The robot is normally brought inside during colder weather and returned in spring, sometimes sporting a slightly different appearance.Sources: Roadside America; Belmar Arts Council information provided with attraction history
- Former Neptune Police Officer Sentenced for Lying About NYPD Past, DV Arrest
FREEHOLD, N.J. – A former Neptune Township police officer who admitted lying about his law enforcement history and prior domestic violence arrest to obtain police employment in New Jersey has been sentenced to two years of probation, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Briant K. Nixon, 39, had already relinquished his position as a police officer and permanently forfeited his right to hold public office anywhere in New Jersey. Superior Court Judge Joseph W. Oxley imposed the sentence Friday.
- Nixon admitted concealing his prior NYPD employment, termination and a domestic violence arrest when applying to become a Neptune Township police officer.
- He also admitted falsely denying prior domestic violence arrests on a 2025 Police Training Commission license renewal application.
- Nixon received two years of probation and is permanently barred from public office in New Jersey.
Investigation Uncovered Nixon’s NYPD History
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Responsibility Unit investigated Nixon’s background and the statements he made while pursuing police employment.
Investigators found Nixon had worked as an NYPD officer from 2012 until 2017.
According to prosecutors, the NYPD terminated Nixon for violating department rules and regulations connected to a 2015 domestic violence arrest and for violating a restraining order.
Years later, Nixon sought employment with the Neptune Township Police Department.
During his June plea hearing, Nixon acknowledged filling out a Neptune police employment application in May 2023 without disclosing his prior domestic violence arrest.
He also admitted failing to disclose that he had previously worked for the NYPD or that the department had terminated him.
Prosecutors said the omissions weren’t accidental. Nixon acknowledged knowingly making a false statement under oath, or an equivalent affirmation, as part of the application process.
False Answer Appeared Again on Police License Application
The deception continued after Nixon obtained police employment, according to prosecutors.
Nixon admitted that when he completed his Police Training Commission License Renewal Application in March 2025, he falsely denied having any previous domestic violence arrests.
Authorities initially charged Nixon by summons last August.
He ultimately pleaded guilty earlier this year to fourth-degree False Swearing and fourth-degree Unsworn Falsification to Authorities.
The case resulted not only in probation but in the end of Nixon’s New Jersey law enforcement career. His permanent forfeiture of public office means he cannot return to another government position covered by the prohibition anywhere in the state.
Prosecutor Calls It ‘Intentional Deception’
Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said Nixon’s conduct struck directly at the integrity expected of police officers.
“When a police officer violates their oath and intentionally lies, removal from office is a just result,” Santiago said.
The prosecutor credited his office’s Professional Responsibility Unit and the Neptune Township Police Department for working together on the investigation.
“This was not a simple omission; it was intentional deception and has no place with law enforcement professionals,” Santiago said.
Briant K. Nixon received two years of probation.
He had already given up his police position and permanently forfeited his right to public office anywhere in New Jersey.Nixon admitted hiding his NYPD history when applying in Neptune.
He failed to disclose his prior NYPD employment and termination as well as a previous domestic violence arrest, prosecutors said.Nixon also lied on a later police licensing application.
He admitted falsely denying previous domestic violence arrests on his March 2025 Police Training Commission License Renewal Application.Sources: Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office news release
- Middletown Releases Plans for 450 Homes at Former Circus Liquors Property
MIDDLETOWN, N.J. – Residents are getting their most detailed look yet at the proposed redevelopment of the former Circus Liquors property on Route 35, where plans call for 450 homes across several types of residential buildings.
The documents released by Middletown include a full concept site plan and architectural renderings showing traditional townhomes, stacked townhomes and affordable housing buildings. The proposal is part of a settlement between Middletown Township and AAMHMT Property LLC that still requires court approval.
- The concept calls for 450 homes: 170 traditional townhomes, 226 stacked townhomes and 54 affordable flats.
- A total of 68 units, or 15% of the development, would be set aside as affordable housing.
- The settlement still requires court approval, with a fairness hearing scheduled for Oct. 2.
Plans Show What 450-Home Route 35 Development Could Look Like
The concept plan divides the residential development into three primary housing types. It shows 170 traditional townhomes and 226 stacked townhomes, along with 54 affordable flats located within two 27-unit buildings.
Those 450 homes would be accompanied by internal roads, sidewalks, parking, amenity areas and green-infrastructure stormwater facilities.
The plans also identify wetlands and wetland-transition areas. An approximately 64,000-square-foot area near Kings Highway East is labeled as a proposed preservation area.
Photo: howell township police department receives warm reception at fraud presentation At least 67,500 square feet of amenity space is contemplated under the redevelopment standards, according to the settlement documents.
The newly released architectural exhibits give residents a visual representation of how the different housing types could appear if the project eventually moves forward.
The renderings, however, are conceptual. The settlement documents state that the development has not been fully engineered, and the concept plan itself is marked “FOR SETTLEMENT PURPOSES ONLY.”
Settlement Requires 68 Affordable Housing Units
Under the amended redevelopment standards, 15% of the proposed 450 homes would be designated as affordable housing. That requirement translates to 68 affordable units.
The settlement also establishes standards covering building heights, setbacks, parking, landscaping and buffering for the former Circus Liquors property.
Those standards provide the framework for a potential development rather than final site-plan approval. The property remains part of Middletown’s adopted Circus Liquors redevelopment area, where township records include earlier redevelopment plans and amendments. (Middletown NJ)
The proposed project stems from a builder’s remedy dispute involving the Route 35 property. AAMHMT Property LLC and Middletown have reached a settlement that would resolve that litigation if the court approves it.
Court Hearing Set for October 2
The next major step is a fairness hearing scheduled for Oct. 2, when the court is expected to consider whether the settlement should be approved.
Even if the settlement receives court approval, the conceptual drawings are not the same as final construction approval. Additional municipal review and contemplated Planning Board proceedings would still follow.
Middletown has made its redevelopment documents available publicly, giving residents an opportunity to examine the proposed layout and architectural concepts before the hearing.
The property has been designated for redevelopment for years, and township records list both an adopted Circus Liquors Redevelopment Plan and a subsequent amended plan. (Middletown NJ)
The proposal calls for 450 homes.
The concept includes 170 traditional townhomes, 226 stacked townhomes and 54 affordable flats, along with roads, parking, amenities and open space.Sixty-eight homes would be designated as affordable housing.
The settlement’s redevelopment standards require 15% of the 450-unit project to be set aside as affordable housing.The released renderings are not final construction plans.
The concept remains tied to a settlement requiring court approval, with a fairness hearing scheduled for Oct. 2 and additional municipal review contemplated afterward.Sources: Middletown Township redevelopment records, Public Record NJ
- Plans for 450 Homes At Former Circus Liquors Revealed
MIDDLETOWN, N.J. – Residents are getting their most detailed look yet at the proposed redevelopment of the former Circus Liquors property on Route 35, where plans call for 450 homes across several types of residential buildings.
Once hailed “The Shoppes at Middletown”, the project now appears to be exclusively townhomes.
The documents released by Middletown include a full concept site plan and architectural renderings showing traditional townhomes, stacked townhomes and affordable housing buildings. The proposal is part of a settlement between Middletown Township and AAMHMT Property LLC that still requires court approval.
- The concept calls for 450 homes: 170 traditional townhomes, 226 stacked townhomes and 54 affordable flats.
- A total of 68 units, or 15% of the development, would be set aside as affordable housing.
- The settlement still requires court approval, with a fairness hearing scheduled for Oct. 2.
Plans Show What 450-Home Route 35 Development Could Look Like
The concept plan divides the residential development into three primary housing types. It shows 170 traditional townhomes and 226 stacked townhomes, along with 54 affordable flats located within two 27-unit buildings.
Those 450 homes would be accompanied by internal roads, sidewalks, parking, amenity areas and green-infrastructure stormwater facilities.
The plans also identify wetlands and wetland-transition areas. An approximately 64,000-square-foot area near Kings Highway East is labeled as a proposed preservation area.
At least 67,500 square feet of amenity space is contemplated under the redevelopment standards, according to the settlement documents.
The newly released architectural exhibits give residents a visual representation of how the different housing types could appear if the project eventually moves forward.
The renderings, however, are conceptual. The settlement documents state that the development has not been fully engineered, and the concept plan itself is marked “FOR SETTLEMENT PURPOSES ONLY.”
Settlement Requires 68 Affordable Housing Units
Under the amended redevelopment standards, 15% of the proposed 450 homes would be designated as affordable housing. That requirement translates to 68 affordable units.
The settlement also establishes standards covering building heights, setbacks, parking, landscaping and buffering for the former Circus Liquors property.
Those standards provide the framework for a potential development rather than final site-plan approval. The property remains part of Middletown’s adopted Circus Liquors redevelopment area, where township records include earlier redevelopment plans and amendments. (Middletown NJ)
The proposed project stems from a builder’s remedy dispute involving the Route 35 property. AAMHMT Property LLC and Middletown have reached a settlement that would resolve that litigation if the court approves it.
Court Hearing Set for October 2
The next major step is a fairness hearing scheduled for Oct. 2, when the court is expected to consider whether the settlement should be approved.
Even if the settlement receives court approval, the conceptual drawings are not the same as final construction approval. Additional municipal review and contemplated Planning Board proceedings would still follow.
Middletown has made its redevelopment documents available publicly, giving residents an opportunity to examine the proposed layout and architectural concepts before the hearing.
The property has been designated for redevelopment for years, and township records list both an adopted Circus Liquors Redevelopment Plan and a subsequent amended plan. (Middletown NJ)
The proposal calls for 450 homes.
The concept includes 170 traditional townhomes, 226 stacked townhomes and 54 affordable flats, along with roads, parking, amenities and open space.Sixty-eight homes would be designated as affordable housing.
The settlement’s redevelopment standards require 15% of the 450-unit project to be set aside as affordable housing.The released renderings are not final construction plans.
The concept remains tied to a settlement requiring court approval, with a fairness hearing scheduled for Oct. 2 and additional municipal review contemplated afterward.Middletown has released plans showing a proposed 450-home development with 68 affordable units at the former Circus Liquors property on Route 35.
Sources: Middletown Township redevelopment records, Public Record NJ
- Five Firefighters Hospitalized After Holmdel House Fire Engulfs Armand Court Home
HOLMDEL, N.J. – Five firefighters were hospitalized Friday after a house on Armand Court became fully engulfed in flames in Holmdel, according to police and the Holmdel First Aid Squad.
Emergency dispatchers received 911 calls reporting the residential fire at approximately 3:54 p.m. Holmdel Police said everyone living in the home had safely evacuated, while Holmdel First Aid reported that its crews established an EMS standby operation to support firefighters and others working at the scene.
- Five firefighters from multiple departments were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
- Everyone living in the Armand Court home was safely evacuated during the fire.
- The cause and origin remain under investigation by county and township fire officials.
Five Firefighters Taken to Hospital During Holmdel Fire
Holmdel First Aid dispatched ambulances 1859 and 1857, First Responder Vehicle 1855 and Chief 1850 to the scene. Its personnel provided medical support as firefighters from Holmdel and several neighboring communities worked to control the blaze.
“Upon arrival, residents were evacuated from the scene, while Holmdel First Aid personnel established EMS standby operations and provided medical support to firefighters and others on scene,” the squad said.
The first aid squad said five firefighters from multiple departments were eventually transported to a local hospital “for treatment of varying injuries.”
Holmdel Police previously said several firefighters suffered minor injuries and heat exhaustion and that five were transported for evaluation.
The Holmdel Fire Department received assistance from departments in Morganville, Hazlet, Matawan, Union Beach and Belford. Hazlet First Aid, Keyport First Aid, Marlboro First Aid and MedStar also provided additional ambulances and EMTs.
“Holmdel First Aid would like to thank our mutual aid partners — Hazlet First Aid, Keyport First Aid, Marlboro First Aid, and MedStar — for providing additional ambulances and EMTs to assist with the response,” the squad said.
Cause of Armand Court Fire Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not announced what caused the house fire or where inside the residence it originated.
“The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Holmdel Township Fire Official,” Holmdel Police said.
No injuries to residents were reported. Officials also have not released the names of the firefighters who were taken to the hospital.
The response brought together fire and EMS agencies from across Monmouth County as crews worked at the fully involved residence.
“We are grateful for the cooperation and teamwork of all agencies involved in keeping our community and first responders safe,” Holmdel First Aid said.
Five firefighters required hospital treatment.
Holmdel First Aid said firefighters from multiple departments were transported for varying injuries, while police reported minor injuries and heat exhaustion.The residents escaped the burning home.
Emergency officials reported that everyone living in the Armand Court residence was safely evacuated.Investigators have not determined what caused the fire.
The Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office and Holmdel Township Fire Official are investigating the cause and origin.Sources: Holmdel First Aid Squad, Holmdel Township Police Department
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