Frelinghuysen can expect some good signs in the near future. Prototypes of “Welcome” signs for the 24-square-mile community were displayed at the Dec. 21 township committee meeting.
“If you come through our town, you really don’t see very many signs that say Frelinghuysen Township,” Mayor Keith Ramos said. “We have smaller ones but I would really like something like the other towns.”
The signs, approximately eight feet wide painted colonial blue, would read “Welcome to the Township of Frelinghuysen, Warren County, New Jersey.” Along the bottom would read “A Farmland Community Preserving our Future.”
Ramos said he would donate two of the signs to the township. One would be placed in front of the town hall with another being located along Route 612, aka Allamuchy Road.
“We just need the county’s approval” for the Route 612 sign, Ramos said. “But I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of heavy lifting there.”
A number of signs posted by Warren County dot the major roadways into Frelinghuysen, but most of them are utilitarian in nature, stating “Entering Twp of Frelinghuysen” in white lettering on standard highway green. On the post beneath it a smaller sign reminds drivers not to litter or face a fine of at least $50. Both signs basically say little more than where you are and what you shouldn’t do while you’re there.
Ramos said he would like the signage to be more welcoming to visitors and those passing through.
“It’s our colors and I think it stands out,” Ramos said of the welcome sign.
Joe Phalon
Joe was lured out of retirement by the opportunity to be a part of The Ridgeview Echo. During a decades-long career in publishing and journalism, he has covered government on many levels from local school boards to the United States Supreme Court.
Along the way, Joe has worked at American Lawyer Magazine, The National Law Journal and The Record among other publications, and as the Press Officer of Columbia Law School. His work has been recognized with several first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the New Jersey Press Association.
Being part of the Ridgeview Echo brings Joe back to his roots and the kind of news coverage he loves: Telling the stories of people and local communities as well as keeping an eye on how their money is spent by their government officials.
Joe lives in Blairstown with his wife Rose, the founder of Quilting for a Cause, and their two wiener dogs. He is an artist in his spare time.
