If you’ve been driving through the intersection of Route 9 and Strickland Road lately, you’ve probably noticed that old, empty bank branch just sitting there. Honestly, it’s been a bit of an eyesore. But that’s about to change. Recent Howell New Jersey news confirms that Doren Development finally locked in the local approvals they needed to tear that thing down. In its place? A brand-new QuickChek and gas station. It’s not just another convenience store; it’s a sign that the Route 9 corridor is still the heartbeat of our town’s commercial growth.
Construction is slated for later this year, likely around the third quarter of 2026. This isn't just about coffee and gas. It’s about property taxes and local jobs.
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Crime and Safety Updates You Might Have Missed
Things got a little intense on the night of January 14. Around 7:20 p.m., a 17-year-old from Wall Township was driving his black 2015 Hyundai Veloster through Howell when someone shot at his car. It happened near West 6th Street.
Luckily, the kid wasn't hurt.
But it caused a massive headache on the roads. Police had to shut down Route 33/34 westbound from the Collingwood Circle for over an hour. If you were stuck in that traffic, now you know why. Detective Richard Robertiello and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office are still digging into this one. They haven't named any suspects or motives yet, which is kinda unsettling for a Wednesday night in the suburbs.
Then there’s the case of Barry Barbella. He’s 67 and used to run Franklin Auto Body over in Englishtown. The Monmouth County Prosecutor, Raymond S. Santiago, just charged him with stealing over $42,000. Basically, the guy was taking insurance claim checks, forging customer signatures, and depositing the money without ever actually fixing the cars. He allegedly used that cash for his own payroll and living expenses. He’s facing third-degree theft and forgery charges now. It's a reminder to always double-check those repair receipts.
The School Board and Your Wallet
The Howell School District just introduced a tentative budget of $151.1 million for the 2025-26 school year. That’s a huge number. To put it in perspective, about $93.2 million of that is coming directly from our property taxes.
We’ve got 12 schools to run and about 5,400 K-8 students to look after. The state aid situation is still a bit of a rollercoaster because of the S-2 funding formula.
- State Aid: Down 3% (roughly $663,566 less than last year).
- Special Education Funding: Actually went up to $7.4 million.
- Transportation Aid: This was a huge win—it jumped to $3.4 million from less than a million last year.
There is a public hearing coming up on May 7 at 7 p.m. If you care about how your tax dollars are being spent or what’s happening in our classrooms, you should probably be there. The board is also looking for residents to join advisory committees for the 2026 calendar year. They need your brain.
Local Events and Community Life
Christmas is over, but the trees are still hanging around. The town started curbside pickup for Zone A on January 12. If yours is still on the curb, make sure every single light and ornament is off, or they’ll just leave it there.
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There's a lot happening at the library and the municipal building this month:
- Township Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 20, at 7 p.m.
- Senior Advisory Council: Wednesday, January 21, at 10 a.m. at the Senior Center.
- Howell Library Events: Check-in on Sunday, January 18, and January 25 for local programming.
If you’re looking for something a bit more cultural, the Howell Opera House is running its Acoustic Winter Series. They had a show on January 16 and have more lined up for the 23rd. It’s got a cash bar and a really cool vibe for a Friday night.
Real Estate Reality Check
The housing market in Howell is doing something interesting. In December 2025, the median listing price was $669,900. That’s actually down about 2.6% from the previous year.
It’s still a seller’s market, though. Homes are staying on the market for about 66 days on average. If you’re looking in Southard or Salem Hill, expect to pay a premium—median prices there are closer to $725k and $750k.
What You Should Do Next
Staying informed in a town as big as Howell is a full-time job. Here are the three most impactful things you can do right now:
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- Sign up for the SDL Portal: The Township uses Spatial Data Logic now. You can get real-time info on your property, permits, and GIS maps. It’s the easiest way to deal with the municipal building without actually going there.
- Mark May 7 on your calendar: That's the school budget hearing. Even if you don't have kids in the system, that budget dictates a massive chunk of your tax bill.
- Watch the Route 33/34 corridor: With the shooting investigation ongoing, keep your eyes open and report anything weird to Detective Robertiello at 732-938-4111.
Howell is changing fast. Between the new commercial developments on Route 9 and the shifting school finances, the next few months are going to be pivotal for our community's layout and its bank account.