Frequently Asked Questions

Programs

Energy Assistance Programs are administered through the State of NJ Department of Community Affairs. For additional information call 609-633-2378 or send us an email.

NJShares Energy Assistance: the Bromley Neighborhood Center (609-587-8100) is an intake agency for Hamilton residents interested in applying for energy assistance through NJShares. The toll free number for NJShares is 866-657-4273 (866-NJSHARES).

The Weatherization Assistance Program is administered by Mercer County's Housing and Community Development Office. It is a program to help people with very limited resources reduce their fuel bills, save energy and have warmer homes in the process.

Who Can Apply?

• Residents of Mercer County
• Both Homeowners and families that rent may apply for energy conservation assistance
• Persons 60 years of age, individuals who are handicapped and families with young children are given priority consideration

Income Limits

Eligible applicants must meet the following gross annual income limits:

• Each additional family member: $7,480

Four Basic Steps in the Process

Step 1: Interested persons submit an application to the Mercer County Housing and Community Development Office located at 640 South Broad Street, Trenton, NJ. Applications can be obtained online or by visiting the office or calling 609-989-6858.

Step 2: Approved applications receive a free home energy audit conducted by the County housing personnel. The home energy audit determines the type of energy conservation measure(s) that are required to reduce the energy cost of each residence.

Step 3: Mercer County employs a contractor to install the energy conservation measures identified during the energy audit.

Step 4: A final inspection is conducted by County housing personnel to insure that all the home improvements have been properly installed.

The contractor is paid by Mercer County.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP application period runs from October 1st to April 30th of each year. This allows residents to apply to pay for home heating and medically necessary cooling costs through bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs. To be eligible, applicants must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent, and have gross income at, or below, 200% of the federal poverty level. Residents can register for assistance at the McDade Administration Building, Room 106, 640 S Broad Street, Trenton. Residents can also register by appointment only at County Connection on Route 33. Information is also available online at the Mercer County Connection page.

For more information, contact the Mercer County Housing and Community Development Office at 609-989-6858 or 609-989-6959.

The township did a mass connection way back so we do not have information of properties that had a well. If a property recently switched from well to public then we may have some record.

The number for the Bureau of Water Systems and Well Permitting is 609-984-6831.

All home improvement contractors doing residential work must be licensed with the state. This is the only license needed. However, if they are doing work on a commercial property, they have to register with the township as well.

To register with the state call 888-656-6225.

Small businesses have to register with the County.

For information on payment assistance programs available, visit the PSE&G website.

We do not inspect houses for lead by request. Property owner has to hire their own inspector. We only test for lead if required by the state because a child living in the house has a high level of lead in their system.

Hamilton Township is making it easier, and more convenient, to interact with your local government. Text us at 609-710-9600. The HAMStat Call Center is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm. For emergencies, dial 911.

Visit the Hamilton Township School District website to find contact information and more.

The Times is a private company. Therefore, to stop the weekender advertisement from being delivered, residents can be placed on the "Do Not Deliver" list by calling 800-693-3548. If they do not receive satisfaction from that number, they can call the circulation director of the Times at 609-671-0410, ext. 3850 directly.

To find out the zoning designation of a property, please call Mike Guhanick in the Land Use Office at 609-890-3680 or Rob Poppert in the Planning Office at 609-890-3645.

To view agendas for Zoning Board meetings or Planning Board meetings, visit our Agenda Center.

When a major project is underway the contractor takes out a bond. The Engineering Department holds on to the money until the project is complete. Once completed, they request the money back or a release of the bond. Engineering signs off and the Finance Department releases the money in escrow account.

Please contact the Land Use Office at 609-890-3680 for a Bond Release Inspection.

Contact the Clerk's office at 609-890-3622.

For access to current bus, train and light rail schedule visit the NJ Transit website.

The construction office keeps the blue prints of a house for 10 years.

View the agendas and minutes in the Agenda Center, or visit the Township Code of Ordinances online to view proposed ordinances.

For those seeking legal advice, the following agencies may be contacted:

The Mercer County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Services (LRS)

1245 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road
Suite 420
Hamilton, NJ 08619-3894
Phone: 609-585-6200
Fax: 609-585-5537
LRS Website

Open Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3 pm.

How the LRS works:

• By telephone, the Lawyer Referral Service is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 3 pm
• You will be interviewed over the telephone to determine the nature of your problem. You will then be referred to an experienced lawyer. There is no fee for obtaining the referral
• They guarantee confidentiality
• Depending on the type of case, you will be charged on $25 by the attorney for the first half hour of the consultation. The reduced rate for the initial half-hour consultation includes conference and advice, but not the preparation of any documents. If further legal service is required, fee arrangements are made between you and the lawyer
• You can also find an attorney on your own, based on recommendations from family, friends and co-workers. To help you in the process, the Mercer County Bar Association has available a free publication in English and Spanish which explains how to hire a lawyer. A copy of the brochure may be requested through the website

Central New Jersey Legal Services, Inc.

Mercer County Division
198 W State Street|
Trenton, NJ 08608-1103
Phone: 609-695-6249
Fax: 609-392-7952
Legal Services of NJ Website

• This service can help to provide representation in several different legal matters for low-income individuals. The individual must meet certain criteria to qualify for these services

Hunting is strictly prohibited within the township under Chapter 270 of the Code of Ordinances.

If the contractor is hired for residential construction/remodeling, they are only required to have a NJ Home Improvement License.

If the contractor is hired for commercial construction then they must register with the township. They are not required to have a NJ Home Improvement License to do commercial construction; just register with the township.

What do the colors mean?

Blue

• Water Systems (Letter code: W)
• Slurry Systems (Letter code: SP)

Orange

• Traffic Control (Communications - Letter Code: TC)
• Telephone and Telecommunications (Letter Code: T)
• Fiber Optic Cable (Letter Code: FOC)
• Cable Television (Letter Code: TV)
• Police and Fire Communications (Letter Code: FA)

Red

• Electric Power Distribution and Transmission/Municipal Electric (Letter Code: E)
• Traffic Control - Power (Letter Code: TC)

Green

• Sewer Lines (Letter Code: S)

Yellow

• Gas Distribution and Transmission (Letter Code: G)
• Petroleum Products, Oil Distribution and Transmission (Letter Code: PP)

White

• Planned Excavation Boundaries (Letter Code: -)

For More Information

For more information visit the NJ One-Call website.

For information on what type of work is going to be done at the location, call the NJ One-Call at 732-394-3000 or 800-272-1000 or 811 and a representative will gather information, submit a ticket search and call back with information on the type of work being done.

View the Demographics of Hamilton Township.

Neighborhood Watch is a proactive way to help keep residents informed and safer in their everyday lives. The Hamilton Township Police Department holds its annual Neighborhood Watch meetings at local schools, firehouses and community centers to promote a discussion on public safety and give tips on crime prevention. Township cops at the meetings will discuss personal safety issues such as car jackings, robberies and purse snatching incidents. Advice will also be given on how to make automobiles safer against burglary attempts.

For additional information about Hamilton's Neighborhood Crime Watch program, residents can contact the Hamilton Police Crime Prevention Unit at 609-581-4034.

The fee for having the Health Department read well water test results is $50. We do not test, but we will read the results.

The number for NJ One-Call to call before you dig is 800-272-1000 or 811.

Anyone planning to dig (excavation, demolition, blasting) small or large, construction project or homeowner. If a homeowner is hiring a contractor to do the digging, then it is the responsibility of the contractor to call for the dig ticket.

Visit the PSE&G website to learn more about their solar projects.

The standard size for a parking space is 9 feet wide.

The Municipal Clerk provides for the issuance of various licenses and permits for the following:

• Automobile Dealers
• Amusement Devices and Games
• Bingo and Raffle
• Jewelry, Precious Metals and Gems
• Junk Dealers and Yards
• Miscellaneous Sales (Temporary Outdoor)
• Liquor Licenses (Licensing, Sales and One Day Permits)
• Limousines Operations
• Peddler/Vendor
• Solicitors/Canvassers
• Theatres
• Towing

If you are reporting a complaint about NJ Transit, visit the Contact Us page on the NJ Transit website.

Project Freedom at Hamilton located at 715 Kuser Road features 40 one-bedroom apartments and eight two-bedroom apartments scattered in eight buildings. Each apartment is designed for people who use wheelchairs or have other disability-related needs. The apartments have affordable rents.

For more information contact 609-588-9919 or visit the Project Freedom webpage.

Contact the Mercer County Clerk's office at 609-989-6465 for a mercantile license. Also contact the state Division of Taxation when starting a business.

• Application for Contractor's Registration (PDF)

The John O. Wilson Center is located at:
169 Wilfred Avenue
Hamilton NJ 08610

Visit the John O. Wilson Center website for information on programs or contact the center at 609-393-6480 or 609-393-1230.

Mercer residents between the ages of 16 and up may apply for the County ID Card. Complete the County ID Application Form (PDF). Do not sign application until applicant appears in person in the County Clerk's Office.

• Must be a U.S. citizen, naturalized citizen, or resident alien
• Must be a Mercer County resident for at least 6 months (proof of residence may be required)
• Must produce the following:
  • Valid birth certificate (with raised seal) OR naturalization certificate OR valid resident alien card
  • Valid NJ Motor Vehicle License OR a voter registration card OR lease agreement
  • Note: if you are unable to produce proof of residency, you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or blood relative. That person must meet the identification requirements as well as sign on your behalf, with a valid New Jersey ID or driver's license
• Digital photos provided
• Fee of $20 for either card
• Mercer residents between the ages of 16 and up may apply for the County ID Card

Veteran ID Card

Veteran County IDs available at 240 West State Street (Old Capital Plaza Hotel) weekdays 8:30 am to 4 pm only. Must bring military discharge papers (DD214).

Additional Information

IDs are processed as you wait. For additional information, please call 609-278-7108.

Noise complaints resulting from people, animals, etc. are handled by calling the Police non-emergency number at 609-581-4000.

Noise complaints of an environmental nature, such as air-conditioning systems, aircraft, machineries, etc. should be brought to the attention of the Hamilton Township Health Department first for verification. They will then request assistance from the Mercer County Health Department if necessary.

Please click here for information on the Historical Society of Hamilton for meetings and contact information. 

Contact 

If a line is down, then we should call the Police Non-Emergency to determine the situation at 609-581-4000. 

You should check at the security building (located near the baseball field, Kuser Road entrance) in Veteran's Park to see if someone has turned in the item. Call HAMStat at 609-586-0311 and a message will be sent to a supervisor. If the item is turned in, he will notify you.

For further information on the program, please call 609-989-6852, email the Wellness Discount Program or visit the Mercer County website.

Any complaint about a restaurant should be directed to the Health Department's Consumer Health Division.

Robert Poppert
Supervising Planning, Municipal Housing Liaison
Email Robert Poppert
Phone: 609-890-3674

Any issue related to mosquito control is under County jurisdiction and should be reported to the Mosquito Control Commission. The hotline number to report if mosquitoes present a problem in your area or you would like a site inspection by division personnel is 609-530-7501. Or you can fill out the Inspection Request Form online.

Mercer County Division of Mosquito Control
Isik Unlu, Superintendent
Email Isik Unlu

300 Scotch Road
Building 1
West Trenton, NJ 08628
Direct: 609-530-7500, ext. 125
Fax: 609-530-7529

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Mercer County allows residents to apply to pay for home heating and medically necessary cooling costs through bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs. To be eligible, applicants must be responsible for home heating or cooling costs, either directly or included in the rent, and have gross income at, or below, 200% of the federal poverty level. Residents can register for assistance at the McDade Administration Building, Room 106, 640 S Broad Street, Trenton. Information is also available online via the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

For more information, contact the Mercer County Housing and Community Development Office at 609-989-6858 or 609-989-6959.

Last year's clients should receive a re-certification form within the first week of October. new clients, as well as returning clients, can contact Home Energy Assistance at 609-989-6858 or 989-6959.

Learn more by visiting the NJ Board of Public Utilities.

Aqua NJ

If Aqua NJ is your water company:

In order to continue providing residents with clear, safe water, Aqua New Jersey conducts their water main flushing program at various times. For daily flushing updates from Aqua please call 587-4080, ext. 56514.

Customers may experience temporary discoloration and/or decreased water pressure during this process. Just run the cold water for a minute or two until it clears. It is also suggested that you store several quarts of water in advance for use during this time.

Aqua New Jersey
10 Black Forest Road
Hamilton NJ 08691
Phone: 877-987-2782

Trenton Water Works

If Trenton Water Works (TWW) is your company:

Trenton Water Works flushes hydrants daily from the time the weather gets warm until it is too cold to do this. If a resident calls to report discoloration and/or decreased water pressure, call the Maintenance and Construction Department at 609-989-3222 or 609-989-3223 to see if TWW is in the area flushing hydrants. If they are, advise resident that once they are done flushing, if they run the cold water for a minute or two it should clear.

Garbage disposals are not permitted in the Township because the discharge from these units greatly adds to the amount of grease and solids in the sewer pipes. Such garbage will also increase the load on the sewage treatment plant, posing a problem in plant operation.

While residents can place "Hamilton" along with the proper zip code on mail, the United States Post Office officially considers it "Trenton." Although most of us probably go by municipal boundaries, unfortunately Postal Zip Codes do not. In fact, former Mayor Rafferty unsuccessfully attempted to get the Post Office to change this is the past.

Therefore, what can typically occur for businesses or organizations using lists of our residents, is the lists will have what the United States Post Office officially goes by, "Trenton."

Cooling Stations in Hamilton:

• Hamilton Township Senior Center: 409 Cypress Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08619.  Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4PM, Thursday 8:30AM-7PM
• Hamilton Township Public Library: 1 Justice Samuel Alito Jr. Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619.  Monday-Thursday 9AM-8:30PM, Friday & Saturday 9AM-5PM

The Fire Prevention Division does offer the service to change batteries on smoke detectors.  This is mostly geared  towards seniors.  To schedule an appointment, please call 609-586-4194 ext 1052

You can apply for a passport at a Post Office, Passport Agency, or by mail. 

Post Office: Thousands of Post Offices accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State.  Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.  Click here to schedule an appoint and find the nearest location to you!

Passport Agency:  Mercer County Connection's is a accepted passport agency by appointment only.  Appointments are to be made in advance, please call 609-890-9800 to schedule or email: aborges@mercercounty.org.  

For more information regarding passports, please click here. 

• Trenton Health Team Food Resources- https://trentonhealthteam.org/projects/food-resources/
• Mobile Meals of Hamilton Township- https://www.mobilemealshamilton.org/
• Meals on Wheels of Mercer County - https://www.mealsonwheelsmercer.org/
• Senior residents may also sign up for the County Nutrition program - 

  https://www.mercercounty.org/departments/human-services/aging-disability-resource-connection/office-on-aging/nutrition-program-for-older-adults