Mysterious Central Jersey welcome sign pops up - and then vanishes

The issue of Central Jersey is a hot topic statewide -- Where are its borders? Does it even exist? But an actual sign recently added a new twist to the debate.

News 12 Staff

Jan 22, 2020, 11:21 PM

Updated 1,565 days ago

Share:

The issue of Central Jersey is a hot topic statewide -- Where are its borders? Does it even exist? But an actual sign recently added a new twist to the debate.
News 12's Brian Donohue was driving on Route 33 in Millstone when he saw a sign on the side of the road that made him do a double take -- "Welcome to Central Jersey." It wasn't anything spray-painted, it was a real, metal sign.
Donohue wondered if it was the response to the claim by social media users who believed New Jersey is simply comprised of north and south, and think central doesn't exist? Nothing creates a need to express identity more than other people denying a given group's identity -- leading to things like a Facebook group called "Central Jersey Exists" and a proclamation from the governor that it does indeed exist.
So who put up the sign? A spokesman for the state's Department of Transportation said they're not sure, but it wasn't from the state. Two days after Donohue talked to the DOT, the sign was taken down.
So is there a guerrilla Central Jersey Welcoming Committee? Are they planning more action? We'll just have to keep our eyes peeled.
 


More from News 12
1:12
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

1:43
Mild and muggy in Connecticut; rain returns by midweek

Mild and muggy in Connecticut; rain returns by midweek

2:11
Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

Security camera footage shows onset of deadly Stamford house fire

1:48
'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

'This was a remarkable recovery': I-95 officially operating at full capacity

0:36
Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

Sen. Bob Duff recognizes employees who worked on reopening I-95 in Norwalk

0:20
Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

Bridgeport PD: Pedestrian struck by car on Seaview Avenue

0:43
New Indian vegetarian restaurant opens in Stamford

New Indian vegetarian restaurant opens in Stamford

1:05
National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

National Water Safety Month: 40,000 free swim lessons offered across tri-state area offered across tri-state area

0:36
Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

Sen. Blumenthal to seek emergency help for Norwalk businesses impacted by I-95 shutdown

0:56
Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

Nonprofit builders group celebrates 20th anniversary with annual fundraiser in Darien

0:49
Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

Mother’s Day event in Greenwich looks to empower women

0:59
Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

Pickleball America hosts first Dinko de Mayo Tournament

2:15
Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Turn To Tara explores how to stay safe from ‘cyber kidnapping’ scams

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Connecticut National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

0:42
Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

Texas, prolific retired Connecticut State Police K-9, dies from illness

0:44
Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

Handball tournament honors former Bridgeport state representative

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:34
State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire

State police: Merging car collided with tanker to cause I-95 overpass fire

0:32
Fairfield Avenue overpass damaged by fire fully demolished

Fairfield Avenue overpass damaged by fire fully demolished