Watchung Reservation trails on the comeback path

Watchung Reservation trails on the comeback path

MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J. — It took years for neglect to eventually take its toll on the trails through the Watchung Reservation. With few staff able to conduct inspections and maintenance, extreme weather eroded the trails and sullied streams, turning a park that was “loved to death” into one that was hostile to hikers and equestrians. But […]

Union BOE reverses decision, strikes deal to keep paras

Union BOE reverses decision, strikes deal to keep paras

UNION, N.J. — Nearly four months of lobbying, showing up at meetings and pleading has paid off for the public schools’ paraprofessionals. The Board of Education reversed its previous decision, voting unanimously at its meeting on Aug. 20 to keep 95 paraprofessionals, aides who assist students with special needs, as district employees. That abandoned its […]

Summit councilman mourned after untimely death

Summit councilman mourned after untimely death

SUMMIT, NJ — Local officials and community leaders expressed their condolences regarding the death of 48-year-old Councilman Matthew Gould, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 13 at Morristown Medical Center from a heart condition. “An amazing human being left us all too soon on Tuesday,” Summit Mayor Nora G. Radest said in a statement released by […]

Rahway council introduces bond to repair sinkholes

RAHWAY, NJ — The City Council voted at its Aug. 12 meeting to introduce a $500,000 bond to finance emergency repairs to the sinkholes that recently have appeared on several streets throughout the municipality. Sinkholes have developed on several roads, including Elm, Seminary and West Inman avenues. While the city does not keep a record […]

Cranford bans plastics despite complaints

Cranford bans plastics despite complaints

CRANFORD, NJ — The Township Committee adopted a ban on single-use plastics at its Aug. 13 meeting, voting 4-1 despite objections from several business owners regarding the cost and compliance date. Tom Hannen, the township’s commissioner of building and zoning, was the only committee member to offer any criticism of the ordinance when it was […]

Second AddamsFest gets early start

Second AddamsFest gets early start

WESTFIELD, NJ — The success of the first AddamsFest last fall was such that town officials decided to get an early start on this year’s event. They gathered at the appropriately named Addams Tavern on Elm Street on Aug. 6, and Mayor Shelley Brindle kicked off the promotion for the gala, a Halloween-timed extravaganza dedicated […]

Clark waiting for state OK on traffic light

CLARK, NJ — The Township Council is waiting for approval from state transportation officials to install a traffic light at the intersection of Westfield Avenue and Wilson Drive, which runs between Arthur L. Johnson High School and Clark Police Headquarters, officials announced during the Aug. 5 workshop meeting. It also is preparing a grant application […]