SOMERSET, NJ - The Somerset Run Men's Club received a visit from key members of the Franklin Food Bank on Sunday to celebrate their shared legacy.
Since 2012, the Somerset Run Men's Club has been raising food and funds for the Franklin Food Bank.
For over a decade, the group has coordinated with members of Somerset Run to collect more than 50,000 pounds of food and almost $57,000, according to officials.
Franklin Food Bank Development Director, Allie O'Brien, says the contributions of the Somerset Men's Club translate to over 170,000 meals for Franklin township neighbors in need.
During O'Brien's visit, she thanked the club for all of their gifts and, most importantly, their eagerness to continue learning and being responsive to the needs of the Franklin Food Bank.
"Many things have changed over the past 50 years, the past 10 years, the past five years," O'Brien said. "Many more things will change over the next five years. We are confident that the residents of the community of Somerset Run will continue to be responsive to our needs and will continue to ask questions and learn how to be the most impactful partner possible."
Prior to COVID, the club collected pounds of non-perishable foods as well as turkeys for Thanksgiving.
During the height of the COVID pandemic, the Franklin Food Bank halted all food drives for safety reasons. The Somerset Run Men's Club responded and hosted it's first virtual food drive in 2020. Every year since then, the club has raised more money during its fundraisers, and last year hit an all-time high of $11,476, according to officials.
The funds raised by organizations like the Somerset Run Men's Club will be leveraged by the Franklin Food Bank's purchasing power, which enables them to get $3 worth of groceries for every dollar raised.
Visit the Franklin Food Bank's homepage to learn more about how to get involved.
]]>SOMERSET, NJ – Members of the Franklin High School aviation club soared to new heights on Wednesday when students were treated to their first ever flights in a hot air balloon, floating several stories above the grounds and roofline of the school’s B Wing.
The club, which normally focuses on teaching students to flying small airplanes and about careers in aviation and aerospace engineering got an afterschool visit from Sky Chariot, a hot air balloon company based out of North Brunswick with owner, Keith Sproul and crew members showing the high schoolers how to prepare a 50-foot hot air balloon for flight.
The students helped spread out and inflate the colorful balloon, connecting guide ropes and the passenger gondola. Two students helped hold open the mouth of the balloon while Sproul aimed a high-volume fan that blew fresh air into the orb.
“We’re going to start putting cold air into the balloon with this fan,” explained Sproul. “The balloon will inflate on its side. Once it’s mostly inflated, then I’ll apply heat and it will start coming up. All of these ropes will help me do the tether.”
He then ignited two 17-million BTU propane fueled burners to heat the air, causing the balloon and gondola to rise. But since this was just a demonstration, the balloon was tethered to three vehicles so it would not fly away into the Somerset County sunset.
“The students are all enthusiastic and willing to help,” said Sproul, who travels the country with his custom designed balloons. He’s known for balloon shapes seen floating at annual festivals such as at the former New Jersey Festival of Balloons at Solberg Airport in Readington where he showcases a birthday cake, a panda bear, a Tetrahedron and other shapes he built himself.
“They get a little bit shy and you have to tell them what to do which is typical for teenagers, but they’re pitching in and helping us pack away which is the harder part, so that’s good,” said Sproul. “I enjoy teaching young people ballooning.”
“Today, Keith came as part of the aviation club,” said parent Debra Zavatsky whose daughter, Mya, a crew member with Sky Chariot connected Franklin High School with the company. “My daughter, Mya Zavatsky is involved in the aviation club and connected the relationship.”
“This was supposed to happen last week but it got canceled due to weather. As you see it (ballooning) is very weather sensitive,” said Zavatsky as afternoon winds bounced the balloon and its gondola around. “They want to make sure there’s not a lot of wind, there’s no rain, and so forth. A lot of times Keith will have something that has to be rescheduled because of the weather.”
Although Sproul tried to control the amount of heat needed to keep the air inflating the balloon, the wind started to bounce around the tethered balloon, almost tipping out passengers. Aviation club members handled ropes and grabbed on to the gondola in an effort to maintain safety and control.
Despite this, everyone who got to take a ride said it was the thrill of their lives.
“It was pretty fun, but was a little scary when you have to get in because it kind of tips,” said Michael, the aviation club’s secretary who hopes to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. “But other than that, it’s really cool because you get to see everything, including the school’s roof.”
Students, Sohum, JD, and Alexis, shared Michael’s excitement about their first hot air balloon ride.
“It was awesome, you have to do it,” said Sohum.
“It was amazing, I loved it,” said Peter. “I want to go up again.
“It was amazing, I recommend it to everyone,” said Vice-Principal Kelly Guerrero. “It was my first time in a hot air balloon. I’m glad I did it.”
History teacher, Braun Wright said just being in the balloon was the best part of the experience for her.
“It costs a lot of money to be in one, so just being in one because I’m associated with the school was amazing,” said Wright. “How many schools are doing this, that’s the question.”
Club advisor, Sarah Montanari is working on obtaining her private pilot’s license and said she has already passed the knowledge test. She described what it was like to take her first flight in a hot air balloon.
“It’s radiant, it’s pretty cool,” said Montanari. “I thought it would feel more unsteady and more like you’re in the air, but it feels pretty solid. I’d do it again.”
“I’m so inspired by the students who want to do it,” said Montanari. “There are so many students who want to learn how to fly and are actively pursuing their own flight training, so any opportunity to give to them is awesome for me.”
Montanari teaches 9thh grade English, but as students’ interests in flying continues to grow, she said she is transitioning to teach more aviation related classes at Franklin High School.
“It’s kind of a departure from my background but it’s something I’ve always been interested in,” said Montanari who joined the students as they took rides in the balloon.
What’s next for the aviation club?
“The pilot organization that we partner with, a non-profit, has a lot of pilots,” said Montanari. “It would be really cool if we could organize a flyover which is a goal we’re working towards. But I’m hoping later on this school year to get students to an airport where they could do some discovery flights that get them in the air in a plane.”
Since the club’s formation several years ago, eight FHS students have earned a private pilot training scholarship and are working towards getting licensed, five of them already completing their first solo flights.
“One of our graduates from when the program first started, Cyprianni Stewart (FHS Class of 2022) was the first one to get his private pilot’s license while he was a student here,” said Mary Clark, the district’s communications coordinator.
“He then went to school for aviation at Embry-Riddle University in Florida and now has a commercial pilot’s license and is a certified flight instructor,” said Clark.
“The long-term goal is to create a pipeline for students to be able to come back and be mentors and flight instructors for other Franklin students so we can build a whole CTE (career and technical education) program at the high school eventually,” said Montanari.
The sky is the limit for Franklin High School aviation students.
]]>FRANKLIN, NJ - Township Council members at their March 12 meeting discussed the possibility of funding a short-term program to teach construction skills to township students who participate in an alternative education program.
If the council approves, the township would use $301,000 to fund a job training program for Road To Success students this summer and for two semesters of the 2024-2025 school year, in conjunction with the Franklin Board of Education and the Brenshire Technical Institute.
Council member Kimberly Francois was contacted by the school board with a request to look into funding.
”Road to Success students are at risk, and most of them have dropped out of school,” Francois said at the meeting. “When they take this course, they’ll have a skill set and potentially have job placement.”
The school board ran a grant-funded pilot program last year with the Brenshire institute with middle school students, according to township manager Robert Vornlocker.
Vornlocker said the Road To Success students are in a population that qualifies them for ARP job training funds.
“This program that had been run with the middle school students and now is being proposed for the high school students was a basic construction skills program,” Vornlocker said. “It would offer a certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.”
The course would be for 24 students, but could be expanded to 30, Vornlocker said. School counselors would work with students who complete it for placement in trade schools or apprenticeships with trade unions.
Some council members had questions about the program, and the body agreed to continue the discussion in an upcoming committee meeting.
Member Ed Potosnak said although construction education is important, there could be more cost-effective ways to provide it.
”The dollar amount seems high for the number of students,” Potosak said.
If the program is funded, the township would have approximately $2 million left in American Rescue Plan funding.
Council member James Vassanella asked for that amount to be spent on further improvements to the township water system.
Food insecurity programs
After reading a proclamation recognizing Ramadan, council member Alex Karazi announced programs addressing food insecurity that will run during the month.
Ramadan, the sacred month observed by millions of Muslims which began March 11, focuses on spiritual rejuvenation and charity.
The programs include members of the Franklin Muslim community sponsoring 100 families of three for a month in collaboration with local food banks; an organization inviting 200 to 250 food bank clients to dinner or Iftar meals in the community center; and another organization serving 1,000 hot meals to food bank clients.
Almost 45% of township students depend on food assistance, and many single-parent families, senior citizens, disabled people and immigrants supplement their daily food needs with the help of organizations such as food banks, Karazi said.
The mayor and council members also read proclamations for Nowruz, a widely observed ancient celebration marking the arrival of spring, in addition to Women’s History Month, Social Emotional Learning Day and recognizing four township Girl Scouts who earned Silver Awards.
]]>SOMERVILLE, NJ – Enroll in new and exciting Naturalist-led spring programs sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission. The spring programs, never offered before, include book discussions, birding, strolling through gardens, nature outings, and more. Preregistration is required for all programs. Online registration is currently open. Click here for a complete list of programs.
Register for any of the upcoming programs to have fun and connect with nature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors provides participants with the opportunity to be physically active, improve their mental health, and reduces stress.
New Spring Programs
Saturday Bird Walk & Talk – Saturday, April 6,13, 20 and 27, 7 to 10 a.m. Birding enthusiasts, nature lovers and everyone else can spend their Saturday morning at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) looking for migrant birds such as cardinals, goldfinches, woodpeckers, and more while discussing interesting birding topics. Each Saturday there will be a different birding-themed topic, such as habitats, migration, warblers and more. This program is appropriate for adults. The cost is $21 per adult and $18 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51965.
Snack & Chat: A Book Discussion – Thursday, April 25, 2 to 3 p.m. Enjoy a snack while discussing “An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us,” by Pulitzer Prize winner Ed Young. Read the entire book or just a few sections, which will transform the way you perceive the world. The discussion will be led by a Naturalist. Participants will meet at the EEC. This is a free program and is appropriate for adults. Activity Number: 51965.
Birding the D&R Canal at Colonial Park – Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy walking along the D&R Canal near calming water, away from traffic, while connecting with nature and searching for warblers, vireos, waterfowl, and other early-season migrants. This program is appropriate for adults. Participants will meet in Parking Lot F at Colonial Park. The cost is $25 per adult and $20 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51967.
Sayen House and Strolling Garden – Wednesday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Walk with Naturalists on a trip full of gorgeous spring blooms. Enjoy seeing a beautiful collection of azaleas and rhododendrons at Hamilton Square where there are thousands of bulbs and blooming dogwoods. Bring a picnic lunch and drinks. This program is appropriate for adults. Participants will meet at the EEC where transportation will be provided to Hamilton Square. The cost is $45 per adult and $35 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51894.
Sunangels – Friday, June 14, 7 to 8 p.m. Learn about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, also known as Sunangels, in this interesting program at the EEC where participants will learn facts about these tiny precision-flying hummingbirds. Participants also will find out how to attract hummingbirds to their yard, what kind of food hummingbirds eat, and see fun photos and videos of a variety of other hummingbird species. This program is appropriate for adults. The cost is $7 per adult and $6 per senior citizen. Activity Number: 51966.
Registration
Preregistration is required for all programs. Online registration is currently open. Registration closes 24 hours before the start of a program. Enrollment may be open after the registration deadline if the class is not full. For more information, call 908-722-1200, ext. 5002.
Age Requirements
Adult programs are for participants ages 18 years and above. Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a registered adult in programs for “all ages.”
Clothing
Weather-appropriate clothing is required. Participants should wear waterproof boots for all outdoor in-person programs.
For more information, call 908-722-1200 ext. 5002, or visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.
]]>
SOMERSET, NJ - Cedar Hill Prep is proud to announce the remarkable success of one of its fourth-grade students in the regional online history and geography bees.
The student has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication by achieving outstanding results in both the history and geography bees. Despite the challenges posed by online competitions, he has showcased exemplary knowledge and skill, earning recognition at both regional and national levels.
In the regional online history bee, the young student not only qualified for the nationals and internationals in the fourth-grade category but also secured a prestigious bronze medal, affirming his profound understanding of historical events and contexts.
The student also displayed remarkable prowess in the in-person geography bee, where he proudly earned another bronze medal. His determination and passion were evident as he competed with fervor and resilience, ultimately securing a well-deserved place among the top achievers.
Congratulations again on his remarkable accomplishments in the history and geography bees. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a thirst for knowledge.
]]>SOMERSET, NJ - Residents looking for seasonal or permanent positions are invited to attend the Franklin Township Parks and Recreation Job Fair on April 13, 9am to 11am at the Franklin Youth Center on 429 Lewis Street.
The current open positions will be located at either the Franklin Youth Center or the Community/Senior Center.
Current Part Time Openings:
Register online at franklintwp.recdesk.com or walk-in during the job fair. For more information, please call 732-873-1991 option 4.
SOMERSET, NJ - This year the D&R Canal State Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary with events from March through November, according to an announcement from the D&R Canal Watch and D&R Canal Commission.
Read below for a list of events scheduled to take place here locally.
Saturday, March 23rd: 10:00 a.m. History Bike Ride, Griggstown Causeway to Kingston,
10 miles roundtrip on the D&R Canal towpath. Explore the structures along the D&R Canal with Canal Watch trustee Bob Barth. Meet in the causeway parking lot in Griggstown. Bring water; helmet required. Allow three hours. Leader: Bob Barth, 201-401-3121, bbarth321@aol.com.
Saturday, March 23rd: time to be announced. The Van Harlingen Historical Society will celebrate the park’s anniversary with an exhibit entitled, Griggstown & Blackwells Mills Ephemera from the 1970s. Librarian Candy Willis explains that the exhibit will feature the founding of the Blackwells Mills Canal Association in 1971 and the village of Griggstown, including newspaper clippings, postcards, note-cards, site plans, and more from the ‘70s. The exhibit will open on March 23 when the Gulick House, 506 Belle Mead-Blawenburg Road, opens for the season.
Sunday, April 7th: 10:00 a.m. Towpath Walk, Weston Canal lot to East Millstone, 4.2 miles round-trip. See the spillway at Somerset County’s Colonial Park and the newly restored bridgetender’s station in East Millstone. Leader: Bob Barth, 201-401-3121, bbarth321@aol.com.
Saturday, April 13th: 2:00 p.m. Nature Walk: Meet at the historic Van Wickle House off Easton Avenue at the foot of DeMott Lane (GPS 1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset NJ 08873). See and hear Baltimore and Orchard Orioles and other nesting songbirds as we walk along the D&R Canal and identify the nature around us. Leaders: Herve and Anne Barrier, hb9955@gmail.com, 908-670-5743.
Tuesday, April 30th: Canal talk. Linda Barth will present an illustrated talk about the D&R Canal at the annual meeting of the Historical Society of Princeton. The event will be held at Updike Farm, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, at 6:30 p.m. Check the society’s website, https://princetonhistory.org/programs-events, for further details.
Sunday, June 16th: 2:00 p.m. Canal Watch Annual Meeting. Capt. Bill McKelvey will present a slide program on the D&R Canal. Fellowship Hall behind the Griggstown Reformed Church. Use the GPS address of 1065 Canal Road, Princeton (even though it is nowhere near Princeton). For information, call Linda Barth, 908-240-0488; barthlinda123@aol.com.
Sunday, July 28th: Canal Road Walk and Roll. 10:00-4:00. Canal Road closed from East Millstone to Butler Road. Enjoy a day with friends and family along the scenic D&R Canal with no cars! For more information, please call 732-873-1991, option 4.
Sunday, August 25th: Canal Road Walk and Roll. 10:00-4:00. Canal Road closed from Griggstown Causeway to Route 518 in Rocky Hill. Meet Gen. Washington as he prepares to march with the army to Yorktown, VA. Enjoy a day with friends and family along the scenic D&R Canal with no cars! For more information, please call 732-873-1991, option 4.
Saturday, October 12th - Sunday, October 13th: 10;00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Somerset County’s Journey Through the Past. Canal Watch members will open the East Millstone bridgetender’s home and station (and the historic outhouse, for observation only). Linda Barth, 908-240-0488, barthlinda123@aol.com.
Sunday, November 10th: 10:00 a.m. Towpath Walk, Demott Lane to Landing Lane, 4.2 miles. Meet at the historic Van Wickle House off Easton Avenue at the foot of DeMott Lane (GPS 1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset NJ 08873). Leader: Bob Barth, 201-401-3121, bbarth321@aol.com.
In addition to the above activities sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch, you can see the D&R Canal State Park programs at this link: https://www.dandrcanal.com/programs.
Trail interpreter Pamela V’Combe will begin her series of walks in April.
For any questions, please visit: www.canalwatch.org
Program Leaders: Bob Barth, 201-401-3121, bbarth321@aol.com; Pierre Lacombe, pjlacombe25@gmail.com; Herve and Anne Barrier, 908-670-5743, hb9955@gmail.com,.
SOMERSET, NJ - Do you have plans for this weekend? If not. Check out our editor’s picks for some of the best things to do in and around Franklin Township.
Friday, March 8
American Repertory Ballet
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) presents Classic Beauty, an all-Tchaikovsky program featuring excerpts from two timeless ballet masterpieces - Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty - at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. TAP here for more details.
Saturday, March 9
Saturday Night Comedy Show
Come on out and enjoy a showcase comedy show at The Venetian Grille in Somerville! The full dinner menu will also be available! TAP here for more details.
Second Saturday Book Club
Join us for a meeting of the FTPL Second Saturday Book Club! Now held in-person at the DeMott Lane Branch. No registration required! TAP here for more details.
Sunday, March 10
Eat Local at Empty Bowls
Empty Bowls 2024 will take place on Sunday, March 10th! We’re eager for all our guests to enjoy a day of fundraising while sharing a meal. TAP here for more details.
Somerville St. Patrick's Day Parade
Don’t miss out on the renowned Somerville St. Patrick’s Parade, hailed by Forbes as one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades in the entire United States! TAP here for more details.
]]>STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Franklin High School girls' relay team took seventh place in all of New Jersey at the indoor track NJSIAA Meet of Champions on Saturday.
The team of Bethany Adhikari, Sinai Kelliehan, Adriana Rollins and Qiora Rollins ran a time of 4:00.32 in the 4x400 relay.
Daniel Arana, a senior at Franklin High School, came away with a gold medal over the weekend.
Arana won the triple jump at the Meet of Champions. His time of 48-02.75 easily outdistanced the second-place finisher, Zachary Jefferson of North Brunswick, who ran the event in 46-05.50.
In the girls' Meet of Champions, senior Qiora Rollins was second in the 400-meter dash in 56.95, and she ran ninth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.21.
In the girls' 55-meter hurdles, senior Taliah Woodard of Franklin finished third with a time of 8.23, and senior Jessica Uzor was sixth at 8.33.
In the girls' triple jump, junior Arden Gray of Franklin came in fourth with a time of 37-05.75.
]]>STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Daniel Arana, a senior at Franklin High School, came away with a gold medal over the weekend.
Arana won the triple jump at the indoor track NJSIAA Meet of Champions. His time of 48-02.75 was a meet record, and easily outdistanced the second-place finisher, Zachary Jefferson of North Brunswick, who ran the event in 46-05.50.
In the girls' Meet of Champions, senior Qiora Rollins was second in the 400-meter dash in 56.95, and she ran ninth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.21.
In the girls' 55-meter hurdles, senior Taliah Woodard of Franklin finished third with a time of 8.23, and senior Jessica Uzor was sixth at 8.33.
In the girls' triple jump, junior Arden Gray of Franklin came in fourth with a time of 37-05.75.
SOMERSET, NJ - Did you miss any of last week’s top news stories? Click on the headlines to catch up.
Top TAPinto Franklin/Somerset News Stories - February 25 to March 2
News Around New Jersey:
Governor Murphy Proposes $59.5 Billion Spending Plan
Senate Considers Tax Cap Exception to Address 'Adequate Funding' of Some Local School Districts
The third-seeded Bayonne girls basketball team advanced in the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA Section 2, Group 4 tournament with a 57-46 victory over sixth-seeded Franklin on Monday night.
Cotten Scores Her 1,000th, but Franklin Falls to Bayonne in States, 57-46
After Franklin led by three points at halftime, Elizabeth took the lead for good late in the third quarter and went on to a 55-44 boys basketball victory over the Warriors in the semifinal round of the NJSIAA Section 2, Group 4 tournament at the Dunn Center on Wednesday night.
Elizabeth Pulls Away Late to Beat Franklin, 55-44, in Sectional Semifinals
The Franklin Township Police Department responded to a call reporting a fire on Ambrose Street on Thursday morning at 11:44am, according to a news release.
Ambrose Street Fire Displaces Residents
The Franklin Township Police Department responded to a call reporting a building on fire on Easton Avenue Friday night, according to a news release.
Multiple Fire Departments Called to Unoccupied Building on Easton Avenue
Residents spoke at the Feb. 27 Township Committee meeting against The Levin Company’s re-submitted plans to replace the former K-Mart building on Easton Avenue with a new apartment complex.
Franklin Residents Oppose New Easton Avenue Apartment Plans
Top TAPinto Headlines from Nearby:
Belleville Man Arrested on Drug Charges in Raritan
New Brunswick Men Facing Arson, Assault Charges From Cook Campus Incident
]]>SOMERSET, NJ - The Franklin Township Police Department responded to a call reporting a building on fire on Easton Avenue Friday night, according to a news release.
Police arrived on the scene at approximately 8:13pm and could see fire and smoke emitting from the building.
The fire was reported to be inside or towards the back of the building.
Police say traffic on Easton Avenue was temporarily disrupted for multiple hours as a result of the incident.
More than 100 firefighters reported to the scene to extinguish the blaze, officials say. One firefighter was injured because of the incident but did not require hospitalization, police say.
The following companies sent firefighters:
EMS personnel from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, East Millstone, and Montgomery Rehab also responded.
The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by the Franklin Township Office of Fire Prevention, police say.
"The Franklin Township Fire Inspector noted the initial investigation indicates the fire does not appear to be suspicious," reads a news release sent from FTPD.
Police say the property has been unoccupied since Hurricane Ida and is currently under construction.
]]>SOMERSET, NJ - The Franklin Township Police Department responded to a call reporting a fire on Ambrose Street on Thursday morning at 11:44am, according to a news release.
Police say upon arrival smoke was visible at the single family residence.
Firefighters from the following departments responded to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
Police say EMS personnel from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital also responded.
No injuries were reported by police and the American Red Cross responded and provided temporary relief, including shelter, to all those affected.
Police say the cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by the Franklin Township Office of Fire Prevention.
The initial investigation indicates the fire does not appear to be suspicious, officials say,
]]>ELIZABETH, NJ -- After Franklin led by three points at halftime, Elizabeth took the lead for good late in the third quarter and went on to a 55-44 boys basketball victory over the Warriors in the semifinal round of the NJSIAA Section 2, Group 4 tournament at the Dunn Center on Wednesday night.
Elizabeth (20-5), the third seed, will play at home against eighth-seeded Plainfield in the sectional final on Friday night.
Seventh-seeded Franklin (16-12), after trailing, 19-18, closed out the first half on a 6-2 mini-spurt to take a 24-21 lead. The Warriors, who had led, 13-4, early in the second quarter, got off to a good start in the third quarter, as well.
Landen Miller scored on a driving shot to finish a fastbreak and give Franklin a 26-21 lead. A 3-pointer by Jordan Torres and two foul shots by Siraj Abdellah enabled Elizabeth to tie the game, 26-26. But Miller, who scored all of Franklin's points in the third quarter, responded with two free throws and a jumper to give the Warriors a 30-26 edge.
But Elizabeth reeled off a 12-2 spurt after that to take a 38-32 lead. Kareem Anthony had four points in that stretch, including a layup off his own steal with :09 left in the quarter. Miller, though, was awarded two technical foul shots as time expired in the third quarter. He made both of those, and then Cam Brown scored on a driving layup early in the fourth quarter to bring Franklin back to within two, 38-36.
After a traditional 3-point play by Christopher Clark of Elizabeth with 6:01 to go, Cam Brown knocked down a 3-point basket to bring the Warriors back to within two, 41-39. But Elizabeth never let Franklin tie the game, responding to Brown's trey with a 9-2 spurt with four different players scoring for the Minutemen in that span. Jayden Johnson's baseline jumper with 1:20 left gave Elizabeth a 50-41 lead.
Cam Brown led Franklin with 17 points, including eight in the second quarter. Miller finished with 13 points for the Warriors.
FRANKLIN, NJ - Residents spoke at the Feb. 27 Township Committee meeting against The Levin Company’s re-submitted plans to replace the former K-Mart building on Easton Avenue with a new apartment complex.
The mayor and several council members declined to answer in detail on the developer’s re-submitted plans, saying their comments could be used against the township in legal proceedings.
People expressed similar concerns to Levin’s previous proposal for a 200-unit rental property at that location.
“I knew the developers would come back,” said Valerie Juzwiak, a resident of Highwood Road. “My theory is they just come back until they get what they want.”
“Can we just once have one square inch not redeveloped into more residential in this township?” Juzwiak asked.
Others worried dangerous traffic conditions and flooding would worsen if apartments are built on Easton Avenue and JFK Boulevard.
“The county has declared Easton Avenue to be one of the worst roads in Somerset County because of the rate of accidents,” Macafee Road resident Guy Catapano said.
“As a 45-year resident of Easton Avenue in Franklin Township, I have witnessed the increased development from Easton Avenue being a single road in each direction to a double road and it's been a nightmare,” Lorraine Suarez said. “Traffic in the middle of the night is going so fast through Easton Avenue that my bedroom physically shakes”
“As to stormwater the developers calculations do not seem to be up to date with 2023 data,” resident Terry Thorsen said. “The 10-year storm, in their calculations, is about five inches. We had that amount in one weekend in December and four inches the weekend after, and Easton Avenue flooded both times.”
Residents were also concerned about development that, due to its timing, wouldn’t take into account the results of a county study on Easton Avenue conditions which is funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) in conjunction with the New Jersey DOT and the Federal Highway administration.
Mayor Philip Kramer said he had not seen any marketing plans for the area from Levin, but did not give an opinion on the apartment building plans.
“Particularly with the K-mart project, if the zoning board were to approve it, one option is for it to be appealed to this council. If we've made statements beforehand, that may not work towards the end of what you desire,” Kramer said.
]]>