MILLBURN, NJ – The Millburn Township Committee is meeting on Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. at town hall. Residents can tune in at home on YouTube or with the Zoom link (type in Millburn Township Committee Meeting March 19, 2024).
The first order of business is a presentation by the Millburn Environmental Commission about the Open Space Tax.
Other topics include
HERE’s the complete agenda.
]]>MILLBURN, NJ – A Short Hills resident and attorney, David Cosgrove, sent the Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC) Judge Cynthia Santomauro a letter refuting the claims against Millburn made by RPM Development, the firm that was going to construct the affordable housing building on Main St.
Millburn Municipal Attorney Jarrid Kantor had sent Judge Santomauro a letter on Feb. 26 explaining that the extensive remediation of toxins on the property would be extremely expensive. He stated, “FSHC and RPM have repeatedly mischaracterized the feasibility and shovel-readiness of the 9 Main Street Project as well as the Township’s actions regarding its affordable housing obligations in connection with the Settlement Agreement (the “Agreement”) entered into on August 17, 2021."
Cosgrove told Santomauro:
“I am a resident of Short Hills and have followed this matter closely.
In reviewing the submissions from RPM and Fair Share there is an attempt made to cast Millburn as recalcitrant, which is simply not the case.
Millburn long ago approved the following two inclusive projects:
1) The Upton – it is up and leasing (200 total units, 30 units are designated affordable)
2) The Harth (old Wells Fargo building, (53 units / 8 affordable) is almost completely built and very close to the town yard site.
Both of these were, at least from what I can tell, done voluntarily and without any court involvement.
The Silverman project (corner of Woodland Road and Chatham Road) is approved and an extension of time was recently granted (due to issues related to transformer placement). That building was also approved long ago and presumably is ready to be built. It has 62 units, of which 12 are affordable.
The former Annie Sez site has also been approved by the planning board. It has 149 units, of which 30 are affordable.
The Woodmont project contemplates 195 units, of which 39 are affordable. There are steps still remaining to be done with this project, but I have not learned that the town is holding progress up.
Excluding the Woodmont site, the town has 464 units, of which 80 are affordable. These are either built or in the process of being built.
I would suggest to the court that Millburn has been far from non-cooperative.”
TAPinto will provide the judge’s response when it’s released.
]]>
STATEN ISLAND, NY — On March 3, Millburn High School participated in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions. Liam Kelly, a senior at Millburn High School, previously broke the school’s record for the NJSIAA Group 2&3 Track & Field Championships’ indoor 400M by completing the event in 50.13 seconds. At the March 3 event, he repeated the achievement by setting a new personal record of 49.65 seconds. TAPinto interviewed Kelly to understand what contributed to these milestones.
TAPinto: How does it feel to have achieved this personal record?
LIAM KELLY: It feels amazing. I’ve been working towards this goal ever since sophomore year, and it’s just amazing to finally reach it.
T: How did you feel while running?
LK: When I run it’s almost like I enter a flow state. I don’t think or feel at all, all I know is to run and to not let anyone catch me.
T: How do you prepare mentally and physically for a race like this one and in general?
LK: Before races I like to listen to music to get me into race mode. I also like talking to my coaches, they really help me stay in the right state of mind and make sure I’m race ready before the gun goes off.
T: What challenges did you face leading up to this race, and how did you overcome them? What significant challenges have you faced in the past?
LK: A challenge I have faced and have been facing is getting nervous before my race. Two things that usually help are my teammates/coaches and square breathing. My coaches and teammates always get me to feel more confident and comfortable at the meets and without them, I would not be where I am today, so I owe them a lot. In addition to this, the square breathing allows me to calm down at the line when my coaches and teammates can’t speak to me.
T: As a member of the track and field team, how have your coaches and teammates contributed to your success as an athlete?
LK: I owe my coaches and teammates everything. Like I said before, they are the people that get me race ready and thus allow me to perform as well as I do. Without them, I would never have been able to be as good of an athlete as I am now.
T: How have you balanced your various athletic, academic, and extracurricular commitments?
LK: A thing I’ve learned from doing sports at this level is that time management is key. I do most of my homework during the school hours and, if not, I will do it after practice. Studying for tests is a bit tricky due to the fact I get home a bit late from practice, but overall I’d say just staying focused and pushing through my work has allowed me to live a life outside of track and school.
T: What advice do you have for athletes who want to achieve similar success in track and field (and sports in general)?
LK: One piece of advice I would give is that if you think you are going to fail, you will fail, but if you go into something with an open mind, you will never fail; you will only learn. Just never give up and keep pushing forward.
Now that Kelly has broken the school’s indoor record, he hopes to break the school’s outdoor record as well, and he is prepared to put in more effort to achieve this. Best of luck to Liam Kelly and his teammates in their future track endeavors.
]]>MILLBURN, NJ -- Returning library books is even easier and faster now because the dropbox is back. Just drive up to it and place books in it without having to get out of the car or enter the building.
According to Dorothy Kelly, President of Friends of the Library, "There was a minor traffic mishap in the parking lot that destroyed the last book drop and a new one had to be ordered. It came in faster than we expected--it was supposed to take 2 months. People really missed the convenience of the drive-by bookdrop, so we were all excited to see the new one back in service."
]]>MILLBURN, NJ -- The Downtown Circulation Improvement Plan Webinar will be held in-person at Town Hall and on Zoom on Wednesday, March 27, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Residents can comment about making Essex Street a two-way street, rather than a one-way.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83103765560
MILLBURN, NJ -- The Asian American Youth Sports Foundation (AAYSF) hosted its third annual 2024 "Dare to Shine" Basketball Challenge on Sunday, March 10 at Millburn High School. According to Will Sun, a junior at Westfield High School and Co-Founder and President of AAYSF, "More than just a basketball tournament, this event emphasized a celebration of unity and growth. The 'Dare to Shine' ethos, now in its third year, has evolved into a beacon of empowerment which encourages children to step confidently into the spotlight while fostering connections among families and communities."
This AAYSF event spearheads efforts to promote inclusivity and fair play. This year, Sun introduced the 2v2 Family Challenge, which added a new dimension to the tournament, strengthening the parent-child bond as they strategized, communicated and competed side by side. The champions of the event, Lin Lin and her 10-year-old son, Jonathan Lu happened to be the only mother-son duo who competed.
“I love playing basketball, which has been one of my hobbies from high school. I am really glad that I decided to play with my son in the 2v2 contest. It was such a fun way to bond and create some lasting memories together. We made some really nice plays, got a lot of cheering from the crowd and had a great time on the court,” shared Lin.
Sun spoke about the success of this new event, which featured ten parent-child duos, making it one of the most engaging and entertaining games for the spectators. “This was an idea that we wanted to include and hadn’t seen anywhere else before. Oftentimes, we see parents on the sidelines trying to be involved with their child's every move on the court, almost as if they wanted to play for them. So we asked ourselves, 'why not let them actually play'?" He added, "I’m glad we made the choice to include this event as everyone had a great time, and it was amazing to see how well each team with a kid and a parent worked together. It was unique and a lot of fun,” Will remarked.
Over sixty participants, 8-years-old students and under and their parents, partnered with Millburn Institute of Talent (MIOT) and Sun Sports and Education as they did the past two years. Coach Sun, Founder of Sun Sports, has been a prominent presence in the Asian American community with his contribution as a basketball and soccer coach, an advocate for youth sports participation and an event planner since 2017. With many returning players, parents and volunteers, Coach Sun sought to embrace "Dare to Shine’"as a platform for families to come together, as well as a place where familiar faces could share smiles and memories.
Some high school students from around the area, including coaching assistants from the MIOT basketball classes, included Kevin Wang, Ian Xu, Bill Li and Chris Zhang who volunteered their time to help the event run smoothly and officiate the events. Wang, a sophomore at Chatham High School who played in the 1v1 and 3v3 events the past two years, served as volunteer and referee during this year's "Dare to Shine" competition.
Wang stated, “As a participant and now a volunteer for the event three years in a row, I feel like the event brings a sense of togetherness and competitiveness. As a participant, I can recall my emotions and the competitiveness I felt playing against my opponents. It was truly a core memory for me. I thoroughly enjoyed participating as a volunteer as well, mainly because I can see how I felt back then in the competitors now.”
He continued to speak about how the event has changed over the years, and how it affected him as well. “I think the event helped me develop a sense of self-motivation and competitiveness that helps me even now, in my school life." He continued, "The event has changed significantly from the past two times. I would often see strangers in the first two competitions, but now I can see myself recognizing the competitors, and it gives me a sense of comfort and community that I don’t think can be replicated.”
The games were competitive, yet the players supported each other. Sun stated, "Whether it was a thrilling buzzer-beater, a heartfelt high-five between teammates or a firm handshake with the opposition player, every interaction reinforced the sense of community and belonging that the event sought to cultivate."
According to Sun, "As the final whistle was blown and champions crowned, it was clear that the 'Dare to Shine' Spring Basketball Challenge had evolved far beyond a mere sporting event. It has become a testament to the power of sports to unite, inspire, and transform lives, reaffirming the bonds of family and community for generations to come."
]]>NOTICE OF 2024 PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT
The Township Committee of the Township of Millburn has awarded the following professional contract without competitive bidding unless otherwise noted, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2(6) and N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(1)(a)(i) and/or N.J.S.A. 40A:11-5(a)(a)(ii) at their March 5, 2024, meeting. Once executed, this contract and the resolution authorizing it will be available for public inspection in the Office of the Township Clerk, Millburn Town Hall, 375 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041. The contract is authorized for one year – March 5, 2024, through February 28, 2025.
Environmental Services – Professional Service Contract
Awarded to: LEW Environmental Services LLC
Services: Professional Environmental Consultant Services related management of lead testing of
rental units in Millburn Township as per NJAC 5:28A
Amount: Proposal number 1890 dated January 24, 2024, with the fixed rates of services which is the responsibility of the property owners
By Order of the Millburn Township Committee
Christine A. Gatti, RMC, Township Clerk
]]>
MILLBURN TOWNSHIP
ORDINANCE 2664-24
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the following Ordinance was submitted in writing, introduced, read by title and passed on first reading at a meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of Millburn, in the County of Essex on March 5, 2024. The ordinance will be considered for final passage and adoption at the public hearing held at a meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Municipal Building, 375 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, New Jersey when and where or at such time and place to which said meeting may be adjourned, all persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning said ordinance. Millburn Town Hall will open for this meeting beginning at 6:30PM and details on the meeting and agenda may be located at town hall, on our website https://www.twp.millburn.nj.us/AgendaCenter or by contacting the Municipal Clerks Office at 973-564-7092.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
Christine A. Gatti, RMC, Township Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 2664-24
AMENDING THE CODE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF MILLBURN, CHAPTER 9 BUILDING AND HOUSING, BY THE CREATION OF SECTION 9-12, ENTITLED LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RENTAL DWELLINGS
WHEREAS, the Township of Millburn is required to maintain a lead-based paint hazard inspection program under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Township Committee of the Township of Millburn, County of Essex, New Jersey that Chapter 9, Building and Housing, Section 9-12, Lead-Based Paint Hazard Inspection Requirements for Rental Dwellings is created to read as follows:
SECTION 9-12
Lead-Based Paint Hazard Inspection Requirements for Rental Dwellings
§ 9-12.1 Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to this article:
COMMON INTEREST COMMUNITY: A real estate development or neighborhood in which the property is burdened by servitudes requiring property owners to contribute to maintenance of commonly held property or to pay dues or assessments to an owners' association that provides services or facilities to the community.
DUST WIPE SAMPLING: A sample collected by wiping a representative surface and tested in accordance with a method approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
LEAD INSPECTOR: A person certified by the Department of Community Affairs to perform lead inspection and risk assessment work pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:17-1.1 et seq. This includes the ability to perform dust wipe sampling.
LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD: Any condition that causes exposure to lead from lead-contaminated dust or lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present in surfaces that would result in adverse human health effects.
LEAD-FREE CERTIFICATION: A certification which confirms that a lead-based paint inspection was performed and that no lead-based paint exists in the dwelling unit or that all lead-based paint hazards have been fully abated.
LEAD-SAFE CERTIFICATION: A certification which confirms that a lead-based paint inspection was performed and no lead- based paint hazards were found. This certification is valid for two years from the date of issuance.
TENANT TURNOVER: The time at which all existing occupants vacate a dwelling unit and all new tenants move into the dwelling unit.
VISUAL ASSESSMENT: A visual examination for deteriorated paint or visible surface dust, debris, or residue.
VISUAL ASSESSOR: A person that is certified to perform a visual assessment.
§ 9-12.2 Lead-based paint inspection.
A lead inspector for the Township of Millburn shall inspect every single-family, two-family, and multiple rental dwelling located within the Township of Millburn for lead-based paint hazards through visual assessment and dust wipe sampling in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16 et seq., as may be amended from time to time.
The property owner or landlord may, in lieu of having the dwelling inspected by the Township's lead inspector, directly hire a private lead inspector who is certified to provide lead paint inspection services by the Department of Community Affairs to perform the lead-based paint inspection in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16 et seq., as may be amended from time to time.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16(c), a dwelling unit in a single-family, two-family, or multiple rental dwelling shall not be subject to inspection and evaluation for the presence of lead based paint hazards if the unit:
Has been certified to be free of lead-based paint;
Was constructed during or after 1978;
Is in a multiple dwelling that has been registered with the Department of Community Affairs as a multiple dwelling for at least 10 years, either under the current or a previous owner, and has no outstanding lead violations from the most recent cyclical inspection performed on the multiple dwelling under the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law; See N.J.S.A.55:13A-l et seq.
Is a single-family or two-family seasonal rental dwelling which is rented for less than six months duration each year by tenants that do not have consecutive lease renewals; or
Has a valid lead-safe certification.
If lead-based paint hazards are identified, then the owner of the dwelling shall remediate the hazards through abatement or lead-based paint hazard control mechanisms in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16(d). Upon the remediation of the lead-based paint hazard, the Township 's lead inspector or visual assessor, as may be applicable, or the owner's private lead inspector, shall conduct an additional inspection of the unit to certify that the hazard no longer exists.
If no lead-based paint hazards are identified, then the Township's lead inspector or the owner's private lead inspector shall certify the dwelling as lead safe on a form prescribed by the Department of Community Affairs, which shall be valid for two years.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.16(e), property owners shall:
Provide evidence of a valid lead-safe certification and the most recent tenant turnover to the Township of Millburn at the time of the cyclical inspection.
Provide evidence of a valid lead-safe certification to new tenants of the property at the time of tenant turnover and shall affix a copy of such certification as an exhibit to the tenant's or tenants' lease.
Maintain a record of the lead-safe certification which shall include the name or names of the unit's tenant or tenants if the inspection was conducted during a period of tenancy.
The fees for a lead-based paint inspection shall be as follows:
The fee for a visual assessment by the Township of Millburn shall be $250.00-$500.00 per unit as established by resolution or as prescribed by the Township’s chosen professional to perform such services.
The fee for the filing of a lead-safe certification of lead-free certification shall be $25.
In a common interest community, any inspection fee charged shall be the responsibility of the unit owner and not the homeowners' association, unless the association is the owner of the unit.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-43.176(h), an additional fee of $20 per dwelling unit inspected by the Township's lead inspector or the owner's private lead inspector shall be assessed for the purposes of the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Act (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.1 et, seq.) unless the unit owner demonstrates that the Department of Community Affairs has already assessed an additional inspection fee of $20. The fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited into the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund.
The fee for reinspection or clearance shall be $295.00 per unit.
§9-12.3 Violations and penalties.
In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:27D-437.19, the penalties for a violation of§ 390-5 D and F shall be as follows:
If a property owner has failed to conduct the required inspection or initiate any remediation efforts, the owner shall be given 30 days to cure the violation.
If the property owner has not cured the violation after 30 days, the property owner shall be subject to a penalty not to exceed $1,000 per week until the required inspection has been conducted or remediation efforts have been initiated.
SECTION 1. If any section, sub-section, paragraph, sentence or any other part of this ordinance is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this ordinance.
SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances which are inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect 20 days after final passage and publication as prescribed by law.
]]>
MILLBURN TOWNSHIP
ORDINANCE 2663-24
The bond ordinance, the summary terms of which are included herein, was introduced and passed upon first reading at a meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of Millburn, in the County of Essex, State of New Jersey, on March 5, 2024. It will be further considered for final passage, after public hearing thereon, at a meeting of the Township Committee to be held at its meeting room in the Town Hall, 375 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, New Jersey, on April 2, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. During the week prior to and up to and including the date of such meeting copies of the full ordinance will be available, at no cost and during regular business hours, at the Clerk's office for the members of the general public who shall request the same. The summary of the terms of such bond ordinance follows:
Title: BOND ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAKING OF VARIOUS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS IN, BY AND FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF MILLBURN, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX, STATE OF NEW JERSEY, TO APPROPRIATE THE SUM OF $7,000,000 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF, TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT, TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS TO FINANCE SUCH APPROPRIATION AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS.
The purposes, appropriations and bonds/notes authorized in this multipurpose bond ordinance are as follows:
SCHEDULE OF IMPROVEMENTS, PURPOSES AND AMOUNTS
A. Acquisition of real property located at 20 Brookside Drive (designated as Block 1304, Lot 15 on the Tax Assessment Map of the Township) for public purposes.
Appropriation and Estimated Cost $1,800,000
Down Payment Appropriated $86,000
Bonds and Notes Authorized $1,714,000
Period of Usefulness 40 years
B. Undertaking of various buildings and grounds improvements to the Paper Mill Playhouse (owned by the Township).
Appropriation and Estimated Cost $5,200,000
Down Payment Appropriated $1,114,000
Bonds and Notes Authorized $4,086,000
Period of Usefulness 10 years
-------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate Appropriation and Estimated Cost $7,000,000
Aggregate Down Payment Appropriated $1,200,000
Aggregate Amount of Bonds and Notes
Authorized $5,800,000
Grants (if any) Appropriated: -0-
Section 20 Costs: $250,000
Useful Life: 18.86 years
This Notice is published pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:2-17.
BY ORDER OF THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
Christine A. Gatti, RMC, Millburn Township Clerk
MILLBURN, NJ -- The Millburn Visual Arts Department will be hosting the 2024 Youth Art Celebration in the Millburn High School gym on March 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. According to the department, "This esteemed event celebrates the creativity and artistic endeavors of our young individuals. This year, we are excited to showcase the artistic achievements of students from all Millburn schools."
March is Youth Art Month, and the Youth Art Celebration's mission is to display students' artwork, enable the students to interact with fellow artists and to engage with the local community. An arts department spokesperson also mentioned that participating in such events fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment among students, motivating them to further explore their artistic talents.
Displays include paintings, drawings, sculptures and mixed media.
]]>
MILLBURN, NJ – John Yen was gardening at his house when he noticed a fossil! He researched it and found that it’s from the Devonian period, which was 419-369 million years ago.
Yen explained, “The fossil is sandwiched within a sedimentary rock formed from compressed sea mud/sand. This shellfish is a Brachiopod, specifically Mucrospirifer. During the Devonian period, northwest New Jersey and southwest New York was a warm shallow sea.” He continued, “Brachiopods, bryozoans, corals, crinoids, and trilobites are common fossils found in the Devonian rocks of the upper Delaware River Valley in northwestern Warren and Sussex Counties."
Nearby, on the Livingston/Roseland border, many dinosaur bones have been found at Riker Hill Fossil Site. Fossils can be found all over New Jersey!
MILLBURN, NJ – Millburn’s Restaurant Week begins in four days on Sunday, March 17 and continues through Saturday, March 23. Over 40 restaurants, cafés, sweet shops and wine boutiques will be offering 60 specials in Millburn and Short Hills.
This year, the Carriage House Restaurant at the Paper Mill Playhouse will join in the celebration with prix fixe meals, new dishes, free tastings and more from some of the best spots in Essex County.
Restaurant Week was organized by Explore Millburn in collaboration with The Opportunity Project, a Millburn-based non-profit which provides programs and services for individuals with brain injuries, including work adjustment, training and supported employment services, has. “Participating restaurants will raise money, raise awareness and provide volunteer opportunities for Opportunity Project members (survivors of brain injury) to work in their establishments,” explained Amanda Dean with Explore.
Some of the restaurants taking part in the festivities are La Strada, Jack’s Surf & Turf, Cara Mia, Sushi Zero, EVOO & Lemon, Sugar Bear Candy Store, Indian Xpress, Springbone Kitchen and Café Monet. Residents can enjoy local gastronomic and libation specials for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, dessert, free tastings, wine boutiques and culinary experiences.
Specials include: prix fixe menus, tasting menus, percentage discounts, complimentary drinks, appetizers or desserts with entrées, free tastings, new recipes, wine tastings and more.
The Carriage House Restaurant at the Paper Mill Playhouse will also be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Murder Mystery Dinner as well as a Broadway vocalist evening and a French wine tasting dinner.
Restaurant Week patrons are encouraged to contact eateries directly to inquire about vegetarian, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, food allergies, outdoor seating and other information.
Click HERE to view the Millburn-Short Hills Restaurant Week specials.
Email marketing@exploremillburnshorthills.org for additional information.
To learn more about the Opportunity Project, email Julie London jlondon@opportunityproject.org or visit the website www.opportunityproject.org
If you would like more information about Restaurant Week, please contact Amanda Dean by phone (908) 838-8612 or by email marketing@exploremillburnshorthills.org. Updates will be available on Instagram and Facebook.
RWJ Barnabas Health and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center are sponsoring the week of special restaurant offers.
]]>NEWARK, NJ -- Millburn High School's (MHS) VEX Robotics teams had an impressive showing at the New Jersey State Championship at NJIT this past Saturday, competing among 42 of New Jersey's finest teams in a demonstration of skill and teamwork. "In a testament to their excellence, Millburn managed to secure 3 of the 8 spots available for the World Championship in Dallas this April, a significant achievement given the stiff competition," shared MHS Computer Teacher Hilton Seibert. He continued, "Notably, the finals offered a Millburn vs. Millburn match-up, highlighting the depth and talent within their program. This outstanding performance at the state level has set the stage for their next challenge: competing on the global stage at the World Championship."
According to Seibert, Team 7405R stood out by winning the Design Award and the overall tournament. This victory secures their place at the VEX Robotics World Championship. Team 7405N reached the Tournament Finals, demonstrating their competitive edge and also qualifying for the global stage. Team 7405K, captured the Innovate Award and advanced to the Quarterfinals, ensuring their participation at Worlds. Team 7405M made it to the Quarterfinals, showing their prowess among a strong field of competitors.
This year's performance marks the fourth state championship win for Millburn in the last five years, highlighting the teams' consistent excellence and dedication. Their upcoming seventh appearance in eight years at the World Championship is a proud moment for Millburn, reminding us of their world championship win in 2019 and underscoring their place in the global robotics community.
As the teams prepare for Dallas, there's a sense of anticipation for the opportunity to compete at an international level. The World Championship is not only a platform to showcase their robots but also a chance to engage with teams from around the world, exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Seibert said he's very proud of the team members and excited about the World Championship, as are the students.
Congratulations to Millburn's VEX Robotics teams on their state championship success. The entire community is rooting for you as you represent us at the World Championship in Dallas.
]]>
ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
PUBLIC NOTICE
48-Hour Notice of Special Meeting for Closed Session
6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024
NOTICE that the Millburn Township Committee will hold a Special Meeting on March 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building in the meeting room, 375 Millburn Avenue, Millburn. A quorum of the Millburn Township Committee is expected to be present at this special meeting for the purpose of conducting a closed session to discuss: Pending Litigation/Attorney-Client - Fair Share Housing & Contract Negotiations and Attorney Client Privilege Briefing – RPM Development Group. The only formal action that is expected to be taken at this meeting is consideration of a resolution to enter into closed session as required by law.
Christine Gatti, Municipal Clerk
Millburn Township
MILLBURN, NJ – Two residents asked the township committee to create crosswalks across Wyoming Avenue. Judith Christian brought up the topic, “I'm here to appeal to the township to work with the county to have crossing strikes placed across Wyoming Avenue as is done on Wyoming Avenue in Maplewood.” She added, “This will entail only six crossings at the following locations. Chestnut, Cedar, Pine, Elm, Maple and Mountain, as crossings already exist at Linden for the church and Cypress for the Wyoming school.”
She noted that Wyoming is a county road, but pointed out that it’s a residential area with many walkers and runners who should have crossing areas at every street. Christian also mentioned that there’s no sidewalk on the right side of Wyoming, so people have to walk in the street or go across Wyoming to get to a sidewalk. She shared that she’s lived on the corner of Linden for decades and cars and trucks speed up once they cross Cypress Street, which is downhill. She speculated that a pedestrian crossing would serve as a reminder not to speed.
Carol Kirsch agreed and suggested speed limit reminders as well. “I have lived on the upper side of Wyoming Avenue for over 40 years. 35 years ago, when my children first started to attend the Wyoming Elementary school. I, like other parents in my neighborhood, were very concerned with the necessity of our children having to navigate this highly traveled multi-town access road just to get to their school or visit their school friends who lived on the opposite side of Wyoming Avenue.”
Kirsh recommended that the Pine Street side of the school should have a school sign. “The speed and often impatient behavior of drivers has dramatically increased and has made roads like Wyoming Avenue even more dangerous now for preschool children and other pedestrians,” she remarked.
Committee Member Ben Stoller responded, “I'm a neighbor of Wyoming and Cedar, and I'm all for the crosswalks and whatever else we can do to manage traffic on Wyoming. It is very, very difficult crossing Wyoming at any time of day.” He went on to say that the speed traps that Police Chief Gilfedder had set up were very effective, and he’d like to see those in addition to the crosswalks.
Business Administrator Alex McDonald also commented on the issue. “That will be brought up to the district Safety Advisory Board meeting. Mayor Romano and myself sit on that board. We'll make sure that that's addressed.” He continued, “We'll get a little bit more information and understanding of Wyoming Avenue and what particular intersections have ADA-accessible curbs, as that plays heavily into it and whether a crosswalk can be furnished at a particular intersection.”
]]>MILLBURN, NJ-- Last Friday, March 8, Millburn High School's South Asian Club hosted a henna event in collaboration with the International Club. A total of 56 students attended. Some participated in a competition for prizes, others received temporary tattoos from volunteer artists, and others simply enjoyed the ambiance.
Overall, the event raised over $250, which will be donated to Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), a non-profit organization in New Delhi that educates and provides for underprivileged people with cerebral palsy. The South Asian Club has previously held similar fundraisers for this organization, though the henna event was the first of its kind.
President and co-founder Armaan Jindal elaborated on the club's mission. "Having visited and volunteered for AADI for years, we can attest that it is truly a worthy organization that is creating significant positive change in the lives of many. Seeing the empowerment brought about by the creation of handicrafts and the celebration of culture inspired us to try the same in our own community."
Henna, a natural substance derived from the leaves of the henna plant, is used for body art, hair coloring and fabric staining. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations in regions like North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, where it was used for its cooling properties and as a dye.
Originating in ancient Egypt, henna's cultural significance has spread across various countries, including India, Pakistan, Morocco and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It holds deep symbolic value in these regions, where it is an important part of wedding rituals, festivals and celebrations. Beyond its ornamental uses, henna also has cooling properties, making it a popular choice for body art in hot climates.
In the West, the word "henna" is commonly used to refer to what is called "mehndi" in other regions, but in reality, mehndi specifically refers to the art of applying henna paste onto the skin. Henna denotes the dye itself, while mehndi encompasses the cultural practice of creating intricate designs, usually on the hands and feet. These designs can range from geometric shapes to elaborate floral motifs, symbolizing joy, beauty and auspicious occasions.
This event was certainly auspicious. In addition to celebrating South Asian culture, the henna event was held in honor of International Women’s Day. According to the organizers, “Since henna was traditionally associated with women, the South Asian and International Clubs hoped this event would bring awareness to South Asian cultural traditions and empower women of all backgrounds to embrace their heritage and identity.”
Somya Dave, a Millburn High School junior and member of the South Asian club, shared her experience. "I really enjoyed the Henna event because it gave me the opportunity to learn how to use henna for the first time! I also got to compete with my friends, which was very fun.”
The event featured traditional South Asian snacks and drinks, including rusk biscuits, samosas and chai tea. A combination of these sweets and savories, energetic South Asian music and a showcasing of intricate henna designs, promoted diversity, honored women and celebrated the beauty of this culture.
The South Asian Club hopes to continue its efforts to promote diversity, facilitate an inclusive environment for all cultures and raise money for organizations like AADI. The International Club has a similar goal — to this end, keep an eye out for future collaborations between students.
]]>
MILLBURN, NJ – Millburn Public Library will host its Third Annual Makers Day on March 15-17, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m, in the library auditorium. This tradition, which began a decade ago in New Jersey, offers students an opportunity to experiment with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). According to Makers Day's website, the mission of Makers Day is to “showcase and highlight STEM and maker culture, enhancing life-long learning.”
Sarah Pardi, Head of Millburn Library Public Services explained, “The maker movement in the United States isn’t just a hobby; it’s having a significant impact on school curriculum development and growing local economies. To celebrate making and maker culture, residents throughout New Jersey will come together on Saturday, March 16 in public, school and college libraries.”
Pardi shared that NJ Makers Day is designed to be a statewide event that celebrates, promotes and in many cases may introduce maker culture, as well as the values associated with making, tinkering and STEM-based learning.
“We are so excited to present our third annual Makers Day celebration here at Millburn Library" said Pardi, “We are committed to finding ways to help people learn new skills and work collaboratively on exciting hands-on projects. Community members of all ages are invited to join us for an exciting day filled with activities focusing on maker culture.” She continued, “There will be demonstrations of maker technology as well as take-home projects and activities suitable for all. We are grateful to the Friends of the Millburn Library for supporting this year's program."
In 2015, New Jersey held its first Makers Day in libraries throughout the state with a grant from LibraryLinkNJ. Public libraries organized the events. “The goal was to enhance community engagement and develop connections among New Jersey residents by collaborating with multi-type libraries, museums, small businesses and others to promote and explore new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and hands-on learning experiences,” per the Makers Day website.
No registration is necessary.
For more information, please contact Pardi at sarah@millburnlibrary.org or visit the Library website at millburnlibrary.org. Find out more about New Jersey Makers Day at www.njmakersday.org.
]]>
MILLBURN, NJ – During Tuesday’s Millburn Township Committee, Business Administrator Alex McDonald shared, “On tonight's agenda is a resolution for the township committee to consider the support of two bills that are currently in committee in the New Jersey Senate.” He shared that the bills upgrade the charge of a home burglary from a third degree offense to a second degree offense.
McDonald continued, “I think both of these bills are slightly different, [although] both accomplish the same thing, which is that they created a greater penalty for those that continue to do this type of crime.” Click HERE for more information about S833 and HERE for additional information about S892.
He stated that the township encourages residents to reach out to their state legislators and contact information is now on the township's website.
Regarding accessory development units, Deputy Mayor Frank Saccomandi reported, “We are formulating our strategy of what is the best way to deal with that. I'm concerned about it.” He continued, “I find the legislation particularly concerning because I view it as the state encroaching on local municipalities’ zoning rights. The League of Municipalities seems to agree with that sentiment, and they are opposing this as well.”
He suggested that if all members of the township committee agree, the committee should write a resolution officially opposing it. He added, “I think more municipalities need to speak out against this, because I think we're seeing this all too often when the state is coming in and starting to find ways to encroach on our local zoning. They did it with Fair Share, and now are trying to do it with these accessory dwelling units.”
Saccomandi explained that he feels accessory development should be under each town’s control, so each can customize a policy that will fit the town.
Committee Member Michael Cohen encouraged residents to write to legislators about the accessory dwelling units if they are opposed to the state determining zoning laws for the township.
]]>
MILLBURN, NJ – During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Millburn Township Committee honored the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges (IFPO) for serving food insecure residents of Essex County. The organization was founded 30 years ago, and one of the founders, Juli Towell was in the audience.
Laura Janay of the Community Service Award Committee stated, “Our committee is thrilled to recognize this organization for many reasons. We were especially impressed with how our Interfaith Food Pantry partners with local houses of worship from all over Essex County and their long-standing relationships with other nonprofit agencies.”
She spoke about IFPO securing donations from Millburn-Short Hills residents of all ages -- as students have collected food -- and helping to provide essential supplies including canned goods and cereal drives and hosting a winter coat drive. “This organization represents what our community can do and will do with strength, determination and commitment. They identified a problem and developed a scalable solution to effectively address it through maximizing existing resources.”
Janay expressed her hope that the community will continue to assist the IFPO and promote it. She shared some statistics, “In addition to providing food for 600 families a week, which is an amazing number, this organization -- led by Kristin Sterling, Jodi Cooperman and many other Millburn-Short Hills residents -- is committed to also ensuring that the families receive holiday gifts, feminine products, diapers, and they even host wellness clinics where clients can assess preventative health care options.”
“Please consider donating or getting involved by volunteering,” urged Janay. She concluded, “It is our job as a community service to make people aware that they can actually donate funds or their time, which is important to them.”
Mayor Annette Romano read the proclamation:
WHEREAS. Millburn Township Committee values the contributions of volunteers in the township and wants to recognize outstanding volunteer efforts that reflect the giving spirit of our community; and
WHEREAS, the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, was founded 30 years ago by residents of Millburn-Short Hills and officially incorporated as an independent 501(c3) several years later in 2012. Half of the current board members and many core volunteers are also township residents and pride themselves on their unparalleled teamwork and commitment to the organization and the community; and
WHEREAS, the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges was formed to help meet the essential human needs of food security, Essex County residents with dignity and respect, doing so by delivering their services 39 weeks a year; and
WHEREAS, along with many other volunteers, a record 11,000 plus yearly volunteer hours, where volunteers currently serve 600 families a week, providing enough provisions for 25,000 people a year, which doubled during COVID; and
WHEREAS, the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges has forged and maximized partnerships with local, state and federal agencies, businesses, corporations and other nonprofit organizations. In addition to providing sustenance for their clients, IFPO distributes diverse personal hygiene supplies and toiletries and hosts quarterly wellness clinics where clients have access to preventative health care; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Annette Romano, Mayor of the Township of Millburn, on behalf of the township committee and members of the Millburn community, acknowledge and applaud the continuing efforts of the local volunteers and board members of the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges who are committed to supporting food insecure families and individuals in Essex County.
Sterling thanked the Township Committee as well as the Awards Committee for recognizing the IFPO. “As mentioned, roughly 30 years ago Janet Towell, who's with us tonight, came together to help our neighbors in need with dignity and respect.”
She noted that Diane Stein and Janet Schwamm took the helm about 20 years ago. Sterling described the organization, “[It’s a] partnership between an amazing group of people, our current working board, Jodi Cooperman and Karyn Boosin Leit and 400 volunteers -- many from Millburn -- helping food insecure people in Orange, East Orange and West Orange.
Partnerships with local businesses, community groups, schools, nonprofits, healthcare providers and government organizations ensure food distribution and help IFPO succeed in its mission. Sterling shared that the number of people in need has increased dramatically. 12 years ago, about 100 clients needed food each week. In January 2020, just before COVID hit, 300 people attended distributions. Presently, there are 650 clients -- or 1,700 when you factor in all family members. The need continues to grow, and in 2023, there were over 25,000 visits to the pantry -- a 20% increase over 2020.
Stirling reported that IFPO has changed its offerings from basic non-perishable food to fresh items like produce, milk, eggs, protein and menstrual care products and household essentials. “This often means purchasing 650 units of these items. We also have a robust diaper program that assists 400 babies a month to further help clients IFPO and most agencies on site to provide information on benefits such as SNAP, WIC and health insurance," said Stirling.
“We partnered with health care organization to provide screenings and vaccinations on site throughout the year, making us a one-stop shop for clients. They can come and get their food and then continue right on to get a COVID vaccine. In the early days of COVID, our leadership team dedicated countless hours to planning how we could reopen,” remarked Sterling.
She shared that IFPO members worry constantly about people in need and brainstorm new ways to help. Sterling stated, “Our registration team knows deeply personal stories of countless families and helps direct them to support when the burden becomes extra heavy. The IFPO community is truly the most amazing, dedicated, hardworking, caring group of people, and we all feel honored to be a part of it.”
She thanked the township committee emphatically for the award.
To learn more, to volunteer or to support IPFO, please visit their website.
]]>