MONTCLAIR, NJ - Thousands of people flocked to a church in Montclair to observe hundreds of sacred relics on display.
According to the Archdiocese of Newark, on February 24, nearly 200 sacred relics connected to Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, and a host of saints were showcased at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory (OLMC). Organizers stated that around 3,500 attendees from as far as Maine and Maryland were in attendance. This event, organized by the Archdiocese of Newark, offered the faithful a unique opportunity to view these unque artifacts.
After standing in line for blocks, participants were greeted by an extensive display that included significant pieces such as a fragment of the True Cross and a piece of the Virgin Mary’s veil. Visitors engaged deeply with the relics, with many pressing personal belongings against the reliquaries to create third-class relics for home prayer, while others held up photographs of loved ones, seeking the saints' intercession.
According to officials, the exhibit culminated in an invitation for all attendees to join in prayer and Mass at the oratory, enhancing the communal spirit of the day.
“I was happy to see so many people from New Jersey, New York, and all over because this is a great opportunity to learn more about the saints,” said Father Giandomenico Flora, OLMC’s rector, who heard confessions from exhibit guests throughout the afternoon.
“The saints were people like us, but with the help of God, they were able to do so much. We should all answer God’s call to holiness like they did because then we’ll find joy and peace in life. It’s not about what you have, it’s about what you do.”
Joseph Santoro, the U.S. regional delegate for the International Crusade for Holy Relics (ICHR), provided the relics. Santoro, who has collected around 400 holy items over two decades, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for these spiritual treasures. Following the success of this exhibition, plans are underway for a subsequent showcase at OLMC this fall, with aspirations to extend viewing opportunities elsewhere.
For more information about Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory, visit www.olmcmontclair.org.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx5NiTuDLkc
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - With the Leap Day deadline for filing nomination petitions for the seven Montclair council seats having passed and the candidates for the May 14 municipal election for mayor and councilors set, the Montclair Township Council conducted a conference meeting on March 12 that led to all of the tentative items on the agenda for the next council meeting on March 26 being passed as well as most of the items on the conference-meeting agenda.
The meeting lasted an hour before Mayor Sean Spiller and the councilors went into executive session. Overall, the meeting had a sense of a pro forma lame-duck session; Councilor-at-Large Robert Russo, the only member of the Spiller council standing for re-election, was absent, and candidates for the next council, including mayoral candidate Christina Thomas, spoke in public comment with an obvious look forward to the new council assuming office on July 1.
The council passed on second reading an ordinance creating the offices of senior assistant tax assessor and superintendent of recreation but tabled another second-reading ordinance, this one authorizing the regulation of small cell wireless facilities within the rights-of-way through the township. The mayor and councilors also considered resolutions to purchase new police vehicles from the dealership network of the Fred Beans Auto Group – a purchase of police vehicles from Fred Beans Chevrolet in Doylestown, Pennsylvania (in Bucks County, across the river from New Jersey) and a single police vehicle from Fred Beans Ford in Washington Township in Warren County. Third Ward Councilor Lori Price Abrams, however, opined that the council should consider an electric police vehicle, as it was more sustainable and, because police vehicles was needed for the traffic patrol, presumably would not be needed for high-speed chases. Chief of Police Todd Conforti was compelled to respond, explaining that the infrastructure to support electric vehicles needed to be in place before the township could consider buying them. Both vehicle-purchase resolutions passed unanimously.
There were only seven measures to go over for the March 26, meeting, six of them resolutions, among them a resolution authorizing an emergency expenditure to repair the heating system at Department of Community Services building on North Fullerton , a resolution awarding a fair and open contract to Tropical Cleaning Services, LLC for janitorial for township buildings, and a resolution authorizing an amendment to the fair and open contract to American Royal Hardware on Park Street for maintenance, repair and operations supplies. The council simply decided to pass all of them immediately rather than wait two weeks. Mayor Spiller and the councilors even passed the only ordinance on the list for March 26, apparently on first reading, to mandate a multi-way boulevard stop at Upper Mountain Avenue at Jerome Place and Seneca Place.
Public comment was dominated by would-be members of the next council, the candidates speaking on different topics. First Ward Councilor candidate Erik D’Amato said that he would be interested in pursuing, if elected, a measure prohibiting the Montclair Township Council from passing resolutions supporting sides in international conflicts, as he thought a municipal governing body should not concern itself with foreign affairs. Mayoral candidate Christina Thomas agreed with D’Amato, but she also said that residents and municipal candidates should always be assertive in pursuing Montclair’s best interests. Thomas also, however, asked the current council members not to burden their successors with their choices for administrative positions.
Second Ward Councilor candidate Eileen Birmingham said that she was eager to support building the necessary infrastructure that Chief Conforti said was necessary for electric vehicles for the police. She also advocated for a fleet of smaller cars for the police, complaining that sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are too dangerous owing to their height and bulk. Birmingham, however, overlooked the inconvenient fact that sedans – the traditional choice for police vehicles before SUVs became popular as mainstream vehicles – have been disappearing from the American motor-vehicle market over the past several years. Chevrolet, for example, is down to one sedan model – the Malibu – and Ford discontinued all of its non-SUV models except for the Mustang sports coupe as of 2020. SUVs and pickup trucks in fact accounted for 80 percent of new-vehicle sales in 2021.
Interim Township Manager Michael Lapolla took advantage of the meeting to welcome three new hires to the township’s administrative offices, all of whom were present to receive his welcomes. Manger Lapolla welcomed Austin Ashley as the new director of the Department of Community Services, Annie Tyra as the new township communications specialist, and well-known Montclair resident Norma Tassy as the new director of the Department of Administration.
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - An alarm was triggered at Grove Pharmacy after suspects threw a large rock and broke the glass door, says Montclair Police officials.
On March 7, officers were called to Grove Pharmacy in response to a triggered burglar alarm at around 3:40 AM. Upon arrival, officers discovered the pharmacy's front glass door had been shattered.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the perpetrators had used a large rock to break through the door. Inside, the cash register was found open and emptied, with coins scattered across the floor. In addition, an undisclosed quantity of Alprazolam, a medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, was missing from the premises. It was noted, however, that narcotics stored in a different section of the pharmacy were left untouched.
According to police, surveillance footage captured two male suspects exiting a vehicle and approaching the pharmacy at approximately 3:37 AM. Armed with a bag retrieved from their car's trunk, they apparently used rocks to smash the front window and gained entry by 3:38 AM.
The first suspect was seen wearing gray sweatpants adorned with red print on the right leg, a blue hooded sweatshirt, black gloves, a face mask, grey sneakers, and was carrying a blue Walmart bag. The second suspect was dressed in a black and blue North Face puffy jacket, black pants, black sneakers, black gloves, and a face mask. Following the break-in, the duo fled to a waiting vehicle on Oxford Street.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - A recent inspection by a local Code Enforcement Officer revealed significant vandalism at a vacant property located on Upper Mountain
Upon further investigation, it became evident that the structure had suffered extensive damage. According to what was reported to police, the backside of the property bore the brunt of the vandalism, with numerous exterior windows shattered and several doors damaged. There was also a reported presence of empty beer cans scattered throughout the residence and police presumed that juveniles had been gathering there.
The interior of the building was not spared, showing clear signs of intentional destruction. Additionally, an open rear window, presumably smashed out, was noted among the list of damages requiring immediate attention and boarding up.
Montclair police officials stated, "Code enforcement officers reported that they observed that the rear door on the first floor was open. The structure had been heavily vandalized and appears to have had juveniles visiting it. Many of the exterior windows at the rear of the property were broken out."
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - A North Willow Street resident's morning routine took an unexpected turn when his 2013 Volkswagen Passat began emitting unusual noises upon starting.
Concerned, the vehicle owner visited his mechanic for a diagnostic check, only to discover that his catalytic converter had been stolen.
He reported to the Montclair police that the theft is believed to have occurred between 8:00 PM and 9:00 AM on February 28, 2024.
MONTCLAIR, NJ - Montclair State University officials have announced that alums of MSU and Bloomfield College have formed a record label.
Corey Morgart and Therese Sheridan, graduates of Bloomfield College and Montclair State University, respectively, have united their expertise in Music Technology and Journalism and Public Relations to establish Space Hound Records, a new venture aimed at guiding emerging artists through the complexities of the music industry.
The alumni have merged their talents, expertise in Music Technology (Morgart at Bloomfield) and Journalism and Public Relations (Sheridan at Montclair) – to form their record label, Space Hound Records.
After graduating from Bloomfield, Morgart, also known by his producer name, MATRIXX, had worked as head engineer of a local record label that had productions featured on MTV, BET and radio stations such as HOT 97 and Power 105.1.
Sheridan studied Journalism and went on to pursue a master’s degree in Public and Organizational Relations, where she focused her research on social media within the music industry.
Sheridan told MSU journalism staff, together, “we understand the importance of not just creating great music, but also creating a strong brand identity and connecting with audiences."
Their combined skills have already borne fruit with the release of "Like Me," an R&B single by Newark's own RNBHunter, showcasing the label's commitment to quality music and robust artist branding. Beyond their professional achievements, Morgart and Sheridan's relationship has blossomed into a personal partnership, culminating in their engagement in January, nearly a decade after their first meeting in a youth band ensemble.
As Space Hound Records sets its sights on the future, its founders' shared vision and deep-rooted connection underscore their dedication to redefining artist support in the digital age.
For more infor, see MSU press release.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - AAPI Montclair is excited to host its third annual Color Run on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in a spirited celebration of the Indian festival of Holi and the Thai New Year, Songkran. Following the success of last year's event, which attracted over 1,200 participants and spectators, the organizers state that the upcoming Color Run is set to offer an even more dynamic and engaging experience for the community.
The event will feature a mix of music, activities, a dedicated color play zone, a photo booth, and other attractions designed to create a festive and inclusive atmosphere.
“The Color Run is a vibrant celebration of spring time renewal and the spirit of community,” said AAPI Montclair Board Member, Lavi Raghavan. “We come together to celebrate the Indian festival of Holi and the Thai New Year, Songkran. The race brings together a diverse cross section of our community while raising funds for our local schools.”
The 2024 Color Run will include a 5k race and a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk, inviting participants of all ages and abilities to take part. Whether running, walking, pushing strollers, or navigating wheelchairs, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. As racers make their way through Brookdale Park, they will be greeted with bursts of colored powder at various points along the route, embracing the colorful essence of Holi and the purifying waters of Songkran.
In line with its commitment to the community, AAPI Montclair will donate 10% of race fees to local school districts. Participants are encouraged to refer to the event webpage for specific codes to use at checkout to support this initiative.
Early bird registration is open until March 31, offering discounted rates of $30 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk. All registrants will receive a commemorative race t-shirt. To register and for more information, please visit the official event page. Confidential fee waivers are also available to ensure everyone can participate.
AAPI Montclair extends its gratitude to its generous sponsors, including Fleet Feet, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TATNY), Zura Blooms, New York Football Giants, Narmada Grocery, ENT and Allergy Associates, Beacon Wealth Partners, The Tutor Shack, Uptown Printing West Orange, and Mercado.
Proceeds from the Color Run will support AAPI Montclair's mission to foster a more inclusive community, advocate for AAPI rights and representation, and promote awareness and education about AAPI culture and history.
AAPI Montclair is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and uplifting the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Montclair, NJ, and throughout New Jersey. As a 501(c)3 organization, AAPI Montclair provides a brave space for sharing experiences, unifying voices, and creating meaningful action and representation for the AAPI community.
For additional details and to sign up for the Color Run, visit the race registration page. Join AAPI Montclair in this colorful celebration of culture, community, and spring renewal.
AAPI Montclair thanks the following sponsors for their generosity:
Fleet Feet – Community Partner
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TATNY) – Community Partner
Zura Blooms – Community Partner
New York Football Giants – Gold
Narmada Grocery – Silver
ENT and Allergy Associates – Bronze
Beacon Wealth Partners – Bronze
The Tutor Shack – Bronze
Uptown Printing West Orange – Bronze
Mercado – Bronze
For more information and to register for the race, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Montclair/AAPIMontclairColorRun.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - Todd Huffman, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center and Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center, has been honored as CFO of the Year by Ardent Health Services.
This prestigious award is given yearly to a CFO who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to financial accuracy and ethical standards, contributing significantly to the financial milestones that facilitate ongoing investments in patient care and services.
“Todd’s leadership and dedication to helping sustain high quality, equitable healthcare in our region is an essential part of our facilities’ success in caring for others,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “The growth and financial strength of Mountainside and Pascack Valley are a testament to his expertise and servant leadership.”
Huffman was selected for this accolade from a pool of candidates across Ardent's extensive network, which encompasses 30 hospitals and over 200 care sites in six states. Ardent Health Services, in collaboration with Hackensack Meridian Health, manages both the Mountainside Medical Center and Pascack Valley Medical Center.
About Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center
Mountainside Medical Center has been serving Montclair and its surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The hospital provides patients immediate access to innovative and effective treatment alternatives at specialized centers within the hospital that focus on imaging, women’s health, cancer care, surgery, obesity, stroke and chronic kidney disease. Mountainside Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services and is one of only a few community hospitals licensed by the State to perform emergency and elective cardiac angioplasty. To learn more about Mountainside Medical Center visit www.mountainsidehosp.com.
About Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center
Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center is a 128-bed, full-service acute-care community hospital dedicated to upholding the esteemed standard of care synonymous with Hackensack Meridian Health. The hospital’s cutting-edge facility boasts a range of advanced medical services, including a renovated Emergency Department, a state-of-the-art maternity center, a specialized women’s imaging center, comprehensive cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, leading centers for joint replacement and bariatric care, and a dedicated intensive/critical care unit. Patient well-being and comfort are prioritized above all else, ensuring you receive the personalized care and attention you deserve. Discover the quality care you've been seeking at Pascack Valley Medical Center. To learn more, please visit us at PascackMedicalCenter.com.
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - Montclair Township officials have announced that Upper Mountain Avenue, stretching from Watchung Avenue to Berkeley Place, is scheduled for closure due to a water main construction project. The closure will commence on Monday, March 4th, 2024, and will affect the area between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
The road will be closed on a daily basis, conditional on favorable weather, for the duration of the construction project. Both Watchung Avenue and Berkeley Place will remain accessible to traffic during this period, unless otherwise noted.
Community members are encouraged to spread the word about the upcoming construction and to plan alternate travel routes to avoid the affected area during work hours. Delays are to be expected, and motorists are urged to exercise caution when navigating near the construction zone.
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - The following blotter was released by the Montclair Police Department for the week of February 20, 2024 – February 27, 2024:
Theft
February 21, 2024 (Claremont Avenue): The resident reported that he received a notification that a package had been delivered to his front door. The package was reportedly signed for however, was missing from the porch. The package contained approximately $600 in merchandise.
Attempted Burglary
February 23, 2024 (Overlook Road): The resident reported that while he was making his morning coffee, he looked out of his kitchen window and observed a male with a thin build wearing a black tracksuit attempting to open the back door to his neighbor’s house. He observed three males in total. The caller stated that all three suspects were wearing black cloth masks and could not provide any further description. The suspects were unable to make entry at which time all suspects fled to an awaiting black Audi which was parked on Overlook Road. The black Audi was last seen traveling west on Overlook Road and out of sight. The suspects were possibly attempting to get to an Audi S7 that was parked in the neighbor’s driveway.
Dispute
February 24, 2024 (Pine Street): The victim reported that he was involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical with another male in the lower level of the Bay Street Parking Deck. At one point, the victim was struck in the head with a chair. The victim was treated at Mountainside Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
MV Crime
February 27, 2024 (Madison Avenue): The victim reported that she was supervising work being conducted on a Madison Avenue property. When she returned to her vehicle, she discovered the passenger side front window had been shattered. Miscellaneous work equipment was reportedly stolen.
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The Montclair Fire Department disclosed that firefighters rushed to tackle a fire on North Willow Street, adjacent to a building, around 7:09 a.m. on Wednesday. A Dodge Charger, parked nearby, was found ablaze, particularly from its engine compartment. The fire, intensified by the proximity of overhead power lines, presented significant risks.
Despite the hurdles, the fire crew managed to douse the flames, although the Charger was left significantly damaged. No injuries were linked to this incident. After extinguishing the fire, the damaged vehicle was towed away, and municipal workers were deployed to salt the area, enhancing road safety.
The incident also caused minor smoke to seep into a nearby parking garage, leading emergency services to clear the smoke with fans, safeguarding the structure.
Simultaneously, Montclair State University experienced a separate fire incident at the Red Hawk parking deck, involving three vehicles. This incident led to the temporary shutdown of the parking facility to commuters.
Authorities are presently investigating the origins of both fire incidents.
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Mayor and Township Council are excited to announce the launch of Montclair's Home Improvement Program, designed to support homeowners in need of essential repairs. This initiative offers up to $24,000 in repair assistance, aiming to enhance living conditions and maintain the structural integrity of homes within the community.
Homeowners residing in Montclair, who meet the income criteria based on their household size, could qualify for substantial financial assistance. The program targets those in need of major system repairs or replacements, including roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, and more, addressing both interior and exterior health, safety, and code compliance issues.
The goal of the Home Improvement Program is to assist low- and moderate-income households in making their homes safe, energy-efficient, and up to code. Eligible repairs extend to critical areas such as roof integrity, plumbing systems (including the replacement of outdated pipes), heating systems, electrical work, structural support, foundation work, and weatherization improvements like windows, doors, and insulation.
To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the residence, provide a copy of the recorded deed, ensure that property taxes and mortgages are current, and hold a valid homeowners insurance policy. Additionally, the household's annual gross income must fall below the program's specified limits, which vary by household size and are updated annually.
Income Eligibility Guidelines for 2024:
- 1 Person: $69,344
- 2 Persons: $79,251
- 3 Persons: $89,157
- 4 Persons: $99,063
- 5 Persons: $106,988
- 6 Persons: $114,913
- 7 Persons: $122,838
- 8 Persons: $130,763
Applying for this program is free, and it does not impact your credit score. The financial assistance is provided as a zero-interest (0%), ten-year forgivable loan, requiring no monthly payments. The loan is entirely forgiven after a ten-year period, provided the homeowner remains in the house.
This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis, urging eligible homeowners to act swiftly to benefit from this generous offering.
How to Apply:
For those interested in applying, a pre-application form is available online. For further inquiries or assistance, the Program Administrator at Community Grants Planning & Housing can be contacted at 609-664-2781 or via email at bmccann@cgph.net.
Landlords with rental properties are also encouraged to inquire about available funding, as the program extends support to maintain rental units within code standards.
Sponsored by the Township of Montclair and funded through development fees, this Home Improvement Program reflects Montclair's commitment to ensuring its residents have access to safe, comfortable, and well-maintained homes.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - A confrontation escalated into a physical altercation at a Montclair parking deck, according to local authorities.
On February 24, a heated argument at the Bay Street Parking Deck in Montclair, took a violent turn when one individual struck another in the head with a chair, as reported by the police.
The incident unfolded last Saturday in the lower level of the parking deck located on Pine Street. The Montclair Police Department shared details of the event, stating, "The victim reported that he was involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical with another male in the lower level of the Bay Street Parking Deck. At one point, the victim was struck in the head with a chair.”
Emergency services transported the injured party to Mountainside Hospital, where they received treatment for injuries deemed not life-threatening, according to the police report.
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - A Montclair resident's routine coffee-making led to the discovery of a burglary attempt at a neighbor's home, according to Montclair Police Officials.
An ordinary morning took an unexpected turn for a Montclair resident when he noticed suspicious activity outside his neighbor's home, located on Overlook Road
Authorities detailed that as the resident prepared his morning coffee on Friday, he spotted an individual with a slim figure clad in a black tracksuit trying to open the back door of the neighboring house. He reported to police tat he observed a total of three individuals, all of whom were donning black cloth masks, obscuring any further identification.
“The resident reported that while he was making his morning coffee, he looked out of his kitchen window and observed a male with a thin build wearing a black track suit attempting to open the back door to his neighbor’s house," said Police.
Despite their efforts, the trio was unsuccessful in gaining entry and promptly fled the scene in a black Audi. The vehicle was last seen heading west on Overlook Road before disappearing from view.
Police speculate that the burglars may have been targeting an Audi S7 parked in the neighbor's driveway.
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RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Senior guard Evan O'Relly reached 1,000 points on the season as the top seeded Maroons coasted to victory over the Montclair Mounties in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 Tournament by a score of 68-48.
Ridgewood was firing on all cylinders right from the opening tip, starting the game on an 11-2 scoring run in the opening minutes. The Maroons continued to press the gas and found themselves with an impressive 22-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the first quarter, Ridgewood senior guard Evan O’Reilly became the second Maroon to total 1,000 points this season after junior Johnny Jackson eclipsed that mark earlier this year.
“Before the season, I knew it was possible,” O’Reilly told TAPinto Ridgewoood after the game. “I think I was fortunate to get it out of the way early because at the end of the day you want to win the game. I was happy we got it out the way early and focus on beating Montclair, who are a very good team.”
In the second, Ridgewood still had no problem scoring, but Montclair’s offensive rebounding prowess as well as some costly turnovers by the Maroons kept the Mounties in the game headed into halftime. After two quarters played, Ridgewood led 35-24.
After the intermission, the Maroons stayed relentless on the offense, making it difficult for Montclair to try and mount a comeback. At one point early in the third quarter, the Mounties had cut the Ridgewood lead to seven points, but the Maroons quickly regained their double-digit advantage and never looked back. The Ridgewood offense, headlined by O’Reilly and Jackson, proved to be too much for Montclair. By the end of the third quarter, the game was pretty much over with Ridgewood leading 53-36.
“I kept telling them ‘It is coming’ because in every game that I watched [Montclair] was down double digits and came roaring back,” Ridgewood head coach Mike Troy noted on the Mounties' ability to win games after trailing. “I was waiting for it, and I was happy that we were able to weather it.”
Ridgewood was able to easily hang on for the win Monday evening, getting the chance to empty their bench and play some of the out of rotation players the last few minutes of the game against Montclair. The win may have been the Maroons' most complete game of the season as the team scored almost 70 points while holding their opponents to under 50, instilling a lot of confidence in the squad as they move forward in the state tournament. Coming into the playoffs, the Maroons had been struggling down the stretch, going just 3-6 in the last nine games leading up to their first-round match last Wednesday. The way Ridgewood played Monday night gave Troy and his players a new sense of optimism headed into this Wednesday’s semifinal bout with Memorial.
“I actually think it is terrific, we have not been ourselves the last three weeks to a month,” Troy said. “We had a couple games where we thought we were back, but tonight was the first time in a month that we looked like a one seed. We needed that. I think we needed to feel it again. When you watched them, it looked like they had fun out there and I do not know if we had that.”
Ridgewood’s top seed status comes with a certain level of confidence, but coupled with the firepower on offense from O’Reilly and Jackson, it is not hard to see where the bravado of this Maroons team comes from. This season, the pair has scored over 2,000 points combined, and were scoring at will on Monday against Montclair.
“The vibe is good,” O’Reilly said of the chemistry between him and Jackson. “We can play off each other and everyone else plays together. We all know our roles well, and I think we play great as a team.”
“I would put my one-two up against anybody,” Troy said of the pair. “Sometimes it makes it hard because you may want to run something, but when you have two guys who can just go, sometimes you just got to let them go. It is a pleasure to coach them, and it is a pleasure to watch them.”
Throughout the season, Troy has emphasized the importance of having the path to a sectional title go through Ridgewood. The last two years have proven that playing games at home can be extremely beneficial as the Maroons won the sectional title as the top seed in 2022 but then had to go travel to Paterson only to lose in the sectional title game in 2023. Ridgewood felt a little nervous playing in front of the home crowd through the first two games, but as the games get bigger and bigger, the Maroons will be able to feed off the energy from that crowd more and more.
“Tonight’s crowd was better than last week’s crowd and I presume that Wednesday’s crowd is going to be even bigger and better than tonight,” Troy said. “It is special to play here. Going into the playoffs, we were 11-3 at home, that matters. That is why we put so much pressure on ourselves for that. We are in a good spot, we just got to take care of business.”
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - Mayor Spiller has announced that he won't seek re-election.
Mayor Spiller, who took office in 2020 after serving on the township council as 3rd Ward Councilor, made his intentions known through a social media post on Thursday. In addition to his role as mayor, Spiller, who is a science teacher in Wayne, has been a prominent figure in New Jersey education. He currently serves as the president of the New Jersey Education Association, the largest union for public school teachers in the state. His tenure as mayor has been rocky, among the many community concerns raised, one that was echoed the most, was whether or not it was a conflict of interest for him to serve as NJEA president and Mayor.
Montclair is gearing up for its municipal election on Tuesday, May 14, with seven seats, including the mayor's, up for election. The deadline for candidate filings was February 29. The seats up for re-election are as follows: the mayor, two at-large council members, and a council member in each of the four wards.
In his message, Spiller reflected on his tenure with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for Montclair's future.
"As I prepare to pass the baton of stewardship to the next elected leader of our community, I am more confident than ever that Montclair will continue to embody the values we hold dear," he stated.
Expressing his honor in serving as Montclair's mayor for 4 years and councilor the other 8, Spiller highlighted the town's achievements and his contributions towards creating a vibrant, diverse, and safe community. He pointed out the successful implementation of progressive initiatives alongside practical infrastructure improvements such as road paving, sewer line replacement, and debt reduction.
Mayor Spiller's tenure has seen the town through challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been marked by efforts to enhance the town's diversity, affordability, and community services. He took pride in the enactment of a rent control ordinance and the introduction of accessory dwelling units to maintain Montclair's inclusivity.
Spiller's entire message is below:
Dear Friends,
Montclair is more than just a place, it’s a home, and one I have been proud to serve for 12 years. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been rewarding to serve the town that we all share. It’s a great place to live and my wife and I are thrilled to be raising our children here.
As Mayor, I’ve sought to achieve what I think we all want - a vibrant, diverse, safe community that supports residents of all ages and means - with great schools and services, vibrant arts and culture, good jobs and easy commutes and affordable for all.
We are a community bound together by an abiding affection for our township and an enduring commitment to our shared values.
Montclair has earned our reputation as one of the leading progressive communities in the state and the nation, but we have also quietly paved roads, replaced sewer lines, removed lead pipes, and reduced our debt by millions of dollars.
As public servants we are stewards of this great town.
It has meant investing in areas often overlooked, tackling quality of life issues, and also leading during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. It requires leaning on relationships to handle emergencies that threaten our water supply and working to remove state-required red-tape for small businesses while also providing them local dollars during a health crisis.
And through all that, we are entrusted to protect our values and to strengthen the foundations for our township.
So, while Montclair has become one of the most desirable places to live, we have also taken unprecedented steps to protect our diversity and affordability. Despite previous unsuccessful efforts, we enacted a rent control ordinance for Montclair that protects renters and specifically limits increases for our seniors.
We created an ordinance that allows for accessory dwelling units that further allows for seniors and others to afford to call Montclair home. Also, as we continue to meet and exceed our affordable housing requirements, we were permitted by the courts to offer affordable housing opportunities to Montclair residents first.
Over the last four years we have charted a course that has set Montclair on a trajectory for a prosperous and sustainable future, while remaining firmly rooted in our progressive ideals and our diversity.
While we have accomplished much, adding multiple new parking decks to alleviate parking challenges, bringing in new arts and cultural events that bring our community together and draw national attention, and launched initiatives to provide safe paths for bicyclists and pedestrians, there is still more to be done.
But, by reducing our debt by more than seventy-five million dollars, we have created savings for taxpayers that allow us to make continuing investments in our township.
Montclair is experiencing exciting growth and prosperity.
New businesses are opening and calling Montclair home.
From Bloomfield Avenue to the South End, from Walnut Street to Watchung Plaza to Valley Road, our commercial districts are flourishing.
Our economy is thriving and we have made the investments and passed the protections needed to keep Montclair diverse and vibrant for years to come.
In the coming months, new development and creative repurposing of municipal property will breathe new life into underutilized buildings, providing Montclair the physical space needed to serve residents well into the future.
Our township’s solid foundation and commitment to progressive values allows us to be a model, not only to communities throughout the state of New Jersey, but across the country.
Montclair represents an ideal, an example of how to stand up to extremism, bigotry, inequalities, injustice, and to do so while responsibly governing in so many other ways.
Together, we have navigated difficult times and our differences and set our township on a course for continued prosperity grounded in a sustained commitment to the ideals for which Montclair stands.
I am grateful for so many who volunteered their time to serve on task forces to address pandemic challenges and for those who volunteer on countless committees and commissions. Also, I appreciate our talented and dedicated township employees who do so much every day for our township. Together, we have been part of a team to serve this community and I say thank you to all of you.
As I prepare to pass the baton of stewardship to the next elected leader of our community, I am more confident than ever that Montclair will continue to embody the values we hold dear.
Critical work remains ahead and I look forward to continuing to work alongside each and every one of you in service of our shared home.
I am so honored to have led Montclair as your Mayor and to serve for these past 12 years. I could not be more proud of all we have accomplished together.
With deepest gratitude and unwavering optimism,
Mayor Sean M. Spiller
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MONTCLAIR, NJ - A heated argument in a Montclair parking deck escalated to violence when one individual struck another with a chair, according to local police officials.
The incident, which took place at the Bay Street Parking Deck, located on Pine Street in Montclair, occurred on February 24. The Montclair Police Department provided details on the event, indicating that what began as a verbal altercation in the lower level of the parking deck took a dangerous turn when it became physical.
During the confrontation, one of the individuals involved used a chair as a weapon, hitting the victim in the head. Following the assault, the victim received medical attention at Mountainside Hospital and was found to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Montclair Police said, “The victim reported that he was involved in a verbal dispute that turned physical with another male in the lower level of the Bay Street Parking Deck. At one point, the victim was struck in the head with a chair.”
The Montclair Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the dispute and the subsequent attack.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Montclair Township Council had another early-start meeting on February 27 – at 6 P.M. instead of 7 P.M. Councilor-at-Large Robert Russo was absent, and Deputy Mayor / First Ward Councilor William Hurlock arrived late, missing the votes on two out of three pending ordinances. There seemed to be more pushback on measures up for a vote from withing the council than from the public, a good deal of that pushback coming from Fourth Ward Councilor David Cummings.
Councilor Cummings had issues with a couple of measures, most notably with a resolution authorizing the award of a professional services contract to the Government Strategy Group (GSG) to conduct a financial review and analysis of outstanding invoices from PSE&G – without public bidding. The councilor naturally found the lack of a request for proposal for numerous businesses to compete for the task of reconciling PSE&G invoices bad enough, but the fact that Interim Township Manager Michael Lapolla learned of the availability of the job he now holds through GSG was too much for the councilor. Furthermore, Councilor Cummings charged, he insisted that GSG does not perform the service of paying unpaid municipal bills for clients, and he found Manager Lapolla’s alleged connection with the firm to be a sign of “pay to play.”
Manager Lapolla pushed back just as hard, insisting that it was necessary to get GSG’s help to handle these outstanding bills with PSE&G immediately because to put out a request for proposal at this time would delay the effort to pay the bills until July, when a bid would be awarded at the earliest. (Though a new council with new members – such as a new councilor representing the Third Ward, with incumbent Lori Price Abrams having announced she would not seek re-election – would have to vote to award such a request for proposal initiated under the previous council, Manager Lapolla did not cite the municipal election as a reason for his stand.) As for his connection with GSG, Lapolla said he had “no relationship” with the firm, explaining that GSG had telephoned him out of the blue to ask him if he would be interested in serving as Montclair’s township manager ad interim. He reiterated that he never worked for GSG. None of this satisfied Councilor Cummings, as the council voted to authorize the contract with GSG, 5-1, with Councilor Cummings the sole dissenting vote. He said he planned to take this awarding of the contract to the state ethics board.
Second Ward Councilor Robin Schlager was less appalled by the GSG contact than she was by the fact that there was a pile of unpaid PSE&G bills in the first place. Councilor Cummings told her that that unpaid bills among municipal governments are “not an anomaly,” and that numerous firms are employed by various townships to handle such situations. On that point, at least, the councilor and the township manager agreed.
Councilor Cummings also took issue with a first-reading ordinance creating the position of senior municipal tax collector, as well as a superintendent of recreation. The councilor zeroed in on the former position, saying that the title implied that the occupant of that position would outrank the head of tax assessments. Manager Lapolla said that such a position, which would pay between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, was a necessary position within the tax office. But the impasse was quickly solved when the manger suggested changing the title of the position to senior “assistant” tax assessor. Mayor Sean Spiller was amicable to it, and Councilor Cummings accepted the change. The first-reading ordinance was passed unanimously, 6-0.
Mayor Spiller and the councilors also received leaders of the Montclair Ambulance Unit (MAU) to make a presentation on the non-governmental department’s services. MAU Chief James Mazza discussed the unit’s financials, noting that it gets little federal money but no support from local taxes, and it relies largely on insurance funding for three out of every four dollars in its budget, with the rest generated through fundraising. Mazza said that the MAU has applied for a grant from the Partners for Health Foundation, and he expects its 2024 budget to come in at about $2 million. The Montclair Ambulance Unit, in 2023, responded to 1,090 general calls with responses to 436 falls, 270 car crashes, 265 instances of inebriation. 116 traumatic injuries, and 58 cardiac arrests.
Councilor Schlager asked if the MAU, a 501c3 organization, received support from any hospitals, and Mazza replied that the MAU works with Mountainside on CPR training and has received donations from the hospital. Mazza also told Councilor Price Abrams the MAU staff is open to collaborating with other emergency units in the area, offering whatever various communities need. Mayor Spiller thanked Mazza and the MAU for their service.
In public comment, resident Jonathan Grupper spoke on behalf of his group, the Friends of the Bonsal Preserve, expressing great satisfaction with the progress made in planting native trees and bushes in the preserve area and the breakthrough with Clifton regarding that city’s plans to build a sewer line that would divert storm water away from the preserve. Grupper spoke of how the plantings along the Essex-Passaic border have succeeded in keeping backyards of Clifton properties from encroaching on the wilderness area but expressed concern that those same backyards are expanding back over the line. Because of that, Grupper said, he wants to see Montclair build a split-rail fence along the northern edge of Bonsal Preserve along the county border to delineate where the preserve meets the Cliton backyards.
Residents also continued to complain about the holdup in finishing Woodman Field for the high school baseball team, and members of the council expressed empathy for the student athletes affected, but Manager Lapolla explained that the township cannot intervene in what is essentially a Board of Education matter. In the meantime, residents of Champlain Terrace, which runs along Woodman field’s northern end, have opposed the project as it is currently planned and have threatened to sue if the stop-work order is rescinded and the project goes forward. Manager Lapolla said he plans to meet with representatives from the school district on Leap Day, hoping that the court will settle the issue for good when it holds a hearing on the matter on March 1.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - The Montclair Planning Board meeting on February 26 was quick and efficient, with the board memorializing two applications and approving new members of the board for key committees within 22½ minutes. Not a single member of the public attended the meeting in person.
The hearing scheduled for this night – for the application from John’s Automotive at 160 Glenridge Avenue, a minor site plan for a new wall and a reconfigured parking lot – was withdrawn. An application for another project just up the avenue from John’s Automotive – a remodeling of 182 Glenridge Avenue, was the Planning Board originally approved in early 2020 – was given an extension when the applicant requested more time. Planning Director Janice Talley explained to the board members that the approval does not expire and that the application extension is only needed to safeguard against future zoning changes. The 182 Glenridge Avenue application, in fact, is not the only application on Glenridge Avenue that has been dormant of late; an application for a new apartment building on the northeast corner of Glenridge Avenue and North Willow Street was approved in December 2015 but the property on that corner remains vacant.
The board did pass two resolutions putting the final stamp of approval on previously approved applications, called the “memorialization” vote. One resolution gave final approval to a planned second story for the commercial building at 225 Bellevue Avenue in Upper Montclair, and the other gave final approval to a new cannabis dispensary at 135 Valley Road. Before the latter was passed, Vice Chair Keith Brodock asked if a letter from attorney Alan Trembulak, who represented the applicants, had been included. Director Talley said it had but she did not have it with her, and she added that she would include in the file. Vice Chair Brodock said he was just checking, which reminded board attorney Arthur Neiss of similarly meticulous requests from Carmel Loughman, who had recently left the board.
“You’re starting to look like Carmel every day,” Neiss said jokingly. Loughman is now seeking a seat on the Montclair Township Council.
New board members Geoffrey Borshof and Thamar Campbell were welcomed to the board, and Director Talley set about naming new committee members to replace Loughman and Anthony Ianuale, who also stepped down from the board. Campbell and Jacob Nieman volunteered for the Development Review Committee (DRC), which meets on the first Thursday of every month. Nieman and Kevin Ortiz both volunteered to take the places of Loughman and Ianuale on the Zoning Subcommittee. Board Chairman John Wynn reiterated that committee appointments are not for the duration of a board member’s tenure on the board and that a board member can leave a committee or subcommittee for a different one.
The board also approved a new engineering firm to work with – Neglia Engineering, which already works with the council. Director Talley explained that Boswell Engineering, the previous engineering firm working with the Planning Board, had terminated its contract, citing personnel changes in its office that the firm feared would adversely affect the quality of its service to the town. Chairman Wynn believed that, since Neglia was already working for the town, the new contract between Neglia and the Planning Board would yield good efficiencies. Brightview and CNE were among the other firms considered to replace Boswell.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - Property owners in Montclair are reminded that the deadline for the 2024 Landlord Registration is fast approaching. Under Chapter 257 Rent Regulation, landlords are required to submit their annual registration forms along with a fee of $10.00 per dwelling unit by April 1st, 2024.
This mandatory registration is a crucial part of maintaining the standards and regulations set forth by Montclair's Rent Control Office. It ensures that all rental properties comply with local housing standards and regulations, providing a safe and fair housing environment for all residents.
Landlords who have yet to complete their registration for the year are urged to do so promptly to avoid any penalties or complications. The process has been streamlined to make it as straightforward as possible, ensuring property owners can fulfill their obligations with minimal hassle.
For those who may require assistance or have any questions regarding the registration process, the Rent Control Office is ready to provide support. Landlords can reach out via email at rentcontrol@montclairnjusa.org or by calling 973-509-4956.
As the April 1st deadline nears, property owners are encouraged to take immediate action to ensure their rental units are registered on time.
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