Ridgeway Park Proposed for St. Cloud Neighborhood

It will cost $475,000 to build the new public park on Ridgeway Avenue on about four acres of property the township says is in disrepair.

West Orange Township has proposed a new park in the St. Cloud neighborhood on Ridge Avenue, costing $475,000, funded by the Open Space Trust Fund. “It is our hope that this space will become a beautiful addition to the neighborhood that will be enjoyed for many years to come,” Mayor Robert Parisi said. According to the proposal, the approximate four acres of land acquired in 2006 from Northfield Associates LLC, is currently in disrepair. On May 7, the township council approved a bond ordinance, on first reading, to allocate $475,00 to the Open Space Trust Fund to build the park. The second reading is set for May 21, which, if approved, would allow construction to start immediately and finish by August. The proposed plan, posted on the …

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Councilman Recaps Recent Meeting

Councilman Joe Krakoviak gives recap of Township Council meeting on May 7.

Shop Local, Save Money on Taxes in West Orange

Township Council approves new Property Tax Rewards Program that will encourage residents to shop at local by giving property tax credit from percent of purchases on participating businesses.

The West Orange Council approved the first steps of a new Property Tax Program to encourage residents to locally in Tuesday night's meeting. The new initiative will give residents discounts at local participating businesses in the form of an annual property tax credit for West Orange property owners. The approved resolution allows the township to move forward to find sponsors for the program to start within the next few months.  Administered by Fincredit Inc., the program will use a reward card, sponsored by a local bank or business, that will track residents' purchases throughout town. When people shop at a local business, the card will be swiped and a percentage of the purchase will go a reduction in property taxes. The discount …

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Kevin

8:42 am on Monday, May 13, 2013

So why not combine west orange, east orange, and orange? Why Livingston and Essex fells and roseland and the caldwells? I could see a 911 dispatch for the entire county. What would that save though? You don't need less people do you? Would volume drop? So you will cut some police chiefs, but what other savings are there? I'm not saying those savings aren't worth it, just pointing out you aren't …   more ›

Essex Chiefs Association Endorses Christie

Gov. Chris Christie picks up endorsement at Essex County College Police Academy in Cedar Grove.

Gov. Chris Christie accepted the endorsement of the Association of Chiefs of Police of Essex County Friday surrounded by law enforcement officials at the Essex County College Police Academy in Cedar Grove. The association, which represents the 22 municipalities in Essex, voted unanimously last month to endorse the governor in his bid for re-election, said President Michael Bramhall, police chief of West Caldwell.  “Your conviction and forthrightness have been a welcome and needed addition to our state,” Bramhall said. “You have performed great under pressure situations like Hurricane Irene and superstorm Sandy. We believe that you will continue to put the needs of the citizens of New Jersey first." Christie seeks a second term and is the …

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'Jersey Proud' Ad Highlights Christie Re-election Campaign

The $1.2 million ad buy shows road to New Jerseyans' optimism in their state.

In Gov. Chris Christie's first television ad of his 2013 re-election campaign, the governor's leadership style is credited for renewing New Jersey residents' pride in their state after years of overtaxation and too much government spending. "Jersey Proud" shows how bipartisan reforms have helped "to strengthen New Jersey's future," according to the Christie campaign.

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Lieutenant Governor Stops into West Orange WAE Center

Kim Guadagno visited members at the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled Wellness, Art and Enrichment Center on Monday.

New Jersey's Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno stopped into West Orange's Wellness, Art and Enrichment, WAE, Center Monday just to see what the center is all about.  The lieutenant governor was welcomed to the Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled center by members and staff, who showed Guadagno what goes on at the center.  According to program manager Renee Rolzenlogen, the center focuses on holistic treatment for adults with disabilities. Through spoken word, live theater and art, the center allows members to express themselves in whichever way they want, she said.  The members performed a comedy skit and afterwards Guadagno toured the center and spoke with members about their artwork and sculptures, followed by a spoken-word session.  …

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Adam Kraemer

9:28 am on Wednesday, May 1, 2013

The WAE center is an asset that does some real good for people with disabilities and I am glad the LT Gov recognized it.   more ›

4 Percent of Essex County Bridges Deemed Structurally Deficient

Report says cost to repair all 908 spans would exceed $874 million.

Essex County’s aging bridges are in need of repair, but the cost to do the work would exceed $874 million, a new report released Monday shows.  Of the county’s 908 bridges, about 4 percent have been rated structurally deficient, according to a report on the issue-driven website NJ Spotlight.   Additionally, 1-in-5, or 20 percent of the bridges are considered to be functionally obsolete and not in line with current lane and shoulder standards, or occasionally flood, according to National Bridge Inventory data. The average age of an Essex County bridge is 50 years old. About one in four bridges in the state are either in poor condition or unable to handle current traffic loads, the data shows. Each bridge was rated based on structure, …

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Adam Kraemer

8:34 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

We can bond for mini golf and paddle boats and let the bridges fall down. The prioritizing of the three quarters of a billion dollar county budget needs massive work form Joey D and Freeholders   more ›

Christie, Codey Blame Each Other for Deadlocked Judicial Appointments

State senator, governor fuel old feud over judicial appointments.

Governor Chris Christie told the Essex County Bar Association Wednesday morning state Sen. Richard Codey, D-Essex, is the reason judicial appointments in the state are deadlocked, according to a published report. The governor said because of Codey 12 to 15 judges will not be appointed during a breakfast at McLoone's Boathouse in West Orange, according to an NJ.com report. Codey later disputed the allegations saying three years ago Christie made a deal with Essex County but has not honored it, the report said.  “He had his crew block appointments, so once again he has no respect for the truth,” the state sentor told the website.

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