There is never a dull moment in Essex County, which is why we cover the news in the Montclair and greater Essex County + North Jersey area so you don’t miss a beat. Among the headlines: Barcade permanently closes Newark location; United Airlines to invest $15M in electric flying taxis; Sweet Trail Bakery sets up new spot in Bloomfield; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Essex County and beyond.
A Greenway Trail Will Soon Connect Montclair + Jersey City
Governor Phil Murphy announced on September 15th that the state of New Jersey had officially acquired a former rail line + will be converting it into a massive greenway, which will stretch from Essex County to Hudson County. This almost 9-mile linear state park, which starts in Montclair and runs to Jersey City, will serve as a recreational path for bikers and walkers — as well as provide necessary green space to a variety of communities. Click here for everything we know.
More Rabid Animals Found in Montclair: What We Know
We thought that the dead vultures found in North Jersey would be the most ominous animal-related New Jersey news we covered this month — but we were wrong. We previously reported that two rabid animals, a raccoon and a skunk, were found in the Montclair area in August. Now, two more rabid animals have turned up in Montclair — and this time, they’re bats. The bats were found on September 2nd on Garden Street and confirmed by the NJDOH to have rabies, per Montclair Local. Click here for what we know about the rise of rabid animals in the Montclair area.
Montclair Art Museum Opens New Fall Exhibits
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The Montclair Art Museum officially opened with new exhibits on Saturday, September 10th, per Baristanet. The museum has been undergoing transformations to modernize the space and include new technology and emphasize accessibility. Current exhibits feature themes of animals, florals, and landscapes.
Montclair Latinx Heritage Month Kicks Off with Dance Party
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Montclair’s first-ever Latinx Heritage Month kicked off this week on Saturday, September 17th with a Latin Dance Party at Porta. According to the Latinos of Montclair Instagram post, the celebration continues every weekend through Saturday, October 15th with a Taste of Downtown event at the Vanguard Theater. Click here to learn more.
Barcade Permanently Closes Newark Location
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A local staple in the nightlife scene has officially closed. Barcade, located at 494 Broad Street #100 in Newark, announced the closure via Twitter, saying, “ Barcade Newark customers, we’re sad to announce that this location is now permanently closed. It has been a pleasure serving the Newark community over the past five years, and we hope that you’ll continue visiting us at our Jersey City and NYC locations.”
Maplewood Pool Hosts Doggie Swim Day
On Saturday, September 10th, Maplewood Township Pools hosted a special swim day just for pups, per Tap Into. Given the warm, humid weather at the end of the summer season, the pool dedicated one day to allow dogs to have free rein of the space, and the dogs went from pool to pool, playing with tennis balls and swimming.
Bloomfield Restaurant Week Kicks Off 9/28
Restaurant Week returns to Bloomfield Center on Thursday, September 28th, per Bloomfield Pulse. According to the post, “Bloomfield Center Restaurants offer Incredible, Diverse, Delicious Food to Our Community. Visit your favorite spots and make some new favorites during Bloomfield Center Restaurant Week on Thursday, September 28th through Sunday, October 2nd!”
Uber Resolves New Jersey Labor Violations with $100M Payment
The New Jersey Department of Labor conducted an audit that showed Uber classified hundreds of thousands of drivers as independent contractors, per Patch. This classification means Uber doesn’t have to provide benefits like unemployment, temporary disability, + family leave insurance. Past-due contributions, penalties, and interest amounted to $100M, which was paid without requiring Uber to change how they classify drivers.
Montclair State University Listed Among ‘Best Colleges in the US’
On Monday, September 12th, U.S. News released its ‘Best Colleges’ list for 2022-2023 and Montclair State University made the cut — along with 11 others in New Jersey in the top 200. The list ranks 1,500 institutions of higher education according to graduation rates, faculty resources, test scores, and financial resources. Click here for all the details.
Burlington Store in West Orange Donates $5K to Local School
As part of its grand opening on September 9th, Burlington store in West Orange donated $5,000 to Washington Elementary School. According to Essex News Daily, the funds will be divided among school staff to purchase classroom supplies. The new Burlington store is located at 495 Prospect Avenue in West Orange.
United Airlines to Invest $15M in Electric Flying Taxis
United Airlines, which maintains a hub in Newark, announced plans to invest $15 million in Eve Air Mobility with the end goal of a fleet of electric flying taxis. According to Patch, the contract includes a conditional purchase of 200 four-seat electric aircraft. The first available are expected to be ready as early as 2026.
Verona to Host Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
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On Saturday, September 24th, the Township of Verona is slated to host a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Verona Town Square. The Instagram post says, “Join us for Verona’s first celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Latin dance lessons for the whole family! Come learn some basic salsa, merengue, and bachata moves from a professional dance instructor. Fun activities for the whole family and more!” The celebration will be held from 4PM to 7PM at 600 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona.
Sweet Trail Bakery Sets Up New Spot in Bloomfield
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Sweet Trail Bakery, a mobile-only vegan bakery, has officially set up a new location this week in Bloomfield. According to Bloomfield Pulse, the vegan cafe’s new location is on the corner of Broad Street and Belleville Avenue in Bloomfield. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7AM to 5PM and Saturday + Sunday 8AM to 5PM.
13 NJ Towns, Including Fairfield, File Lawsuit Regarding Fair Housing Act Violations
The Township of Fairfield and 12 other towns have filed a lawsuit against Governor Phil Murphy for allegedly violating the Fair Housing Act, according to Patch. The collection of towns claim local administration has failed to appoint members of the Council of Affordable Housing Board. Reinstating the board, the towns claim, would restore the regulatory protections originally created in the Fair Housing Act, according to the lawsuit.
Roselle Man Hits Pedestrian in Hoboken, Charged with DWI
On Sunday, September 11th, Jamil Simms was charged with a DWI after allegedly hitting a pedestrian at Seventh and Adams Streets. According to Patch, the Hoboken Police Department responded to reports of a hit-and-run around 9PM. Simms, who resides in Roselle, and the vehicle were not located immediately in the vicinity but were later found a block away.
Newark to Host Women’s Health + Wellness Event
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is hosting a Women’s Health + Wellness Event on Saturday, October 15th. The event will begin at 8AM and run through 4:30PM. The day will consist of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and a full day of empowering + soul-filling inspiration. Registration is required and costs $25.
Hungarian Boutique Bakery Celebrates First Anniversary in Nutley
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Kurly Kürtősh, the boutique bakery serving traditional Hungarian chimney cakes, is celebrating its first year in Nutley. Festivities will take place on Saturday, September 24th from 2PM to 5PM at the bakery located at 74 East Passaic Avenue in Nutley. Guests can enjoy complimentary kürtősh rings, ice cream, participate in giveaways + raffles, and more.
Montclair DJ Wins Accolades + Gets Featured in NYC Exhibit
Local DJ Rafe Gomez runs a Twitch channel called Danceteria REWIND which features a weekly replication of the sounds of Danceteria — a groundbreaking club in NYC that ruled and influenced nightlife from ’79 to ’86. Gomez and his Danceteria REWIND show were recently featured on Forbes. Danceteria was a much-loved spot and global brand that was famous for introducing groundbreaking musicians like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Sade, Billy Idol, Run-DMC, RuPaul, Sonic Youth, Depeche Mode, and Duran Duran. DJ Gomez’s work is also featured in a NYC exhibit, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s King Pleasure.
