No foolin’ around here – there is plenty of news to catch up on after another week in Essex County. Among the headlines: former Secretary of State makes keynote remarks at Montclair State event; Bloomfield community garage sale announced; and a new bus company offers commuter service from Montclair to Manhattan. Read on for more.
The Local Girl Real Estate Listings — Live Now!
Nobody loves living in New Jersey more than The Hoboken Girl + The Montclair Girl teams — but we also know that finding a home here is half the battle. To make home hunting that much simpler, our parent brand The Local Girl has launched a Real Estate Listings Directory. The directory is an ever-growing, curated list of real estate throughout New Jersey, from Hoboken and Jersey City all the way down to the Jersey Shore. Whether you’re looking for a new house, condo, rental, or you’re looking to list your property as a realtor or owner, we’re here to help you find your way home. Read on for more about our new Real Estate Directory + how to list your property.
First Payments from New Jersey Tax Relief Program Distributed
According to a press release from the Governor’s office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the first payments from the ANCHOR program had been distributed. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) property tax relief program updates and expands upon the former Homestead Benefit property tax relief program by extending eligibility to renters for the first time in a generation, as well as increasing the income threshold for eligible homeowners. “At a time when families are facing increasing pressure on their wallets, it’s a good feeling to know we are following through on our promise to make New Jersey more affordable,” said Governor Murphy. “This is real relief getting sent to more of our hardworking taxpayers than ever before, proof that a future we are determined to make more affordable and full of opportunity is possible.
New Italian Restaurant ‘Luigino’s Parmigiana’ Coming to Montclair
When Salute Brick Oven Bistro abruptly closed its Glenridge Avenue doors last year, Montclair residents were left to wonder what would fill the cozy Italian restaurant-shaped hole in town. As it turns out, when one bistro door closes, another one opens — making way for Montclair’s newest Italian restaurant, Luigino’s Parmigiana, opening next Wednesday, April 5th. From the mind of Chef Luigi Tripodi + brought to life by interior stylist Cindy Blanco, this new “funky traditional” spot is bringing a taste of the Amalfi Coast to MTC. The menu will boast traditional, Southern Italian dishes with a modern twist, plus an open-kitchen “dispensa” concept, which isn’t what it sounds like (think: cheese board station), but… more on that later. Read on to learn more about Luigino’s Parmigiana, the new Italian restaurant coming to 173 Glenridge Avenue, the old Salute spot.
Maplewood Garden Club Announces 86th Annual Plant Sale
The Maplewood Garden Club has announced the organization’s plant sale, marking the 86th anniversary of the event. Per Patch, the plant sale will take place on May 11, 12 and 13th. The sale will take place at the Maplewood Community Pool. More information is available on the Garden Club’s page.
Bloomfield Town Garage Sale Scheduled
Neighbors are invited to participate in the Bloomfield Community Garage Sale, taking place April 29th and 30th, per Patch. Registration is required, and participants must set up, take down, and remove any unsold items. There is no fee for participants, and the registration form is available here.
Portugal Day Celebration Set in Newark
The popular Portugal Day celebration is set to return to Newark on June 9th, 10th, and 11th according to Patch, the celebration will feature parades, traditional Portuguese performances, and classic Portuguese dishes. Several local residents will also be honored at the celebration, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka as the Honorary Grand Marshal.
Nevada Diner in Bloomfield Re-Opens
The Nevada Diner, located at 293 Broad Street in Bloomfield, has re-opened after a February kitchen fire. Per Patch, the restaurant’s reopening was further hampered by connectivity problems with phone and internet service, impacting the Diner’s ability to accept debit and credit card payments. The Diner has been serving Bloomfield since 1981.
The Oranges and Maplewood Branch of NAACP Announces
New Officers
The Oranges and Maplewood branch of the NAACP announced the results of its 2023 elections. Per Patch, current president Darryl Jeffries was re-elected to another two-year term. The Oranges and Maplewood branch is the oldest branch of the organization in New Jersey and 11 communities in Essex County: Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Livingston, Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, South Orange, Nutley, Verona and West Orange.
Maplewood Observes Trans Day of Visibility
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The Township of Maplewood and Columbia High School students participated in a school walkout on Friday, March 31st as part of the Trans Day of Visibility. According to a press release from the township, the Walk-Out was organized by the CHS Spectrum Club and Students for Justice. “Since our trans students are under attack in particular right now across the county – in the classroom, in the restrooms, in our libraries, in healthcare – we are standing with them and joining them to raise awareness and in support of their visibility,” Mayor Dean Dafis said.
New Stop Sign Approved for Montclair Intersection
The Montclair Town Council voted to approve a proposal to install a stop sign for traffic traveling westbound on Inwood Avenue at the intersection of Inwood Avenue and Fernwood Avenue, per Patch. At the same meeting, another ordinance passed on the first reading to add another stop sign. The second ordinance would designate Franklin Avenue and Virginia Avenue as a multi-way stop intersection.
Montclair Bike Bus Debuts
The Montclair Bike Bus debuted on Sunday March 26th. Two groups of riders, one departing from Watchung Booksellers and the other from the Montclair Public Library, took to the streets to demonstrate what it looks like when adults and kids get out of their cars and use healthier, more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. According to a press release, the route ended at Rabble Rise, where hungry riders feasted on delicious doughnuts and the good vibes brought upon by a gorgeous spring day. There we were joined by two city councilors, Peter Yacobellis and Bob Russo, who expressed their support for the Bike Bus and their commitment to fighting for safer streets.
The Maddox + Musuko: Restaurant Duo Opens April 4th in Montclair
Montclair has been buzzing about a new pair of restaurants opening at 193 Glenridge Avenue. Many will remember this location as The Crosby, a popular eatery that shut down during the pandemic. While people may have initially been disappointed to hear about The Crosby’s permanent closure, what’s opening in its place is meant to be bigger and better. The family-owned Essex Restaurant Group is behind a fresh new concept for the Montclair food and beverage scene. The newly renovated building will house The Maddox, a high-end steakhouse and bar, and Musuko, a sophisticated open-concept pan-Asian kitchen, sushi bar, and cocktail lounge that’s set to open next Tuesday, April 4th. The Montclair Girl recently spoke with Alexa Dell’Ermo, Head of Operations and Beverage Director, to get the inside scoop. Keep reading to get a sneak peek into what’s to come from this hot new restaurant and nightlife establishment.
Essex County Effort Aims to Reduce Menstrual Inequity
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The National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County section hosted a menstrual product supply drive at an “It’s That Time of the Month” event at the Montclair Art Museum, during the museum’s Free First Thursday program. According to Montclair Local, the initiative is called the Period Project, and through it, the NCJW provides menstrual products to Essex County community members. The “It’s That Time of the Month” drives are events aimed at collecting supplies and reducing the stigma around the topic of menstrual equity.
Boxcar Bus Service Announces Route from Montclair to Manhattan
In light of the recent news about DeCamp Bus Lines discontinuing its commuter route from Montclair to Manhattan, another New Jersey-based company is offering a solution. Boxcar Bus Service, based in Chatham, New Jersey, will offer a new commuter route starting April 10th. Per Montclair Local, the buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets. Membership for the service is $29.99 per month, which qualifies riders for tickets set at $8.99 per ride, the release says. Tickets are $13.49 per ride for non-members.
Spring Hydrant Flushing Scheduled in Montclair
The Montclair Water Bureau is conducting its 2023 spring hydrant inspection and flushing program starting Monday, March 27.
The Low, High and Middle Service Areas will have hydrants flushed during daytime hours, Mon-Fri.https://t.co/E5Mhb8wnGt… pic.twitter.com/6IHjuLz3Nq— Montclair, NJ (@MontclairNJGov) March 21, 2023
The Township of Montclair has announced the dates for its annual Spring Hydrant Flushing. According to Patch, the flushing will begin on Monday, March 27th, and will be from 9:30AM to 2:30PM throughout the week.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Visits Montclair State
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As part of the 2023 Women’s History Month celebrations, Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited the campus of Montclair State University to give remarks. Per Patch, Secretary Clinton was the keynote speaker at the 12th Annual Evangelina Menendez Women’s History Month Celebration held on Sunday, March 26th, 2023. The event is hosted by New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez.
Layoffs Imminent at Newark’s First Transit
Per Patch, a layoff notice has been sent to 300 employees of Newark-based company First Transit. The company recently completed a merger with Transdev, a national transportation company. The company will operate under the Transdev name.
Bloomfield Pothole Week Announced
Bloomfield residents are encouraged to report potholes to the city in advance of “Clean and Strong Pothole Week”, scheduled to be from April 24th through 28th. According to BaristaNet, during the event, potholes throughout the city will be repaired. For more information about the Township’s Clean & Strong program or to report a pothole, contact the Township’s Department of Public Works at (973) 680-4127 or visit the Township’s website at https://www.bloomfieldtwpnj.com/.
Chefs at Ani Ramen, Fascino Switch up for Creative Collab
Chef AJ Capella, Corporate Chef of Montclair Hospitality Group, the originators of the Ani Ramen brand, and Ryan DePersio, Chef/Owner of Batello, Kitchen Step, and Fascino in Montclair, are thrilled to offer two delicious collaborative dishes, available for a limited time only, beginning Saturday, April 1st. According to a press release, in a fun and creative culinary exchange, each Chef has created a dish in which their trademark style is adapted to each other’s restaurant.
Trial Begins in Montclair Woman’s Killing
The trial has begun in the 2018 death of Montclair resident Angela Bledsoe. Per NJ.com, James Ray III is accused of her death. Angela Bledsoe was found shot to death in October 2018 in the Upper Montclair home she shared with James Ray and their young daughter.
Montclair Council Proposes Tax Increase
The Township of Montclair has proposed a 2% tax increase for property owners as part of its 2024 budget proposal. Per Patch, the increase would go toward keeping up with increased costs, inflation, and an expansion of the town’s fire department. Notably, the town faces a more than 20% increase in costs for gas and electric utilities.
Montclair State Professor Selected for Research Fellowship in Nigeria
Montclair Professor Duke Ophori has been selected for the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP) and will travel to Nigeria for research collaboration and graduate student training. https://t.co/nxuJhyrAoC
— Montclair State U (@montclairstateu) March 29, 2023
According to a press release, Montclair State University professor Duke Ophori has been selected for the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP) and will travel to Nigeria in June to work with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) for research collaboration and graduate student training in the school’s Department of Geology. Professor Ophori is part of the faculty in the school’s Earth and Environmental Studies program. The goal of the project is to create capacity building for young scientists in Nigeria who will be tasked with the investigation, management and protection of groundwater and petroleum resources.
Thumb Bread Debuts in Essex County
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Thumb Bread, an artisanal bread brand based in Hudson County, is making its Essex County debut. According to a message from the company, the hand-made bread can now be found at the Fresh Grocer, located at 597 Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove.
