In the Montclair area, there's never a dull moment, especially with local headlines keeping us on our toes. It’s been another busy week in Essex County, and we’ve got all the news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: Dogwood Green Dispensary opens its doors in West Orange; Montclair's Turtle + The Wolf launches new lunch menu and expands its hours; and a residential building in Montclair sold for $96 million. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending April 27th, 2025.

Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].

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Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):

• AAPI New Jersey’s Color Run Returning to Essex County on 4/27
• Teen Robbed + Assaulted Near Lackawanna Plaza, According to Montclair Police
• Plans Approved to Build Apartments on Undeveloped Forested Land in West Orange
• Dogwood Green Dispensary Debuts in West Orange
• NJMVC Launches New REAL ID Program for Emergency Flyers
• Montclair Flea Announces Dates for 2025 Season of Themed Markets
• Montclair's Turtle + The Wolf Reveals New Lunch Menu and Expands Daily Hours
• Will Low Youth Turnout in Newark BOE Election Hurt Chances for Statewide Policy?
• Four Montclair Middle School Students Win Anderson Park Short Story Contest
• Residential Building in Montclair Sold for $96 Million

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AAPI New Jersey’s Color Run Returns to Essex County 

AAPI New Jersey’s 2025 Color Run, a celebration of spring festivals and events in the AAPI community, including Holi and Songkran, is taking place today on Sunday, April 27th, in a closed course at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield from 8:30AM-11:30AM. The event is both a 5K race and a 1-mile Fun Run, with both runners and walkers welcome. The 5K starts at 8:30AM, and the Fun Run kicks off at 10AM. Strollers are allowed, but dogs are not permitted. The 5K costs $35, and the Fun Run costs $30. Click here for more.

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Teen Robbed + Assaulted Near Lackawanna Plaza, According to
Montclair Police

Montclair Police found a beaten and robbed 16-year-old teen with multiple head lacerations in an alleyway near Lackawanna Plaza on April 9th. According to surveillance footage, which indicates that the incident occurred between 9:30PM and 9:40PM, five male suspects approached the victim in the alleyway, then attacked him and stole his shoes, backpack, and cellphone. The individual was transported to the University Trauma Center in Newark, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, as per a police blotter sent to The Montclair Girl.

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Dogwood Green Dispensary Debuts in West Orange

 

 

 

 

 

 

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West Orange has welcomed another dispensary to its cannabis scene. Dogwood Green Dispensary, located at 5 Central Avenue, hosted its grand opening on April 5th. The black, women, and veteran-owned dispensary sells flowers, vapes, pre-rolls, edibles, extracts, and accessories. Locals can visit this shop from Monday to Wednesday between 9AM to 6PM, Thursday to Saturday between 9AM and 9PM, and Sunday between 10AM to 6PM.

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NJMVC Launches New REAL ID Program for Emergency Flyers

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has launched a REAL ID Emergency Issuance Program, designed for passengers boarding a domestic flight within 14 days of the May 7th deadline for life-or-death emergencies, or those with urgent travel plans without TSA-acceptable forms of identification. This program began on April 24th, 2025. This special appointment, which can only be requested within the 14-day time frame, will only be available at the Trenton Regional Center, located at 3 John Fitch Way, 1st Floor Lobby, Trenton. Those with current passports, expired passports up to one year from the travel date, and other TSA-acceptable identifications are not eligible to make appointments. Visit the NJMVC website for specific eligibility requirements and see The Hoboken Girl's guide to all things REAL ID.

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Montclair Flea Announces Dates for 2025 Season of Themed Markets

Photo Credit: Montclair Flea

Montclair Flea has announced its 2025 dates for its community markets. Located at Lackawanna Station (1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair), the market will run every Saturday and Sunday from May 10th to July 20th between 11AM and 6PM, except for Memorial Day weekend and the weekend of July 4th. Each event will have its own theme featuring items and local vendors that reflect it, including Mother’s Day, Vintage Vibes, and A Father's Day ExtravaDADza.

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Montclair's Turtle + The Wolf Reveals New Lunch Menu and
Expands Daily Hours

Since its opening in 2015, Turtle + the Wolf, located at 622 Valley Road, has only served dinner to its Montclair customers. Now, the restaurant serves lunch Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:30AM to 2:30PM. According to Montclair Local, the spot will also open at 4PM on Sundays, starting on April 27th. Diners can expect a lunch menu of afternoon classics like sandwiches and burgers, as well as light appetizers, hearty entrees, and dessert options.

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Will Low Youth Turnout in Newark BOE Election Hurt Chances for Statewide Policy?

For the first time in state history, Newark students cast ballots for a BOE election on April 15th. As per the Essex County Clerk’s Office, unofficial tallies show that 67 out of 1,771 eligible teens voted. NJ Governor Phil Murphy has voiced his support for this initiative with a bill he proposed in 2024 to make youth voting in school elections effective statewide. In his final budget address in February, he also suggested providing $1 million to towns to help implement the policy. Due to low youth turnout this past Newark election, some officials believe that this program is at risk, along with the $1 million that Governor Murphy has proposed to allocate. Others argue that voter turnout alone shouldn’t determine the program’s value, like NJ Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who said on X, “Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections isn’t merely about increasing voter turnout; it’s about recognizing their stake in the educational system and empowering them to have a voice in decisions that directly affect their daily lives.”

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Four Montclair Middle School Students Win Anderson Park Short Story Contest

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Out of 60 Montclair middle school students, four seventh and eighth graders from Renaissance Middle School won the seventh annual Friends of Anderson Park Short Story Contest, which tasked young contestants with creating a fiction piece surrounding Anderson Park. According to an Instagram post, the winning stories include William Young’s Full Moon, "about a group of boys who survive a terrifying night in Anderson Park outwitting vicious canines," Jeffrey Kingston Kingsley Prince’s A Friend in the Park, "which chronicles the bond formed by two basketball players in need of a friend," Zain Kansagra’s Mr. Zumac, "about a grieving widower who regains happiness by walking in the park and visiting a tree that he and his wife had admired," and The Olmsted Oak Award winner More Than a Park, "a poetic portrait of a natural environment written from the perspective of the park itself, written by Coco Luraschi. Winners will receive $100 from the organization, and their stories will be read aloud at the Bellevue Avenue Branch Library at 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair, on May 4th at 3PM.

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Residential Building in Montclair Sold for $96 Million

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Real estate company Tishman Speyer has purchased Two South Willow, a 72,279-square-foot residential building currently 98% leased, for $96.15 million. The property at 2 South Willow Street, Montclair, was first built in 2021 and features a fitness center, roof deck, lounge, interior courtyard, various barbecue grills, and a large parking garage, along with 200 units, as per Patch. The company plans to update the lounge, roof deck, common areas, and mechanical systems, as well as add a co-working lounge and pet washing station to the building's lobby. The real estate and management company Bozzuto was also hired to oversee the day-to-day operations. "We’re here for our residents—and our mission is to create a true sanctuary where you feel seen, supported, and at home," the group shared on Instagram.

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Montclair Iberian Restaurant Tasca Announces Closure Less Than a
Year After Opening

Tasca, an Iberian restaurant located at 377 Bloomfield Avenue, announced its upcoming closure via Instagram on Tuesday, April 22nd. The spot, which opened less than a year ago on May 17th, 2024, was known for its pre-fixe menu featuring Iberian eats. The closure will be effective May 4th, 2025, and the team behind the spot will focus solely on Tasca's sister restaurant, Torino, in Metuchen. While specific details have yet to be revealed, taking over the space later this fall will be a brand-new concept. Click here for more.

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Speakers for 2025 Commencement At NJIT In Newark Announced

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Loopwell in Montclair to Host Fireside Chat with Comedian
Zarna Garg

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Indian immigrant, renowned comedian, screenwriter, producer, and author Zarna Garg will join Loopwell at 80 Maple Avenue, Montclair, on April 29th for a fireside chat. From 6:30PM to 9PM, the creative will celebrate the launch of her new book, This American Woman, and discuss her life, rise to fame, and inspiration behind the work with Montclair Pod co-host Farnoosh Torabi. Tickets for this event cost $75 and include a copy of Zarna Garg's book. Register for this here.

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EWR Delays Expected for 3 Months as Newark Airport
Renovates Its Runway

On April 15th, Newark International Airport shut down one of its biggest runways, in alignment with a $121 million rehabilitation project to repair its infrastructure to meet current FAA standards. Runway 4L-22R will be closed for the next 60 days and will reopen sometime in mid-June. Come summer, the runway will include a paved runway surface, updated lighting, improved airfield signs with LED lighting, new electrical infrastructure, and drainage improvements. The Federal Aviation Administration has estimated that approximately 21% of all arrivals will experience delays, averaging 38 minutes each, and 44% of all departures are expected to be delayed by an average of 39.9 minutes. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and allow for extra time and check with their airlines for any schedule changes and updates. Click here for more.

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MSU Alumnus to Speak at University's 2025 Spring Commencement

Rey Sentina, Montclair State University alumnus and current Administrative Services Coordinator in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has been chosen as the 2025 Graduate Student Speaker for this year's spring commencement ceremony. "Rey embodies the spirit of engaged learning, academic excellence, and community impact that defines our college and its mission," Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and Special Advisor to the President, Dr. Ashante Connor, said in a statement. "Rey’s personal journey, commitment to international students, professional insights, and hopeful vision for the future of education will resonate deeply with our graduates.” The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 7th, at the Prudential Center, located at 25 Lafayette Street, Newark.

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Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin Celebrates Mass for Pope Francis in
Newark Cathedral

Following the passing of Pope Francis, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, celebrated a Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Tuesday, April 22nd. The Mass was livestreamed via the YouTube channels of the Cathedral Basilica and Archdiocese. "With profound sorrow and heartfelt gratitude, I join the Church in mourning the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked closely with God’s people and never tired of reminding us of God’s mercy," Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. shared in a press release shared with The Montclair Girl. "Let us give thanks for his life, his witness, and his love for the People of God. And may we honor his memory by building a Church that reflects the face of Jesus — merciful, welcoming, and always near to those on the margins."

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Donated Engraved Bricks Will Support Renovation at This Montclair Garden

The Garden Club of Montclair, a local nonprofit, has preserved and maintained the Avis Campbell Gardens, located behind the Montclair Public Library at 60 South Fullerton Avenue, for the past 70 years. The garden's pathways have deteriorated over the years, "making it harder for visitors to fully enjoy this special space," as per the club's website. In honor of its 100th anniversary, local residents can donate engraved bricks to be featured in the garden's walkways. This will serve as a fundraiser for the organization as a way to fund its renovation.

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Jazz Musician Isaiah J. Thompson to Release Album Featuring
Jazz House Kids Alumni

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Isaiah J. Thompson, a Juilliard School graduate, acclaimed jazz musician, and former Jazz House Kids student, is set to release “The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry,” which explores his personal journey through his faith and spirituality, via Mack Avenue Records on June 6th. Along with well-known jazz players like Marty Jaffe, Miguel Russell, Herlin Riley, Vuyo Sotashe, and Cyrus Chestnut, this album features the music of other Jazz House Kids alumni and Montclair native Julian Lee, according to Montclair Local. The album's first single, “VIII. The Prophet," is out now on YouTube.

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Police Chase Prompts School Lockdown in East Orange

On Tuesday April 22nd, Police chased a BMW from Newark into East Orange, where it jumped the curb onto Columbian Park’s field, losing one of its tires. The BMW drove across the field, tearing into the turf and breaking a fence. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed into a set of basketball court bleachers. This prompted a lockdown at Sheila Oliver Elementary School, near where the incident took place. As per New12 New Jersey, five suspects are currently in custody, and no injuries have been reported.

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Montclair Township Council Considers Closing the Clary Anderson Arena Due to Safety Concerns

On Tuesday, April 22nd, Montclair Township Council Members discussed closing the Clary Anderson Arena at 41 Chestnut Street, citing major safety concerns. Town manager Stephen Marks, who visited the arena two weeks back, shared that the space had "many code violations as well as life/health safety hazards." He noted that a section of the roof leaks into the utility area, exposing its mechanical systems and electrical sub-panel to the elements. “It made me feel very uncomfortable that it’s a place of public accommodation,” he shared with the council. The Town Manager estimated that the repairs could reach into the six-figure range. No vote was taken that night on whether or not to close the arena, as municipal code inspectors plan to visit the space sometime soon.

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Livingston BNR Chelsea Handler Reflects on Upbringing in New Jersey

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In an exclusive interview with New Jersey Monthly, Chelsea Handler, comedian, actress, and producer, best known for her late-night talk show Chelsea Lately and Netflix series Chelsea Does, discussed her upbringing in New Jersey. When asked if being from the Garden State has shaped her personality, she said, "Oh, it definitely did. It brings a nice onion. Being in New Jersey means you’re salty, down and dirty. I’m a hustler because of New Jersey." As a small Montclair cameo, Chelsea also shared that she shot her latest special at The Wellmont Theater at 5 Seymour Street. "I love that venue, and it’s a nice one," she said. See the full interview here.

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Renovation Project Announced for Baseball Field in Verona

A new renovation project for Everett Field in Verona will commence this summer. With funding provided by Green Acres, the Community Development Block Grant Programs (CDBG), and the Verona Baseball and Softball League (VBSL), the upgrades to the baseball field will include the installation of natural grass, enhanced training facilities, inclusive and accessible playing areas, various facilities and amenities like a snack bar, ADA accessible bleachers, and restrooms, picnic benches, and improved landscaping, according to an announcement shared by the Township.

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Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place Celebrates 5th Anniversary With
New Board + Program

In honor of its fifth anniversary, Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place, a nonprofit aiming to bridge the gap between older generations and the digital age by "seeking solutions to the challenges faced by those of us in retirement age who wish to remain in our communities," as per its website, has elected a new board. This includes founding member Ellie Bagli as president, Ann Lippel as executive vice president, Frank Millspaugh as vice president for development, Susan Craig as secretary, and Colleen Dougherty as treasurer. Members at large include Carol Schlein, Marilyn Graham, Gail Abramowitz, Jean Jimenez, Annette Weis, Katherine Nicholas, and Karen DeChino. With financial support from the AARP Community Challenge Grant and Partners for Health, the organization has also launched its Smartwatch Program, which teaches members how to use smartwatches to send messages via email, text, and voicemail in emergencies, as per Montclair Local.

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Millburn Township Committee Discusses Renaming Town Hall Plaza After Resident Antonio Braca

In 2024, Millburn's Main Street outdoor summer dining area, previously located between Essex and Millburn Avenue, was relocated to Town Hall Plaza, after resident Armando Valles suffered two heart attacks due to the blockages on Main Street. According to TapInto, Armando's ambulance was delayed at the hospital because of Main Street's detour route at the time. Armando's friend, Antonio Braca, advocated last year to keep Main Street open to ensure that ambulances could travel freely. At a recent Township Committee meeting, local residents suggested renaming Town Hall Plaza to Braca Plaza in honor of his efforts in 2024. Committee members discussed this idea, and the overall consensus was that Antonio Braca should be recognized in some way. Deputy Mayor Michael Cohen stated, "I know that in New York, and I think in Livingston as well. I've seen where they have an unofficial name on a street. So it would still be Town Hall Plaza, but then there would be a sign underneath it in the same style and font that could call it Braca Way. And we could have a little ceremony or something with his family to do that."

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Montclair Nonprofit Neutered Over 100 Street Cats This Past March

 

 

 

 

 

 

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During March 2025, volunteers from the Montclair-based nonprofit, CPAW NJ, neutered 101 cats from Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Irvington, Maplewood, Newark, and Orange. This was part of a month-long campaign called "Meow Madness," which set the goal to trap-neuter-vaccinate-return 100 feral cats as a way to "combat kitten season," as per an Instagram post. Of the 101 cats, 42 were females, 59 were males, 14 were sent to rescues, 17 were sick or injured, and 27 were pregnant. "Think of how many kittens would have been born outside this spring without our amazing volunteers," the group shared on Instagram.

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Renovations at Chamblee Square Park in Newark Lead to Wave of New Visitors

Chamblee Square Park, located at 556-560 Hunterdon Street, Newark, recently underwent renovations that included new dynamic play structures, fitness areas, and water features. Prior to the upgrades, which won the Excellence in Design – Multi-Use Facility – Playground Award by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, this area of the city lacked a playground within a 10-minute walk. Now, residents have a "vibrant, inclusive, and accessible park," as per a statement released by the City of Newark. Since its reopening, the park has welcomed a wave of new visitors. "Chamblee Square Park isn’t just a much-needed playground; it is a masterpiece in design that highlights the inclusion and sense of belonging that Newarkers are known for," Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka shared.

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Watchung Deli Sandwiches Are Returning to Montclair with Pop-Up Concept Called 'The Skinny Deli'

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Local restaurant Dan + Day's is teaming up with the long-missed Watchung Deli, a staple of Montclair from 1926 until 2020, to open a ghost kitchen at the 598 Valley Road burger spot. The project, called The Skinny Deli, will feature Watchung Deli menu items like The Sandwich, Ben’s Special, The Angry Dwarf, as well as new gourmet sandwiches from Dan + Day’s. This collaboration follows the infamous Watchung Deli pop-up at Dan + Day's restaurant back in March, where the teams sold over 350 sandwiches. Click here for more.

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School Budget Cuts Could Raise Taxes for Montclair Homeowners

On Wednesday, April 23rd, Montclair School Business Administrator Christina Hunt detailed the district's budgeting plan for the 2025 - 2026 school year at a Board of Education meeting. As per Montclair Local, the district will cut $2.45 million from the departments of technology, equity, curriculum, and instruction, as well as office spending. Under this plan,  homeowners with an average value of $631,882 can expect to pay $12,025.35 in school taxes this coming year, increasing the cost by $496.66 from 2024. For a full breakdown of these costs, see the BOE's livestreamed April 23rd meeting, expected to be posted in the coming days.

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Newark Planning Board Approves Controversial Seven-Story Building In Industry-Heavy Neighborhood

The Newark Planning Board recently approved the construction of a seven-story, 295-unit apartment building at 253-275 Delancey Street in the Ironbound Neighborhood. The southeast area of the Ironbound is an industrial area that houses many factories and an illegal dumping site near the corner of Avenue I. The building site is currently used as a scrapyard and parking lot for construction equipment, according to Jersey Digs. While the Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the construction, local residents are concerned about this future infrastructure. "This is an industrial area...Between the trucks, the trains, and the planes, who’d want to live there?" an anonymous owner of one of the factories on Delancey Street told Jersey Digs. Tanisha Garner, the president of Homes for All Newark, also raised the point that this building goes against the zoning laws of this neighborhood. "The zoning in that particular area, it’s one to three stories, so why are they building a seven-story building within that area?" she said during the meeting.