Welcome back for another roundup of all the newsworthy stories you missed in Montclair + the surrounding areas. Among the local headlines: Paid in Full sequel to be filmed in Newark; Envy by Melissa Gorga is opening its second location in Ridgewood; Montclair DJ Rafe Gomez introduces “Danceteria REWIND” as a weekly two-hour show on Twitch, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County.
Montclair Girl’s 1st Annual Puppy Photo Bowl 2022 is Here
We are thrilled to announce The Montclair’s Girl’s 1st Annual Puppy Photo Bowl 2022! Essex County is a great place to have a pup, so sharing photos of your adorable four-legged friend is a must — especially when it’s to help an animal rescue non-profit — and prizes are involved. This interactive contest will crown one lucky dog as the winner of some amazing local prizes! We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorships to Hounds in Pounds, and encourage our entrants to do the same. Click here to nominate your pup!
Paid in Full Sequel to Start Filming in Newark
Paid in Full, a widely popular crime drama film, is officially getting a sequel and it’s going to be filmed in Newark. Producer Damon ‘Dame’ Dash, who produced the original 2002 film, confirmed this news in a recent interview. Click here for what we know about the filming of Paid in Full 2.
Envy By Melissa Gorga Opening 2nd Location in Ridgewood
Envy by Melissa Gorga is opening its second location soon. After celebrating Envy’s six-year anniversary, founder and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga shared the news that Envy will be opening another store in Ridgewood. Click here to read about the new location.
Papermill Playhouse Receives Gift to Upgrade Stage Lighting
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Papermill Playhouse has received a large contribution to upgrade the stage technology by bringing its lighting and automation system up to date, according to Tap Into. This announcement was made immediately following the opening performance of Clue on January 30. This gift was made to the theater by the children of Marilyn and Monroe Markovitz in their parents’ honor.
2 Women Steal Over $800 of Merchandise from Store in Montclair
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Montclair police officers responded to a theft of nearly $1,000 in merchandise from the Bluemercury store, per Tap Into. An employee of Bluemercury reported seeing two women on surveillance footage concealing merchandise in large handbags. They both appeared to have stolen skincare products totaling up to approximately $840.00.
AAPI Montclair Outdoor Lunar New Year Celebration 2/12
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AAPI Montclair and the Montclair Art Museum will be hosting AAPI Montclair’s first Lunar New Year celebration outdoors, per Baristanet. The celebration will be held outdoors at the Montclair Art Museum on Saturday, February 12th from 12PM to 3PM. The ceremony will feature many different performances including a lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, Korean drumming, and many more across all different Asian cultures.
Celebrate Black History Month at the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery
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Essex County is invited to celebrate Black History Month at the Herb + Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC for the entire month of February, per Baristanet. The photography of Patrick Hilaire will be featured at the gallery from February 1st through the 28th. The exhibition is called Light [+Sound] and it showcases 25 of Hilaire’s black-and-white portraits of Jazz musicians. The curator of the Iris Gallery, Jeremy Moss, says, “Each photo is so evocative, every portrait in this exhibition tells its own story. You can really sense how the performer in the photograph feels about their music.”
Montclair in Process of Replacing Lead Service Pipes
Montclair has recently begun the process to replace their lead, galvanized and brass service lines, reported Patch. This comes after Governor Phil Murphy signed bills into law last summer that will have every public water system in New Jersey replacing their pipes. Montclair’s process to replace the pipes has officially begun and they have an online guide that would allow residents to see if they have a lead/galvanized service line.
Residential Building Near Newark Light Rail Station to Include Commercial Space
Newark’s latest mixed-use development could potentially be constructed next to one of the city’s light rail stations, per Jersey Digs. A company has plans for a six-story complex at 298-302 and 304-308 4th Street, located near the Newark Light Rail’s Park Avenue stop. This building would include 51 apartments and 1,600 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Mixed-Use Property to Revitalize Vacant Lot in Newark
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A development for a vacant property at 265-269 Broad Street has been proposed, per Jersey Digs. LB Associates, LLC is looking for preliminary and final site plan approval from the Newark Zoning Board of Adjustment to build a five-story development. This project would include 25 residential units, ground floor parking, a residential lobby, and one commercial space.
Car Stolen From Clifton Found in Montclair
A car stolen from Clifton was found in Montclair this week, reported Patch. An officer on patrol came across the stolen vehicle in the area of the MC Hotel on Thursday, January 27th. The vehicle was turned over to the Clifton Police Department for further investigation.
MSU Receives Grant to Prepare Students for Public Service
Montclair State University has created a new opportunity for undergraduate students to prepare for public service, per Tap Into. MSU will be working in partnership with the Volcker Alliance which will provide a $100,000 grant for MSU to hire a Next Generation Service Corps Coordinator in the Center for Community Engagement. NextGen Service is a national network of 11 higher education institutions committed to preparing undergraduate students for public service.
All Bloomfield Fire Companies Respond to House Fire
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On Wednesday, February 2nd, all Bloomfield Fire Companies responded to a multi-family home for a reported fire, according to this Instagram account. The fire was at a house on Beardsley Avenue, and due to the nature of the call the Automatic Aid system was activated and brought a ladder company from Nutley and an Engine from Belleville. Crews were able to keep the majority of the fires in the area of origin.
Studio Montclair Opens Black History Month Exhibit
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In honor of Black History Month, there will be a special installation at Studio Montclair, according to this Instagram account. Artwork will be displayed throughout the month of February at the Studio Montclair Gallery. There will be four different windows for multiple artists to display their works in honor of Black History Month.
Montclair DJ Introduces New Tribute Show
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A Montclair DJ will introduce “Danceteria REWIND” on the live streaming platform Twitch, per Baristanet. Rafe Gomez will be introducing the show beginning Thursday, February 10th and it will be a weekly two-hour show. The show is meant to be a tribute to the innovative blend of music that was featured at Danceteria which was one of Manhattan’s most popular and influential nightclubs in the 80s.
Pedestrian Struck By Train Remains in Critical Condition
A pedestrian who was struck by a train near the Walnut Street Station remains in critical condition, reported Montclair Local. The pedestrian was struck on Thursday, January 27th, by the Montclair-Boonton Line train 6230 at approximately noon. The male pedestrian was taken to the hospital. No injuries were reported for the crew and passengers on board the train.
Mary, 4th-Gen Owner of Murdoch Shoes in Bloomfield, Solidifies Family Legacy
One of Bloomfield’s and the state’s oldest businesses, Murdoch Shoes, located at 623 Bloomfield Avenue, has been family-owned and operated since 1888 – bringing a new meaning to a longstanding business. Mary Murdoch, the fourth-generation owner and first female owner of the business announced that there has been an exciting update within her family business. Click here to read what we know.
The Salad House to Open New Location in Newark
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A restaurant is planning to open a Downtown Newark location, according to Jersey Digs. The Salad House is planning to open a restaurant within the Walker House development. This Downtown Newark location is expected to open up by the beginning of this summer. The official hours of the operation have not yet been announced.
