There’s been lots of news happening in Essex County this week, and The Montclair Girl is here to get you up to speed. Among the local headlines: Bloom Cakes + Bakery is now open in Caldwell; a film crew was spotted in Military Park in Newark; Bloomfield College will remain open thanks to financial support from Montclair State University, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair and beyond.
New Luxury Venue The Orchid to Open in Bloomfield
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As construction nears completion, booking is already available at Bloomfield’s newest event venue, The Orchid. The space is a luxurious, intimate space to host dinners, conferences, and other special events. The Orchid is located at 1285 Broad Street in Bloomfield.
Owner of Tierney’s Tavern Passes Away at Age 54
On Wednesday, March 16th co-owner of Tierney’s Tavern, Edward Tierney passed away at age 54. According to the obituary, “working in the kitchen at the Tavern provided him the joy of service. He was the proud Owner of Tierney’s Tavern where he served his famous Buddy Burger”. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, March 28th at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair.
Clarus Glen Ridge Luxury Rental Community Now 100% Leased
Clarus Glen Ridge, the upscale rental community on the border of Montclair, is now 100 percent leased, according to a press release. The collection of 110 modern rental residences accompanied by a full complement of lifestyle amenities leased up in less than six months. The community design emphasizes luxury, comfort, convenience, and resident health + well-being.
Bloom Cakes + Bakery Now Open in Caldwell
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There’s a new bakery in town, Bloom Cakes & Bakery, and it’s already getting a lot of attention. Located at 79 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, Bloom Cakes recently opened and is owned by a husband and wife from Turkey. The menu features truffles, macrons, cakes, brownie sandwiches, and a whole host of delicious goodies.
Montclair Tenants + Landlords Come to Agreement on Rent Control
Landlords and tenants in Montclair have come to an agreement regarding rent control, per Tap Into. After the groups came to an agreement they asked the council to convene a Special Meeting to adopt the Ordinance. Under the direction of the Mayor of the Township of Montclair is calling the special meeting on Friday, March 25, 2022.
Bloomfield College to Remain Open Through 2022-23 Academic School Year
Bloomfield College will be able to remain open for the 2022-23 school year with the financial support of Montclair State University, per Baristanet. Montclair State University’s Board of Trustees authorized the University to provide financial support to Bloomfield College while the two universities work towards establishing a permanent partnership. Bloomfield College will be able to remain open throughout the entirety of the 2022-2023 academic year.
Stuff by SJ Bakery Opens in Montclair
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Stuff by SJ, a new bakery located at 342 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, is now open. The Instagram post by the owner says, “Come by & say hi, grab a cup of coffee & a cupcake or something!” In addition to the in-store menu, customers can also order custom cakes for birthdays and special occasions.
Montclair Public Library Presents Ben Raines and Sowande’ Mustakeem in Conversation
Montclair Public Library will be hosting Ben Raines in conversation with Sowande’ Mustakeem on Thursday, April 7th, per Baristanet. These two will be discussing Raine’s new book The Last Slave Ship. This program is part of Open Book / Open Mind Online and after the discussion, the audience will be able to participate in a virtual Q&A session with the author. Registration for the event is happening now and the tickets are free for the event.
Montclair Schools Bond Could be more than $15M
Montclair School Board is now discovering more issues with the school buildings in the district, per Montclair Local. On Monday, March 28th, the Board will be holding a special community meeting to present its plan for a referendum that will support the long-term plan the Board has made. The original bond proposal was $15 million but board members are discovering it could potentially be more than that.
Montclair Schools Expected to Receive Increase in State Aid
The proposed budget from Governor Phil Murphy for 2022-23 would provide Montclair public schools with a 4.73% increase in state aid from last year, reported Montclair Local. The potential amount is more than $8.41 million and last school year Montclair received $8.03 million. The funding would be categorical aid and would give Montclair school district funding in four different categories.
Spring Hydrant Flushing + Inspection
The Montclair Water Bureau is conducting its 2022 spring hydrant inspection and flushing program, per this press release. The Low, High, and Middle Service Areas will be having their hydrants flushed during the daytime hours starting on Monday, March 28, 2022. The flushing will be done Monday through Friday, between 9:30AM and 2:30PM.
Newark Zoning Board Set to Hear 11-Story Proposal on Bruen Street
A company named 58 Bruen Realty LLC has filed an application to bring a modern development to the site of a three-story building, per Jersey Digs. The project would tear down the existing structure and construct an 11-story residential building with 26 units and two off-street parking spaces. Newark’s zoning board is scheduled to hear the proposal during the March 24th meeting.
Three Jazz House Kids Graduates are Finalist for 2023 American Pianist Award
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Three Jazz House Kids graduates have been announced as some of the finalists for the 2023 American Pianist Award by the American Pianist Association. This is an award that is given out every four years. The graduates who are three of the five finalists are Caelan Cordello, Esteban Castro, and Isaiah J. Thompson.
Montclair Proposed Town Budget has $100 Average Tax Hike
Montclair property owners would see a tax hike of about 2% to the municipal portion of their taxes under the town’s proposed 2022 budget, per Patch. This could potentially mean a $100 increase for the average home value at $632,000. A public hearing for the municipal budget has been scheduled for April 19th.
D’Amato Issues Apology After Making Controversial Statement
Numerous affiliates and supporters have severed ties with Vote Montclair after controversial statements surfaced from the founder, Erik D’Amato, per Tap Into. D’Amato has issued an apology for his statements where he bashed teachers’ unions. The two new members of the board who were backed by Vote Montclair are just two of the people who have distanced themselves from D’Amato and Vote Montclair.
AAPI Montclair Hosts Self-Defense Class
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Due to the recent hate crimes against Asian Americans, AAPI Montclair sponsored a free self-defense class at Master Cho’s Talium in Cedar Grove. The event was held on Tuesday, March 15th. According to North Jersey, the class included warm-ups, stretching, and a variety of self-defense techniques.
Montclair Orthodontist to Run Boston Marathon to Support AFSP
Montclair Orthodontist Dr. Ed Gold supports a cause every marathon he runs and this year he will be supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as he runs in the 126th Boston Marathon, per Baristanet. This will be Gold’s 8th marathon and his second Boston marathon. Gold’s goal is to not only raise money for AFSP but also raise awareness.
Montclair Raises the Ukrainian Flag
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Montclair is flying the Ukrainian flag in Montclair Center to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion, per Montclair Local News. Montclair is joining towns and cities around New Jersey in showing support to Ukraine by flying their flag. The flagpole is located at Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue.
Montclair Police Seek Information Following Luring Incident
A “luring” incident was reported in Montclair last week, per Patch. A Heller Way resident said her 12-year-old daughter and 8-year-old niece were playing in the front yard when a car stopped in front of the house and allegedly asked the girls if they needed a ride. The kids ran into the backyard and told their parents what happened. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Daniel Heiser at 973-509-4724.
Popular Essex County Festival Will be Returning
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival is returning for 2022 after a two-year break. This year’s festival will include several free events and it will kick off on Saturday, April 2nd and it will take place in Branch Brook Park. This year the peak bloom period is forecasted to be from Friday, April 1st to Tuesday, April 5th. Read more here.
Film Crews Arrive in Newark for The Best Man
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Film crews arrived this week to film The Best Man: The Final Chapter in Newark. The film is a Peacock TV limited series based on the classic 90s film. Newark Happening shared that crew members were spotted at Military Park, located at 51 Park Place in Newark.
