March’s lion-like entrance has us thinking about its lamb-like exit, springtime blooms, and warmer sunshine. 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: longtime Montclair mayor Sean Spiller won’t run for re-election; Rutgers honors late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver; and the 2024 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival schedule is announced. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending March 10th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines:
- Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller Not Seeking Re-Election
- Free Financial Education Program for Women Launches in Newark
- Project for Empty Space Unveils The Golden Life Mural in Newark
- Tony Soprano’s Famous Holsten’s Booth Sold in Online Auction
- New “State-of-the-Art” Training Facility Opens in Newark
- AAPI Montclair to Host 3rd Annual Color Run to Celebrate Holi and Songkran
- Rutgers Center Renamed in Honor of Late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver
- Essex County Pays Highest Property Taxes in New Jersey
- Bloomfield ShopRite Introduces Next-Gen ‘Smart Carts’
- Schedule of Events Released for 2024 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival
Montclair Mayor Not Seeking Re-Election
Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller announced on February 29th that he won’t be running in the mayoral race this upcoming election season after 13 years in office. According to Montclair Local, the announcement came only days after a deposition transcript from the former Montclair CFO’s whistleblower case became public. Mayor Spiller reportedly utilized his Fifth Amendment privilege more than 400 times during the meeting. Dr. Renee Baskerville and Christina Thomas are the two candidates who have petitions certified to run for mayor, making either of them only the second woman mayor in the town’s history.
Judge Orders District to ‘Remove All Redactions’ in TAPintoNewark OPRA Suit
New Jersey Superior Court judge Mayra V. Tarantino’s decision in a New Jersey Open Public Records Act case filed by TAPintoNewark will allow the public to know the full taxpayer cost anticipated for the planned redevelopment of a dilapidated and historic school building in Newark. Newark Public Schools have 20 days to “remove all redactions” from the settlement agreement over the State Street School building between the Board of Education and the real estate developer, Hanini Group, per TAPinto.
Free Financial Education Program for Women Launches in Newark
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Newark First Lady Linda Baraka is set to lead the Newark Women Moving Forward financial initiative (NWMF) to empower 1,000 city women with comprehensive financial education and tools to achieve personal independence. According to Patch, the program will consist of financial education, virtual and live events to provide free solutions to economic issues, and access to licensed professionals through Prudential Financial. NWMF is committed to the interests and needs of Newark’s women as defined through monthly discussions initiated a year ago by First Lady Baraka. Participants can join a 12-week class, either instructor-led or self-paced, through the free Online Academy, which includes the free 12 Steps to Financial Freedom course. Women residents of Newark, ages 18 and over are eligible. Interested participants can find more information and sign up here.
NJ Nonprofit Reports New Web App Can Help War-Torn Ukraine Families
Roseland-based nonprofit, Hope for Ukraine, announced on March 5th that it’s launching a partnership with The Gadfly Project to create a new web application that can be used by people in Ukraine affected by the ongoing war against Russia. According to Patch, similar to ridesharing and food delivery apps, the new application will provide real-time notifications to users about upcoming aid distribution events in their area. This will lead to reduced wait times, increased transparency, and create a more “humane” experience for people already struggling with uncertainty. Ukraine families will also be able to verify their need for aid and receive support from local non-governmental organizations. It is also reported that once the app is launched, numerous other worldwide organizations will invest in the technology.
Project for Empty Space Unveils The Golden Life Mural in Newark
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Downtown Newark organization Project for Empty Space collaborated with the City of Newark’s Division of Arts and Culture to deliver a new mural at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Interstate 280 off-ramp. Entitled The Golden Life, Newark-based artists Armisey Smith and Rachel Alban created vibrant portraits representing black and brown female community members while brightening commuter routes. Per a press release, this mural is among one of many as a result of Project For Empty Space’s ongoing efforts to keep public art accessible as well as advocacy surrounding femme narratives at the forefront of its work.
Representative Andy Kim Visits Montclair + East Orange to Spotlight “Affordability Crisis”
U.S. Representative Andy Kim (NJ-3) paid visits to woman-owned restaurant Cornbread Farm-to-Soul as well as Region 9 Housing Corporation’s Peter Antonellis Tower to highlight civilians’ thoughts on the affordability crisis. According to Patch, the issues brought up included the “wealth and opportunity gap” that continues to impact Black and minority business owners in the state and affordable housing for low to moderate-income seniors, people with disabilities, and families.
Tony Soprano’s Famous Holsten’s Booth Sold in Online Auction
The famous booth where the fictional character Tony Soprano, of North Caldwell, had his final meal, has been sold. The booth was located at Holsten’s Ice Cream, Chocolate + Restaurant in Bloomfield, a classic Jersey spot that has been in business since 1939. This comes after the since-controversial decision to replace its 60-year-old booths. The Montclair Girl received the following statement from the Holsten’s team: “General repairs are no longer enough and we want to address it before a real issue arises. Because of the structure, we have no choice but to replace all the booths. This will also keep a uniform look in the dining room.” The booth was sold on Monday, March 4th for $82,600.00. No word yet on what the buyer plans to do with it, but MG will update this piece if we find out.
Newark City Leaders Grant $2.3M to Black-Owned Businesses
The City of Newark and Invest Newark granted $2.3 million in funding to eight retail businesses as part of the city’s new Retail Reactivation Initiative. According to a press release, this initiative aims to increase resources in Newark’s Arts & Education District while offering financial support to businesses that exist in and are opening in Newark. Funded by the Urban Enterprise zone funds, the eight awardees consist of Black-owned ventures (with over half owned by Newark residents): Newark Culture Club, Lashed Queens, Uncle Willie’s Wings, Consigliere, Casa De Flora, Katherine’s Restaurant, Equal Space and Delta’s.
Construction Begins on Senior Housing Project in Newark
A groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 4th to kick off the construction for the first phase of the Millard E. Terrell Homes Redevelopment Project at 97 Chapel Street. Per Patch, the first phase of the project located in Newark’s East Ward will create 69 “state-of-the art” affordable housing units at the five-story building, specifically designed for seniors 55-years-old and above. The development is Energy Star-certified and an Enterprise Green community while also harboring resiliency features to safeguard against severe weather. This first phase of the project qualified for a $8.9 million award through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Aspire tax credit program. The site is owned by the Newark Housing Authority.
Rutgers Center Renamed in Honor of Late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver
What an amazing honor to be at the dedication of the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Race and Politics!
Sheila understood the challenges urban communities faced and worked hard to improve many lives. I hope her legacy will inspire more, just as she has moved me. pic.twitter.com/SMSG2U1rXw
— Lt Governor Tahesha Way (@LtGovWay) March 1, 2024
The Center for Politics and Race in America at Rutgers University-Newark was recently renamed after the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the first Black woman in New Jersey to hold statewide office. Current Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way attended the ceremony, Oliver’s family, members of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, and leaders from Johnson & Johnson, per a press release from the school. Johnson & Johnson announced at the ceremony that it made a charitable donation to fund the Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver Leadership Scholarship, which is part of the center’s Public Service Leadership Program at Rutgers School of Arts + Sciences — Newark.
Bloomfield ShopRite Introduces Next-Gen ‘Smart Carts’
The ShopRite of Bloomfield, located at 1409 Broad Street, is now one of a handful of ShopRite locations in New Jersey that have digital “smart carts” available for customers. According to Patch, shoppers are able to load their items into the cart, with the onboard artificial intelligence keeping tally as they go. When they’re ready to leave, shoppers head to the self-checkout area and scan a barcode all directly from their cart. Since launching with 15 new “Caper Carts” in January, the Bloomfield ShopRite has seen a “very positive” reception from patrons, many of whom are reportedly excited to see the new technology. No jobs will be impacted by the new carts and plans are also in the works to introduce them “soon” at stores in Mullica Hill, Hoboken, and Old Bridge.
DiVincenzo Gives ‘State Of Essex County’ Address For 2024
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. recently presented his 2024 “State of the County” address at the Essex County Hospital Center in Cedar Grove. He discussed the previous year’s accomplishments and outlined plans for the upcoming year, according to Patch. The address included topics such as a new initiative to help juveniles, future capital improvement projects, and recaps of the success behind the county’s parks and exhibits.
New “State-of-the-Art” Training Facility Opens in Newark
City administrators and community leaders recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the new William Mobile Ashby Community Care and Training Center at 695 Bergen Street. According to Patch, a statement from the Newark Department of Public Safety said the new facility will function as a “shared space” for the community and its first responders. The Newark Department of Public Safety — including police, firefighters, members of the Office of Emergency Management and Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery staff — will get some cutting-edge training at the new modern facility. First responders from other New Jersey public safety agencies will also be invited to use the space. The new center is named in honor of the late civil rights leader and New Jersey’s first Black social worker, William Mobile Ashby. The 100,000-square-foot space has renewed the site of the former William H. Brown Academy, which closed in 2009.
Newark-Based Nonprofit to Provide Grants to Local Artists
The 2024 ArtStart Grant Program is providing an opportunity to receive up to $3,000 in funding to support art-led, community-conscious ideas that will “enhance the cultural vibrancy of Newark’s neighborhoods.” ArtStart 2024 events must take place between July 1st, 2024, and June 30th, 2025 in the city of Newark, per Patch. Applications will be accepted from both residents and non-residents of Newark and all submissions should show collaboration with community-based organizations in local neighborhoods among other criteria. Various artistic mediums will be considered including visual, literary, performing, film, and public arts. To apply and learn more information, click here. Applications close on March 29th, 2024 at 11:59PM.
Essex County Fire Departments Receives Grant from Murphy Administration
Governor Phil Murphy announced on March 5th the award of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey. Per the state website, the funds are to ensure firefighters have proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded the grants to 353 fire departments across the state after a competitive application process. This marks the second time the Murphy Administration has awarded American Rescue Plan (ARP) Firefighter Grants. A full list of grant recipients and amounts can be found here.
AAPI Montclair to Host 3rd Annual Color Run to Celebrate Holi + Songkran
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AAPI Montclair is hosting its 3rd Annual Color Run on Sunday, April 28th. According to a press release from the organization, Color Run 2024 is a 5k and 1-mile “fun run/walk” to celebrate the Indian festival of Holi and the Thai New Year, known as Songkran. Racers will run inside Brookdale Park and be splashed with colored powder at various places along the route. Participants of all ages and skill levels are invited to join. All proceeds raised will support AAPI Montclair’s mission to create a more inclusive community while 10% of race fees will be donated to local school districts. Participants who register by March 31st will receive early bird pricing: $30 for the 5K; $25 for the 1-mile. All entrants will receive a race t-shirt.
NJ American Water Schedules Water Flushing in Maplewood
New Jersey American Water has started its annual flushing schedule this past week and is expected to run until the fall. According to Patch, NJ Water will tentatively perform water main flushing on April 28th and May 3rd in Maplewood. The utility provider commented that residents may experience temporary water discoloration or pressure loss while flushing is taking place. The hydrant flushing program is an annual requirement of the Water Quality Accountability Act.
The Essex County Cherry Blossom Fest is Back for 2024
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The first day of spring is on the horizon, which means the cherry blossom trees in town are about to show off. There’s nothing like the snowfall-like cascade of petals to truly signal spring’s arrival. With peak bloom coming in a few short weeks, The Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival will be happening in Newark’s Branch Brook Park again for 2024. Click here for more.
Teens Not Allowed to Vote in Upcoming Election Amidst ‘Lower Voting Age’ in Newark
The Newark City Council’s decision to lower the voting age in school board races to 16 — one that made national headlines — officially won’t take effect for the April Board of Education election. According to TAPinto, City Clerk Kecia Daniels said that while Newark is working with its partners at the county and state level, they need more time to prepare the equipment to help teens register. Newark became the first municipality in New Jersey to lower the voting age to 16 for Board of Education races on January 10th, a move that drew support from local students and voting rights advocates alike.
Essex County Pays Highest Property Taxes in New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs recently released the 2023 property tax tables for each town and city in the state, per Patch. In total, the average Essex County property owner paid $13,448 in taxes on a home valued at $428,538 last year — the highest in New Jersey. Five of the 15 towns with the highest average taxes are located in Essex County: Millburn, Glen Ridge, Montclair, South Orange, and Essex Fells. On average, New Jersey property owners paid $9,803 in property taxes on a home valued at $365,661 — about $300 more than the previous year.
