The very beginnings of spring have popped up in New Jersey this week as warmer temperatures and sunshine graced the state. 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: another slew of new businesses open in Montclair; Millburn + Short Hills announces its restaurant week; and a West Orange student earns a perfect 1600 SAT score. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending March 2nd, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Team Behind SLA Thai Opening New Japanese Restaurant in Montclair This Month
- Puppies + Tattoos Opens in Montclair
- Montclair Welcomes Bliss Nail Spa
- Creations From Heaven Floral Boutique Opens in Montclair
- The Latest Updates on Essex-Hudson Greenway Project
- New Lingerie Design Studio, Greymade, Opens in Montclair
- Updates on the Montclair Township Animal Shelter
- Loopwell Launches The ‘Givewell LA’ Initiative for Those Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires
- Millburn + Short Hills Announces Restaurant Week for 2025
- Montclair Council Assigns New Township Manager
Team Behind SLA Thai Opening New Japanese Restaurant in Montclair This Month
In September 2023, beloved Montclair sushi spot Daikichi officially closed its doors after 35 years in town. Since then, members of the team have embarked on new ventures — former Daikichi chef Kenny Mar launched a sushi bar inside Montclair restaurant De Novo — but the 608 Valley Road space has remained virtually unclaimed. In February 2024, we reported on a new venture from the chef behind SLA Thai moving into the space — and now, we know that Minoru, a Japanese restaurant, will make its debut in MTC on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 on the second floor. Click here for more.
Puppies + Tattoos Opens in Montclair
Puppies + Tattoos, an organic grooming salon for dogs, has opened at 116 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. According to Montclair Center’s newsletter, its menu of services includes bathing, haircuts, ear cleaning, and nail trimming, along with add-on services such as paw treatments and teeth cleaning. Puppies + Tattoos has convenient online booking and walk-ins are welcome.
The Latest Updates on Essex-Hudson Greenway Project
On September 15th, 2022, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state of New Jersey had officially acquired a former rail line + would be converting it into a massive greenway, which will stretch from Essex County to Hudson County. This almost nine-mile linear state park, which starts in Montclair and runs to Jersey City, will serve as a recreational path for bikers and walkers — along with providing necessary green space to a variety of communities. The state spent $65 million to acquire this 135-acre property — which is the single largest conservation project ever, per an announcement from the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project. In November 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced that it was aiming to break ground on the Newark section of the project in 2025. An open house was held on November 13th, where design plans for the project were revealed. Now, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will hire a construction manager for the Greenway, and expects to have a manager ready for board approval in May 2025. Click here for more.
HerMD is Set to Close All Locations Later This Month
HerMD in Millburn, along with all of its locations nationwide, will be closing its doors on Friday, March 21st. According to an email blast to all of its customers, this decision came from the ongoing challenges in healthcare that have made it, “increasingly difficult to sustain the quality care we provide and that we know our patients truly deserve.” HerMD is advising all Millburn customers to contact the clinic if they have any questions or need assistance prior to the closing; if it is after March 21st, customers can contact the company via email.
Loopwell Launches ‘Givewell LA’ Initiative for Those Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires
PHOTO CREDIT: Loopwell
Loopwell, a Montclair-based social well-being club, recently announced the launch of its Givewell LA initiative. Its new virtual series of well-being classes aims to support Los Angeles communities as they recover from the devastating wildfires of 2025. According to a press release from Loopwell, the program offers accessible digital experiences to promote physical, emotional, and mental healing during a time when LA’s resources have been exercised immensely. The videos are available on Loopwell’s website and YouTube channel.
Creations From Heaven Floral Boutique Opens in Montclair
Located at 7 Park Street Suite 201 in Montclair, Creations From Heaven crafts both traditional and contemporary bouquets, giving extra room for customization and creativity. From anniversary arrangements to new baby gifts and birthday flowers, Creations From Heaven has bouquets for every occasion. The flower shop has same-day flower delivery here in Montclair and also does large event work for weddings and funerals, per Montclair Center’s newsletter.
Essex County Environmental Center Opens Registration for g’ARTbage Art Contest
The g’ART’bage contest takes a creative approach to protecting the planet from plastic pollution by asking contestants to craft art made from single-use plastic garbage (non-recyclable plastics). Projects must be crafted to withstand the elements, per the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, as they will be showcased in an outdoor setting on the grounds of the Essex County Environmental Center. Team and individual projects are welcome and prizes will be awarded. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, April 10th, and can be made via phone at 973-228-8776 or email.
Updates on the Montclair Township Animal Shelter
Montclair Township Animal Shelter, located at 77 North Willow Street, plays a vital role in the community. The shelter cares for neglected pets and finds them forever homes, as well as provides animal control and welfare services. During the weekend of December 14th, 2024, rumors on Facebook about the shelter potentially closing raised concerns amongst Montclair residents. A few months later, the shelter released a statement, saying there are no plans to close the shelter. Click here for more.
State of New Jersey Approves West Orange + 12 Other Municipalities for Brownfield Development Areas
On Tuesday, February 18th, New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced that Governor Phil Murphy’s administration approved 13 new Brownfield Development Areas (BDAs) in 10 communities, including Bayonne, Passaic, and West Orange. According to a news release from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, “DEP’s nationally recognized BDA program spurs revitalization and economic development by helping communities implement environmental investigation, remediation and redevelopment activities for areas that encompass multiple individual brownfield sites.” The next step is that approved towns receive the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DEP, each municipality, and BDA Steering Committee. Once the MOUs are signed, the DEP will appropriately designate the respective BDAs.
Newark Opens Youth Center Featuring New Music Studio, Social Workers, + Art
View this post on Instagram
On Tuesday, February 18th, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR), Invest Newark, members of the family of the late New Jersey State Senator Ronald L. Rice, and other dignitaries opened the Ronald L. Rice Arts Center West, located at 460-462 South 18th Street in the West Ward. The mission of the center is to provide a safe, educational space for learning, creating, and sharing their artistic visions and talents with the community in honor of the late Senator’s 40 years of public service. Music recording, video editing, and photography classes will be offered to residents living in the West Ward and throughout the city aged 12-24 along with youth support services with a therapeutic focus. It will operate from Monday through Friday from 9AM-8PM with social workers embedded to offer therapeutic services that include family counseling.
Millburn + Short Hills Announce Restaurant Week for 2025
It was recently announced that Restaurant Week in Millburn + Short Hills will take place March 24th-30th, 2025. According to the Explore Short Hills-Millburn newsletter, dozens of restaurants, cafes, and wine boutiques will participate, including Boxcar Bar & Grill, Millburn Standard, and Splurge Bakery. Features during the week will include exclusive specials, discounts, free tastings + samples, and prix fixe menus.
Montclair Welcomes Bliss Nail Spa
View this post on Instagram
Bliss Nail Spa, located at 334 Bloomfield Avenue, has recently opened its doors in Montclair. The salon provides an extensive selection of high-quality, highly pigmented gel polishes that come in a variety of shades for every occasion and season, per Montclair Center’s newsletter. Bliss Nail Spa is open Monday through Friday from 9:30AM-7PM and Saturday from 9AM-6PM, and appointments can be made online.
Montclair State Center for Cooperative Media Receives $2.5M Knight Foundation Grant
The Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University has recently been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to launch and support journalism collaboratives across the country. The five-year grant will allow the creation of the Collaborative Media Resource Hub to support 20 journalism collaboratives and provide significant help to new and existing U.S.-based collaborative initiatives, per a news release from the University. The goal is to create sustainable models for local news collaboration that directly benefit their communities.
New Lingerie Design Studio, Greymade, Opens in Montclair
Photo Credit: Greymade
A one-of-a-kind custom lingerie company has opened in Montclair. Designer Kelly Grey has officially opened Greymade Lingerie, a bespoke and inclusive lingerie design studio. The new spot opened in January and is located at 16 Church Street in Montclair. Click here for more.
Math Momentum Opens in Montclair
Math Momentum, an educational service owned by Courtney Washington located at 6 Gates Avenue, recently opened in Montclair. The organization provides math tutoring, STEM activities, and educational consulting for students in second through tenth grades. According to the Montclair Center’s newsletter, Courtney is a certified educator with over 35 years of experience and is dedicated to making math accessible and engaging for young learners. More information about Math Momentum can be found online.
Montclair Council Assigns New Township Manager
Mayor Renee Baskerville and the Township Council have appointed Mr. Stephen Marks, PP, AICP, as the new Township Manager after an extensive search to fill the position. The Township Council reviewed a total of 34 resumes per a news release from the Township. Stephen will officially assume his duties on Tuesday, April 1st.
West Orange Student Earns Perfect 1600 SAT Score
View this post on Instagram
West Orange High School (WOHS) senior Sahli Negassi recently achieved a perfect 1600 on the SAT. Less than 1% of test-takers nationwide earn a perfect score each year. Sahli was born in Manhattan and moved to West Orange before turning one. He never attended preschool but had some old workbooks and textbooks from his three older siblings, which he referenced when asked what helped shape his early education. Sahli hopes to attend his dream school, Harvard, to pursue a career in law.
New Business Firm, Twocents, Opens in Montclair
Located at 8-10 S Fullerton Avenue, the owners of Twocents are on a mission to bring customers and businesses closer together. According to Montclair Center’s newsletter, Twocents delivers valuable customer suggestions and any critical feedback directly to businesses in private in order to help customers feel heard and businesses improve. More information about Twocents can be found online.
Montclair to Amend Broken Sidewalk Law After Court Challenge
Montclair’s Township Council is considering updating local law to require that property owners maintain their sidewalks. This comes after a court challenged the law last spring, per Montclair Local. On Tuesday, February 11th, the court introduced changes to the law which clarify that the township’s Code Enforcement office is responsible for enforcing the law and that the owner of buildings adjacent to any sidewalk in question are responsible for repairing the pathway.
Montclair’s “Skip the Stuff” Ordinance Now In Effect
Montclair is going green with the approval of “Skip the Stuff,” an ordinance that prohibits the administration of single-use products like plastic utensils, napkins, straws, and mini sauce packets from restaurant take-out and delivery orders unless specifically requested, per MG. This ordinance, which has been adopted by towns and cities across the country, was unanimously voted in favor by the Montclair Township Council on December 17th and is now in full effect as of Saturday, March 1st, 2025.
Beloved Six Flags Rollercoaster ‘Kingda Ka’ Gets Demolished
View this post on Instagram
The fan-favorite rollercoaster, Kingda Ka, (located in Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey) has been officially demolished this week. According to CBS News, the coaster was built in 2005 and lifted riders 456 feet up in the air at 128 miles per hour. Kingda Ka was demolished to make room for two new coasters, with one reportedly opening later in 2025.
2 More Measles Cases Reported In NJ
After a person with measles landed in a Bergen County emergency room two weeks ago, two more people with the virus have been reported — both of whom were unvaccinated and were in contact with the first person. The state is asking anyone who was in contact with the three infected patients to contact a health provider to get checked out. Someone in contact with the first person could develop symptoms as late as Thursday, March 6th, per the New Jersey Department of Health. Officials have stated that measles can be “particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.” An outbreak is defined as three or more related cases by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A Guide to March Madness 2025 in Montclair + Northern New Jersey
The annual NCAA college basketball tournament and basketball lovers' favorite time of the year, March Madness, will begin on Tuesday, March 18th in Dayton, Ohio and end on Monday, April 7th with the championship in San Antonio, Texas. For those who can't travel to see the games in person, plenty of local bars and restaurants will play all of the tournaments while also providing various specials. Keep reading for a list of Montclair + Northern New Jersey spots to watch March Madness for 2025.
Blu Alehouse | 92 NJ-23, Riverdale
Montclair locals can venture outside of the Essex County area to Blu Alehouse on Route 23. This bar will show the games and serve March Madness specials all month long. See more details here.
Read More: St. Patrick’s Day 2025: Events + Things to Do in Montclair and Northern New Jersey
Horseshoe Tavern | 36 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
Watch all the games, enjoy various wing and drink specials, and cheer on your favorite teams on March 21st at Horsehoe Tavern in Morristown. This March Madness watch party will take place from 12PM to 2:30PM. Register for this event here.
Just Jake's | 30 Park Street, Montclair
March Madness fans can catch the games at Just Jake's in Montclair. Details regarding the daily drink specials have yet to be posted, but Just Jake's will announce all the information closer to the date. Check out the bar's Instagram to stay in the know.
Shannon Rose | 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton
The Shannon Rose will play each March Madness game with sound starting March 18th. There will also be different drink specials available to customers. See the pub's website for future announcements.
Sidelines Bar + Grill | 198 US-46, Fairfield
Catch all six rounds of the March Madness tournament, including the NCAA Championship Game, at Sidelines Bar + Grill in Fairfield. See the restaurant's website for a full schedule of March Madness events.
See More: A Guide to Sports Bars in Hoboken, New Jersey
Tierney’s Tavern | 136 Valley Road, Montclair
Locals can head to this Irish pub throughout the March Madness season to watch all the games. Tierney's Tavern will provide a whole list of drink and food specials. More details will be posted to the spot's Instagram story within the coming week.
