Fall is quickly approaching as temperatures proved to be gorgeous for most of this week. 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: several new stores and restaurants open in the Essex County area; a raccoon positive with rabies is found in Montclair; and Paterson’s Art Factory owner files for bankruptcy amid foreclosure. Read on for all the news in Montclair, Essex County, and beyond for the week ending September 8th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Acorn General Store Opens in Montclair
- Creative Art Space Opens in Maplewood
- Francis Henri Has Its Grand Opening
- Montclair History Center + Montclair Community Farms to Host Fall Fest
- Raccoon Positive With Rabies Found in Montclair
- Montclair Witch Hazel Tree Deemed a ‘Champion Tree’
- Montclair Historic Preservation Commission Awards Its 2024 Winners
- The Grove Grill Brings Jamaican Flavor to Bloomfield
- Titan the Dog Finds Home After 1,000 Days in Montclair Shelter
- Debate Surfaces in West Orange as Black Inventors Hall of Fame is Set to Purchase Mayfair Farms Property
Acorn General Store Opens in Montclair
Acorn General Store, located at 41 Church Street, is one of the newest additions to Montclair’s shopping scene. It’s known for selling vintage, sustainably sourced, and eco-friendly brands and private label merchandise across multiple categories, including apparel and accessories, home goods, body care, packaged foods, gifts, and kids and pet toys. Click here to learn about Acorn General Store’s background and what visitors can expect during a visit.
Montclair Witch Hazel Tree Deemed a ‘Champion Tree’
A big Witch Hazel tree, located at Marston Place in Montclair at the home of Joann Eckstut, was recently classified as a ‘Champion tree’ by the state of New Jersey. Joseph Bennett, a Big and Heritage Tree Coordinator of the New Jersey Forest Service, wrote in a letter to Joann that the tree was examined on Tuesday, August 27th, where he said that the tree is the largest Witch Hazel reported in Essex County and in the state. According to Montclair Local, Joann’s tree will be included in the official New Jersey Big and Heritage Tree Registry. The Registry has been kept since the 1930s and helps document big, heritage, and noteworthy trees in the Garden State and provides information regarding the change of the big tree resource over almost the last century.
Creative Art Space Opens in Maplewood
Photo Credit: Sherry Sacks
A creative art space has launched in Maplewood, located at 145 Dunnell Road. Sherry Sacks is an artist occupying the first floor with her artwork, which includes mostly paintings and some textile and sculptural work. Christine Carlson is a designer who specializes in vintage bridal with her business, Maybelle, which will be headquartered on the second floor. Both spaces will have an open house on Sunday, September 29th. More details are yet to be announced.
Debate Surfaces in West Orange as Black Inventors Hall of Fame is Set to Purchase Mayfair Farms Property
James Howard founded the nonprofit organization Black Inventors Hall of Fame (BIHOF) four years ago to educate others on the untold stories of African American inventors. It began as a virtual concept but has now evolved into an ambitious proposal for a permanent museum that plans to settle down at the Mayfair Farms property in West Orange. According to Montclair Local, James is currently under contract with Mayfair Farms to purchase the property as it is in “the first third of our due diligence phase” with plans to move forward with acquisition and building. After signing the contract, he has 90 days to vet the property with his team of engineers, planners, and inspectors. In late August, Joseph Fagan (the township’s Public Information Officer) had no information about the BIHOF nor the planning and zoning boards. West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney has stated she and her administration had a meeting with the BIHOF but the museum is still in a preliminary phase. Financially speaking, James claims that BIHOF is “already underway” but needs to “constantly be fed with support from the community, donor sources, corporate, and government sources.”
Francis Henri Has Its Grand Opening
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Francis Henri’s Montclair shop, located at 47 South Park Street, hosted its grand opening on Friday, September 6th. The event included treats and fun giveaways for visitors to indulge in. Francis Henri is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9AM to 4PM and is closed Sunday and Monday.
Raccoon Positive With Rabies Found in Montclair
On Tuesday, August 27th, a raccoon was found on Inwood Avenue in Montclair and tested positive for the rabies virus. The Montclair Township Health Department released a statement reminding residents to stay away from wild animals and unknown animals and warns to not feed stray animals. It also advised pet owners to keep their pets licensed, vaccinated, and up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Some warning signs of neurological diseases like rabies include, “appearing drunk or excessively wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, unable to climb, [or] acting disorientated,” per Montclair Local.
Montclair History Center + Montclair Community Farms to Host Fall Fest
Montclair History Center (MHC) and Montclair Community Farms will honor the end of the harvest season by hosting its Fall Fest on Saturday, September 28th. All ages are welcome to indulge in delicious food and fall activities all around its gardens and farm. According to a press release from MHC, local vendors, artisans, and creators will be present to provide special goods while farm animals will join the accompanying live music from Montclair’s School of Rock. Fall Fest will take place at 110 Orange Road behind the Crane Hose and Historic YMCA from 11AM to 4PM; its rain date is the following day, Sunday, September 29th at the same time. Early bird online pricing is $12 per person through Sunday, September 15th, and increases to $15 per person afterward. The online sales closes on Saturday, September 28th, at midnight. Admission includes one free beverage.
Montclair’s Hillside Elementary to Set Up Temporary Outdoor Space During Construction
Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper recently announced that while the playground at Hillside Elementary School is being completed, a temporary outdoor activity zone will be available using fencing to enclose the front yard with gates for access. According to Montclair Local, the area may be used for recess and gym. The District is working closely with the construction team to expedite the completion of the playground — which is expected to be in October at the latest — and will share updates as they become available.
Nékter Opens in Wayne
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The Southern California-based franchise Nékter has opened its first New Jersey location in Wayne at 1591 Alps Road in The Yard Plaza. The healthy eatery serves freshly-made juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls that “are made to order without any mystery ingredients,” per Patch Hoboken. Bottled nut milks, lemonades, cold-pressed juice cleanses, and other drinks are also available for purchase.
Montclair Historic Preservation Commission Awards Its 2024 Winners
The Montclair Township Historic Preservation Commission’s Preservation Awards took place in the Council Chambers on the first floor of the Municipal Building on Thursday, September 5th. The award recipients included the Bellevue Theater, the former St. Eric’s Swedish Lutheran Church (which is now Houss Freya), Diesel and Duke, and Hampton House Furniture Building. Mary Delaney Krugman received the Preservationist Award while Michael Perrone and Michele Cammarata were honored with the Preservation Service Award, per Montclair Local.
Toddler Dies After Dog Attack in Newark
An 18-month-old girl died on the evening of Tuesday, September 3rd, after she was mauled by a pit bull at or near a home on Second Avenue near Wakeman Avenue in Newark. According to NJ.com, the victim was taken to University Hospital in Newark, where she was pronounced dead. The prosecutor’s office did not release exactly where or when the attack occurred or who owned the dog. The investigation of the death is still ongoing.
Montclair State University to Start Realigned Academic Calendar in 2025
Beginning in January 2025, Montclair State University will revamp its academic calendar by creating year-round access to the educational resources of a comprehensive public research institution. The university will move to a three-term model — with a full term in the summer in addition to traditional spring and fall terms — to increase flexible learning options and ensure each student has the means to complete a degree, per Montclair State’s website. Some key aspects of this calendar change include class sessions increasing in length based on weekly frequency to account for fewer weeks in the term, two common hour blocks per week, and fall, spring, and end-of-summer term breaks.
Paterson’s Art Factory Owner Files for Bankruptcy Amid Foreclosure
The owner of The Art Factory in Paterson, David Garsia, is currently facing foreclosure and filed for bankruptcy in August 2024. Court papers indicate that David allegedly plans to continue operations for other “upcoming” events during the bankruptcy. He also said in court papers that the bankruptcy was triggered by a New Jersey Superior Court judgment issued last month against his business involving a $12.5 million loan in 2018, which was supposed to provide him with money to do a massive renovation of the complex, per NorthJersey.com. The lender group for The Art Factory, headed by Bergen County real estate investor Billy Procida, has also filed a court objection to the bankruptcy that David has no right to the revenue generated by The Art Factory in light of his alleged track record of defaults on his loan from them and that he owes Paterson almost $250,000 in unpaid property taxes and sewer charges.
The Grove Grill Brings Jamaican Flavor to Bloomfield
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A relative newcomer to Bloomfield’s restaurant scene, The Grove Grill located at 143 Grove Street, opened by a mother-daughter team in September 2023 and has been bringing a fusion of flavors from Jamaica, other Caribbean countries, and beyond. According to NorthJersey.com, Susan Strachan immigrated from Kingston, Jamaica, when she was 17 years old, and though she is not a formally trained chef, she is an avid taste-tester since she always had the ability to try a dish and tell people exactly what ingredients are in it. The establishment is known for its popular oxtail cheesesteak and oxtail patty deluxe with unlikely pairings: wings, tacos, burgers, and more. The Grove Grill is open from 11AM to 8PM Monday through Friday, 11AM to 5PM on Saturday, and 10AM to 3PM on Sunday.
Titan the Dog Finds Home After 1,000 Days in Montclair Shelter
After spending more than 1,000 days in Montclair’s animal shelter, Titan has finally found a home. Titan began a stay that turned into the longest-running residence at the shelter before being adopted by Melissa and Joe Marion of Somerville on Monday, July 22nd, per Patch Montclair. The Marions said it was a choice they took “very, very seriously,” especially since they already had an 11-year-old pitbull rescue, Benny, who they previously adopted in Jersey City.
Essex-Hudson Greenway Project: The Latest Updates
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 — as well as provide necessary green space to a variety of communities. The hope is that this design will also help mitigate flooding in many areas. This new trail will follow along the right-of-way of the eastern portion of NJ Transit’s former Boonton Line, which discontinued commuter service back in 2002 and, after freight services stopped in 2015, has since been inactive. 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 construction manager for the Greenway, and expects to have a manager ready for board approval in May 2025. Read on for what to know about the plans for the Essex-Hudson Greenway.
February 2025 Update
On Monday, February 24th, 2025, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding that calls for the authority to hire a construction manager for the Greenway, per the New Jersey Monitor. The NJEDA expects to have a construction manager ready for board approval by May, and also expects to establish a project budget by that time.
This post will be updated with any further details.
Read More: Outdoor Exercise Paths in Essex County
November 2024 Update
Per NJDEP's website, groundbreaking for the Newark section of the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project is expected to take place in 2025. NJDEP and NJ Transit hosted an open-house-style event on Wednesday, November 13th from 6PM-8PM at Park Elementary School — located at 120 Manchester Place in Newark — to inform locals about project updates, see artistic images of the Greenway, and share thoughts.
The design plans revealed at the open house include a map of the initial greenway development + construction that includes three community areas in the Newark section — which will span 0.8 miles from Branch Brook Park to Broadway.
The Branch Brook Park Overlook will feature views of Branch Brook Park with lawn and picnic space; The Tiffany Manor Hub will be a gathering space with seating and opportunities for food trucks and other short-term amenities; and The Newark Central Hub will include ADA-accessible play features, a performance space, sports courts, and restrooms. More details can be found on NJDEP's website.
This post will be updated as more details come out surrounding the groundbreaking.
All About the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project
Governor Phil Murphy and the Essex-Hudson Greenway Project announced on September 15th, 2022 that they had achieved a major milestone: the purchasing of a northern New Jersey inactive railway. This railway, which was NJ Transit’s former Boonton Line, is slated to be turned into a linear State Park that will stretch from Montclair to Jersey City on an almost nine-mile path. The state spent $65 million, which is the single largest conservation project to date — and is also the biggest investment in a non-motorized transportation corridor.
This project has been a long time coming with a lot of advocates working behind the scenes. The Essex-Hudson Greenway Coalition — which is made up of the Open Space Institute, the New Jersey Bike + Walk Coalition, and the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance — celebrated the purchase back in 2022.
“This acquisition by Governor Murphy and the state of New Jersey brings us one step closer to creating much-needed green space to the most densely populated and diverse region in the entire nation,” Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute, said in the original announcement.
This 135-acre property will start from Montclair and pass through Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus, and end in Jersey City. The path, which is up to 100 feet wide at certain spots, will allow residents space for recreational biking and walking. Plus, according to the original release, this trail will provide a host of different benefits to residents in these areas.
"The Greenway has the potential to support new and existing businesses, create enhanced access to a healthy, thriving green space for historically underserved communities, and offer the communities adjacent to the property with significant flood control and environmental solutions to resolve longstanding issues," the announcement said.
In 2021, the September 11th National Memorial Trail received unanimous federal legislation for a trail route, which created a triangle-shaped, 1,300-mile trail. The Essex-Hudson Greenway will make up a portion of this trail.
“Many people don’t realize that in addition to providing nearby residents with new green space, the Essex-Hudson Greenway also has national significance as a component of the 9/11 Memorial Trail,” Andy Hamilton, Chair of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance Board of Directors, previously said. “It’s exciting to see that we are one step closer to realizing this full potential of this project and we remain committed to supporting the State of New Jersey and our coalition partners as the project moves forward.”
Many locals have been campaigning for a linear park that would serve as a “shared-use path” for people walking, riding a bike, running, rollerblading, or just relaxing. Advocates including the Bloomfield Open Space Trust Fund, the Friends of the Ice + Iron Trail, and groups in North Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken have been pushing for this Greenway to come to fruition.
See More: The Best Playgrounds With a View in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
We can't wait to see what this project will look like once it's finished.
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