Maplewood Council Advances Inclusive Playground Project, Opposes NJ Transit Fare Hike

Overview: Maplewood Town Council’s latest meeting addressed several community issues, but most notable were discussions surrounding the proposal of an inclusive playground at Maple Crest Park and opposition to New Jersey Transit’s 15% fare increase. The council also tackled health initiatives, environmental concerns, and local development during the session.

Franklin Township Sewage Authority Concludes Audit with Clean Bill of Financial Health, Appoints New Officers, and Discusses Key Infrastructure Projects

Overview: The Franklin Township Sewage Authority held a meeting where a clean audit opinion for the fiscal year ending May 31st, 2023, was presented, confirming the authority’s strong financial position with $67,266,000 in net assets. Teresa Ford assumed the role of chairperson, while significant infrastructure projects and developer agreements were also discussed. Notably, the authority considered a partnership with a developer for improvements to a gravity sewer line impacting a hotel project on Davidson Avenue.

Newark Approves Tax Abatement; Focuses on Community Services and Property Value Debates

Overview: In a recent Newark City Council meeting, several decisions were made that will shape the future landscape of the city. The council granted a 20-year tax abatement to Five Merchant Management Urban Renewal LLC for the construction of a new multifamily residential building. Additionally, the meeting saw appointments to key positions and discussions on various community service funding, property value assessments, and public service improvements.

Denville School Board Addresses Student Safety, Academic Performance, and Infrastructure Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Denville Township Board of Education, the board tackled a range of issues, from student safety and academic performance to infrastructure challenges and fiscal planning. Superintendent Steven Forte presented a report on student safety data, revealing zero substance abuse cases, two weapons cases, and five confirmed instances of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) for the first half of the year. The board also delved into the district’s academic performance, discussing improvements in math scores for third and sixth grades, and strategies to support lagging seventh and eighth-grade math scores, including implementing Math 180 and piloting a new math textbook.

Barnegat School Board Confronts Budget Concerns and Celebrates Student Achievements

Overview: The recent Barnegat School Board meeting saw financial insights presented by Mr. Brian Waldren, who highlighted a clean audit opinion alongside an increase in total revenues and expenditures for the district. However, concerns arose due to a decrease in the food service cafeteria fund’s balance, which could affect future budget considerations. Amidst these financial discussions, the Board recognized the outstanding achievements of students and teams, including state championship wins and the induction of National Honor Society members. The meeting also addressed a board vacancy with the interviews of two candidates, Colleen Angus and Lauren Wasburn, but concluded without a majority vote, postponing the decision to February.