Nutley Rent Leveling Board Advances Special Needs Playground and Declares Cancer Awareness Month
- Meeting Overview:
The Nutley Rent Leveling Board meeting on August 19, 2025, primarily focused on advancing community projects and raising awareness for significant health issues. The board approved a critical ordinance to secure matching funds for a $540,000 playground project designed for children with special needs, emphasizing inclusivity in community recreational spaces. Additionally, the board declared September as both National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and National Blood Cancer Month.
The board’s unanimous approval of an ordinance to secure matching funds for a specialized playground adjacent to Glattback Field marked a step forward for the township. The playground, designed for children with physical and sensory challenges, aims to be an inclusive recreational space. The board committed to matching $137,000 of the project’s total cost. This initiative, spearheaded by one of the commissioners, reflects a broader focus on community inclusivity and support for children with special needs.
In addition to the playground project, the board declared September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month through a resolution that underscored the critical nature of early detection. The resolution highlighted prostate cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Statistics presented revealed that an estimated 313,780 new cases would be diagnosed in 2025, with 35,770 expected deaths. The board emphasized the importance of regular medical follow-ups and PSA monitoring, urging men to engage in their health management. This resolution received unanimous support.
Complementing the prostate cancer awareness efforts, the board also proclaimed September as National Blood Cancer Month. This resolution drew attention to blood cancers such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, with approximately 192,000 new cases anticipated in 2025. Members shared personal experiences with blood cancers. This resolution, like the others, was approved unanimously, further highlighting the board’s dedication to promoting health awareness and community support.
The meeting also included several resolutions concerning community events and projects. The board approved raffle licenses for St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and HSA Good Shepherd Academy, following a review by the municipal clerk and police department. These community events aim to foster engagement and support local initiatives.
In a financial move, the board discussed budget adjustments, notably the insertion of special items of revenue into the budget. These grants, unavailable at the time of the budget’s initial adoption, included funds for body armor replacement, alcohol education, pedestrian safety, and distracted driving initiatives. The board itemized each grant amount.
Another noteworthy resolution involved the disposal of non-functional township vehicles. The board accepted offers from recycling companies for outdated vehicles, including a 1999 wagon with high mileage, optimizing the town’s resources and promoting environmental responsibility. This resolution was passed with unanimous consent, reflecting efficient asset management practices.
The meeting also covered the Chicalini project’s development timeline, where the board approved modifications to the schedule. The applicant’s request for site plan approval was deemed complete, with updates not expected to affect the overall outcome. This resolution passed unanimously.
Rent Leveling Board Officials:
James Kuchta, Marilyn Del Plato, Bradford Graves, Lori Monaco, Dr. Gerard Parisi, Stephen Tedesco, Jason M. Kirk, Joseph Hannon (Attorney)
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Meeting Type:
Rent Leveling Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
08/19/2025
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Recording Published:
08/26/2025
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Duration:
33 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Essex County
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Towns:
Nutley
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