Union County Prioritizes Autism Awareness and Community Engagement

Overview: The Union County Board of Commissioners recently tackled a range of topics including financial resolutions, community events, and initiatives supporting individuals with autism. The emphasis on autism awareness and fiscal responsibility stood out among the discussions.

Clark Town Council Approves Redevelopment Plan Amid Public Concerns

Overview: The Clark Town Council has adopted a new Redevelopment plan that targets the revitalization of the downtown Village District, which allows for a diversified land use including retail, commercial, and residential spaces. This move comes alongside debates on a ordinance requiring the township to share payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) with the Clark Board of Education. A point of discussion was raised by residents concerning the financial impact of the development project, the handling of legal issues involving town officials, and the implications of tax appeals on the township’s finances.

Union County Commissioners Address Food Insecurity and Mosquito Control Measures

Overview: In a recent Union County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners discussed several resolutions, with a focus on combatting food insecurity for college students and preemptive measures for mosquito control. A standout moment was the acknowledgment of Dr. Harrove, the Vice President for Student Development at Union County College, and the recipient of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award. He spoke on a resolution to support food insecurity initiatives at Union County College, emphasizing the importance of this support for students who often come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Clark School Board Approves Tentative Annual School Budget

Overview: The Clark School Board has approved the tentative annual school budget for the 2024-2025 academic year, which will now be submitted to the Union County Executive Superintendent for approval. The budget, which totals $47,784,427, includes $43,745,000 for the general fund, $2.2 million for special revenue, and $1.8 million for debt service. The tax levy to support the budget is set at $36 million. This financial plan is key to the district’s operations and will be further discussed in a public budget presentation scheduled for May.

Clark Planning Board Rejects Mixed-Use Development Plan

Overview: In a turn of events, the Clark Planning Board voted against the proposed site plan for a new mixed-use building on Westfield Avenue LLC, which sought to introduce residential apartments and commercial space to the community. The decision came after discussions regarding parking and traffic concerns, which highlighted the project’s potential impact on the existing infrastructure and neighborhood.