LIFEGUARD JOB FOR YOU?

A little early, but why not know about a good summer opportunity from the township:

NEED A SUMMER JOB? Lifeguarding could be it! 

The Maplewood Recreation Department will be holding it's annual Lifeguard Certification Class June 3rd-6th from 5:45pm-9:00pm at the Maplewood Community Pool. 

The Lifeguard Certification Class will provide you with:
- 2 year First Aid and CPR/AED certifications
- 2 year Lifeguarding certification

Topics include:
               - Injury prevention and facility safety
               - Patron surveillance
               - Rescue skills
               - Victim assessment
         ;       - First Aid
               - CPR/AED
               - Care for head, neck and spinal injuries

The cost for this class is $250.

If you are 15 or older, can pass certain swim requirements,  and would like to register for this class, you can do so online by clicking the following link: https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood.

If you have any questions reguarding this class, please call the Recreation Office at (973) 763-4202.


Maplewood Recreation Department

GREAT EASTER MUSIC AT ETHICAL CULTURE

10:00am

This event is the fifth of 6 mini recitals, featuring the Preludes and Fugues No 17-20 of J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier Book 2. The work will be presented in its entirety over the next three months by pianist Birgit Matzerath at the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County, 516 Prospect Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040. The mini-recital begins at 10:15 AM, duration approximately 30 minutes.  Admission to this and all other events of this series is free and open to the public, donations to benefit the Ethical Culture Society and the Maplewood Public Library are welcome. Please visit the website for detailed information.

HAPPY EASTER VIDEO

Some Easter fun with the Township Committee

WNBC "RESCUE" SHOW HELPS LOCAL BURBANK FAMILY

See The family of Maplewood DPW Director Eric Burbank, including his son, Ryan, who has been making great recoveries since a paralyzing accident, on WNBC's George to the Rescue today. 

On this episode, the show helps renovate the family's home to ease Ryan's daily needs.

Today at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.on Channel 4.

Preview below:

CHS BASEBALL CAR WASH TODAY

CARJACKING IN BROAD DAYLIGHT - UPDATE

...Scanner indicates police responding to a carjacking at Chancellor and Springfield avenues near the Bank of America there....

...No details on vehicle, witness called it in...Police are cornering two suspects in the vehicle...

UPDATE: Suspects stopped and questioned, but released.

CHS FENCING COACH IS STAR-LEDGER COACH OF THE YEAR

In case you missed it  this week:

If there is one thing you can take away from a conversation with this year’s Star-Ledger Coys Fencing Coach of the year, Columbia’s Daryl White, it is that preparation is key.

White at first glance, cuts an unusual figure in on the side of the strip. Tall and powerfully built, White who was an All-American guard for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, is not your typical fencing coach. But then again, his team’s are not your typical fencing teams.

They are champions.

For the past four years, White’s teams have made it to the state finals, three of those years, including this season, they took home the state title. In the past four years they have lost a grand total of two meets.

Columbia secret? According to White, “To earn a championship, you have to prepare yourself to do so. I believe in preperation, competition, tradition and physical conditioning”

Read more HERE

GOOD FRIDAY OPEN/CLOSE

Wishing you a joyous Good Friday.

Remember, schools are closed, but township offices are open.

WATER FLUSHING COMING

This from the township yesterday:

2013 Spring Water Main Flushing

This spring and into the summer months, New Jersey American Water will be cleaning its water distribution system to help ensure that customers continue to receive high-quality water.

During the company’s annual “Spring Cleaning” program, crews will be flushing out water mains to remove harmless particles that have built up in the pipes over time.

In the areas where Spring Cleaning is scheduled, New Jersey American Water
will be opening fire hydrants to increase water flows and “flush” sediment
from its pipes. When hydrants are being flushed, customers may notice a
drop in water pressure or may experience discolored water. This is a normal
part of the process. New Jersey American Water advises customers to let
their water run until it is clear.

The municipalities, start dates and end dates, where New Jersey American
Water will be Spring Cleaning can be found at

BABY LEFT IN CAR SEAT UNATTENDED

Some people don't learn.

There was the parent who left a child who appeared to be less than a year old strapped in a car seat Thursday afternoon on Tuscan Road outside Tuscan School, presumably so the parent could go pick someone, or something, up at the school.

Hey offending parent, know that police were called and the only reason you were not arrested was because you returned to your car and pulled away before they arrived. 

GREAT KIDS LIBRARY EVENT TODAY

	4:00pm
	Read! Build! Play!  Ages 2-5 * Registration Required  Thurs 3/28 @ 4pm - Main Library  Come to the library to play with Duplo legos, designed especially for little hands. Play and meet other lego-lovers. Reading and building can increase a child’s early literacy skills.

SPRING RAKE-OUT SCHEDULE IS OUT

This just released by the Township:

2013 “SPRING RAKE OUT” SCHEDULE

Each area is scheduled for five pick up days. To locate your area go to http://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/454. 

The dates for each area are listed below.

Materials to be picked up are limited to branches, leaves, and garden rakings when packaged as follows:

(a) Branches must not be more than four feet in length and tied in bundles that can be handled by one man.

(b) Leaves and garden rakings must be placed in returnable containers that can be handled by one man.

Materials to be picked up must be placed at the curb not later than 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled date and not earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before.

Unpackaged material placed at the curb will not be picked up and will constitute a violation of the law as established by Ordinance.

If you have any questions please contact the Department of Public Works at 973-762-1175.

2013 “SPRING RAKE OUT” SCHEDULE

SECTIONS 1 & 2            SECTIONS 3 & 4               SECTIONS 5 & 6

3/25/13                             3/25/13                             3/26/13
4/02/13                             4/03/13                             4/04/13
4/10/13                             4/11/13                             4/12/13
4/18/13                             4/19/13                             4/22/13
4/26/13                             4/29/13                             4/30/13

SECTIONS 7 & 8             SECTIONS 9 & 10            SECTIONS 11 & 12

3/27/13                              3/28/13                            4/01/13
4/05/13                              4/08/13                            4/09/13
4/15/13                              4/16/13                            4/17/13
4/23/13                              4/24/13                            4/25/13
5/01/13                              5/02/13                            5/03/13

LIBRARY WRITERS GROUP TONIGHT

	7:00pm
	Maplewood Library Writers ’Group  Open to writers of all genres who are interested in interacting with and receiving feedback from fellow writers. Members read and receive comments on current writing projects, and time is allotted for open discussion.  March 13 and 27  7:00 pm at Main Library

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION DEADLINE LOOMS

If you haven't registered for kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year, the district wants you to do so by tomorrow.

See the info on registration and deadlines HERE.

GIGI'S EASTER SPECIAL

A-tisket, a-tasket …
what’s in your Easter basket?

Eggs will be colored then hidden away,
As The Bunny arrives to kick off the day.
Kids’ faces light up as they race through the grass,
To snatch up their finds before anyone asks.
Holidays mean loved ones that gather so near,
Friends that we cherish and hold oh so dear.
So why not have dinner knowing you’re set?
Dessert’s taken care of, each sweet tooth is met.
Gigi’s Cupcakes delight, so order ’em up,
Then sit and enjoy how runneth over your cup.

Featured Flavor:
The Strawberry Cream.
Homemade strawberry whipped cream
atop a moist and rich vanilla cake.
Pretty in pink, indeed.

Dozen minis: $18. Dozen regulars: $36.
Handmade edible, royal icing egg decorations on top - $6 per dozen.

Please place your order by Friday, March 29;
$36 minimum order for delivery.

(Gigi says: It’s a little known fact that bunnies adore,
carrots a little … but cupcakes much more!)

1925 Springfield Avenue
Maplewood, New Jersey
973-763-8986
gigiscupcakes.com
cupcakes@gigiscupcakes.com

Hours at the Cupcake Shop:
Tuesday-Thursday, 10-6
Friday, 10-7
Saturday, 10-5
Sunday, 10-3
Closed Monday

  

TODDLER YOGA AT THE LIBRARY

	11:00am
	Storytime Yoga  Ages 3-5 * Registration Required  Wed 3/27 @ 11am - Main Library  Join us for this creative approach to yoga! Self-expression and silliness are encouraged as kids imitate animals and nature through storytelling, music, and games. Instructor Dawn has practiced yoga for over 15 years.

MORE CAR-RELATED CRIME AND AN ARMED ROBBERY

So this week's police report, just issued, finds you need to remember to lock your car doors and not leave the engine running unattended.

Also, a pretty scary armed robbery:

March 18, 2013; Robbery; At approximately 845 PM, a 46 year old male pedestrian walking on Berkeley St was approached by two males.  One of the males approached him wearing a ski mask and brandishing a handgun.  The actor demanded money and the victim turned over a small amount of cash before running to report the incident to a local store.  The victim was uninjured.

March 21, 2013; Theft from Auto;  During the overnight, an unlocked van parked in a driveway on Woodside Rd was entered and several tools were removed. 

March 21, 2013; Stolen Motor Vehicle; At approximately 645 AM a Volvo left running in the driveway of a Van Ness Terr residence was stolen. 

March 23, 2013; Stolen Motor Vehicle; During the early morning hours a Nissan Maxima was taken from a parking lot on Chancellor Ave.  The vehicle was recovered the next day in Newark. 

All incidents are currently under investigation by the Detective Bureau.  Residents are asked to practice good crime prevention techniques and secure their garages and automobiles when left unattended.

CORNER STORE SHUTS DOWN AGAIN

Is there some curse on businesses that open at 163 Maplewood Ave. at the corner of Inwood Place in Maplewood Village?

After a candy and treats shop closed in the last year, another shop opened as Sweet Relish, with gourmet goodies. That shutdown and retooled as Olive and Lizzy six months ago with gifts and mementos.

Now a sign on the door says it has closed, with the windows blocked up with brown paper.

The store also posted this on their Facebook page:

Olive & Lizzy

19 hours ago

We are closing Olive & Lizzy.

Outstanding gift cards will be honored at No. 165 (https://www.facebook.com/No165maplewood)

Thank you for your patronage and support.

No explanation given, but hopefully something will rise again in that spot.

FREE ADULT HEALTH SCREENING TODAY

From the Township:

	3:30pm
	Free Adult Health Screenings  Adults 18 and older can get free blood pressure and carotid bruit screenings, and health and medication counseling. Staffed by Maplewood Health Dept. nurses. For an appointment, call 973-762-8120, ext. 4300. Drop-ins are also welcome. Tuesday, March 26  3:30-5 pm at Hilton Branch Library

HURRICANE SANDY DAMAGE TALLIED IN REPORT

A new state report highlighted HERE by NJ Spotlight finds that Maplewood's damage from Hurricane Sandy included an impact to 22 homes, 21 with major damage, described as that costing between $8,000 and $28,800.

In addition, three rental units received minor damage, costing less than $8,000, while some 900 businesses were impacted, but does not detail how the impacts were felt.

NJ Spotlight also noted:

On Tuesday, the DCA put out its action plan for spending billions of dollars in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the federal government. The proposal is New Jersey’s blueprint for spending an initial $1.8 billion to help more than 20,000 home owners, 5,000 renters and 10,000 businesses, as well as local governments. It must be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In total, HUD is providing $5.4 billion in block grants to states hit by Sandy in this first round of distribution. In total, the federal government has appropriated $16 billion in block grants.

NJ TRANSIT CROSS-HONORING, NEW SCHEDULE

Two important notices form NJ Transit today.

First, a new schedule began on Sunday with some changes.

See HERE.

Second, with another storm expected, they are cross-honoring tickets:

Travel Alerts

Mar 25, 2013  08:18:23 AM Due to expected inclement weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full system wide cross-honoring (rail, light rail, bus & private bus carriers) starting on Monday, March 25, and continuing through the end of the service day.

SMALL RUTGERS ST. FIRE

PATCH reports:

A fire in outdoor fireplace at a home at 55 Rutgers St. in Maplewood apparently spread to a nearby fence before igniting a one-story garage on the property, the Maplewood Fire Department reported Saturday evening. 

The fire, which was reported at about 6:30 p.m., was quickly extinguished by the fire department acting Deputy Chief John Kozak said. 

SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS 14 JOBS, SIX IN SPECIAL ED.

The school district posted a great rundown of the recently approved $118 million district budget online.

See the entire report HERE.

Highlights include the elimination of 14 jobs, including six special education positions.

The report states, on those cuts:

The budget will result in the net elimination of 14 employees for a total budget reduction of $1,590,000. 

Positions slated for elimination include:

·         1 CHS Dean (anticipated vacancy due to upcoming retirement)

·         6 Special Education teachers (enrollment changes and scheduling efficiencies)

·         1 CHS Student Assistance Coordinator

·         3 CHS teachers (scheduling efficiencies)

·         3 elementary specials teachers (scheduling efficiencies)

·         2 Curriculum Specialists (program restructuring)

·         2 elementary enrichment teachers (program restructuring)

·         1 Central Office Secretary (vacancy not being filled)

Staff being added where necessary, include:

·         1 elementary social worker (expanded need for services)

·         2 elementary/middle school teachers (increased enrollment)

·         2 sixth grade World Language teachers

In addition, it states:

As passed, the budget calls for a total expenditure of $118,004,144, with a total school tax levy for the operating budget of $104,473,642 and $3,890,933 for the debt service budget. This represents an increase over last year in the school tax levy of $3,080,497, or 2.93% in percentage terms.  Of that, 2.47% is attributable to increases in the operating budget, with the remaining .46% slated to cover the increase in annual debt service, approved in 2012 by the Board of Education and the Board of School Estimate. The impact on the average homeowner is estimated to be $199 in Maplewood and $212 in South Orange (based on 2012 figures; finalized 2013 tax numbers will be available from the Essex County Office of Taxation in April).

PLAY TIME AT THE LIBRARY TODAY

	11:00am
	Read! Build! Play!  Ages 2-5 * Registration Required  Mon 3/25 @ 11am - Hilton Branch  Come to the library to play with Duplo legos, designed especially for little hands. Play and meet other lego-lovers. Reading and building can increase a child’s early literacy skills.

STUDENT-RUN SCHOOL LOOKING FOR A HOME?

The News-Record website reports on this odd idea:

MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE — Four local residents are currently in search of a space to open a democratic free school to service elementary through high school aged children of South Orange, Maplewood, West Orange, Orange and other municipalities.

Abram Karl-Gruswitz, Angela Wolff, Elizabeth McCarthy and Liliana Gomez hope to set up the South Mountain Co-op, which will be a private school, in time for them to run a camp this summer, as well.

A democratic free school is organized and run differently from public schools: children are free to decide what they will study and when. Additionally, students have a say in the running of the school through participation in weekly meetings — as peers — with the school’s staff.

MY TAKE - ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH ASSAULT VICTIM

On Friday, I posted a story about the former St. Joseph's Church employee who was dismissed from her 16-year job a year after suffering a tragic assault and beating in the parish rectory.

The 63-year-old woman, whose name we have kept anonymous, was told if she could not return to work, she would lose her job. Sources indicate she will receive medical care for her injuries and 70% of salary, at least for the moment, but by no means for any long-term needs.

This news has drawn mixed reactions, from those who say the church is doing all it must by law to those who find it appalling that a church that preaches caring for others and kindness would take such a hard-lined business approach to one of its own family.

Although I am Unitarian, I was raised Catholic and have a long history of Catholic education. My departure from the church had more to do with the worldwide organization than any local church. Even prior to the Catholic sex scandal of the past decade, I opposed the church's approach to women, gays and even contraception.

The sex scandal only added to my opposition to how the larger church does business.

In this case, it seems ironic that a church whose higher level has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to payoff legal penalties for molesting priests does not seek to do more than is required by law to help a woman who has served the local parish for more than a decade.

Despite my opposition to the Catholic Church, I have always found St. Joseph's Church to be a wonderful community. Under the former pastor, Father Michael Saporito, it was a place where people were welcomed and where political or fire-and-brimstone lectures were absent.

My daughter was baptized there 12 years ago and both of my children attended CCD -- I even taught a class one week when my wife could not.

But it seems that in the past year or so, since Father Michael left, the church has changed. Many members have told me that they find a disconnect from the current pastor, Rev. Eustace Edomobi, and this treatment of this poor employee is another factor.

I do not advocate as some have on MOL that they boycott the church. But those in the parish need to use their collective power to make sure the heirarchey treats the parishioners well.

15 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

A big selection if you are looking to buy or sell, or just check the market.

See the list HERE.

AUTHOR HARLAN COBEN AT WORDS

If you missed Harlan Coben at Words this past week, check out this video clip below.

THE STROLLERS PRESENT A GREAT SHOW THIS WEEKEND

ST. JOSEPH YOUTH ENCOUNTER EVENT TODAY

Time:	9:00am
Information:	Parish Youth Encounter is a gathering where the young people share faith, witness to the power of Christ's love, and come to appreciate a whole new way of living their faith.  They will experience that they are not alone in their journey into adult life. They will find a welcoming place of safety and support, where faith is deepened and spiritual lives awaken 767 Prospect St. Maplewood

ST. JOE'S ASSAULT VICTIM FIRED BY CHURCH, CASE STILL UNSOLVED

St. Joseph's Church marked the one-year anniversary of one of its employees being beaten and attacked in the rectory by terminating her employment, according to sources.

The 63-year-old employee, whose name we have withheld, was told that if she could not return to work within one year of the March 14, 2012 attack, she would be let go. That date passed last week.

Suffering from traumatic brain injury, the employee has been unable to return to the job, sources said. She continues to receive medical coverage for her specific injuries and disability insurance representing 70% of her previous salary, but that will only last until her medical condition is considered to be at a permanent state and no longer likely to improve.

She had worked at St. Joseph's for at least 16 years, drawing support and rave reviews from many parents and students of the school and the church.

The employee declined to comment on her situation.

A request for comment to the church was passed on to the Archdiocese of Newark, which declined comment with an email that stated: "We don't comment on individual personnel matters."

The crime occurred on March 14, 2012, and launched what police say was an intense investigation. But to this date, no one has been charged.

This update from Maplewood Police Capt. John Perna indicates one "person of interest" was found in the case, but not enough evidence has been found to take that person further in the investigation.

Due to the severity of the attack this case was given top priority by all divisions within the police department, particularly the Detective Bureau whose members conducted an extensive investigation into the matter. Various leads were developed by Maplewood Detectives during the investigation and those leads were explored to the fullest extent possible. The investigation identified a person of interest, however, there is insufficient evidence at this time to charge that person with the crime. 

The department will not comment on whether any leads were developed as a result of a reward posted through the Essex County Sherriff’s Office Crime Stoppers Program. 

A $3,000 reward is still being offered by the Essex County Sheriff's Office.

DOG AND CAT CLINIC TODAY

	9:00am
Information:	The Humane Society in cooperation with the Maplewood Health Dept. will hold a low cost dog/cat health clinic in the Humane Society mobile van in front of the Town Hall on Friday March 22, 2013 from 9:00am until 4:00pm. Services include rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, bordatella, micro chip, heartworm, nails , ears, flea and tick treatment. Prices are very reasonable.

SCHOOL BOARD PASSES BUDGET WITH NEARLY $200 AVERAGE TAX HIT

The Board of Education voted, 5-2, to pass a $104 million spending plan last night, which will cut a controversial counseling position and increase the average tax hit for Maplewood by $199 per year, or nearly 2.5%.

School board members Jeffrey Bennett and Wayne Eastman opposed the budget.

The cuts are aimed at filling a $2.8 million budget deficit.

See the detailed budge plan HERE.

SCHOOL BOARD FINAL BUDGET VOTE TONIGHT

The Board of Education will finalize its vote for the proposed new budget, a $104 million spending plan that would increase school taxes for most Maplewood residents by $199, a nearly 2.5% hike.

Among the items at issue is cutting funds for a student assistant counselor. It also prompted this petition by those seeking to save the jobs.

Show up and ask questions or tell them what you think.

Agenda HERE.

CHS GRAD PLAYING IN 'MARCH MADNESS' TODAY

If your alma mater is not in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament starting this week and you need someone to root for, try Southern University of Baton Rouge, LA.

Why? Because of starting guard Jameel Grace, a graduate of Columbia High School.

Southern takes on top-seeded Gonzaga today at 4:10 p.m. on TBS from Salt Lake City

Or watch it HERE.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING TODAY

Time:	12:00pm
Information:	Overlook Van Cholesterol Screening  This test includes LDL, HDL, and Total Cholesterol/ HDL ratio. A simple fingerstick method is used, and fasting is not required. There is a $10 fee. Educational materials and individual counseling will also be provided. For an appointment, call 1-800-247-9580. Drop-ins are also welcome.  Thursday, March 21  12:00-1:30 pm in front of Hilton Branch

OPERA SINGER HEADLINES TONIGHT'S HILTON MEETING

Commemorate Women's History Month with Mezzo-Soprano Lori Mirabal 

Date: Thurs., March. 21, 2013 
Time: 7:30 PM 
Place: DeHart Center, 120 Burnett Ave., Maplewood 

Opera Singer Lori Mirabal Will Appear at HNA Meeting 

The Hilton Neighborhood Association will commemorate Women's History Month at its Thursday, March 21st meeting at 7:30 PM in DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood. Come and enjoy an evening at the opera with Mezzo-Soprano Lori Mirabal. Ms. Mirabal, an opera singer with a glorious voice, as well as a teacher and producer, will tell her story and share her music. A question and answer period will follow. 

This meeting is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served. For further information, contact 973-761-4672 or cabms@aol.com.

AUTHOR HARLAN COBEN AT WORDS

MARCH 20 / WED / 12:30 pm

Words Bookstore
179 Maplewood Avenue
Maplewood, NJ 07040
http://wordsbookstore.com/

Harlan Coben, the master of domestic suspense, returns with a standalone thriller—in the vein of #1 bestsellers Hold Tight, Caught, and Stay Close—that explores the depth and passion of a lost love . . . and the secrets and lies at its heart.

Space is limited, reserve now! events@wordsbookstore.com.  Book purchase required.

TOWNSHIP EGG HUNT SATURDAY

This from the township. Note it will be at Memorial Park, not De Hart.

  

29th Annual Holiday Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 23th at 1:00pm

Bring your friends and family and celebrate spring with a fun-filled Holiday Egg Hunt in Memorial Park! (across from Town Hall)

The hunt will begin at 1:00pm so be sure to get there a little before!

This program is open for children up to 8 years old. Please bring your own baskets for collecting eggs.

We will also be holding a Jelly Bean Contest!

Light refreshments will be served and there may even be a visit from a holiday Bunny!!!

(Rain Date is Sunday, March 24th at 1:00pm)

Thank you,

Maplewood Recreation Department

WOMEN'S CLUB TASK FORCE SET

The controversial purchase of the Women's Club by the Township Committee was a top point of discussion at the Township Committee meeting Tuesday night, where the TC agreed to appoint a task force to review the future use of the site, which the township is buying for more than $1 million.

PATCH reports:

Committee member Jerry Ryan and Deputy Mayor Kathleen Leventhal will head the task force, which will also include Township Administrator Joseph Manning and other staff. The task force may bring in experts and members of the public as needed. 

The decision came after a lengthy brainstorming session about the Woman's Club, which the township has agreed to purchase for just over $1 million. 

Mayor Vic DeLuca said the township had spoken to several non-profits interested in partnering with the township on the building, including the South Mountain YMCA, HK Project and others. He would like to solicit a non-profit main partner in a 1-5 year cost-sharing arrangement.

HARVARD MEN'S GLEE CLUB PERFORMS TONIGHT

What a great treat from a nationally known group.

Time:	8:00pm
Information:	Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church hosts the renowned Harvard Men's Glee Club for an evening of glorious music. Now on their East Coast Tour, this is a rare treat - everyone is invited to hear one of the best university music groups. A freewill offering will help support the tour and future concerts at Morrow.
Address:	600 Ridgewood Rd at Baker Street

BUDGET, WOMEN'S CLUB ON TC AGENDA TONIGHT

The Township Committee will consider the new fiscal budget, which is expected to add a 2.5% tax increase to most homeowners, at tonight's regular meeting.

See background HERE.

Also under discussion is what to do with the Women's Club building that the TC voted to buy for $1 million. 

See the entire agenda HERE and show up to give your thoughts.

Remember, they work for you.

KINGS INTERESTED IN POST OFFICE SITE?

PATCH reports:

The CEO of Kings Food Markets confirmed that the company is interested in potentially moving its Maplewood store into the Maplewood Post Office space, which will be vacated in November.

"Someone is going in there, and we'd like it to be us," said Judy Spires, president and CEO of the New Jersey-based corporation, which has 24 stores in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

Kings has had a store on Maplewood Avenue since 1940. Mayor Vic DeLuca has said he has been in discussions with Kings representatives for some time now, since before the Maplewood Planning Board voted to declare the site an area for rehabilitation in 2011. 

"We are committed to serving our customers in Maplewood and continuing to expand our presence," said Spires. She continued, "We have embarked on a very all-encompassing growth program in the next three years." Spires pointed to the upcoming opening of a store in Gillette, NJ, which will feature many prepared food options as well as expanded fresh and organic food sections.

Read it all HERE