DE LUCA: TOWNSHIP "IN GREAT SHAPE"

Mayor Vic De Luca began a seventh straight term as mayor, his 10th overall, and another three year-term on the Township Committee today. Also sworn into a new term is TC member India Larrier.

In his State of the Township address, De Luca tallied both triumphs and difficulties in the past year, with some announcements for new programs in 2015.

Among them:

* Expansion of the Talk to the Township events to new locations on Irvington Avenue, Jacoby Street and De Hart Park.

* Creation of a new Clergy Alliance Program for police department meetings with local religious leaders.

* Rebranding of the Irvington Avenue shopping areas as Maplewood Corners.
"As to the current State of Maplewood: We had a very good year, are in great shape, and have an outstanding future ahead of us," De Luca said. "In my first State of the Township Address in 2001, I said Maplewood “must remain as an attractive community, with a sound housing stock and viable neighborhoods throughout; a town where a sense of community is strong and diversity and inclusivity are valued.” So far we’ve been successful. Stories about Maplewood in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, talk about new residents being 'welcomed with open arms,' that we are 'an amazing community of people,' and how 'everybody feels comfortable living here.'"

See the entire address HERE.