POST OFFICE REDEVELOPMENT BACK ON PLANNING BOARD TONIGHT

The soap opera/reality show that is the former Maplewood Village Post Office project is back tonight as the Planning Board continues its review of the proposed three-story, 20-apartment, five-shop complex.

When last we left, the board was still giving a once-over to the site plan, which several groups have opposed.

The fun contines at Town Hall tonight at 7:30 p.m. in a special session.

See the agenda below:

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING BOARD
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Monday, August 31, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. a special meeting of the Planning Board will be held at the Municipal Building, 574 Valley Street, Maplewood, New Jersey for the continuation of: Case# PB 15-03 156-160 Maplewood Avenue

Applicant: Maplewood Redevelopers, L.L.C.
B 13.09 LOTS 180, 181, 185 B 13.10 LOT 178
(POST OFFICE REDEVELOPMENT)
PRELIMINARY & FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND
MINOR SUBDIVISION WITH DEVIATIONS AND DESIGN WAIVERS TO
DEMOLISH A FORMER POST OFFICE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCT A
PROPOSED MIXED USE BUILDING CONTAINING 20 RESIDENTIAL UNITS & APPROX. 9515 SQ. FT. OF COMMERCIAL SPACE WITH UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE WITH 21 SPACES -VARIOUS SITE IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO PROPOSED

Action may be taken.

ADELE C. LEWIS
Planning Board Secretary

TOWNSHIP LETTER SAYS TAX RATE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN EXPECTED

The final tax bill for 2015 sent out this week includes a 1.96% tax increase for the municipal tax rate, slightly higher than the original estimated 1.9% increase.

It also includes a 2.0% tax increase for the school district, and a 2.84% tax hike for the county portion. This comes to a $3.60 tax rate per $100.00 of assessed value.

A Township letter detailing the final numbers (below) points out that most of the taxes, 58%, go for schools, with the Township taking 26% and the county 16%.

Further breakdown indicates an overwhelming majority of the Township tax revenue, more than $12 million, goes to public safety, followed by debt service and pensions.

The letter also states the Township Committee "maintains its unwavering commitment to exploring more efficient alternatives to carry out local government duties and to continue to provide the high level of services that help define the quality of life in Maplewood, while maintaining a stable tax rate."

See the letter below:

 

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS WITH GREAT PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

From Columbia High School:

Good day, Cougar Community!  Just a few more days until we start the new school year together. We are looking forward to a terrific year with you.  

Click the link HERE to see a video made this past year to welcome our new students. We think it shows off a bit of what we are proud of at CHS, and hope you think so, too. 

MAPLEWOODIAN OF THE WEEK: JOHANNA WRIGHT

We told you about school board member Johanna Wright's practice of opposing most board votes, and raising hackles during two lengthy debates this past week.

This earns her our Maplewoodian of the Week notice.

EIGHT OPEN HOUSES TODAY

Find your next home or just see what the market is offering.

Full list HERE.

FIRST SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM SET FOR SEPT. 24

From the Hilton Neighborhood Association:

HNA Sponsors Board of Education Candidates Forum on Thursday, 
September  24th
 
Hilton  Neighborhood Association will sponsor a Board of Education 
Candidates Forum at  7:30 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2015 

in DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett  Ave., Maplewood. 

The candidates will respond to questions they have  received prior to 

the meeting. 

A Q&A session will follow.

There are 3 open seats; two incumbents and seven other candidates are 
running. 

Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting which is free and open to the  
public. 

The quality of our schools affects all Maplewoodians whether we  
have children in the schools or not. 

Bring your questions; be an informed  
voter. 

For further information, contact 973-761-4672 or _cabms@aol.com_ 
(mailto:cabms@aol.com) .

THE MAPLEWOOD POOL REALLY DOES NOT WANT YOUR GUESTS UNATTENDED

From the Maplewood Pool today:

Just a Reminder:

All Guests MUST be accompanied by a Member; Members are responsible for their guests.

MCP Management

PROSPECT RUMMAGE SALE DAY TWO TODAY