New Parking Garage Coming to South Mountain Recreation Complex

A new 500 car parking garage is in the process of being built at the South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange. The facility, which is scheduled for completion in early 2015, will be five stories tall, and will be located behind the Codey Arena near the Turtle Back Zoo entrance.

“With Turtle Back Zoo as our anchor and new attractions like the paddle boating and 1.7-mile walking path at the Orange Reservoir, our Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex has become a regional destination for people seeking leisure, recreation and educational activities. This popularity has outpaced the amount of available on-site parking,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr. said in a press release. “The construction of this 500-space facility will enhance our visitors’ experience, provide more accessible parking and alleviate the burden being placed on our reservation and the surrounding neighborhoods where our visitors are parking".

In addition, a new traffic signal will be installed on Northfield Avenue between the Codey Arena and walkway to the Orange Reservoir. 

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Bakery, Restaurant, Fitness Center Slated for Gateway

A new bakery, Italian restaurant, and fitness center are slated to open in The Gateway, a mixed use building being built in the South Orange Village Center. 

One of the new businesses, Mara's Cafe and Bakery, will serve a variety of desserts, including cheesecakes and pies. Mara's has locations in Denville, Fanwood, and Brooklyn. The bakery will be owned by Will and Alyse Eisenstein. 

The site of The Gateway had been vacant for many years before the land was acquired. A car dealership owned by Andrew Beifus, Jr. of Beifus Motors was formerly located on the site. 

"It really is the Gateway to the entire village", said project developer Edward Ayuso of EEA Industries. "It's going to transform the entire downtown".

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57 luxury residences will be located inside The Gateway. In addition, a rooftop deck will be available for private events. According to Ayuso, The Gateway will open to residential tenants in the beginning of September.

"Having more people move into the Village Center is a great thing for South Orange and our merchants", said Matt Glass of the South Orange Village Center Alliance. "More Village residents means more potential shoppers and diners who appreciate our high-density Transit Village setting where you can walk to just about everything". 

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South Mountain Reservation Dam Project Cancelled

An 810 foot dam will not be constructed in the South Mountain Reservation.

The group 'Save our Reservation' posted the following on their Facebook page:

"The NJ Department of Environmental Protection informed the Army Corps of Engineers to remove the proposed South Mountain dam as an option for further study! Yes, that's right - it's over! But, of course, we said that once before when the Union/Essex Mayors' Council voted unanimously for the same result, after the Corps said that it would be looking to the local Mayors for a decision - and then announced that it would be looking to the DEP for the decision. However, THIS time the Corps was very clear about the fact that it would be bound by the DEP decision - its "local source" partner in the entire flood mitigation study. And what the Corps got today was a letter on State stationery, bearing the names of Governor Christie and DEP Commissioner Bob Martin on the letterhead. So, we're pretty confident this time. What the DEP did recommend was further study of Option 4 (work on the Orange Reservoir dam + channel improvements downstream) and Option 7a (flood-proofing structures in Cranford). We are particularly optimistic about the efficacy, cost, and fairness of Option 4, and have promised downriver folks that we will stay involved in this matter to help relieve them of ruinous flooding. More about that later. Part of the problem is funding - what else? But for now - celebrate! Our cherished South Mountain river valley has been saved! No need to write any more emails for now. And thanks for ALL of your support! The power of the people, coupled with social media, is really something, isn't it? Remember, Save Our Reservation came into being on February 22. We haven't moved mountains since then, but we apparently have moved a dam out of the way!"

The group 'RAFSA' posted the following on the South Mountain Conservancy website:

"Today, in response to public meetings and comments and a DEP review, John Moyle, Manager of the NJ Bureau Dam Safety and Flood Control, directed the US Army Corps of Engineers to no longer consider the dam-detention basin in the SMR for Rahway River Basin flood abatement. Instead, the NJ DEP recommended that more economically feasible and less environmentally destructive flood abatement options be pursued. The 810-foot dam and 80-acre detention basin at the heart of the Reservation is off the table. To all those who worked to oppose this misdirected flood abatement option, we thank you, especially the organizing by Save Our Reservation under the direction of former Maplewood Mayor Fred Profeta. SMC, SOR and RAFSA (Rahway Alternative Flood Solutions Alliance) hope to work with the corps and Mayor’s Council to ensure that further study is funded so optimal solutions can be implemented to reduce flooding in Millburn, Cranford, and other towns."

This article will be updated.

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News 12 'On the Road' to Visit South Orange

News 12 New Jersey will visit South Orange on Friday, as part of the 'On the Road' series on the cable news channel. 

According to News 12, anchor Roxanne Evans and meteorologist James Gregorio will "highlight the city sense and village vibe of South Orange through its restaurants, shops and residents".

"Each year, ‘On The Road’ captures the genuine Jersey spirit unique in each community", said news director Randal Stanley. "Our News 12 New Jersey viewers invite us into their hometowns to share what makes them ‘Jersey Strong’".

The live broadcast will take place in front of Stony's on Sloan Street in Downtown South Orange at 5pm. 

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Gov. Christie, DiVincenzo Attend Opening of Zoo Education Center

A new education center has opened at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. The new building, which is two stories tall and 12,000 square feet, houses four classrooms and exhibit areas. In addition, a new entrance to the zoo was created for visitors coming from the parking garage and groups arriving by bus.

A ceremony and ribbon cutting were held on Tuesday morning. Speakers at the event included Sheriff Armando Fontoura, County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr, Governor Chris Christie, County Freeholders Blonnie Watson and Leonard Luciano, donor Marc Benson, and leaders of the Zoological Society of New Jersey and the Essex County Park Foundation.

Governor Christie mentioned how he visited the zoo often while growing up in nearby Livingston. Christie called the education center "another great resource that Essex County is providing".

"We need more places like this where families interact with each other", Christie said.

"(Gov. Christie)'s been a friend of the people of Essex County", said DiVincenzo. "Today is a great day not only for Essex County, but for the state of New Jersey".

The project, which cost nearly $8 million, was paid for using grants from the Zoological Society of New Jersey and the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund, in addition to a loan from the Essex County Improvement Authority and funds from the Essex County Capital Budget.

Campers from the Turtle Back Zoo Camp attended the ceremony, in addition to dozens of zoo docents and volunteers.

The building was designed by USA Architects, and built by Bismark Construction. Both companies are based in Newark.

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Former SOMS Librarian to Run for BOE

Elissa Malesepina, of South Orange, has announced that 

she will run for South Orange Maplewood Board of Education in the October election.

Malespina issued the following statement:

Elissa Malespina, a 19-year resident of South Orange and former Librarian at South Orange Middle School, is announcing her candidacy for the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education. She is also happy to announce that she will be partnering with Donna Smith who also recently entered the race. Malespina has one son Matthew who will be entering 6th grade at SOMS and is married to Joseph Malespina, a 1994 graduate of CHS and lifelong resident of South Orange. Elissa Malespina has spent her career in education and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. Malespina worked in the district for 9 years before becoming Coordinating Supervisor of Technology for the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. She has an extensive understanding of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, its strengths and the many issues it faces. "We are at a crossroads in this district and we need a Board of Education that will work for the best interests of the children who we ultimately serve," Malespina says. "The only way for things to change is for the BOE to work hard at building relationships with all the stakeholders in the district. "We need to move away from what has become an us against them mentality, and find a way for all groups to work together in the best interest of the students." Malespina believes the Board of Education needs to do an extensive search for a new superintendent and should not be rushing the process. "I am concerned when I hear that our board hopes to have someone in place before January. A thorough search needs to be conducted and all groups must be heard. I don't want to put a timetable on the process. I want the best candidate possible and we should not be rushing this." says Malespina. Another key issue in this Board of Education race is district finances. "We face a looming deficit and we need to look at ways to help minimize that, while at the same time giving our children the best education possible. This might mean slowing down the implementation of some of the programs we are looking to put in place like the International Baccalaureate Program. I believe that while some of the philosophies associated with IB are good and should be added to the curriculum, the costs associated with it are just too much right now, " says Elissa. While Donna Smith and Elissa Malespina do not agree on everything, Malespina does not see that as an issue. "Donna and I are very passionate about doing what is best for the students in the South Orange Maplewood School District. We know that we will not always see eye to eye on every issue but will work hard to make SOMSD the best district possible."

All incumbents have announced that they will not run for reelection. Anthony Mazzocchi, the former fine arts supervisor for the school district, also recently announced his candidacy. 

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Art Exhibition Coming to South Orange Jewelry and Art Exchange

A South Orange business has announced that an art exhibition will open next week. Compelling Images Fine Art, a gallery inside the South Orange Jewelry and Art Exchange (SOJAX) on South Orange Avenue, will present 'Color Grid Re-visions', featuring collage paintings by Florence Weisz, and photography by Joseph Grisafi.

According to SOJAX, "on view will be abstract art works on paper that combine free-flowing organic forms within geometric structures. Ms. Weisz has developed a unique medium using color pigments dissolved in alcohol and with them has created her signature collages in a process that is both intuitive and analytical – art that appeals to the heart and the intellect". 

The exhibition opening will take place on Thursday, July 17 from 6pm to 8:30pm. SOJAX is located at 67 South Orange Avenue in the former location of Robyn Ross Clothing and Jewelry Boutique.

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MAPSO News Roundup 7/8/14

The South Orange Performing Arts Center is seeking visual artists for a public art project. Selected local artists, or teams of artists, will paint pianos in or around SOPAC during the month of August, and a diversity of styles to inspire the community around the themes of the performing and visual arts is encouraged.The project is open to all locally-based artists or design teams, age 18 or over. Decorated pianos will be placed around the village from August 23 to October 4 as part of the second annual Playin' Around South Orange project. The public will be allowed to play the pianos, and professional musicians will be scheduled to play the pianos on various days. The project is sponsored by PNC Bank.

According to a press release from SOPAC, the application process consists of a one-page letter of intent describing your design concept and source of inspiration, and what interests you about the Playin’ Around South Orange project, along with multiple images of your body of work or a website to view the work, and an optional full color concept of your design. All applications must be completed by Fri., July 18, 2014 and all piano artwork must be completed by Thurs., August 18, 2014. The application and more information about the project can be found at www.sopacnow.org/news.

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The former Dollar Variety Discount Store on Valley Street in Maplewood has been torn down. A new CVS/pharmacy will be constructed at the site.

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South Orange Village Sued by Jersey Animal Coalition, Quarantine Lifted

 

Above left: The quarantine signs have been removed from the door. Above right: a dog named 'Brownie' was adopted on Monday.

The quarantine at the Jersey Animal Coalition (JAC) shelter off of Walton Avenue in South Orange has temporarily been lifted, allowing the shelter to reopen. Several animals were adopted from the shelter within hours of the reopening on Monday afternoon.

The lifted quarantine comes after JAC and its president Ruth Perlmutter filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Village of South Orange, and the village's Health Department and Board of Health, in addition to Health Officer John Festa, Administrator Barry Lewis, Jr. and Deputy Administrator Adam Loehner. A former JAC executive board president, Robert Barenbach, is also named in the lawsuit.

The shelter had been originally been closed and placed under quarantine after a health inspection on March 12.

On Monday morning, Perlmutter sent a letter to local media regarding the lawsuit, reading: "On June 27, 2014 the Village of South Orange, after having shut down our shelter for four months, served notice on the Jersey Animal Coalition to terminate our lease, our services and demanding we vacate our shelter by July 9, 2014. The Jersey Animal Coalition takes great pride in serving the residents of South Orange and Maplewood at no cost. The Board, our staff, and all our volunteers want nothing more than to continue that service, save the lives of animals and find them loving homes. Due to our dedication to public service and to no kill sheltering, today, we are filing suit against South Orange and we thank the public for all the support we have received in this difficult time." 

In the complaint, Perlmutter wrote that JAC has met all requests made by the village since March. "Despite that, and despite requests from JAC", Perlmutter wrote, "the village has not re-inspected the JAC facility, has refused to lift the quarantine, and most recently, has tried to take over the shelter and seize the animals therein, contrary to existing law. As a result, the JAC has numerous animals in the shelter whom people wish to adopt, but who are stuck in our shelter due to the actions of the defendants. I come before this court praying for a court order to lift the quarantine and allow our animals to be placed in homes."

Perlmutter also claimed that former JAC president Robert Barenbach, of Monmouth County, was removed from his position in February in part because members of the JAC Executive Board learned that the JAC veterinarian of record was terminated by Barenbach, and was not replaced.

In the brief, JAC attorney William Strazza wrote that when Perlmutter once again became president of JAC, she "began putting out fires every place she found them, but could not move quickly enough to contain all the damage done before an incident in March 2014 which is the genesis, ultimately of this litigation". 

Strazza continued by requesting that the quarantine be lifted, and by saying that the animals at the JAC shelter are healthy, and contagious diseases at the shelter have been eliminated. "These healthy animals have people lined up to adopt them. Yet, they have been held hostage by the South Orange defendants inside the JAC shelter for over three months. For their sake, if for no other, plaintiffs pray this court will serve the interests of justice, act equitably, and provide all the emergent relief requested in this application for order to show cause with restraints."

In an email to Essex County Place, former JAC volunteer coordinator Nancy Schetelick questioned why the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) was not named as a defendant. "I find that interesting since JAC has not bothered to mention NJDOH as a defendant when it was the NJDOH who wrote up over 50 violations on the shelter for not being in compliance with numerous NJDOH Statutes", Schetelick wrote.

Loehner did not return requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.  

This afternoon in Newark, New Jersey Superior Court judge Dennis F. Carey, III ordered that the quarantine be lifted, and prohibited the village from evicting JAC from the shelter until further notice. Judge Carey also allowed adoptions to resume.

Several people came to the shelter to adopt animals when it reopened on Monday afternoon. 

When asked about the shelter reopening, LaVonne Trabal said, "I think it's fantastic. It's about time!" Trabal came to the shelter to adopt a cat named JoJo.

"We have fought very hard to keep this shelter open as a no-kill shelter for the people of South Orange and Maplewood", said volunteer Leo Davenport, who added that the shelter is in need of donations, including dog and cat food. "We're here for the animals", Davenport continued.

In an email to Essex County Place, Perlmutter said, "Our reaction (to the lifted quarantine) is bittersweet. Bitter because during our 4 months of closure we helplessly watched 4 week old puppies eager to share their joy and affection with their own families grow into adult dogs. We felt the frustration of not being able to give all our animals the homes they deserve, - all while watching our financial resources shrink. But also sweet, because we can now return to our mission of saving lives, finding caring homes,and making space for new arrivals by adopting and not euthanizing".

A hearing is scheduled to take place on August 20. 

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Village Administrator Responds to Comments by JAC Attorney

South Orange Village Administrator Barry R. Lewis, Jr. sent attorney William Strazza, who is representing the Jersey Animal Coalition, a letter on Thursday regarding recent comments made by Strazza to local media.  Strazza had accused the village of animal cruelty, among other accusations, in his statement.

"Your decision to use vitriolic and demonstrably untrue accusations in the press in an effort to politicize and spin this serious matter is extremely disconcerting", Lewis said. 

The shelter managed by JAC off of Walton Avenue in South Orange has been closed and under quarantine since March. The village announced this week that JAC's lease with the village has been revoked, and that JAC must leave the shelter by July 9.  

In the letter, Lewis wrote that Strazza had requested that the quarantine be lifted because of an affidavit of JAC veterinarian of record Dr. Michael Santiago. Lewis responded by saying that "this affidavit does not in any way address most of the conditions precedent to the lifting of the quarantine, which were very specifically set forth in the Health Officer’s April 21st letter". Lewis restated the conditions in his letter, and said that the "village is and always has been prepared to immediately review any information submitted and conduct necessary inspections to confirm compliance with these conditions and, upon such confirmation, lift the quarantine".

In addition, Lewis claimed that despite Strazza stating that the village was in possession of health certificates, "this statement is categorically and demonstrably untrue". Plus, Lewis mentioned that despite Strazza denying allegations against JAC to the media, Strazza allegedly wrote that JAC has not met the lease obligation to provide annual financial statements.

"In summary, posturing in the newspapers is counter-productive, particularly when the positions stated are not based in fact and are clearly intended to spin the story and portray the Village as the cause of the problems", Lewis wrote.

Lewis concluded by saying that "the Village remains committed to working with the JAC to address these issues, but cannot do anything unless and until the JAC takes action and notifies us of the corrective actions and compliance with the Lease obligations. However, as noted above, your seeming preference to air these disputes in the press with spurious accusations and deliberate ignoring of the facts does little to further this process in any productive way and will have no impact on the Village’s commitment to fairly and objectively enforcing the applicable regulations to ensure the safety of the animals".

South Orange has charged JAC with over 80 violations, and JAC has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial will be set in August should an agreement not be reached between the prosecution and the defense.

In an email to Essex County Place, former JAC volunteer Gale Petrecca said "We, the volunteers and followers of the case are all furious about Strazza's coy remarks, he claims he doesn't want to try the case in the press but that is exactly what he is now doing. He is just a mouthpiece for the JAC Director, spewing rhetoric and untruths. I hope they pay him well for making a fool of himself in the press. How do you know when Strazza is lying? His mouth is moving."

Strazza did not respond to requests for comment regarding the letter.

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