The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 42ND YEAR – ISSUE NO. 2542 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, June 22, 2000

of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

INDEX

A& E............... Page 22 Classifieds ..... Page 21 Editorial ........ Page 4

Political ......... Page 2 Obituary ........ Page 10 Religious ....... Page 11

Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13

Congratulations to All Graduates!

Fanwood Green Lights New Pact For Wireless Internet Modules By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

Fanwood’s governing body gave its nod last Thursday to a resolution authorizing Mayor Louis C. Jung to sign an amended agreement for installation of radio units on borough utility poles to facilitate wireless Internet access.

The new agreement will supersede a previous pact, sealed last December, between Fanwood and the Californiabased Metricom company, Borough Attorney Wilfred P. Coronato told The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood prior to last week’s regular council meeting.

Mr. Coronato, who negotiated and prepared the revised agreement, described the modules, which will be fastened to the poles near the light fixtures, as “white, shoeboxsize radios.”

Roger Kabbash, local market manager for Metricom, has said these same modules have gone virtually unnoticed by the public when they were installed in municipalities in California, Washington, D. C. and Long Island.

Earlier this year, Metricom reached a similar agreement with the New Jersey League of Municipalities after a dispute was resolved over whether towns had the right to charge the company franchise fees for use of municipal rightofways.

According to Mr. Coronato, Metricom’s deal with the league offered “more favorable provisions” than the one previously forged be tween the company and the borough.

The attorney said he contacted Metricom to ask if the firm would be willing to enter into a new agreement with Fanwood that would grant the borough the same benefits, to which the company agreed.

The new arrangement ups the annual administrative fees Metricom will pay to the borough from $800 under the previous deal to $1,500. Mr. Coronato said these fees would serve as “reimbursements for costs and expenses.”

As stated in the former agreement, nine modules have been proposed for Fanwood. However, Mr. Coronato said Metricom has advised borough officials that the actual number installed will probably be less than this, based on the size of the municipality.

Per the amended agreement, the number of free subscriptions Fanwood will receive for the service has been increased from two to 10, although the borough will have to purchase its own modems because Metricom no longer manufactures them, Mr. Coronato said.

Subscriptions cost about $60 each, he revealed, while modems run between $200 and $300.

In addition, the new arrangement will feature what the attorney defined as a “most favored municipality clause.” This provision states that

if Metricom enters into a more lucrative agreement with a town similar in size, the borough will have the right to insist the company modify its deal with Fanwood to reflect the same benefits.

Finally, Metricom has agreed to reimburse the borough for the cost of having Mr. Coronato negotiate and prepare the new agreement. The amended deal also includes some miscellaneous insurance provisions which are beneficial to Fanwood.

The attorney said that after the initial 10 years, the agreement will automatically be renewed for three successive terms of five years each, unless either side gives 60 days notice. The present agreement will go into effect upon installation of the first unit in Fanwood.

During negotiations earlier this year between the League of Municipalities and Metricom, the company argued that the state statute permitting towns to charge franchise fees did not apply to the company’s services, while the league maintained that it did.

Mr. Coronato said the agreement between the two sides — and likewise the one between Metricom and Fanwood — provides that towns will be free to charge the firm a percentage of its gross revenues for use of rightofways if state law is changed to explicitly permit it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Decision Expected Tonight On SP Club’s Liquor License

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

With testimony in the Club Malibu liquor license renewal hearings wrapped up last week, it appears likely that the Scotch Plains Township Council will deliver its decision at tonight’s sixth, and final meeting, after both sides present their closing statements.

The hearings, which began in late February, neared their conclusion last Thursday, with brief testimony from two principals of Rayric Corp., the new owner of Malibu, and a marketing consultant hired to attract the desired clientele.

Lawrence Ray, Rayric’s owner and the last witness called by Rayric’s attorney, Neil Cohen, had been a minority partner, along with the Ricciutti family, in Club Malibu since 1985. He purchased the family’s 60 percent stake late last year, he said, “because I could not effect the changes I wanted to effect” as a minority partner.

Mr. Ray said, unlike the Riciuttis, he wanted to invest more money in the club, which has been closed since January 1999, several weeks after a fatal shooting in the nightclub’s parking lot. He expressed his desire to upgrade the facility “so we can attract a specific clientele,” which, in an earlier hearing, was said to be Generation X patrons aged 2534 and young Baby Boomers aged 3544.

Mr. Ray said worries about high occupancy levels at the club were

unwarranted, since, in his years at Club Malibu in the 1980s and 1990s, the average occupancy during an evening normally was 200300. “We never had full occupancy (of 600) for five hours of operation,” he told Mr. Cohen.

He also said long lines of patrons waiting to be admitted to the club were “very rare” during his 15 years there.

Mr. Ray expressed his approval of the planned policies regarding beefedup security inside and outside the club, the use of security cameras to monitor the nightspot’s interior, and the provision to the Township Police Department of contact information for the club’s owners and senior management.

Under cross examination by Township Prosecutor Kenneth Lipstein, Mr. Ray said he had “no intention of changing [the club’s occupancy limits] at this time,” and said if the official occupancy limit was set at a higher level, 800, for instance, the newlyreopened club would impose lower limits on the occupancy level.

When asked about the problem, complained about at earlier hearings by nearby residents, of club patrons parking their car on residential streets rather than in the club’s parking lot, Mr. Ray said his understanding was that this was being done by patrons wishing to avoid getting caught in traffic waiting to exit the parking lot at the end of an evening.

Under questioning by Councilman William F. McClintock, Jr., Mr. Ray

said he wanted to open a nightclub, rather than a sports bar or traditional restaurant, because “restaurants don’t have a real history of working out in Scotch Plains. The property and the facility lends itself to being used as a nightclub.”

He said the club had voluntarily shut its doors 18 months ago because the facility was “in serious need of renovation.”

Citing the problems experienced by Club Malibu in the months leading to the fatal shooting in November 1998, Councilman Tarquin Jay Bromley asked Mr. Ray about the nightspot’s use of promoters to draw crowds.

“How do we have enough confidence that promoters are not going to bring back the same crowds” that caused problems in earlier years, Mr. Bromley asked.

Mr. Ray stated that a new club would not use the promoters that attract crowds “we don’t want.”

Earlier, Dominic Caruso, an officer with Rayric Corp. and owner of the construction company that would perform the bulk of the demolition and renovations at the nightclub, if the liquor license were to be renewed, outlined his 18 years of experience in the business and provided some details about large construction projects he has worked on in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Several years ago, his company rebuilt the structure at the corner of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Discussions Begin on Proposed SPF School Bond Referendum By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Fifty people — parents, teachers, administrators, and board members —registered at the June 14 public forum sponsored by the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education on the bond referendum required to fund the proposed $17 million construction/ renovation program in the district.

Attendees were broken into three groups to discuss the particulars of the work proposed for Scotch PlainsFanwood High School (SPFHS), Park Middle School and Terrill Middle School. A fall forum will address the projects slated for the elementary schools.

Each group was led by representatives of the two architectural firms hired to oversee the respective

projects. In May, Potter Architects was selected to manage the renovation work scheduled for Park Middle School as well as School One, Brunner, Coles and Evergreen Elementary Schools. Faridy Thorne Fraytak Architects/ Planners, P. C. was chosen to engineer the new construction at SPFHS and Terrill.

During the group sessions, participants were invited to pose questions and comments on the proposed plans for the three schools, and to identify other priority projects that should be taken into consideration.

In February 2000, the board approved the reconfiguration of Scotch PlainsFanwood schools from their present K5, 68 structure to a K4, 58 configuration effective September 2002.

The decision called for construction of 12 new classrooms and a multipurpose room at Terrill (estimated cost $4.2 million) to accommodate the addition of 200 students to the roster. While Park has the space to accommodate a comparable rise in enrollment, it is an old building that requires substantial renovation to the tune of an estimated $5 million.

On top of those costs, the district has to factor into the referendum the expense of improving its compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (most notably installation of elevators at Terrill, Park and SPFHS) along with the costs of enhancing the schools’ technology infrastructure, construction of classCheri

Rogowsky for The Times THEY’VE GOT CLASS… Members of the Class of 2000 at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School form two zeros to represent their graduation year on the school campus. Seniors will receive their diplomas this evening.

William A. Burke for The Times LEISURELY AFTERNOON… Building sandcastles was definitely on the agenda for these youngsters at LaGrande Park in Fanwood.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

S. L. A. P. Program to Begin in SP August 1; Metricom Internet Provider Gives Presentation By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

It is hoped that Scotch Plains’ participation in the Union County Sheriff’s S. L. A. P. (Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program) program will begin on Tuesday, August 1.

The township will share the $31,050 annual expense of the program, which makes nonviolent offenders available to localities to perform certain jobs such as trash pickup, grass cutting and other miscellaneous tasks, with Clark and Westfield.

Township Manager Thomas E. Atkins told the Township Council at its Tuesday night conference meeting that he expects the council to be able to approve the agreement at its Tuesday, July 11 meeting.

In other matters, the governing body is expected to engage the services of a structural engineer to evaluate the condition of the historic, Revolutionary Warera Frazee House that is located on the former Scotch Plains Zoo property.

Last month, the council approved a settlement, giving control of the sixacre property to the township, which will likely turn the site into a small park.

Councilman William F. McClintock, Jr. said he is looking forward to having someone “tell us how good or bad (the Frazee House) is. He was echoed by Councilman Tarquin Jay Bromley, who said he wants someone, “once and for all, to tell us what’s going on in that house.”

After an engineer presents his findings on the condition of the house, an architect will then be hired to explore possible renovations to the local landmark. Funds for these services would come from a bond ordinance geared toward the zoo property that’s expected to be approved at next week’s council meeting.

The council also heard an 80minute presentation by representatives from Metricom, a wireless Internet provider, which is seeking township approval to install communications boxes on 50 to 70 light posts in Scotch Plains to allow residents to access the Internet at high speeds without using telephone lines.

Although the Public Service Elec

Page 12 Thursday, June 22, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Malibu Liquor License

East Second Street and Park Avenue in downtown Scotch Plains, a building that now houses the CVS pharmacy.

He told Mr. Cohen that he had worked successfully with various township offices in completing the project.

He said he expected demolition and renovations to the club to take about two months, and told Mr. Lipstein the cost would not exceed $200,000.

Financing for this work would come from Mr. Ray, Rayric Corp. and Mr. Caruso’s company.

Maria Sartor, owner of Fanwoodbased Marcrisart Media, outlined for the Township Council, which is hearing the liquor license appeal in its capacity as local alcoholic beverage control authority, some of the marketing plans for the club if it was to be reopened. She reiterated the owners’ intent to attract “an upscale group of people” ranging in age from 2544, and said this will be done through press releases, ads in publications read by professionals in that age range, direct mail targeted at specific towns, Internet advertising, and commercials on local cable television.

She said her research had found more than 60,000 people in the area who fit the desired demographic. She also told the council that the club wanted to have a voice in the community through such things as making its facilities available in offhours to local groups for flea markets and fundraisers.

Councilman Frank P. Rossi, echoing Mr. McClintock, wondered about the potential for a nightclub’s success, given that “clubs in the area that have opened in the past five years and targeted the same market have had more of a focus on food service.”

While not directly responding, Ms. Sartor expressed confidence in the club’s new ownership and said of the facility, which will be renamed Renaissance: “I think this is going to be the jewel of Scotch Plains.”

Tonight’s meeting will open with closing statements by Mr. Cohen and Mr. Lipstein, after which the council will deliberate publicly before voting on whether to renew the establishment’s liquor license.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 rooms at Coles Elementary and renovations at each of the district’s five elementary schools and SPFHS.

When the groups reconvened with the board in the Evergreen multipurpose room at 10 p. m., the results of the individual discussions were reported.

Dr. David Heisey, SPFHS Principal, outlined the following priority projects for the high school beyond those already identified in the bond referendum recommendation:

• Roof repairs • Flooring tiles • Ceiling tiles in the older section of the school

• Windows throughout the school, particularly the older section

• Climate control (repair existing and install new where necessary)

• Auditorium seating and wiring • Locker room showers Dr. Heisey suggested that some of these items could be funded as part of a capital improvement project or as a second question on future budgets rather than as part of a bond referendum.

He asked Athletic Director Eric Rosenmeier to identify other areas at the high school that need attention:

• 40year old bleachers • Fences •Track (last refinished in the 1970s) Terrill Principal John Foulks identified five priority items (including those already incorporated into the referendum proposal). He emphasized that Terrill’s current population of 550 students would jump to 750 when the 5th graders arrive in two years.

• New multipurpose room that can accommodate lunch, gym and assemblies Additional classrooms and elevator

• Expansion of existing media center • Bigger music room • Leaky roof in the gym In addition to the areas already listed for renovation at Park such as classrooms, science labs, auditorium, etc., Principal Rocco Collucci listed the following items as additional priorities:

• Window guards and screens • Exterior of the school building • New allpurpose room • Traffic flow and dropoff area • Enclose breezeway between cafeteria and the midsection of the school

• Air conditioning in the auditorium • TV production studio At the conclusion of the meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye thanked attendees for their assistance in “helping to define the scope of the project.”

She said the two architectural firms should compare notes to ensure parity between the schools. As she said, “If we’re looking at air conditioning in one auditorium, we’re looking at

it in the other.” Business Administrator and Board Secretary Anthony DelSordi said the information gathered during the forum would be compiled for distribution.

The next referendum board meeting is scheduled for July 11 at 8 p. m. in the board offices.

Discussion Begins on Proposed SPF School Bond Referendum

More Than 350 Pupils Earn Degrees at County VoTech

SCOTCH PLAINSOver 350 students, including members of the Day, Evening and Adult High Schools, were awarded certificates of course completion when the Union County VocationalTechnical Schools (UCVTS) held their 33rd annual graduation ceremonies on June 16.

Fanwood graduates include:

Alexandra I. Bush, Onoriode Ekwofia, Paul H. O’Connor, Khalia A. Taylor and Laurensa Theodore.

Mountainside graduates include:

Wilbert A. Flores, Miguel J. Fragoso

and Aldo D. Hreczny.

Scotch Plains graduates include:

Shanita A. Adkins, Nicholas S. Gonzalez, Michael Kyle Hedgepeth,

Celeste A. Huggins, Jamaal Roscoe Jackson, Joseph Lubrano, Jason Lamar Patterson, Heather K. Sills, Scott W. Stefanick, Tanysha Renee Taylor, Jonathan D. Trezoglou and

Shakeeha A. Wyatt.

Westfield graduates include:

Michael J. Bays, Charles S. Bender, Karen D. Brown, Ryan Cerniglia, Anthony Chamberlin, Nicole D. Crowley, Erin K. Kiniery, Joseph N. Maricic, Christopher M. Marotta, Michael Robert Mroz, Steven G. Muzeni, Daniel M. Tammaro, and Paul Zakowski.

Adult Education Evening School graduates were also named. Michael Murphy of Scotch Plains earned a diploma.

Safety Conditions Improve At Raritan, Rahway Roads Intersection in Scotch Plains

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

SCOTCH PLAINS — More than a year after neighborhood residents complained about traffic and safety conditions at the intersection of Raritan and Rahway Roads in Scotch Plains, township officials are claiming some success in improving conditions there.

In February 1999, a group of residents addressed the Township Council and told of frequent traffic congestion at the intersection, which, they said, had contributed to an increase in the number of auto accidents as well as increased danger to children in the neighborhood.

Traffic accidents at the intersection, which serves as a northsouth thoroughfare between Scotch Plains and Edison, averaged 10 between 1996 and 1999, according to information provided last week to the council by Scotch Plains Police Chief Thomas O’Brien, Township Principal Engineer Dennis Harrington and Public Works Director Walter DiNizo.

As a result of the improvements made in the past several months, there have been just two accidents so far this year.

Among the changes made at what Mayor Martin L. Marks last year

termed “a troubled intersection” are the removal of several trees and shrubs on residential properties to improve drivers’ visibility, a reduction of the speed limit on Rahway Road near the intersection from 35 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour, the installation of a new “Stop Ahead” sign on the northbound lane of Rahway Road, red reflective inserts installed on the stop signs of both the northbound and southbound sides of Rahway Road, and a pulling back of the radius that makes it easier and safer for motorists to make right turns from northbound Rahway Road onto eastbound Raritan Road.

There have also been continuing complaints regarding the centerline alignment of Raritan Road as it crosses Rahway Road, but Scotch Plains Police Sergeant James Rau, while admitting that the lines should have been better aligned on either side of the intersection, said he does not feel it is a critical issue.

He feels that moving the centerline “would cause additional delays when leftturning westbound traffic (on Raritan Road) blocks westbound through traffic.”

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER MONDAY, JUNE 12

· A West Broad Street resident reported that his 1989 Oldsmobile was sprayed with a green colored paint on the trunk.

· A Wood Road resident reported the theft of a basketball pole and net.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

· Joseph DiDario, 18, of Scotch Plains was arrested on Mountain Avenue for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

· Police patrols reported graffiti spray painted on the Scotch PlainsFanwood High School Athletic Field House located on Westfield Road.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

· A South Avenue business reported finding the tires flattened on several trucks that were parked in the lot. Police said it appeared that the valve stems were removed.

· A Farley Avenue resident reported finding pry marks on a rear bathroom window. Police said, however, that entry to the house was not gained.

· A Ravine Court resident reported graffiti spray painted on the driveway and mailbox.

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

· The manager of a Westfield Avenue convenience store reported that someone shoplifted pain reliever products from the store.

· A West Broad Street resident reported spray paint was written on his driveway sometime during the evening hours.

· A Cooper Road resident reported an unknown individual entered his residence through an open door and reportedly passed out restaurant flyers and then left when confronted by the homeowner.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

· Ralpheal C. Miller, 33, of Newark, was arrested and charged with

driving while under the influence of alcohol in connection with a motor vehicle stop on Route 22 East.

· Police reported two bicycles taken from in front of a residence in the 500 block of Forest Road.

· Two males and one female juvenile from Woodbridge were taken into custody in connection with a motor vehicle stop on Martine Avenue after being found in possession of marijuana of under 50 grams, alcohol while being under the legal age, and fireworks.

· Police were summoned to the parking lot of a Route 22 restaurant after receiving a report of a fight taking place. On arrival police found a 36yearold Hawthorne man bleeding from a head wound he received after being struck with a bottle.

The victim along with a 30yearold Bound Brook man were taken to Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield and treated and released for injuries sustained during the disturbance.

Police arrested Walter Santana, 26, of North Plainfield, and charged him with aggravated assault and possession of a bottle for an unlawful purpose.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

· The manager of a Route 22 service station reported that someone received $10 worth of gasoline and left the scene without paying.

· A resident of Rahway Road reported that someone removed plants from in front of the residence.

MONDAY, JUNE 19

· Ernest A. Mitchell, 22, and Richard A. Williams, 22, both of Plainfield, were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana of under 50 grams following a motor vehicle stop on Route 22 East.

· Two puppies valued at $1,400 were reported stolen during a burglary of a Route 22 pet store. Police reported that entry was gained by breaking a front door panel.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SP Council Hears Presentation From Internet Provider Metricom

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN… Scotch Plains students Michael Sprung and Josh Rogowsky visited the first set of conjoined twins, Nasmil and Jasmin Campusano, who were recently separated in New Jersey. Cathy Queenan of Cranford hosted Xiamara Frias de Campusano and her little girls who will now return home to the Dominican Republic. Pictured, left to right, are: front row, Nasmil, Xiamara, and Jasmin; back row, Josh, Cathy, and Michael.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times OUR FURRY FRIEND… Reaching into this colorful red wagon, these children have the opportunity to pet a black and white furry rabbit and make a new friend.

tric & Gas Company owns all the poles in the township, Leonard Franco, Jr., an attorney for Metricom, said the company has an agreement with all public utilities in the state, allowing Metricom to install the boxes, which are about the size of a shoebox.

While the council made no decision on Tuesday night, it did question Mr. Franco and a Metricom representative about the technology, the terms of the proposed deal, the potential health hazards of the boxes, and the impact of the boxes on cellular telephones, baby monitors, microwave ovens and the like.

Separately, Township Manager Atkins also informed the council that state regulations do not permit the use of credit cards by a municipal government.

Several weeks ago, the question of securing credit cards for certain township employees was broached, with the reasoning being that this could help the local government get the best possible prices for its taxpayers, especially when it comes to bargain purchases on the Internet, which usually requires the use of a credit card.

Mr. Atkins said at that time that it was not reasonable to expect township employees to put these purchases on their personal credit cards and then seek reimbursement.

But after consulting with the Division of Local Government Services in the State Department of Community Affairs, he learned that such an option was not available, although Mr. Atkins feels the state may ultimately alter its stance.

Fitness Workshops on Tap For August at Local YMCA

SCOTCH PLAINS — The FanwoodScotch Plains YMCA and NDEITA, a nonprofit fitness professional association, will cosponsor the following workshops:

Aerobic Certification Workshop, Saturday, August 12, at 8 a. m. Potential and current fitness instructors will learn basic academic and practical application of teaching group exercise. No college, science or teaching background is required.

Workshop registration includes a fullday review, written exam, twoyear certificate and membership.

CardioSculpt Workshop, Sunday, August 13, at noon. Participants will learn to make the most effective use

of their time in a group exercise class or oneonone. The workshop will feature a variety of ways to integrate aerobic and muscle toning exercises into a workout session for any fitness level.

MindBody Connection Workshop, August 13, at 8 a. m. Participants will learn various ways to incorporate physical and intellectual aspects into group exercises and personal training sessions.

Preregistration is required and space is limited. To register, please call (800) 2376242. The workshops will take place at the FanwoodScotch Plains YMCA, located at 1340 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains.

Bag Sale to be Held At Local Thrift Shop

Starting Tomorrow

SCOTCH PLAINS — The FanwoodScotch Plains Service League’s Thrift Shop in Scotch Plains will hold its Bag Sale tomorrow, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. both days.

Customers may fill a grocery bag with any items in the shop for $3 a bag. The shop will close on Saturday and reopen, restocked for summer, on Wednesday, July 5.

The Thrift Shop is located at 1730 East Second Street. For information, please call the shop’s “hot line” at (908) 3225420.

Jon M. Bramnick

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