The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

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Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 42ND YEAR – ISSUE NO. 4242 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N. J. Thursday, October 19, 2000

of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

Ingrid McKinley for The Times BONFIRE WATCHERS… During the second annual bonfire held at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School, Scotch Plains residents Sabrina Davis and Caitlin Mahoney, both 3 ½, savored the warmth and the bright lights provided by the bonfire display. Firemen were on alert to any potential danger resulting from the bonfire.

Horace R. Corbin for The Times THE GREAT DEBATE… Scotch Plains Mayor Martin L. Marks, left, and mayoral hopeful Geri M. Samuel shook hands on the evening of the Scotch Plains Debate hosted by The Times of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Times reporter Fred Rossi, back, addressed the questions to the candidates during the forum.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION… Members of DECA at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School received a special resolution from Fanwood Mayor Louis C. Jung during the meeting of the Fanwood Borough Council last week. Pictured, left to right, are: James McClintock, Andrew Pavoni, Douglas Gillie, Mayor Jung, David Baumwoll, Ryan Crawford, David Larkin and Eric Konzelman.

SP Council Interviews Two of Three Candidates to Replace Mr. Bromley

INDEX

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

Education ...... Page 8 Obituary ........ Page 10 Political.......... Page 3

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

It’s likely the Scotch Plains Township Council will make a final decision within the next few days on a successor to the late Democratic Councilman Tarquin Jay Bromley. At its conference meeting on Tuesday night, the Council met with two of the three women who were nominated by the Scotch Plains Democratic Committee to fill Mr. Bromley’s seat until a special election is held next year.

Fanette L. Hahn, who has lived in town for 33 years, talked about her civic and volunteer activities and said she had served as a member of

the Scotch Plains Library Board of Trustees. After teaching in the Plainfield public schools for 25 years, Ms. Hahn now is a substitute teacher there. She told the Council members she’d “like to be a representative for the senior citizens” in town and promised that she would have the time to devote to the position.

Sharynn Porter, whose two children attend Park Middle School, said she had “a passion for this community” and called herself “a children’s advocate.” She emphasized her background in banking and finance, an area she worked in before staying at home to raise her children. Her husband is a member of the Scotch

PlainsFanwood Board of Education. Mrs. Porter said she did not foresee any potential conflicts between her husband’s position and her own as a member of the Council.

Mayor Martin L. Marks asked both candidates to stay in touch in the coming days, saying that a decision on a replacement could be made soon. The Council will act after speaking with the third nominee, Theresa Ford, who was unable to attend Tuesday night’s meeting.

After interviewing the candidates, the Council was given a preview of the official township website, which will likely be launched at next Tuesday’s regular meeting. Still a work in progress, the site, at www. scotchplainsNJ. com, will first be structured to meet the needs of township residents, according to Ken

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CORONATO AND TRIPET FACEOFF IN DEBATE

Marks And Samuel Defend Opposing Views On Taxes

By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Times

During their debate last week, Republican Martin L. Marks and Democrat Geri M. Samuel, the candidates in Scotch Plains’ firstever mayoral election, agreed more than they disagreed, but still forcefully defended their opposing approaches to municipal property taxes, which has been a major campaign issue, both in this year’s campaign and in last year’s special election.

Addressing her support as Mayor in 1999 of a 5.4 percent increase in local property taxes, Mrs. Samuel stated at the start of the 45minute faceoff that, “I believe we did what was fiscally responsible for the town.”

As she did 18 months ago, in the midst of the partisan wrangling over property tax levies, Mrs. Samuel, who is the middle of her initial fouryear term on the Township Council, expressed concern about using up too much of the local government’s

surplus to offset the need for tax increases.

Council Republicans had unsuccessfully backed that notion in 1999, but Mrs. Samuel said she felt too much of the surplus had been used by the GOPcontrolled Council this year when it passed a zero tax increase. She also raised concerns about the surplus not being regenerated adequately each year.

Calling it “either the height of arrogance or the height of foolishness to continue to pat yourself on the back” for the 1999 tax hike, Mr. Marks, who is in the 10th month of his oneyear appointed term as Mayor, said it was “a major blunder” not to have used more of the surplus last year to offset a tax increase.

He called last November’s special election to fill a Council vacancy, which was won by a Republican, “a direct response” to the earlier property tax increase.

Addressing Mrs. Samuel’s concern about surplus regeneration, Mr. Marks said that in recent years, the surplus had always ended up being higher than initially estimated.

The candidates’ appearance, their first joint appearance, was held before a bipartisan crowd of supporters at the Municipal Building. The event was cosponsored by the local League of Women Voters and The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood. Mr. Marks and Mrs. Samuel were given two minutes to respond to direct questions, which rotated between the two candidates, with one minute allowed for a rebuttal.

The two candidates were in agreement on a number of issues, including the proposed new bridge across Route 22 that would directly link Park Avenue and Bonnie Burn Road.

“My initial response is overwhelm ingly negative,” Mr. Marks said, adding

that a new bridge, and the added traffic it could attract, “could spell the demise of the downtown.” He worried that Park Avenue could be turned into “a fourlane highway,” and said it was important to consult with surrounding communities, Union and Somerset County officials and the state Department of Transportation about the implications of a new bridge.

Mrs. Samuel, calling a new bridge “a bad idea,” said she, too, was concerned that “the central business district will disappear” if the project went forward. She also urged regional consultations and, further, said it was important, with or without a new bridge, to reroute truck traffic off Park Avenue and over to Terrill Road.

Talking about the downtown business district in general, both candidates agreed on the need for continued efforts at revitalizing the area beyond the aesthetic improvements currently being made.

“What we want is for the entire downtown to become a destination,” Mrs. Samuel said. Mr. Marks said “we need to sell our downtown to businesses and bring them to Scotch Plains.”

Both support the selling of the hedge property next to the Municipal Building and turning it into a commercial building. Mr. Marks noted that professional planners for years have recommended doing this, adding that such a move, coupled with a revamping of the public and private parking lots behind Park Avenue and East Second Street would result in a net gain of available parking spaces.

Talking about several open space issues, Mrs. Samuel said she supports Mr. Marks’ proposal to create a new conservation zone in Scotch

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BOE Slates Major Effort to Communicate Dec. 12 Bond Issue Specifics to SPF Voters By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Eager to see a $35.7 million bond referendum approved by local voters on December 12, Scotch PlainsFanwood school administrators and the Board of Education have launched a concerted effort to educate the public about the bond over the next nine weeks.

Public Information Coordinator Kathleen L. Meyer says the board will send out three direct mailings to about 12,000 households in Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Preliminary bond information was mailed to residents this week in Perspective, the district newsletter.

IE Communications, the consultant hired to help the board in its bond communications efforts, is preparing a sixpage mailer for distribution later this month. According to Mrs. Meyer, that mailout will explain the planned construction and renovation projects at each of the schools and their related costs.

“It should be a pretty complete onceover,” she said.

Closer to December 12, residents can expect to receive a questionandanswer mailer that addresses major questions posed by the public during prior weeks.

The board has scheduled two 8 p. m. bond forums, the first on Thursday, October 19, at Park Middle School; the second on Tuesday, November 14, at Terrill Middle School. These forums will offer the public opportunities to comment on and pose questions about the bond.

For these and other planned programs, IE Communications is preparing a scripted presentation and accompanying visual demonstration. The consultant plans to work with school principals, administrators and, to some extent, Parent Teacher Association representatives and Coalition to Support the Bond designees on how to present the bond information.

A Bond Hot Line is in place, and people have been taking advantage of it, said Mrs. Meyer. The Hot Line number is (908) 8899665. Callers

should leave a message stating their question or comment, name and phone number, and someone from the administrative offices, usually Mrs. Meyer, will return the call.

The district’s website, www. njcommunity. org/ spfnet/, offers more information.

The board’s community relations committee, chaired by member Thomas Russo, wrote to all civic groups in Fanwood and Scotch Plains to offer to speak to members about the bond referendum.

So far, “The Golden Agers are on the calendar,” Mrs. Meyer said.

During recent backtoschool nights, principals spoke to thousands of parents about the bond and invited them to study school floor plans, which were posted in hightraffic areas.

Principals will also be holding breakfasts with staff members to share information and answer their questions about the bond.

A second informal conversation between Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Carol B. Choye and the public will be held at Scotch Plains Municipal Library on Friday, October 20 at 10 a. m. Dr. Choye visited with the public at Fanwood Memorial Library earlier this month.

School officials are also reaching out to their municipal counterparts. Business Administrator and Board Secretary Anthony DelSordi met last week with Fanwood Mayor Lou Jung, Councilwomen Karen Schurtz and

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Study to Focus on Dean Oil Site As Possible Redevelopment Zone By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Times

During last Thursday’s regular meeting of the Fanwood Borough

Council, members voted 60 in favor of authorizing the Planning Board to conduct a preliminary investigation of the lot known as the former Dean

Oil site. The investigation will determine if the longvacant property at LaGrande Avenue and Second Street can be transformed into a downtown redevelopment zone. This council’s action authorizes the Planning Board to hire a consultant to conduct the study.

Prior to the governing body’s vote, Councilwoman Cynthia Swindlehurst stated she would prefer that this issue, along with another matter, be discussed in private during the council’s executive session. She had said it would be more prudent for the council to submit both proposals simultaneously to the Planning Board for consideration.

“I think that discussion on both proposals needs to be completed before we vote on either one,” Ms. Swindlehurst had commented.

The councilwoman also said she would prefer to wait until money was budgeted for the study before voting on this proposal. Fellow representatives, however, advised that the Planning Board would have to send the study proposal back to the council anyway for funding approval.

After considerable discussion, officials unanimously voted in favor of progressing on the redevelopment study proposal. Ms. Swindlehurst stressed that this proposal only authorizes that a study be conducted and does not finalize how the Dean Oil site will be handled.

“Other proposals will be simultaneously considered by the council and the Planning Board,” Ms. Swindlehurst remarked.

Times to CoSponsor Forum For Fanwood Council Candidates

The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood

and the Westfield Area League of Women Voters will cosponsor a candidates forum for Fanwood Borough Council candidates tomorrow, Friday, October 20, at 8 p. m.

The forum will be held in the Bor ough Council Chambers of the

Fanwood Municipal Building, located at 75 North Martine Avenue. Fred Rossi, a reporter with The Times, will moderate.

Questions will focus on downtown revitalization, property taxes and traffic safety, among others.

Page 12 Thursday, October 19, 2000 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Horace R. Corbin for The Times CAPTURING THE ACTION... Cameras from TV34 in Scotch Plains were behind the scenes last week as the debate between Mayor Martin L. Marks and mayoral hopeful Geri M. Samuel tackled the big issues.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SP Council

Anderson, head of the Technology Advisory Committee that oversaw the site’s development. Initially, the site will contain information about the Police and Fire Departments as well as the Recreation Department, where a schedule of activities will be posted.

Saying the site would be developed on a “crawl, then walk” method, Mr. Anderson told the Council that, eventually, information about all local government departments and activities would be available. He also foresaw giving residents the opportunity to fill out and transmit certain forms, such as permit applications.

The site was developed by volunteers. Mr. Anderson said it was important to have a commitment from the local government to update the site regularly with fresh information. He also said the Technology Advisory Committee will need guidance from the Council on what types of information will be placed on the site. Cynthia Swindlehurst, and Borough

Clerk Eleanor McGovern. Mrs. Meyer expects a similar meeting with representatives from the Township of Scotch Plains.

During American Education Week, November 1317, building tours will be available at both Terrill (November 13) and Park (November 15) and at Scotch PlainsFanwood High School (November 14) for interested members of the public. Tours begin at 9 a. m.

Elementaryschool parents can expect to find bondsavvy individuals on hand at their schools that same week during afternoon and evening parentteacher conference times.

Mrs. Meyer anticipates that at most upcoming, planned district events, there will be someone from the board or administration available to answer bond questions.

“To the extent we can get people there, we will,” she said.

The only apparent gray area in the board’s communications strategy is the use of cable Channel 34 as a medium for disseminating bond information. According to Mrs. Meyer, the logistics of producing such material have not yet been worked out.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Board of Ed. Planning Board Approves Waldheim Ave.

Site For M1 Industrial Despite Objections By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Times

SCOTCH PLAINS — A site plan application for the industrial use of a lot located at 2374 Waldheim Avenue and owned by Sergio Lourenco, also known as the Portuguese Mason, was approved by the Scotch Plains Planning Board at their meeting on Monday, October 16, along with conditions and an amendment.

Several Concord Road residents whose properties abut the rear yard of the site attended Monday’s meeting to object to the plan’s approval. They had objected to the same proposal at earlier Planning Board meetings. The residents worried about increased noise, flooding and the disturbance of wetlands to the rear of the site. A barking watchdog and the emptying of Mr. Lourenco’s dumpster were cited by the residents as the source of the noise problems.

The Concord Road residents are located in an R2 residential zone while Mr. Lourenco’s property on Waldheim Avenue is in a M1 industrial zone, creating a conflict of usages in the community.

A tract of land to the rear of the site, approximately 20 feet wide, was designated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as wetlands. Several residents whose back yards abut the wetlands have raised concerns regarding the proper treatment of these wetlands by Mr. Lourenco.

Mr. Lourenco operates a masonry construction business. A twostory structure, once a residence, is now used for storing masonry and construction materials and tools. Mr. Lourenco told the board that he is only at the site only from 8 a. m. to 9 a. m. to load up his truck and from 5 p. m. to 7 p. m. to unload. He keeps a 35foot dumpster on the site for disposing debris. The lot can accommodate three parking spaces for his employees’ cars.

James Watson of EKA Associates, Scotch Plains, the engineer who designed the site plan, testified that Mr. Lourenco’s masonry contracting business was an acceptable use in this M1 industrial zone. He also told the board that Mr. Lourenco proposes to run a pipe along a depressed trench through the wetlands, which will eliminate the stagnant water accumulating in this area, subject to DEP approval. Mr. Watson explained that this would hinder the breeding of mosquitoes as well as the stench of stagnant muck, which accumulates in this area.

Concord Avenue resident Jim Ciccarino, speaking on behalf of several neighboring residents, told the board that the residents were against the installation of the proposed pipe, and wanted the wetlands returned to their original state. Mr. Ciccarino claimed that Mr. Lourenco partially filled in the wetland’s trench, causing flooding in several neighboring backyards after heavy rains. The residents also had concerns that a pipe would promote rodents in the area, Mr. Ciccarino stated.

Mr. Watson claimed that Mr. Lourenco never filled in the wetlands and that the flooding was not caused by the trench or wetlands, but by other factors, which could be corrected. He also explained that a pipe would not preclude an increase in rodents unless a source of food, such as trash or fruit trees, was also present.

The board approved the plan with the amendment that the Town Engineer and Mr. Watson would study the wetlands to determine the best solution to the flooding problems and decide whether installing a pipe would improve the area. The approval was also contingent on NJDEP approval of the fence and landscaping proposals.

Board members pointed out that if noise levels exceeding the ordinance standards were occurring, then the residents could file civil complaints to correct the problem. Board member Robert La Costa said that although the dumpster and barking dog may be a noise nuisance, he doubted whether they violated the ordinance.

The board also discussed the designation of certain areas for the placement of cellular towers and antennas in town, which would improve cellular telephone reception in the area. The board agreed to forward the issue to the Long Range

Planning Committee to determine which areas or zones would be most appropriate for tower placement.

The Planning Board passed a motion to establish a new conservation zone designation for certain parcels of land. The first parcel to receive the newly created designation is a lot at 566 Hunter Avenue. The lot will be preserved in its natural, pristine state, except for minimal maintenance to remove debris. No construction or development will be permitted on conservation zone lots, designated as “C” zoned. Other parcels of public land will also be considered for this designation, according to Mayor Martin L. Marks.

Garwood Gives OK To North Ave. ShopRite After Yrs. of Wrangling By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

WESTFIELD -It has been eight years since Norman Sevell of Westfield Lumber & Home Center signed a contract with Village Supermarkets of Springfield to allow Village to buy his business site at 628710 North Avenue to build a ShopRite supermarket.

The Town of Westfield fought the idea, while the Borough of Garwood embraced it. In the end, Garwood won, and the supermarket will be constructed only on the Garwood portion of the property.

“It was one thing after another, one lawsuit after another — and here we are,” said Michael Sevell, the senior Sevell’s son.

“( Garwood) wanted it for a long time,” explained Robert Newell, a member of the Westfield Planning Board. “The traffic issue was not as important to them as it is to us. Traffic will be affected.”

The courts found that the traffic impact would not be enough as to deny Village Supermarkets’ application, according to Garwood’s Municipal Engineer Victor Vinegra.

He confirmed that Village holds a permit to begin work on the parking lot and site infrastructure.

“You do see some equipment there,” said Mr. Vinegra. “They have permission to start cleaning up the site.” He said building permits, which, for Garwood properties, are granted through the Township of Cranford, should be issued any day.

Mr. Vinegra emphasized that Village has been “pretty cooperative,” agree ing to make changes to its original site

proposal that are more in keeping with Garwood’s downtown redevelopment program. For example, Village agreed to make some aesthetic improvements to the front of the site (e. g. brick pavers). As the municipal engineer pointed out, these improvements are not required, but will make the area look more attractive.

Last spring, the Westfield Planning Board approved the Sevell request to tear down its old lumber building on one end of its property and build a new structure on the Westfield side of the property.

“It’s good news,” said Mr. Newell. “We thought we may lose Westfield Lumber. We’re happy to see Westfield Lumber decide to maintain its business there. It’s an asset to the community, that kind of service.”

The volume of traffic that Westfield officials expect from the ShopRite presents a challenge.

“We should not be ostriches with our heads in the sand regarding traffic management in Westfield,” stated Councilman Neil F. Sullivan. He praised Councilman Matt Albano’s “appropriate push” for some traffic management in the North Avenue/ Broad Street area.

Mr. Sullivan would like to see a proposal from the RBA Group, a consultant hired by the Township of Westfield, to address traffic speed and safety on East Broad Street. In a separate proposal, said Mr. Sullivan, RBA “could help the town develop a trafficcalming method for the entire grid between East Broad Street and North Avenue, including the anticipated impact of a ShopRite development.”

Plains, in which certain designated land would be offlimits to any development, be it commercial, residential or parks. Neither candidate backed putting any ballfields at the former zoo property, which will soon be developed into a passive park.

Mrs. Samuel expressed her hope that the proposed park in the Ashbrook Reservation will move forward after state environmental studies are completed. She also said the size of the park will likely be somewhat smaller than the originallyproposed two dozen acres.

Asked which department budget he would increase significantly if he could, Mr. Marks noted that, at the start of his term in January, he had expressed his hope that 2000 would the “Year of Recreation” in Scotch Plains, and said the Department of Recreation would get a big funding boost “if there were a money tree” available.

“We are in desperate need” of additional space for recreation programs, he added. Mrs. Samuel pointed out that in 1999, during her mayoral term, the township had secured $100,000 in pocket park grants from Union County that was used to renovate Kramer Manor Park and had also begun the process of developing the Ashbrook Reservation park.

“The year of recreation really started in 1999,” she said.

Both candidates also agreed that a local ban on the use of handheld cell phones while driving a car might be a good idea. Two New Jersey towns— Marlboro and Carteret— have recently passed similar ordinances. They also both supported legislation being considered in the State Legislature that would mandate helmets for youngsters riding the new scooters that have recently become popular.

Given the high level of agreement between the them on many issues, Mr. Marks and Mrs. Samuel also sought to draw other distinctions, besides property taxes, between them. Mr. Marks said one such distinction was “how Mrs. Samuel and I approached open government. In 1999, we had a problem here in Scotch Plains,” he said.

“The spirit of free speech was often times curtailed,” he stated, accusing Mrs. Samuel, during her term as Mayor, of ruling fellow council members out of order and disallowing public input at council meetings.

Residents, he said, “should not be afraid to approach their elected officials in fear that they’re going to get turned away and not be allowed to speak.”

Mr. Marks said that, under his leadership this year, “the spirit of free speech is back and alive in Scotch Plains,” something he called one of his proudest accomplishments. He also pointed to his Meet the Mayor program, which he said has allowed him to meet with residents, students and other groups in town.

Mrs. Samuel countered by blaming most of the tension in 1999 on Mr. Marks.

She also said that, “I didn’t have to start a Meet the Mayor program because I was in my office every day.” She said she often met with and spoke to residents, students, senior citizens groups and any other organizations that invited her.

“I was here. I was available. Nobody was afraid to come and talk to

me,” Mrs. Samuel said. She said her top accomplishment as Mayor was, “even with all the contentiousness, keeping the business of the township moving forward and doing what was best for the town.”

Before the mayoral candidates squared off, the two candidates for the Township Council seat being vacated by Republican Councilman William F. McClintock answered questions for 30 minutes and essentially echoed the positions of their mayoral running mates.

Democrat Peter Tripet backed the 1999 property tax increase, saying it “was the right move to make.” The Democrats “didn’t squander” the surplus and “didn’t go for a onetime tax gimmick.” He said last year’s tax hike led to the zero tax increase passed earlier this year.

Republican Paulette Coronato, citing the high township surpluses of the past few years, disagreed with the 1999 decision, calling the 5.4 percent tax increase “one of the highest… in the last nine years. When you have a high surplus, that’s the people’s money,” she said.

Talking about downtown revitalization, both were open to selling the hedge property and turning it into a commercial building, although Mrs. Coronato said she had reservations, including the effects of a new building on the parking situation in the area. Mr. Tripet said a new building “could be a key component to attract new businesses to town,” but said more public input is needed on the matter. Mrs. Coronato said she “would actually try to recruit new business” to the downtown district, especially momandpop type of stores so that “we offer something unique that other towns don’t.”

Mr. Tripet, saying that “if we build it, they will come,” said more commercial buildings in the downtown business district would result in more tax ratables that could ease the burden on residential property taxpayers. Both candidates said more public input and regional consultations were needed before any final decision could be made about the proposed Route 22 bridge.

Mrs. Coronato and Mr. Tripet backed the new conservation zone being proposed and also said more parks and open space were needed in town. Mrs. Coronato said there was a need for recreational activities, especially for teenagers.

She said it might be a good idea for the Scotch PlainsFanwood Board of Education to sponsor regular dances and sports activities for teens. Mr. Tripet said that “preservation of open space will be a top priority” if he was elected to the Council.

Mr. Tripet emphasized his roots in the township and said he had “the time and energy to work extremely hard for Scotch Plains.” He said he would also support more senior housing and work to attract more businesses to the downtown business district.

Mrs. Coronato pointed out her years of experience “working in different levels of government,” and said she is “prepared to take on the role of Council member.” Saying that Mr. Tripet did not have the experience to serve, she said that “last year, we found out how much inexperience can cost the taxpayers.”

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Marks And Samuel Defend Opposing Views On Taxes

Under other business, the council honored several volunteers whose contributions have benefited the community. Among them was Jon Lorenzini, a 14yearold Eagle Scout who organized a group of 73 volunteers who contributed some 400 hours to help the Fanwood Memorial Library reorganize during renovations.

Library Director Dan Weiss commended Jon for his contributions and the council presented him with a resolution of appreciation.

Officials also honored Eric Konzelman with a resolution of appreciation for his leadership and service to the community. Eric, also an Eagle Scout, organized a team of scouts who made a sidewalk inventory to be used by the borough to assess the need for sidewalk repairs.

The council additionally declared the week of Sunday, October 22, as DECA Week. The Scotch PlainsFanwood High School’s DECA Leadership Program celebrated its 31st anniversary this month. Members are being honored for their numerous contributions to the community.

Borough Clerk Eleanor McGovern has been officially appointed as Administrator of the Borough. Mrs. McGovern has been performing the duties of Administrator since 1991, under the title of Borough Clerk.

Mayor Louis C. Jung declared September 28 as Fanwood Senior Citizens Day and Saturday, October 28, as CROP Walk Day.

The council discussed the prospect of farming out the collection of overdue parking tickets and traffic fines to a staterun agency, which would take 25 percent of the collection fee. Officials discussed the need to obtain answers to several questions regarding the process before voting.

Joel Whitaker, Council President, announced that a retreat sponsored by the Long Range Plan Committee will be held on Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11. Attendance is by invitation only. The question of consolidation of services will be one of the key issues discussed.

Mr. Whitaker told The Times of Scotch PlainsFanwood that a survey of all the council members indicated there was a general consensus that elected officials were not in favor of merging Fanwood services entirely with another municipality. Council members did believe, however, that some ser

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

vices could be consolidated or shared.

Flooding in several Willoughby Road backyards, caused by sewers backing up, was mentioned. Councilwoman Karen M. Schurtz suggested the problem needed to be addressed by Borough Engineer Richard Marsden. The topic will be put on the council’s agenda for November.

The sidewalk renovation phase of the borough’s comprehensive streetscape project is underway, with sidewalks being replaced on the east side of Martine Avenue. After the sidewalks are replaced, Victorian light fixtures will be installed, with work expected to be done in time for the holiday season.

A total of 68 trees have been installed along South Avenue, paid for with a grant obtained by Mrs. McGovern. The Fanwood Shade Tree Commission selected a variety of maple, plum and cherry blossom trees that would not cause damage to the sidewalks.

A copy of the borough’s revised zoning ordinance will be given to the Planning Board, so that board members may review changes that have been made. Property owners within 200 feet of the newlycreated Central Commercial 2 zone will be notified regarding the changes that this new zone entails.

Councilwoman Schurtz proposed that officials postpone Fanwood’s nomination as a historic district until it is determined whether a grant will be received to cover the accompanying fee.

Flu shots, normally dispensed in October, have been delayed. There is no word yet on when they will be received.

It was announced that informational meetings on the school bond referendum will be held at Park Middle School tonight, Thursday, October 19, and at Terrill Middle School on Tuesday, November 14. Both meetings will take place at 8 p. m.

North Avenue resident Richard Bard asked the governing body to explain how taxes will be adjusted when the shared Scotch PlainsFanwood school district receives an expected $10 million grant from the state.

The council explained that the exact amount of the grant will be known before the bond is taken out and that the bond will only be in the amount needed after the grant moneys have been received, so no adjustment will be necessary.

Study to Focus on Dean Oil Site As Possible Redevelopment Zone

Maria Varvara Attends Forum

On Medicine

SCOTCH PLAINS – Maria Varvara, a junior at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, attended the National Young Leadership Forum on Medicine (MED) in Philadelphia this past summer.

Maria learned firsthand about medical ethics, the global effects of infectious disease, genetic research, public health and other subjects related to the field.

She also had the opportunity to visit top medical institutions such as: Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, MCP Hahnemann University and others. Maria also interacted with doctors, nurses, scientists and professors to gather a greater understanding of medical history, standards and trends.

Throughout the program, Maria and fellow students explored the realms of public health and problembased learning in a series of intense and stimulating simulations. MED culminated in a simulation that explored medical ethics, allowing students to apply what they learned throughout the course of the forum.

Maria, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bart Vavara, is on full scholarship to Union Catholic after scoring No. 1 on the scholarship examination. She maintains honor roll status and is an active member of the school’s Forensics Team as well as the Italian Heritage and Service Clubs.

Writing is of special interest to Maria who won first place in the Knights of Columbus Essay Contest and second place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Essay Contest. Maria is employed as an assistant coach at SCORE Learning Center in New Providence.

Douglas M. Fasciale, Esq.

Concentrating in personal injury and malpractice cases.

Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

DFasciale@ hoaglandlongo. com www. hoaglandlongo. com 40 PATERSON STREET

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 08901 (732) 5454717

116 S. EUCLID AVENUE WESTFIELD, NJ 07090

(908) 2329944