OUR 108th YEAR ISSUE NO. 27- 98 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
The Westfield Leader Serving the Town Since 1890
Thursday, July 2, 1998 USPS 680020 Periodical Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.
Published Every Thursday
INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX
County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4 Obituary ........ Page 9
Religious ....... Page 8 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11
Parking Remains Hot Topic in Downtown During DWC Informal Discussions on the Master Plan
Andrew Fishkoff for The Westfield Leader SPEAKING INFORMALLY... Westfield residents Wendy and Randy Parker talk to Downtown Westfield Corporation Executive Director Michael La Place during Sunday's public forum on improvements for the downtown. Some of the suggestions from the two public forums will be incorporated into recommendations for the town's Master Plan for development.
By ANDREW FISHKOFF
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
A performing arts facility, tiered parking, and a "Clean- Up Westfield Day" were just some of the ideas proposed by Westfield residents and merchants at the second of two public forums, sponsored by the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), the entity which operates the town's special improvement district.
The informal open house held last Sunday in the Municipal Building's Community Room was designed to gather ideas on downtown- related issues from both residents and merchants. DWC Executive Director Michael La Place indicated he will consider the suggestions and possibly incorporate them into the final draft of the town's Master Plan for
development. Mr. La Place, a certified professional planner in urban and regional planning, said that the DWC has already received positive feedback from residents about the downtown's atmosphere.
"Westfield is booming," claimed Mr. La Place. "We seem to have a lot of momentum going and we just need to keep that momentum up and build on it."
Residents at the two meetings provided input on parking, urban design, historic preservation, and environment. Some of the suggestions included possible locations for a tiered parking facility, more metered parking lots and new traffic signals.
Mr. La Place will now examine the dozens of suggestions before draft ing a public proposal after Labor Day
in September which will then be presented to the DWC Board of Directors.
After the board's review, Mr. La Place may then submit a final proposal to the town Planning Board as
part of the Master Plan which is currently being redrafted.
According to Mr. La Place, the DWC will then be able to seek funding from the Town Council for its downtown initiatives.
DR. JANIE P. EDMONDS REPLACES DR. DAVID ROCK
West Milford Principal Named Town Assistant Superintendent
By JEANNE WHITNEY
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The Westfield Board of Education approved the hiring, Monday, of an Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the coming school year at a salary of $113,000.
Current Principal of West Milford High School, Dr. Janie P. Edmonds, will replace retiring Dr. David Rock as Assistant Superintendent in the Westfield district.
Board of Education Vice President Ginger Hardwick said that Dr. Edmonds was tapped for the job from "an outstanding pool of applicants."
Dr. Edmonds was a high school chemistry, physics and mathematics
teacher early in her career and also taught at Morris County College. She served in supervisory roles in Summit and Millburn Township schools and was Assistant Principal of Princeton High School.
Westfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. William J. Foley said, through a printed statement, that, "Janie Edmonds is an administrator with vision, enthusiasm, intelligence and sensitivity all important assets which will be of benefit to our school district."
After her appointment, Dr. Edmonds said, "I am very proud and
honored to be here." According to reports, one of Dr. Edmonds' first teaching jobs was a temporary assignment in Westfield's Roosevelt Intermediate School Science Department.
In other business, Dr. Foley said he was committed to holding Westfield High School graduation ceremonies on a Sunday afternoon next June, since the last day of school would probably fall on either a Friday or Monday, depending on "snow days."
He said the Optimist Club, which traditionally sponsors the "Bash" party for graduating seniors, had
Gerard Christie for The Westfield Leader STATE FUNDING?... The elimination of Westfield's South Avenue traffic circle is one of the projects approved by state legislators as part of a four- cent hike in the gasoline tax. The increase in the tax is slated to include a number of transportation projects. Westfield Traffic Circle, Light- Rail Projects
To Be Funded Through Four- Cent Gas Tax Hike By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
As reported throughout the state, Governor Christine Todd Whitman received approval from Assembly Republicans this past Monday to support a phased in, four- cent increase
in the gasoline tax to help fund $4.65 billion in state highway projects.
The plan will be phased in over the next three years, with the cost of gasoline rising by one cent a gallon in 1999, two cents in 2000 and three cents in 2001. Legislators will vote on the tax plan later this month, but it will not become law until it is approved by voters in November.
Three important projects among 16 on a list for Union County that was supplied by the New Jersey Department of Transportation are the proposed replacement of the Union Avenue bridge on Green Brook in Watchung and Scotch Plains; the proposed elimination of the Westfield traffic circle at South Avenue, and an Elizabeth- Newark rail link.
According to Assemblyman Richard H. Bagger of Westfield, who heads the Assembly Appropriations Committee, all of these projects are contingent upon the passing of the Transportation Trust Fund which, if renewed, will be done by January 1, 1999.
Assemblyman Bagger pointed out that the elimination of the Westfield circle has been approved for 10 years in concept dating back to when he served on the Westfield Town Council but that the state funding has
not been there. According to Former Westfield Mayor Bud C. Boothe, "the dangers of the Westfield circle have been apparent for many years, but I especially noticed it when I drove my daughter to the (Westfield) high school. I am amazed that there have not been more serious accidents, especially when there are so many
students walking, riding their bikes and now even skateboarding to school.
"The dangers of the circle have been a primary concern for Westfield Mayors for many years," he added.
Mr. Boothe explained that because there are roads involved with the circle that are considered town, county
Green Brook Task Force Looks to Whittle Down Options for Proposed Water Detention Sub- Basin
By JEANNE WHITNEY
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
With two months to go, the Green Brook Task Force of the Flood Control Commission struggled last Thursday to whittle down a working list of 14 options to proposed water detention basins in Union County's Watchung Reservation that are part of a $362 million flood control project for the Green Brook Sub- Basin and Raritan River area.
Chairman of the Task Force, Dr. Robert Hlavacek from Berkeley Heights said he wants to pass all viable solutions along to the Commission and the United States Army Corps of Engineers by the September deadline. The Corps drew up the original plans for the project.
Just this week the House of Representatives approved $12 million to fund construction for the first phase of the flood relief project. At the request of Congressman Bob Franks, who represents the local Seventh District, funding for the project was included in the House and Water Appropriations bill. The legislation
passed by a vote of 405 to 4. The United States Senate version of the Energy and water Appropriations bill provides $7.2 million for the project. A conference committee is expected to be appointed in the next few weeks to work out the differences between the House and senate bills.
Congressman Franks, a resident of Berkeley Heights, said he will urge the committee to provide the full $12 million to prevent further delays in the project which has been on the drawing board for some two decades.
The task force was formed last year after it looked like Union County was going to nix the entire flood control project over objections to 11 acres of dry detention basins in Watchung Reservation. Congressman Franks secured a year's grace on the county's decision about the plan while looking to get $12 million from the Federal government this year, to begin a separate downstream phase of the project.
Area business Connell Rice and Sugar has strongly opposed one of
the proposed detention basins in particular, claiming the plan would wipe out access bridges to its business center property and flood an area
between two of its office buildings. A spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers indicated last month
Gerard Christie for The Westfield Leader PARK OR OFFICE BUILDING?... This site, formerly occupied by the Excellent Diner on North Avenue, will be the subject of a Planning Board hearing Monday night. The owners of the parcel have proposed to build a three- story office building while the town has proposed to acquire the land and convert it into a park.
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Office Building Proposal For Diner Site on Agenda Monday for Planning Bd.
By KIMBERLY A. BROADWELL
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The Westfield Planning Board is set to here the application of the Lekas family for an office building on the former Excellent Diner site this Monday, July 6.
The unkempt condition of the site has generated a great deal of interest among Westfield and Union County officials. Westfield applied for, and received, a grant as part of the Board of Chosen Freeholders "Pocket Park" matching grants program. Westfield was awarded $100,000 from the county with the same amount appropriated by the Town Council for the acquisition of the property and creation of a park.
Soon after the governing body announced plans to either purchase or condemn the site, the family announced that they were planning to develop the site for commercial use.
Lee Honecker, an attorney and grandson of former Excellent Diner property owner, Stella Lekas, is seeking variances to build on the longtime vacant lot at 222 North Avenue. Mrs. Lekas has owned the property since the 1930's.
Mrs. Lekas is proposing to remove an existing building on that site and construct a three- story building with a basement for retail and office use. A total of six variances are being requested which include a reduction in
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GOVERNING BODY EXPECTED TO SIGN OFF ON FINAL VERSION TUESDAY NIGHT
Town Council Agrees to Move Forward On Westfield's Revised Zoning Code By JEANNE WHITNEY
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
The Westfield Town Council agreed on Tuesday to move ahead in approving a long awaited revision to the town's zoning code which includes adjusting zone borders to conform to property lines.
In many cases, property owners had added property from a different zone to their lots through purchases. Sunrise Assisted Living on Springfield Avenue was one such case. Other lots had been subdivided, creating new lots.
"This is a very good zoning ordinance," Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. said.
After council members said they would vote in favor of the final version of the code at next week's regular meeting, attorney for the town Planning Board, William S. Jeremiah, 2nd, told the council, "We need this thing desperately."
He indicated it had been at least four years in the making. Councilman Sullivan said the document was finalized over the past 13 months.
Mr. Jeremiah said the Planning Board would propose related guidelines for off- street downtown parking and floor area ratios, but nixed pole- mounted "pylon" commercial signs. A decision on commercial signs facing the railroad tracks would also
be postponed, he indicated. Other concerns in the updated zoning code dealt with reducing lighting from signs and parking lots, "ham" radio antennas and residential fence "screening" or shrubbery. The code proposes a fee for "interpretations" by town zoning officials of zoning applications.
The exact charges were not disclosed. Town Attorney Charles H. Brandt described the new changes saying, "It's a user fee concept."
On a separate issue, the council asked for a rework of a resolution to replace curbing on three streets Kimball and Forest Avenues and Clark Street for a cost of $46,000. Homeowners in areas where curbs are improved will be assessed either 50 percent of the cost or twothirds of 50 percent, according to officials.
The initial resolution included another $63,000 for paving streets, officials explained, after Councilman Sullivan noted the budget discrepancy.
Officials added that the town will pick up 100 percent of the tab for street paving.
In another matter, Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko said that 16
local properties had been cited for violations under the six- month- old "exterior maintenance" code. Five complaints about a site are required in order for a violation to be considered.
"I'm citing them on the general appearance," said Mr. Gottko, who is in charge of enforcing the code.
Officials said violations run from grass and shrubbery overgrowth, roof, gutter, wall and fence damages to boats and other vehicles being stored on lots. All but five of the 16 offenders have responded to the complaints.
Mr. Brandt said some of the cited properties are in litigation over ownership or fire damage that has evidently delayed responses to the violations. Violators have 30 days to restore the property to code before they receive a second notice, followed by a municipal court action.
"A couple of these are going to end up in court," Mr. Gottko predicted.
Offenders may also appeal the action before the code's enforcement committee.
Mr. Gottko said maintenance code enforcement duties would shortly be transferred over to engineering and construction departments, where a
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Page 10 Thursday, July 2, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
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Members of the DWC, residents, and merchants alike lauded the DWC for its continued support of downtown Westfield.
Mayor Thomas C. Jardim called the DWC "the brightest of bright spots in downtown Westfield. They put a plan together and carry it out and they have the support of the community to do it."
Local resident Quaid Kapadia called the meeting "a great opportunity." Mr. Kapadia suggested a "Westfield shuttle," which would bring residents without transportation into the downtown area, thereby increasing the business of local merchants.
The DWC was formed in 1996 with a multi- faceted agenda for downtown Westfield that included economic development, designs, and promotions for town events, such as the Jazz Festival scheduled for late July.
The organization has played a major role in accommodating existing and new businesses throughout the downtown, officials noted.
By the end of the summer, downtown Westfield will see several new stores, including Williams Sonoma, Ann Taylor and Nine West opening. Others such as Banana Republic, Bombay Company and Poppyfields have recently opened.
However, with the increase in the number of stores, the number of parking spaces becomes the pressing issue, according to shoppers. Many merchants have expressed interest in converting some of the town's commuter permit parking spaces into metered parking for shoppers.
"The town needs to surrender some of the revenue they receive through permit parking," said Diane Barabas, owner of Diane B, which sells fine furnishings. "We need parking for people to shop in our businesses."
Parking Remains Hot Topic During DWC Discussions
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and state roads, it was hard to get approval for the elimination of the circle.
Because the circle involves South Avenue, also known as Route No. 28, it is considered under the jurisdiction of the state and, therefore, could not be eliminated under town jurisdiction.
In July of 1996, months after state officials examined the circle during 7 a. m. traffic, a consensus was made that there should be an elimination of the circle and the town passed a resolution stating so.
According to Mr. Boothe, "the plan is now slowly making its way through the system." He also commented that the state is in the process of getting rid of all its traffic circles. He said that the total number of traffic circles in the state has been reduced from 70 to around 40.
Third Ward Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. who is the Chairman of the Town Council's Transportation, Parking and Traffic Committee, told The Westfield Leader
that the project would entail the set up of an intersection with East Broad Street being signalized to
measure the flow of traffic. Councilman Sullivan stated that "the only downside to the project is that some trees will be lost in the center of the circle."
He reported that the committee is also in the process of working on a Westfield Avenue plan which, if passed by the council, would allow two- way traffic on South Avenue between First Avenue and South Avenue. The proposal was tabled at the council's last public meeting held on June 23.
Both Councilman Sullivan and former Mayor Boothe concluded that the project is still years away from any ground breaking.
Another important project from the list of Union County transportation proposals is the Elizabeth- Newark rail link, which will link Elizabeth and Newark by way of a lighted car which, according to Assemblyman Bagger, could be described as a "modern trolley."
This federally- funded project, which will have state funds to match, will give passengers a ride between downtown Newark, to the Newark International Airport or to the Elizabethport section, where there will be a giant Jersey Gardens Mall (where IKEA is located).
According to Assemblyman Bagger, the rail line will use unused railroad routes that have been closed for many years. He also reported that there is a proposal to extend this light rail system all the way west to Plainfield.
The project will receive $30 million from the Federal government as part of the Intermodel Service Transportation Efficiency Act of 1998, which was recently passed by Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton.
Four- Cent Gasoline Tax Hike Helps Fund Circle, Light- Rail
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pushed for a definite date, in order to reserve the Ricochet Racquet Club for next June.
Board member Dr. B. Carol Molnar pointed out that the proposed date, Sunday, June 20, is "Father's Day." Also, it was unclear whether the Westfield National Guard Armory was available for the graduation ceremony on that date, in the event of rain.
Dr. Foley proposed that teachers volunteering to attend the graduation be given a weekday holiday, to compensate for the weekend ceremony.
"Let's experiment with having it on Sunday, at four in the afternoon," Dr. Foley said, "I think for this particular year it works the best."
Board President Darielle Walsh confirmed that, "We are planning it. Hopefully, on a Sunday, it will be looked at as more of a family event."
This past year, it was held on a Thursday night.
On a separate issue, the board approved a $13,000 Japanese language class for 10 high school students next year that will use ITV or interactive television technology. The students will attend first period in a classroom wired for ITV at Westlake School on Raritan Road. The school is owned and operated by the Union County Educational Services Commission.
The class is conducted through television screens, microphones, speakers and computers with a teacher and students being able to see and hear each other.
The instructor is an administrator with Roxbury Public Schools in Morris County, according to Michael Seiler, President of the Teachers Association in Westfield.
Dr. Foley said about the initiative, "We know it's expensive. We want to
give this a try and see how this works. The alternative is not to do it at all."
Board members Susan Jacobson and Dr. Molnar said they were in favor of offering Asian languages in the district. Annmarie Puleio indicated she supported the ITV "pilot program."
Dr. Foley indicated that the experiment was a way to introduce Asian languages into the district since it was unlikely that a language instructor would be hired to teach only one class.
Under the ITV system, the district pays for the use of the Union County ITV classroom and shares the instructor with the Roxbury schools. One board member described the ITV method as "long distance learning."
On a separate matter, the board okayed a night home game with Linden High School this fall for the high school varsity football team, on Friday, October 23. Dr. Foley said a group of Boosters was paying to rent the temporary lights for the field.
Mrs. Jacobson reminded the group that area neighbors objected to night games in years past.
Ms. Puleio said her concern was that Friday night begins the Jewish Sabbath.
"I don't want to see this as an entree into Friday night games. I would not want to see this done on a regular basis," she said.
Mrs. Walsh responded, "I don't think that was ever proposed."
In other news, the board said that for the first time, 18 students will be helping the district with "computer technology" over the summer. Summer School classes started this past Monday.
W. Milford Principal Named Town Assist. Superintendent
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that task force members must come up with definitive solutions and community support for the project's Upper Portion, in order for the Corps to lobby for additional Federal funding.
United States Democratic Senators Robert Toricelli and Frank Lautenberg first opposed the flood control project a year ago and blocked all Federal funding but now say they are willing to consider solutions.
One of the options now proposes creating a huge water detention basin in the northeast corner of Weldon Quarry, although storm water would have to be channeled to and from the quarry storage basin for drainage. Task force member J. B. Wiley said Weldon was "non- committal" about the proposal at this point.
Task force representative for Union County and former Freeholder Henry W. Kurz said he remembers that the Mayor of Watchung was "unalter ably opposed" to the use of the quarry
for water detention. Watchung representative to the task force John Gause said the quarry site represented future commercial development to the borough in 30 years when the quarry shuts down.
In April, Berkeley Heights Mayor Dan Palladino proposed storm water detention alternatives to the Reservation sites, including the use of existing Surprise Lake and Seeley's Pond, creating basins underneath highway Route No. 22 and Blue Star Mall parking lot and using the front lawn of Mount Saint Mary Academy for a basin.
So far, the task force is yet to identify a solution guaranteed to garner public support, although by next month, members have agreed to rank proposed options based on seven criteria, including cost, flood control effectiveness and "acceptability to host community."
Green Brook Task Force Looks For Water Detention Options
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the rear yard set back, a reduction in the side yard set back, location of exterior signs and for a reduction in window areas.
The applicant is also proposing to not have any parking spaces and proposing to not have any loading zones.
According to the public notice, Mrs. Lekas is proposing not to put in any additional parking spaces, where the town requires 32 for this particular type of application, according to current zoning ordinance requirements.
Because the owner had left the property vacant for several years, the Town Council has been considering an ordinance to acquire the
land and transform it into a park. The ordinance was tabled pending a rendering by the board on the application.
The ordinance, which had been introduced at its first reading in April, was done so on the same night that Mr. Honecker first addressed the council of his grandmother's plans.
On that evening Mr. Honecker had told the council that the reason he had come to address the council was that his family had been in the process of hiring an architect and engineers for their land development and then read in a newspaper article that the council had planned to purchase the land for a "Pocket Park."
He told the council that his family did not wish to be "overwhelmed with expenses" if the town had other plans for the property.
Mr. Honecker was assured that he and his grandmother could indeed go through with her applications for the needed variances and that the council was only considering the "Pocket Park" because of the years of neglect that the property endured.
Members of the council concluded that the land was considered an "eye sore" to the downtown area.
At that meeting, Mr. Honecker stated that the reason that his 93- year old grandmother had left the property unattended for so long was that she was grief stricken after the death of her daughter in 1996.
The land where the diner once stood has been vacant since 1995, when Mrs. Lekas sold the cab portion of the diner to owners in Germany.
A copy of Mrs. Lekas' application and site plan is on file with the Office of the Town Engineer located on 959 North Avenue West and can be viewed by members of the public Monday through Friday, 8: 30 a. m. to 4: 30 p. m.
Office Building Proposal For Diner Site on Agenda
WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
· Theo Blue, 21, of New Brunswick, was arrested and charged with driving with a revoked license after he was stopped for speeding on Central Avenue, according to police. Bail was set at $775 for the second offense.
· A Grandview Avenue resident reported that tokens and sunglasses were stolen from her car while it was parked in front of her house. There was no sign of forced entry.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
· Two spotlights were stolen from the front yard of an office building on St. Paul Street.
· A Grandview Avenue resident said his 1994 teal colored Plymouth Voyager was stolen from in front of his house.
The following day, Scotch Plains police arrested Walter Allen, 36, of Westfield, after he was found with the stolen vehicle on Route No. 22 after leaving a service station.
Allen was charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a stolen credit card, authorities said. He was released on a summons.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
· Jeffery Andrejewski, 20, of Parlin was arrested and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana after being stopped on Central Avenue for having a broken brake light on his ve hicle, authorities said. Bail was set at
$250.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
· Three Westfield residents, all 18 years old, were arrested and charged with underage possession of a case of beer, according to police.
The suspects included the driver, Michael Zuarino, and passengers Thomas Spina and Nicholas Alice.
They were apprehended after being stopped by police for having a loud muffler on the vehicle in which they were traveling.
· A Central Avenue resident said seven compact discs were stolen from her residence by an unknown person.
· Residents of Belmont Terrace and Moss Avenue reported that their cars were spray painted with red paint while parked in front of their houses.
The Belmont Terrace victim said she saw an older white sedan pull alongside her automobile and vandalize it.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
· Anthony Tucker, 28, of Linden, was arrested and charged with theft of services after NJ Transit alerted Westfield police that he allegedly boarded a train without purchasing a ticket, according to police.
The suspect, who authorities said had claimed he had no money for a ticket, was released on his own recognizance.
WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER
MONDAY, JUNE 22
· Six hundred block of Fourth Avenue outside of structure fire.
· One hundred block of Amy Drive carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Six hundred block of Fourth Avenue refuse fire.
· Fifteen hundred block of Lamberts Mill Road system malfunction.
· Three hundred block of First Street smoke and odor removal.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
· Five hundred block of North Avenue East wire down.
· Six hundred block of Clark Street electrical short.
· Three hundred block of Clark Street unintentional alarm.
· Six hundred block of Summit Avenue tree limb and wires down.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
· Six hundred block of Tice Place propane tank leaking.
· One hundred block of Elm Street unintentional alarm.
· One hundred block of Elm Street system malfunction.
· One hundred block of Canterbury Lane lock out.
· One hundred block of South Avenue East good intent call.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
· Four hundred block of East Broad Street spill on roadway.
· One hundred block of Pearl Street wire down.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
· Two hundred block of South Euclid Avenue refuse fire.
· Four hundred block of West Broad Street assist police.
· Six hundred block of Boulevard tree limb and wire down.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
· One hundred block of Quimby Street electrical short.
· One hundred block of North Euclid Avenue system malfunction.
WESTERN ADVENTURE Students in Linda Larsen's full- day Kindergarten class at St. Paul's Day School in Westfield are pictured here dressed for an imaginary trip to the state of Texas. The youngsters became curious about Texas when they discovered that two classmates are moving to Dallas this summer. The children learned songs and facts about Texas, prepared Texas- style snack foods and investigated plant and animal life in the Lone Star State.
PROUD WINNER... Katie Anderson of Westfield and her father, center, proudly display her prize, an autographed picture of Mickey Mantle, which she won at the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Car Show on June 18. Also pictured, left to right, are: John Tosun, Service Manager, and Geralyn Keating, of Westfield Tire and Auto Service, car show sponsor, and Mike Montagna, right, Good Year District Sales Manager.
New Officer Slate Installed By Garden Club of Westfield
At its June meeting, the Garden Club of Westfield installed new officers for the 1998- 1999 year. The program consisted of the monthly meeting and installation of officers at a picnic.
Newly installed officers for 1998- 1999 are: Jean Jones, First Vice President, and Irene Ilaria, Second Vice President. They join current officers Jody Melloan, President; Mary Ann Malloy, Recording Secretary; George
NEWLY INSTALLED Officers of The Garden Club of Westfield at their annual June picnic. Left to Right: Jean Jones, First Vice President; Mary Ann Malloy, Recording Secretary; Jody Melloan, President; Irene Ilaria, Second Vice President. Missing from the photo is George Bidgood, Corresponding Secretary, and Nancy Roff, Treasurer.
Bidgood, Corresponding Secretary, and Nancy Hoff, Treasurer.
Jody Melloan, President, presided over the installation ceremony. Hostess Chairwomen for the meeting were Jane Bender and Betts Sutman. They were assisted by Pat Brown, Joan Walsh, Ottilie Griesemer, Dottie Schaefer and Betty Kopf. The Garden Club of Westfield is federated with The Garden Club of New Jersey, District V.
Cregg Lee Watner, Bronwyn Hay Earn Vanderbilt Degrees
Westfield residents Cregg Lee Watner and Bronwyn Marie Hay were among more than 2,300 students who received degrees from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee during commencement exercises on May 8.
Cregg is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Watner. Bronwyn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Hay. Both students were awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees from Vanderbilt's College of Arts and Science.
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part- time person was hired for the job.
Another decision to be made by the council is related to a 1997 study of the sanitary sewer system and whether the town will proceed with a $127,000 "closer look" at the system over a 15- month period. Ultimately, the studies should reveal what type of improvements need to be made to the system.
In other business, the council considered auctioning off for sale two undeveloped town lots on Union Street. After Town Engineer Kenneth B. Marsh estimated it would cost the town $33,680 to pave and install drainage at the sites, the council considered selling the lots "as is." Officials said there are other similar properties in town.
Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, Chairman of the Laws and Rules Committee, said he was working towards an ordinance related to outdoor newspaper vending machines.
"We are looking at the town's ability to specify criteria for the new racks, so they can be pleasing and
uniform in appearance," he explained. First Ward Councilman and Chairman of the Solid Waste Committee, Gregory S. McDermott, said the town has been offered a six- month leasing deal on a "clean machine" similar to a large vacuum sweeper that would shine up and clear litter from downtown sidewalks.
Two weeks ago, officials revealed a 36- month lease would cost the town $839 per month or $30,000 in total.
Additionally, officials proposed having the Department of Public Works dismantle mountain bike jumps that have been constructed illegally on Dunham Avenue property.
Also, the council indicated it would agree to a request to demolish a house at 525 Elm Street.
Mr. Brandt said, "It's falling apart." The council also agreed to place a resolution on its agenda for action to issue $385,000 of temporary debt or bond anticipation notes in order to buy six trucks for the town.
A street sweeper vehicle was eliminated from the order to reduce costs.
Council Moves Forward On Revised Zoning Code
Recent Home Sales
Estate of H. Jackson to Marlin J. Peterson and Susan C. Kowalenko, 224 Charles Street, $269,000.
J. R. and S. Finkel to James D. and Kally D. Stryker, 112 Jefferson Avenue, $257,500.
M. R. and J. M. Giesser to Gregory F. and Katherine A. Blatz, 540 Hort Street, $240,000.
Estate of T. J. Gibbons to J. David and Elaine Manganello, 622 Dorian Road, $344,000.
L. S. Melanson, Jr. and Lynne D. Melanson to Michael J. Connolly, 562 Pierson Street, $189,000.
L. Boxer to David S. and Kimberly K. Ellner, 513 Fairmont Avenue, $407,500.
D. Villane Construction, L. L. C. to E. A. and Linda S. Need, 966 St. Marks
Avenue, $572,500. P. and D. La Mastra to Leonides MacAlinao and Maria J. Ressurreccion, 323 Springfield Avenue, $250,500.
E. M. O'Shaughnessy to Nicholas and Christine Melone, 447 Everson Place, $285,000.
R. J. and C. V. Zupko to Philip A. and Megan T. Leary, 411 Everson Place, $252,000.
M. E. and Y. M. Tierney to Richard and Robin Gasson, 737 Norman Place, $294,000.
R. Patterson and E. Rowan to Darren and Michelle Composto, 929 Columbus Avenue, $226,000.
R. and M. Colonna to Kara S. Fried and R. Rever, 1119 Grandview Avenue, $281,500.
Local Residents Earn Degrees from Lafayette
Five local residents were among 491 students from Lafayette College who graduated during commencement exercises May 23 at which former President George Bush gave the address.
Blair Lloyd Gardiner of Mountainside, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business.
David C. Schwartz of Scotch Plains earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business, with honors in Government and Law.
Abigail Pickering Bomba of Westfield graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology/ Philosophy, Psi Chi.
Christopher Paul John Hanas of Westfield graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, magna cum laude and Tau Beta Pi.
Mark E. Hobbie of Westfield earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and Law, Phi Alpha Theta.
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