OUR 108th YEAR ISSUE NO. 29- 98 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407
The Westfield Leader Serving the Town Since 1890
Thursday, July 16, 1998 USPS 680020 Periodical Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.
Published Every Thursday
INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX
Business ........ Page 17 County .......... Page 2 Editorial ........ Page 4
Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 10 Religious ....... Page 9
Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 13
MAJOR GOAL IS ONE- SEAT RIDE TO MANHATTAN
Commission Looks Ahead Toward Improved Service Along Raritan Valley Line By MICHAEL P. BABIK
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Nine months after Mayor Thomas C. Jardim and the Westfield Raritan Valley Line Commuter Commission (RVLCC) first submitted a written plan to improve train service between Westfield and New York City, questions still lurk about the effectiveness of NJ Transit in implementing the goals of the group.
The group, which meets the second Thursday of every month, was organized by Mayor Jardim a year and a half ago to combat what many commuters who use NJ Transit maintain are poor service and communication problems. Fifteen hundred people make the daily train commute between Westfield and New York City.
In fact, the commission has been so active in identifying problems experienced by commuters that NJ Transit commissioner John Haley has dubbed 1998 as "the year of the Raritan Valley Line."
What the organization would re ally like to see, however, is a "oneseat,
no- transfer ride to midtown Manhattan," according to a newsletter published by the commission.
"The service has been horrendous," stated RVLCC member and 10- year commuter Michael Einbinder. "In the last month, trains have been delayed and there has been much less communication on the platforms."
In January, NJ Transit representative Steve Clark began attending the RVLCC meetings, serving as a gobetween for the agency and the commuter commission.
"We have succeeded in identifying the issues formed in January 1997 with our representative Steve Clark," Mr. Einbinder commented, still very skeptical on whether NJ Transit will follow through on several promises.
The major concern of many Westfielders is in the unreliability of the connection at Newark. Often the train from Westfield is delayed and the connecting train to New York leaves, stranding many in Newark, forced to wait for the next connec tion.
Due to the large volume of trains passing through Track No. 1 in Newark, same- track connections have become unlikely for Westfield commuters. The Westfield train is often routed to Track No. 5, forcing commuters to make a mad dash through a crowded station for the connection.
The connection delay issues can be attributed to a stretch of track outside of Newark, according to Mr. Clark. NJ Transit is forced to use the Hunter Connection, a section of Conrail's Lehigh Valley Line, on the approach to the station.
The track has a speed limit of 15 miles per hour (mph) due to its condition, and can only accommodate one direction of travel.
Currently, NJ Transit is underway with a $33 million Hunter improvement program, due for completion in October. It will bring the track speed up to 45 mph, and allow for a passing track before the Northeast Corridor crossing. According to Mr. Clark, the improvements will shave an additional two minutes off the trip.
The construction, however, further impairs same- platform transfers, according to Mr. Clark. Delays are worsened by the lack of communication at Newark. Often it is not clear if the connecting train has left or is still waiting, Mr. Einbinder explained. NJ Transit has proposed a better information relay system with the addition of platform monitors.
"Over the next three months, we plan on increasing from 40 to 100 monitors, but are often concerned with the historic preservation issue," stated Mr. Clark, noting that Newark's Penn Station is a historic landmark.
A ticket window in Penn Station in New York City specifically for Transit customers has already been added to help answer questions about delayed trains. NJ Transit has also implemented other Westfield RVLCC ideas to make the trip smoother.
Automatic ticket machines, which accept credit cards, have been placed on the platforms and the hours of the
Board Gives Approval For House Restoration
By RUSSELL R. WATKINS
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
A 19th- century Westfield home was given a new lease on life Monday night after the Board of Adjustment cleared the way for its complete restoration.
The house, located at 427 Boulevard, was constructed in 1880 and is described by present owner Todd Evans as "currently one of the two biggest eyesores in the neighborhood."
Mr. Evans recently purchased the house and plans a complete, historically- accurate renovation with the intention of returning the residence to its original 1880s appearance.
He told board members that doorways and windows would contain custom- made reproductions, and that every historic detail of the house would be preserved and, in some cases, restored.
Mr. Evans appeared before the board seeking variances for a shed dormer and porch. The house originally had a porch; however, it was removed during the 1950s. Because town ordinances have changed since then, restoring the porch would now create rear yard and side yard violations.
However, due to the nature of Mr. Evans' project, and the lot's irregular shape, the board unanimously approved his requests.
Several neighbors turned out to express their support for Mr. Evans' proposal, citing his recent restoration of another period house as an indication of the quality workmanship the board could expect. Mr. Evans currently resides in this restored house, which is located at 419 Boulevard.
Board of Adjustment Chairman Lawrence C. J. Mannino praised the proposed restoration as "a plus for the community.
"We certainly get something back from this project," he added.
However, the board did not allow Mr. Evans to begin work right away. After an applicant's request is approved by the board, a 30- day waiting period is imposed before the apFlood
Control Commission Waiting Final Word From Washington on Green Brook Project Funding
By ANDREW FISHKOFF
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
In the wake of the 25- year anniversary of the deadly August 1973 flood which struck the region, the Green Brook Flood Control Commission, which met July 2, is confident it will break ground this fall on the first stage of a long- anticipated $362 million flood control project for the Green Brook Sub- Basin and Raritan River area.
The focus of the commission's efforts have shifted to Washington, D. C., as members of the commission await the project's inclusion in President Bill Clinton's budget for the next Federal fiscal year, which begins on Thursday, October 1.
Recently, the House Energy and Water Subcommittee appropriated $12 million for the project at the urging of Congressman Bob Franks, who represents the local Seventh District, and Congressman Rodney
source projects for any of the 50 states in the President's budget, officials said.
The Green Brook Flood Control Project was formed in August 1973 in response to severe flooding, which caused six deaths and close to $80 million in damages (1996 dollars). Over $2.4 billion in damages (1996 dollars) have resulted from flooding in the Green Brook Sub- Basin area this century.
During the meeting last Thursday, Bill Slezak, Chief of the Civil Works Branch of the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the New York district, revealed a contract between the State of New Jersey and the Federal government called the Project Cooperation Agreement is awaiting final approval in Washington.
The contract, which details the funding breakdown between state and Federal governments for the flood control project, is an indication that groundbreaking for the Lower Portion of the project is just months away, according to Mr. Slezak.
The commission's Green Brook Flood Control Task Force is due to
come up with alternatives for the Upper Portion of the project, and should provide a final report to the commission by September, according to Mr. Noble.
In related news, Flood Commission members said Middlesex County has failed to provide any funding this year for the flood project.
"It's a form of financial cancer," said Frank Meeks, Treasurer of the commission, referring to Middlesex County's failure to contribute. "The problem is so deep- seated, it is going to take shock treatment to get things moving."
Middlesex County has not funded the flood control project for a number of years, according to Mr. Meeks. The commission plans to continue to press the county for its allocation.
Nevertheless, Mr. Noble said he was pleased with the commission's work.
"I am happy that all these things are coming along," said Mr. Noble, "but I will be ecstatic once the money for the project is put in the President's budget." Frelinghuysen, who represents the
local Eleventh District. However, the United States Senate Appropriations Committee approved only $7.2 million for the Green Brook flood control project.
Although the Congress is currently on holiday, the House and Senate must reach an agreement on the figure for the bill in the HouseSenate Conference Committee sometime before the October deadline. United States Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg assured Vernon A. Noble, Chairman of the Green Brook Commission, that he will push the Conference Committee to reach an agreement for the $12 million appropriated by the House of Representatives.
Once the two houses reach an agreement, they will lobby President Clinton to include the funding in his upcoming budget. Currently, there is no mention of funding for water re
Jeanne Whitney for The Westfield Leader DON'T LOOK BACK... Two long- time retail businesses on Elm Street in Westfield's downtown will close their doors by the end of the year to make room for a proposed children's clothing store. Elm Delicatessen has been at the site for over 50 years and Backroom Antiques will celebrate its 20th anniversary. A children's bookstore in the same building will not close, according to building owner, Gary Goodman.
Elm Street Businesses Lose Leases In Favor of National Retailer
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By JEANNE WHITNEY
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
Two long- time businesses in downtown Westfield lost their leases and must be out by the end of the year to make room for a children's clothing store which is part of a national chain.
Gary Goodman, whose family owns the building with storefronts at 35, 37 and 39 Elm Street, said the new tenant at the location will rent the combined spaces approximately 1,800 square feet which presently houses the Elm Delicatessen and Backroom Antiques.
Storytime on Elm, a children's book store at 35 Elm Street, will stay, according to Mr. Goodman. The owner of the book store, Elaine Zack, whose lease is reportedly up in April, said she did not know anything about the ousting of the neighboring businesses, and did not respond to other inquiries.
Mr. Goodman explained that commercial real estate broker Tony Schilling, President of Relocation Realty on Elm Street, approached him with an offer of what Mr. Goodman described as "a more stable tenancy."
Reportedly, rents will at least double for the ground- floor retail spaces. Other national chain stores in Westfield's central business district reportedly pay $30 to $40 a square foot. According to Mr. Goodman, his Elm Street building, "is a good location that's underrented."
The turn- of- the- century building used to be a combination bank and post office, tenants said.
The facade of the Elm Street building, the heating and air- conditioning systems, will be "upgraded" and the spaces consolidated, Mr. Goodman added, with costs for the work being shared between the new tenant and the Goodman family. It is expected the improvements will take two to three months. The second and third floors of the building are offices, he said. No change was anticipated concerning those tenants, Mr. Goodman confirmed.
The current owner of Elm Delicatessen, Tim DeRubeis, said he has been at the site for 35 years. A previous owner operated a deli there for 18 years.
Co- owner of Backroom Antiques, Paula Gentempo, said her shop has been at the site for almost 20 years. "We were preparing our '20th Anniversary' promotion," partner Vicki Priscoe- Spurr said, "and we already have thousands of dollars worth of Christmas merchandise ordered."
Mr. Goodman said the current tenants had either hinted about retiring or asked for shorter leases prior to his decision to take on another tenant. "Retail trends come and go," he claimed. "If you're not responsive, you end up with a vacancy."
Others involved in the leasing deal indicated there may have been a concern over late rent payments which may have influenced the decision of the landlord.
Mr. Goodman revealed that his family once owned what is described as a five- and- dime store in Roselle, that went the way of Woolworth's and other national five- and- dimes.
"I wish it was all 1950 again, but it's not," Mr. Goodman said.
Ms. Gentempo and Mrs. PriscoeSpurr said they were "shocked" and "devastated" over the loss of their lease, although Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC,) Michael La Place, said he is currently working with the displaced owners to help them locate another storefront.
Mrs. Priscoe- Spurr said her landlord came into the shop to deliver the news that the lease on the space would not be renewed. "He said, 'I'm sorry, but I got an offer I can't refuse." Ms. Gentempo admitted that although she does not know the terms of the new tenant lease, she might have made the same decision if she had been offered the same deal as her landlord. "It's business," she said. "The small person can't fight this."
Mr. DeRubeis indicated that he looked at the economics of his landlord's position, too, and admitted, that, "It's just part of life." He has not indicated whether the business will move elsewhere. His son, Joe DeRubeis, who said he grew up working in the family business, reacted to the loss of the lease angrily, saying, "I'm very, very disappointed. Just last week we were told we had another year- and- a- half. The greed disgusts me. We've lost a lot of icons in this town."
The younger Mr. DeRubeis was evidently referring to other so- called "mom and pop," or independentlyowned stores in the downtown that have lost leases in the past several
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Mountainside Officials Attempt to Help Squad Increase Volunteer Pool
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By GRETCHEN A. BOWMAN
Specially Written for The Westfield Leader
"I cannot stress it enough they are in desperate need of volunteers," Mountainside Mayor Robert F. Viglianti stated Tuesday night during the Borough Council's work session, in reference to the Mountainside Rescue Squad.
The Mayor, who recently met with squad members to discuss the shortage of volunteers, discussed the situation with fellow members of the
governing body at the meeting. It was reported that the squad has lost a number of volunteers, some of whom have relocated to other areas, and others who have departed to further their education.
Opposed to making some appeal to temporarily remedy the problem, the council discussed various approaches to a long- term solution.
Among the ideas proposed by members of the governing body were the
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Gretchen Bowman for The Westfield Leader RESTORATION PLANNED A man casts his line out into Echo Lake in Mountainside, a section of which will be restored under a program developed by the county. A total of 11 lakes in the county will be improved, of which Echo Lake will be the first. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders introduced its annual capital bond ordinance on June 25, which appropriates $38.93 million, of which $606,000 will fund the beginning phase of the lake restoration project. The ordinance will come up for a second reading and adoption next Thursday, July 23.
Page 10 Thursday, July 16, 1998 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION
WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER
WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER TUESDAY, JULY 7
· A bicycle valued at $350 was reported stolen from the Westfield Municipal Pool premises, located off of Cumberland Street.
· A town resident reported that someone filled out documents without her authorization to change her mailing address from Westfield to Asbury Park, according to police.
· A Kirkview Circle resident reported that a bag of clothes which had been left outside for pickup by a laundry service was stolen from the front porch.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
· Police reported that $350 worth of jewelry was stolen from a Boulevard residence. Entry was gained through the rear door, authorities said.
· A bicycle, described as a 20- inch, blue, Dyno NSX, valued at approximately $200, was reported stolen from Westfield High School on Dorian Road.
· A 26- inch, silver- and- green, Model 850 Trek bicycle valued at approximately $700 was reported stolen from the rear lot of Westfield High School.
· Police investigated an incident in which a Prospect Street resident claimed he was being harassed by an individual from whom he had recently purchased an automobile.
THURSDAY, JULY 9
· A resident of North Scotch Plains Avenue reported the theft of two bicycles, with a total value of $550, from her backyard.
· A counterfeit $20 bill was passed to an attendant at a South Avenue gas station, authorities confirmed.
· Police arrested Diane Esparra, 29, of Elizabeth on charges of theft, theft by deception, forgery and uttering (presenting a forged check at a bank), following an investigation which began several months ago, authorities said.
Esparra, who worked as an office manager for a Westfield physician, had allegedly stole several thousand dollars from her employer since March through forgery of insurance checks, according to police.
Authorities said they were alerted to the alleged theft by a private investigator who had been hired by the doctor. Esparra, who was charged at Westfield police headquarters, was released on her own recognizance.
· Qiana Cherry, 20, of Roselle, Hope Scott, 27, of Elizabeth and a 16- year- old female juvenile, also from Roselle, were charged with shoplifting based on a complaint from a North Avenue department store, according to police.
Authorities said Scott was additionally charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana. Cherry and Scott were released on $275 and $525 bail, respectively. The juvenile was released to the custody of an adult.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
· Police reported that five concrete planters were knocked over in front of a business on South Avenue, West.
· A mountain bicycle valued at approximately $300 was reported stolen from a shed at the rear of a West Broad Street property.
· Arthur Augustin, 20, of Plainfield was arrested in the 600 block of South Avenue, West, and charged with driving with a revoked license more than three times, according to police. He was released on a $1,000 bail bond.
· Several cars on the lot of a North Avenue automobile dealership were targeted for criminal mischief by unknown
persons, according to police. Eggs were thrown at the vehicles and one of the cars was scratched, authorities said.
· A pocketbook was reported stolen from the front entrance of a Carleton Road address. Missing items included $165 in cash, along with eyeglasses and personal items.
· A Bradford Avenue resident reported that his van was hit with eggs.
· A Bell Drive resident reported that a bicycle valued at $267 was stolen from the south side train station.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
· A Prospect Street resident reported an attempted automobile theft.
· A resident of Boynton Avenue reported the theft of cash, ballet slippers and a spare key from a vehicle which was parked in the roadway.
· The owner of a dry cleaning service on South Avenue, West, reported that a window was broken on his establishment.
· A Dorian Road resident reported the theft of his Interceptor BMW bicycle, the value of which was unknown, from East Broad Street.
· Officers from the 62nd precinct in New York City informed Westfield police that a car belonging to a Roselle Park resident which had been stolen in Westfield on April 18 had been recovered.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
· A resident of Shadowlawn Drive reported that her wallet was taken from her purse in her home.
· A Roger Avenue resident reported that a wallet and $2 in change was stolen from the console of his motor vehicle.
· A Forest Avenue resident reported the burglary of her 1997 Acura on Prospect Street. Police said the vehicle had been entered and the ignition switch was punched out in an apparent attempt to steal the car. Several suspects had been seen in the vicinity of the automobile at the time the incident occurred.
· A 50- year- old East Broad Street resident reported receiving a harassing telephone call, according to police.
· A Westfield resident reported the theft of a bicycle from the north side train station.
· Four male juveniles from Westfield, all 17 years old, were arrested on Normandy Drive and charged with possession and use of less than 50 grams of marijuana, authorities said.
Two of the youths were released to the custody of adults, and the remaining two were taken to a juvenile shelter in Elizabeth, according to police.
MONDAY, JULY 13
· A Prospect Street resident reported the theft of his bicycle, valued at $300.
· Richard Thomas, 32, of Westfield was charged with driving without a license at Pine Street and Ripley Avenue, according to police. He was released on $225 bail.
· Clyde T. Darnell, 3rd, 26, of Westfield was arrested on narcotics charges in Morris County. The arrest capped a twomonth investigation by Westfield and Union County authorities into distribution of the drug called "Ecstasy," according to published reports.
Westfield police charged Darnell with possession of Ecstasy and possession with intent to distribute; possession of steroids and possession with intent to distribute, and possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute, authorities said.
The suspect was being held on $25,000 bail.
Parents and Students Create Quilt For Dedicated Teacher
"I'm a hard- working schoolteacher just like everybody else," said Westfield first- grade teacher Arlene Vezza of Franklin Elementary School in Westfield.
While that may be true, enthusiastic parents of Mrs. Vezza's most recent group of students felt she transcended that definition and recently expressed their appreciation with a special gift.
The parents, led by Trudy Silverman and Lisa Mavrogiannis, decided to thank Mrs. Vezza for a wonderful school year by making a quilt from artwork done by the 18 children in her class.
"She's an exceptional, exceptional teacher," commented Mrs. Silverman. "I wish I was in the first grade and I wish she was my teacher."
The parents liked the idea of creating the commemorative quilt for Mrs. Vezza. "But none of us could sew," said Mrs. Silverman.
This obstacle was overcome when they met a seamstress from North Plainfield as they shopped for fabric to make the quilt. Dorea John agreed to see them through the toughest parts of the sewing.
Each child took home a 10- inch square of white cloth with the assignment to decorate it by illustrat ing something special about their
first- grade class with Mrs. Vezza. It was due in two weeks time.
The parent group printed the class picture on fabric and mounted it at the quilt's center. The children's squares of artwork surrounded it on the finished product (see photograph.)
Mrs. Silverman said the families gave Mrs. Vezza the quilt as a surprise at the year- end picnic in June. "She started crying," Mrs. Silverman recalled. "We were all crying."
Mrs. Vezza, 48, a Westfield resident who has taught at Franklin for 11 years, said her students' quilt art indeed held many memories about ducks they had hatched in the classroom, tales she had told about her dog, and many other moments. "It was put together with love," Mrs. Vezza said about the quilt.
"It's the absolute best gift I've ever received in all my years of teaching," remarked the longtime educator, who has high school- age children of her own in the district.
Mrs. Vezza will switch to teaching second grade next year. "There are 500 teachers who do a good job every day in Westfield," she said, but added, "I love children and I love to make them laugh."
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES... Westfield's Franklin School first grade teacher Arlene Vezza stands with her students who thanked her for a great year by making a quilt with their own artwork and the help of class parents Trudy Silverman and Lisa Mavrogiannis.
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years, to make way for national chain stores.
Village Curtains, now located on Central Avenue, was booted out of its East Broad Street location this year to make way for Nine West, a shoe store chain. Bandstand Music, formerly on West Broad Street, fled to a south side location after the building owner pumped up the rent when the business was handed over from father to son.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Schmidt lamented the notion of the loss of small businesses in Westfield. "I hate to see this happen. These truly are landmarks they continue to make Westfield unique. We feel that independent businesses have been the mainstay of downtown Westfield."
She went so far as to speculate that, "The property owner has a moral decision as well as a business decision to make in these cases," where leases are not renewed for viable, long- time tenants.
However, Ms. Schmidt added, "We need a mix," of the national chains and the independent shops. "It's a wonderful combination," she said. She indicated that some of the national chain stores have joined the Chamber of Commerce and all are required to pay the special improvement district tax that supports the Downtown Westfield Corporation, which seeks to vitalize the downtown.
"Empty stores tend to be an eyesore and cast a negative feeling," she added. Vacant stores also scare off potential high rent retailers. Other enemies of thriving downtowns have been malls and huge superstores outside the central business district.
Mr. La Place described his vision of a best- case scenario for the down town, where smaller, independent
businesses move to another site in Westfield and make room for the larger or national chain store, as well. "It's a win- win situation," he said.
He referred to the situation which occurred two years ago, when The Gap, Inc. had expressed an interest in leasing the Rialto Theatre building for a Banana Republic clothing store after United Artists announced it was selling the 75- year- old landmark cinema.
Residents objected to the idea, and an independent business owner eventually stepped in to buy and preserve it. Banana Republic ultimately replaced Sealfons on Central Avenue at Quimby Street.
Mr. La Place insisted that DWC is primarily concerned with recruiting shoppers and other customers for downtown businesses, serving as a clearinghouse for information about the town. "We want to show that we're a business- friendly town," he said.
Mr. La Place said he is working with the town to develop a downtown improvement strategy that he hopes is in place by this fall. One aspect of the plan will look at how current parking lots in the downtown might be converted to retail space with stacked parking behind it.
"Palmer Square in Princeton is a good example," he said.
Mr. La Place admitted that the large chain stores are clearly "highprofile" but do not outnumber other shops, indicating that Westfield has the "demographics" to support retail expansion.
"Thank goodness Westfield is successful. It's a healthy trend," Mr. La Place said.
Longtime Elm Street Businesses Lose Leases
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ticket window in Westfield have been extended.
In April, an additional westbound express train was added between 6 and 7 p. m., and a car was added to the 5: 33 p. m. after RVLCC members complained of overcrowding. After 9 p. m., the usual 90- minute gap between trains was reduced to an hour, again part of RVLCC efforts.
Even with these accomplishments, there is still much more the Westfield RVLCC is hoping for. An additional train should be added between 8: 12 and 9: 04 a. m.; announcements and train information must continue to improve, and designated smoking areas at Newark must be established, stated the RVLCC in its June news bulletin.
"We haven't gotten results," stated Mr. Einbinder, adding that "certain plans are being rectified, and if NJ Transit follows through with them, we can execute real breakthroughs."
"Being on the committee, I can see that there is little being done, but also being involved with government, I know it takes time for the government to work," Mayor Jardim commented.
The long- term goal of the Westfield RVLCC is the addition of a direct Raritan Valley train to New York City. This would require the purchasing of several diesel/ electric combination locomotives. The problem, however, is not with the cost of the engines, but with the
availability of the tunnel during peak hours.
Improvements in signaling have caused six more eastbound tunnel slots to be added to the morning rush, but it is unlikely that the Raritan Valley will get one. The coveted slots will most likely be awarded to the Mid- Town Direct Line, the North Jersey Coast Line, or the Northeast Corridor (NEC), lines with greater volumes, said Mr. Clark. (The NEC is about four times as large as the Raritan Valley.)
Westfield's RVLCC has certainly been a success, according to Mayor Jardim, although service improvements amount slowly.
A similar group has been formed in Plainfield and a larger group, the Raritan Valley Coalition, was founded by Congressman Bob Franks of the Seventh Congressional District to settle macro issues concerning the whole line.
"I'm frustrated by the slow pace," commented Mayor Jardim, "but I am pleased with NJ Transit's commitment to the lingering project. I am also confident, in the shorter term, that we will see a one- seat ride on one or two trains, but we're going to have to work and push ahead on it."
Mr. Clark said he encourages "field reports" by Westfield commuters who have suggestions for improving NJ Transit's service. He can be reached by e- mail at: cedcsac@ njtransit. state. nj. us.
RVLCC Wants Improved Service Along Raritan Valley
possibility of retaining a company to make some long- range recommendations; creating hybrid volunteer positions in conjunction with other services, or establishing a committee comprised of representatives of the council, the public and the squad to look at ways of increasing the volunteer pool.
Mayor Viglianti stated that Mountainside is experiencing the "same scenario as other towns that are approximately our same size."
One councilman indicated that society is pulled in so many different directions that it is difficult to volunteer.
Officials also discussed a prospective replacement for Bill Van Blarcom on the Sanitary Commission, which is overseeing a project on Prospect Street. Mr. Van Blarcom, a former councilman who has also served on other local boards, has been hospitalized with respiratory and coronary ailments, officials revealed.
Mayor Viglianti asked the council to consider recommending residents as potential candidates to fill Mr. Van Blarcom's seat on the commission.
The council addressed the need for a resolution authorizing execution of the Interlocal Services Agreement modification. The topic was in reference to the Community Development Block Grant Program, an annual event which in the past has provided funding for the efforts of the borough's Senior Citizens Coordinator, handyman, pool facilities/ staff and accessibility of the library for disabled persons.
Next on the agenda was a discussion regarding the application submitted by L'Affaire to extend its liquor license to include the establishment's new premises. L'Affaire recently created a patio as a staging area for receptions, as well as a gazebo.
At present, L'Affaire does not serve alcohol in the new areas, but wishes to expand its license for increased coverage. Councilman Keith C. Turner suggested tabling L'Affaire's application until after the Board of Adjustment had met.
Regarding an Assembly bill which would keep the annual school budget vote in the spring while moving Board of Education elections to November, to coincide with the general elections, Mayor Viglianti said he didn't see any savings to the taxpayer.
There would still be two elections, he argued, therefore not eliminating any voting process. A concern was raised that there might actually be less of a turnout for the school budget vote. Rather than opposing the bill, the council agreed to take no action on the topic.
The present Chief Finance Officer (CFO) will soon take maternity leave, officials confirmed. Interviews have been conducted and an appointment of a temporary CFO will be effective on Saturday, August 1. A resolution will need to be reached regarding appointment of the candidate and the hourly rate of pay. Further discussion on this topic was to be carried over to executive session.
Secondary to the completion of Mountainside's new community room, the possible creation of a recreation coordinator's position was proposed to the council by Susan
Winans, Borough Recreation Director. This position would entail some of the physical running of programs in the community room.
A local resident's concerns heightened the council's awareness of the status of Moxan Pond. It was reported that the resident felt the pond was no longer picturesque, and that the water level was too low to support area wildlife.
Mayor Viglianti explained that the pond is truly a retention basin of rain water streaming down from the Watchung Reservation. The water from Moxan Pond flows down underneath New Providence Road, through the center of town, down Birch Lane, and eventually winds up on the north side of Route No. 22 in Echo Lake. The pond is not as deep as it used to be and, therefore, it is unable to hold the same volume of water.
Future resolution of the Moxan Pond matter would be to have the county and possibly the state agree that there is definite assistance needed to address concerns of area residents and the Mountainside Council.
Members of the council expressed their pleasure with the state's approval for construction of a parking lot across the street from Borough Hall. The state will provide $180,000 in funding for the project.
Helen Rosenbower, Senior Citizen Coordinator, will soon retire. She and Borough Administrator Greg Bonin have been conducting interviews for her successor, and both have recommended a Westfield resident for the position.
The candidate to replace Ms. Rosenbower was described as having an exceptional resumι and to be very energetic. She is a mother of four, a nurse with extended experience in hospice care, and has personal experience with Medicare and Medicaid regulations, officials said.
The recommended resolution will be drawn up for next Tuesday's council meeting.
The outstanding job performance of Ariel Wagner, a life guard at the Mountainside Community Pool who recently saved a life, was brought to the attention of the council. The governing body discussed arranging some formal recognition for the life guard. The pool manager, who was present, noted that in saving the life of another individual, "she saw the problem and addressed it."
A request was submitted to the council by Recreation Director Susan Winans to attend the National Recreation Convention in Miami, Florida in late September. Ms. Winans was present and said the convention would be particularly helpful with the establishment of pool standards, youth sports safety and proposed accessibility guidelines.
The council hesitated in granting her request for out- of- state travel. Ms. Winans said the borough's police chief and fire department representatives have attended programs out of state.
Officials said they feared they may be setting a policy that might spill from one department head to the next at the borough's expense.
The council made various suggestions in an effort to move toward a fair and just resolution to the Recreation Director's request.
Officials Attempt to Help Increase Squad Volunteers
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proval becomes official. Mr. Evans sought to have this waiting period eliminated, but the board rejected his request with a 4- 3 vote.
Several other petitions were carried over to the Board of Adjustment's Monday, August 10, meeting. The Westfield School of Dance, along with Boogie's Tickets, have petitions before the board seeking permission to erect signs contrary to existing
town ordinances. A third petition by Michael Moran of 46 Westfield Avenue also was carried over to the August 10 meeting. Mr. Moran is seeking to subdivide his existing property into two separate lots.
The Board of Adjustment meets the second Monday of each month at 7: 30 p. m. in the Town Council chambers of the Westfield Municipal Building.
Board Gives Approval For House Restoration MONDAY, JULY 6
· Four hundred block of Poets Place system malfunction.
· Two hundred block of Clark Street assist police.
· Five hundred block of Central Avenue vehicle fire.
· Six hundred block of Arlington Avenue wires down.
· Eight hundred block of Dorian Road wires down.
TUESDAY, JULY 7
· Eight hundred block of Central Avenue animal rescue.
· Seven hundred block of Carleton Road good intent call.
· Four hundred block of North Avenue spill on roadway.
· One hundred block of Hazel Avenue smoke from mailbox.
· One hundred block of Barchester Way smoke scare.
· Fifteen hundred block of Lambertsmill Road smoke condition.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
· Seven hundred block of Carleton Road hazardous condition.
· Two hundred block of Scotch Plains Avenue carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Eight hundred block of Cranford Avenue system malfunction.
· Six hundred block of North Avenue West vehicle fire.
THURSDAY, JULY 9
· One hundred block of Elm Street good intent call.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
· One hundred block of Burgess Court system malfunction.
· Seven hundred block of Kimball Avenue carbon monoxide detector activation.
· Five hundred block of East Broad Street system malfunction.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
· Sixteen hundred block of Lambertsmill Road system malfunction.
· Six hundred block of Shadowlawn Drive assist police.
· Six hundred block of Rahway Avenue hazardous condition.
· Five hundred block of Springfield Avenue automobile accident.
· Four hundred block of Quantuck Lane smoke and odor removal.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
· Eleven hundred block of Wychwood Road system malfunction.
· One hundred block of Landsdowne Avenue lock out.
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FIFTY CENTS 232-4407
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