The Times of Scotch Plains-Fanwood

FIFTY CENTS 232-4407

Scotch Plains – Fanwood THE TIMES

OUR 40th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 26-99 Published Every Thursday USPS 485200

Periodical – Postage Paid at Scotch Plains, N.J. Thursday, July 1, 1999

of of of of of

— Serving Scotch Plains and Fanwood Since 1959 —

INDEX • 18 PA INDEX • 18 PA INDEX • 18 PA INDEX • 18 PA INDEX • 18 PAGES • 1 SECTION GES • 1 SECTION GES • 1 SECTION GES • 1 SECTION GES • 1 SECTION

Arts................Page 17 Classifieds ..... Page 16 Editorial ........ Page 4

Obituary ........ Page 9 Religious ....... Page 8

Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 11

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

Dean Oil Appeal Gets Underway At Packed Hearing

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

Borough residents once again came out in full force June 23 as a development company sought preliminary and final site plan approval from the Fanwood Planning Board to build a two-story apartment complex on the Dean Oil site at LaGrande Avenue and Second Street.

More than 100 people filled the auditorium of Park Middle School in Scotch Plains, where the board held its regular meeting that evening to accommodate the large crowd brought out by the controversial ap

peal by LaGrande Realty Associates, LLC. The board also began its meeting one half hour earlier than the usual 8 p.m. starting time.

Residents’ opposition to the proposal has not waned in the four months since LaGrande Realty principals John D. Mollozzi and Vincent Bontempo submitted their original plan for a three-story, 36-unit structure, which they said would house garden apartments. The scope of the project was later scaled back, but still failed to win support from the community.

A scheduled February 24 hearing on the developers’ initial application was postponed after an overflow crowd exceeded the permitted capacity of the Borough Council chambers, where Planning Board meetings are normally held.

Another planned hearing was canceled in March after the applicants withdrew their revised petition, which had requested a two-story building with 24 two-bedroom units.

Opening testimony was presented last week by Mr. Mollozzi, who is an attorney, along with an architect and an engineer. Mr. Mollozzi is serving as legal counsel for the development company. The hearing will resume at the Planning Board’s next regular meeting on Wednesday, July 28, at the same time and venue.

While the auditorium provided ample seating for the public, members of the board, who were seated on the stage, and the audience often had trouble hearing speakers during the three-hour session due to acoustic problems. Frequent adjustments were made to the microphone system during the course of the meeting in an attempt to boost the sound.

Salvatore Lauro, an architect and former member of the Scotch Plains Planning Board, testified on behalf of the applicants regarding the design of the proposed brick-and-glass building, which will front onto LaGrande Avenue.

The applicants’ latest proposal calls for 23 two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom dwellings, all of which would be equipped with full baths, kitchen facilities, dinette and living room areas, plus washer/dryer units.

Two of the two-bedroom units, and both one-bedroom models, have been tapped for affordable housing, according to Mr. Lauro. All four would be located on the first floor of the building.

Mr. Lauro said the multi-family dwelling will feature a glass front entranceway leading to the main lobby. The design, he explained, was meant to create the illusion of two smaller buildings joined together by the entranceway.

The footprint of the building would cover approximately 15,747 square feet, according to the developers’ site plan, while the two floors would comprise a total of 31,344 square feet.

A rear parking area would provide 50 spaces for residents of the building, including four handicapped-accessible stalls. On the present site plan, parking spaces for handicapped individuals have been moved closer to the structure’s rear entrance than was originally proposed. An enclosed dumpster would be located in the far northeast corner of the lot.

A striped “no parking” fire lane would be situated on the northeast side of the building for emergency vehicles, as stipulated in the plan.

The complex would be connected to Fanwood’s water and sanitary sewer lines from LaGrande Avenue, revealed Andrew Birtok, a licensed engineer with Harbor Consultants of Cranford, who testified for the applicant. An underground trench at the rear of the building’s parking lot would accommodate storm water.

Mr. Birtok said the perimeter of the property would be landscaped with a variety of plantings such as white pines, junipers and Chinese dogwood. A seating area with benches is among the other amenities the developers have included in their plan.

The applicants have proposed seven Colonial-style lighting fixtures to illuminate the parking lot and east side of the complex. Supplementary

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SPFHS’s Class of 1999 Advised to Persevere, Work Hard for Dreams

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Times

With confident smiles complementing their blue caps and gowns, members of the Class of 1999 at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School collected their diplomas Friday evening during the annual graduation ceremony at the high school’s Perry Tyson Field.

Overcast skies gave way to the sun less than an hour before the 240 graduates filed past a jubilant crowd of families and friends in the bleachers, accompanied by the traditional Pomp and Circumstance performed by members of the Scotch PlainsFanwood High School Concert Band.

Leading the commencement speakers was Dr. David L. Heisey, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Principal, who welcomed the graduates and their guests, as well as fellow administrators and others to the festivities.

Referencing Marion Edelman’s book, “The Measure of Our Success,” Dr. Heisey advised the graduates not to be afraid to take risks or be criticized; to believe they can make a difference and to adopt an attitude that will shape their destiny in a positive way, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

“The number of times we fall does not matter,” Dr. Heisey observed, noting that it is the ability to start over again that is truly important. He

also encouraged the class – the first to graduate under his administration — to “become lifelong learners,” and to not be afraid of hard work. “It is diligent and hardworking people who rise to the top,” he remarked.

Valedictorian Celeste Joyner Coleman likened the years ahead for the Class of 1999 to the 10-year sea voyage of Odysseus, a mythical hero of Homer’s The Iliad, who relied on perseverance, inner strength, righteousness and wit to sustain him through the dangers and temptations he faced on the long trip home.

“We’re all embarking on a great journey – the rest of our lives,” said Celeste, who urged her classmates to value their homes, seek wisdom from and reach out to others, believe in themselves and resist temptation and jealousy. “We’ll all hit our rough times over the years, but hopefully we’ll carry on,” she said.

Describing graduation as “the culmination of 12 years of education,” salutatorian Gerald Patrick Kavinski twisted a balloon in a humorous comparison to the way students are molded by their schools, families and community from kindergarten through the 12th grade.

On a more reflective note, Gerald highlighted some of the vast changes that have occurred in the 30 years since his father graduated, from technological advances to modern-day

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Fanwood Citizens Meet to Establish Goals to Enhance Downtown District

By LILLIAN DUGGAN

Specially Written for The Times

About 25 Fanwood residents gathered at Park Middle School in Scotch Plains June 22 to brainstorm ideas for changing the face of downtown Fanwood.

The meeting was sponsored by the Fanwood Downtown Revitalization Committee (FDRC), which hopes to use the results of the discussion as a springboard for downtown improvements.

The enhancements considered priorities include moving the Fanwood Post Office to a more central location, being proactive in attracting retail businesses, creating an architectural/aesthetic committee, constructing a focal point downtown, and improving pedestrian crossings.

The goal of moving the Post Office would be to place an “anchor store” on the opposite side of Fanwood’s business district from Irma’s Hallmark, located at 39 Martine Avenue, which serves a similar purpose in its location.

The Dean Oil site was considered a possible location for a new post office, if the site is bought and developed by the borough. A development company presently has an application before the Fanwood Planning Board to construct a residential apartment complex on the property.

The group spoke in favor of several types of retail businesses, including an ice cream/coffee shop, a family restaurant, a clothing store, and a children’s apparel store. A former local businessman suggested that high-inventory stores, such as clothing or hardware businesses, may be difficult to operate successfully in Fanwood.

Candy Santo, an officer in the FDRC, concurred with this analysis. “We have to be realistic about what we would attract because the traffic is not heavy enough to support a heavyinventory store,” she remarked.

The objective of an architectural/ aesthetic committee would be to establish guidelines for downtown buildings that would give them a consistent appearance.

A downtown focal point was described as a meeting and gathering place and a visual center for the downtown, such as a cobblestone and grass courtyard.

The role of the Millennium Clock as a focal point was discussed; however, many agreed that the clock’s proposed location at the northwest corner of South and Martine Avenues makes it an unlikely gathering place. The clock is to be completed by the end of the summer.

Many at the meeting supported a partnership between developers and

the borough to examine revitalization possibilities. Ms. Santo proposed that such a collaboration could help determine the best options for improving the downtown, while “incorporating the visions and views of residents.”

At its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, July 14, the FDRC will establish its priorities for revitalization, drawing from the results of the June 22 discussion and from a 1997

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times

TIME TO CELEBRATE…Members of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Class of 1999 share graduation night joy. Pictured, left to right, are: Beckie Lee, Holly Oatis, Tania Garozzo, Jennie Delgado, Kristin Hessemer, Jackie Dempsey, Liz Drown and Jenn Maiurro.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times

CLASS CHEERS…Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School seniors applaud one of several speeches presented during commencement exercises. Guest speakers included Principal Dr. David L. Heisey, valedictorian Celeste Coleman, salutatorian Gerald Kavinski, Board of Education President Theresa Larkin, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye and Class President Scott Paterson.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Times

WE DID IT!…Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School seniors celebrate their graduation last Friday evening at the high school’s Perry Tyson Field. Pictured, left to right, are: bottom row, Nick Cvetovich, Christine Brock, Jeff Bloch, Doug Keeton and Christine Doyle, and back row, Matt Diener, Rob Leichner, with Anthony Manolis on his shoulders; Rich Heffner, Jon Chaplin, Jason Meehan and Nick Fixmer.

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Communities to Hold Fireworks, Other Holiday Weekend Events

By KIM KINTER

Specially Written for The Times

As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, several area communities are planning fireworks and special events.

Communities scheduled to host firework displays include Cranford, Mountainside, New Providence, Plainfield, Springfield, Summit and Union. There will be no fireworks in Westfield, Scotch Plains or Fanwood.

In Westfield, bring a lawn chair — early — for the town’s annual patriotic band concert in Mindowaskin Park, starting at 8 p.m. tonight, July 1.

A special flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Sons of the American Revolution will kick off the event, to be followed by a selection

of patriotic tunes performed by the Westfield Community Concert Band.

Individuals seeking fireworks and other events will have to travel to surrounding communities, however, since the band concert is traditionally the town’s only official observance of the holiday.

In Cranford, a Sunday evening fireworks display at Nomahegan Park on Springfield Avenue, beginning at 9 p.m., will be the highlight of the township’s annual day-long Fourth of July celebration.

Other festivities will include canoe races, a one-mile fun run, a bicycle decorating contest, and field games. Food and craft vendors will be set up at the park from 2 to 10 p.m. For additional information, please call the Recreation and Parks Department at (908) 709-7283.

In Mountainside, fireworks will be set off at dusk on Sunday at the field behind Deerfield Elementary School on Central Avenue. The annual display will be co-sponsored by the borough and the fire department.

A combined centennial and Fourth of July celebration will be held on Monday, July 5, in New Providence at the New Providence High School fields on Pioneer Drive. A carnival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be followed by a fireworks display at dusk.

Plainfield will also hold its annual fireworks display at 9 p.m. Monday at Greenbrook Park, off of West End Avenue. The display will be preceded by a band concert at 7 p.m. Also on Monday will be a

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BOE Votes to Employ Consultant for Study Of Facilities’ Ability to Handle Enrollment Hike

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Times

Rather than act on information contained in the 1998-1999 Facilities and Enrollment Task Force Report, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education voted to hire a professional consultant to conduct a study of the district facilities’ ability to house the growing student population.

Projections foresee a student population of 5,082 youngsters by 20042005, compared to 4,354 students in 1998-1999.

The volunteer task force, whose members included district staff, administrators and parents, convened in June of 1998 without a specific charge from the board, at the request of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye.

Business Administrator Matthew A. Clarke and community member Gail Moser were chairmen of the committee.

Early on, the committee created its own mission statement, which was to “present alternatives for the costefficient and instructionally flexible future use of facilities to support educational programs.”

According to the report, a show of hands at the conclusion of the committee’s 10 meetings on January 29 reflected a majority of support for

the seventh of 17 options — moving fifth grade into the two middle schools.

Most participants also agreed that Park Middle School needs significant renovations regardless of what decisions are made regarding the facilities.

The full task force report, submitted to the superintendent in June, is

available for public review at the Board of Education offices and at each school building.

While Dr. Choye appreciably acknowledged the task force’s work, and ultimately recommended the fifth-grade move, she seemed somewhat reserved about the proposal.

“The possibility exists that we’d need to reopen the discussion,” said Dr. Choye.

Dr. William Leighton, a parent who has tracked the district’s enrollment activity over the last eight years, said at the meeting that moving the fifth grades “is the most promising option.”

Page 10 Thursday, July 1, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK

SCOTCH PLAINS POLICE BLOTTER

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22

· Rohan Phillip, 32, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with providing false information to a police officer pursuant to a motor vehicle stop on Route 22.

· A wallet containing a small amount of cash was reported stolen from Union Catholic High School.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23

· A motorist reported the theft of a cellular telephone while the car was parked on Front Street overnight.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24

· A patron of a Route 22 service station reported the theft of license plates from a vehicle which had been left there

for mechanical work during the day.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25

· A bicycle was reported stolen from a residence on Evergreen Avenue. The bicycle was later recovered and a 17year-old Scotch Plains resident was taken into custody. Complaints are pending.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26

· Police responded to a disturbance at a diner on Route 22 which involved a fight between patrons. No complaints were filed.

SUNDAY, JUNE 27

· A resident of Victor Street reported the theft of a pocketbook and portable compact disk player from her vehicle while it was parked on Seward Drive.

lighting for the internal sidewalk area would be provided with smaller lighting fixtures called bollards, Mr. Bitok acknowledged.

A sidewalk would be installed along the LaGrande Avenue side of the Dean Oil property, complementing an existing sidewalk area on Second Street.

Borough Engineer Richard Marsden has recommended the LaGrande sidewalk be extended to an adjacent municipal parking lot to accommodate the expected increase in pedestrian traffic if the application is approved.

LaGrande Realty Associates requires several variances in connection with its application, Zoning Officer and Planning Board member Nancy Koederitz has confirmed. Among them are a use variance for the complex itself, since apartments are not presently a permitted use in the general-commercial zone.

Another use variance involves the applicants’ proposed 60 percent floor area ratio, which exceeds the borough maximum of 40 percent. The floor area ratio represents the floor area size of the building in relation to the size of the lot.

Bulk variances are required because the proposed parking stalls, at nine by 18 feet, are narrower than the permitted 10by-20 foot design, and because a 24-footwide driveway off of Second Street to accommodate two-way traffic would exceed the maximum 20-foot width allowed under the Borough Code. A second, one-way driveway off LaGrande Avenue would measure 18 feet wide.

In addition to board inquiries, Mr. Mollozzi and Mr. Lauro took questions from about a dozen audience members during the hearing, including representatives of an opposition group known as Fanwood Citizens for Responsible Development (FCRD).

In accordance with Planning Board policies, members of the public were allowed to ask questions but not to make statements for or against the proposal, which will be permitted later in the hearing process.

No one from among the audience who spoke appeared favorable toward the project, and a number of them received strong rounds of applause from neighbors after publicly expressing their reservations about the application.

Several residents were apparently concerned with what appeared on the site plan to be a substantial roof area for the building, and feared the applicants might eventually decide to add a third floor if their current appeal is successful.

The developers have envisioned a peaked roof for the building, which Mr. Lauro said would be light in color and complement the rest of the structure’s exterior.

In response to a question from FCRD member Eric Hess of Marian Avenue concerning the prospect of a third floor, Mr. Lauro responded that while it was possible to build an additional level, space would be “very tight,” and the building would have a flat rather than a peaked roof.

Answering a similar inquiry from Ronald Carey of Midway Avenue, Mr. Lauro emphasized that the applicants’ “intent is a two-story structure,” adding that “you’d have to rip off the entire roof of the building,” to create a third level once the complex had already been constructed.

Planning Board Chairman Gregory Cummings observed that installing a third floor on the building — if the existing application itself is approved — would require a separate hearing before the Planning Board.

Mr. Lauro faced a barrage of questions from local attorney Joseph DiRienzo ranging from the design of the building to storage provisions which would be available to residents.

Quizzed by Mr. DiRienzo about whether he designed the building in accordance with the borough’s zoning ordinance, the architect conceded that the design was based on specifications supplied to him by the applicants. He stated,

however, that he did review the ordinance regarding “other criteria” related to the project.

Concerning the storage issue, Mr. Lauro said the units would contain closet space in each bedroom as well as the kitchen, plus a small utility closet, but said he did not know where else apartment dwellers would store their belongings.

At another point in the hearing, Mr. Lauro was asked by Thomas P. Ryan, Jr., a Republican candidate for the Fanwood Borough Council this year and a member of FCRD, if he had done a survey of architectural styles in Fanwood in preparing his design.

Mr. Lauro, who has lived in Scotch Plains for 27 years, said that while he hadn’t done a survey, he did base his design in part on his familiarity with the architectural character of the area.

Additional concerns were raised during the hearing over the proposed onebedroom units, one of which would measure 660 square feet, and the other 576 square feet. One member of the audience said it sounded as though he had more space in the living room of his home than would be contained in one of these units.

The two-bedroom units will range in size from 1,045 square feet to 1,177 square feet.

Mr. Cummings said he was under the impression that affordable housing did not involve a sacrifice in the amount of living space. Mr. Mollozzi responded that it was his understanding there were no size specifications established by the state Council On Affordable Housing (COAH) for affordable housing units.

Richard Preiss, a planning consultant for the borough, concurred that although COAH does not require individual units to be a certain size, there are regulations concerning bedroom distribution.

He told The Times in a subsequent interview that he believed affordable housing units at the complex, if it is approved, would have to include one three-bedroom unit, along with a pair of two-bedroom apartments and a single one-bedroom dwelling.

Mr. Mollozzi said he discussed space needs with a Union County senior citizens group, and that members felt onebedroom units were ideal for older couples or singles who were not looking to maintain a large amount of living space.

While he did not indicate the affordable housing units at the proposed complex would be marketed exclusively to any particular segment of the population, he noted that this type of dwelling meets the needs of older adults who do not require assisted living arrangements but are finding a shortage of senior housing.

Another key topic last week was the proposed location of a dumpster and the storage and handling of recyclable materials at the apartment complex.

Representatives of the Planning Board and the applicants discussed the possibility of adding a recycling bin in the same area as the dumpster, although concerns were raised over how much space the two containers would require.

Mr. Birtok proffered that an area designated on the site plan for green space to separate parking rows in the lot could possibly be eliminated if additional space for the containers was needed.

Further testimony, which is expected to include information on the dwelling’s potential impact on traffic in the vicinity, will be heard when the hearing resumes next month.

Dean Oil Appeal Begins During Crowded Hearing

social ills such as school violence. “We need to use our best judgment and concern about what is good and what is not,” he commented.

Returning to a lighter look at the days ahead, which for many will take place inside a college dorm, Gerald suggested that classmates buy clothes too big (to accommodate what is popularly known as the “freshman 15”), to bring plenty of quarters for campus washing machines, which he warned “don’t take credit cards” and “don’t forget the sunscreen.”

He also advised the Class of 1999 to cherish and enjoy their friends, balance frivolity with seriousness and “squeeze every ounce of pleasure you can out of the years to come.”

Following the salutatorian’s address was an inspirational rendition of the song “May Our Paths Meet Again,” performed by Gerald Kavinski and fellow senior class members Robin Kraft, Holly Oatis and Lisa Yagi, with Eun Jin Lee, also among the graduates, on the piano.

In her address immediately afterwards, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education President Theresa Larkin praised the graduates for having surpassed the school district’s core goal of teaching each student to become a “competent and caring lifelong learner.”

She said the Class of 1999 had “far exceeded these expectations in every way” through their academic, athletic and fine arts achievements, as well as their participation in local charity drives, programs working with preschoolers to

senior citizens and support of one another through good times and bad.

“Look at your yearbook,” the school board President enthused. “Confidence exudes from every page.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol B. Choye, who presented the graduating class, introduced six youngsters whose essays containing advice for the seniors were selected from among all the first grades in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood district.

These special guests, who will graduate high school themselves during the first decade of the new millennium, included Zach Flanzman, Rebecca Krakora, Nikki Hodulik, Brett Murray, Amber Barrier and Kyle Hambor.

Their simple, common-sense suggestions — elaborated on by the Superintendent during her address to the graduates — translated into practical advice for young adults about to embark on a variety of post-high school experiences.

Among the children’s tips were “never give up,” “stay close to your friends,” “be nice,” “eat right and exercise,” “study so you will get a job,” “respect authority,” “don’t go crazy if Mom and Dad aren’t around,” “don’t make bad movies come true,” and “life’s a party, but be careful, because there’s a lot of stuff out there.”

Class President Scott Paterson then called each graduate up to the dais to accept his or her diploma, after which a flurry of mortarboards tossed into the air marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the Class of 1999.

SPFHS’s Graduating Class Encouraged to Perservere

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study performed by The RBA Group, a Morristown consulting firm.

The firm made numerous recommendations with respect to downtown beautification, business enhancement, and accessibility.

According to Jim Lamca, Chairman of the FDRC, the borough is expected to receive a total of $300,000 to $400,000 in county and state grants to put toward downtown improvements. Councilman and Republican Mayoral candidate Louis C. Jung, governing body Liaison to the FDRC, verified that the grants are pending, but said he could not confirm the combined amount at this time.

In addition to the five revitalization priorities, those in attendance discussed having the town buy and develop the Dean Oil site; providing incentives to business owners to make improvements

to their stores, and creating a theme or motto for Fanwood.

A recent survey by the Scotch PlainsFanwood High School DECA found that Fanwood residents need “lures” to motivate them to support local businesses. Survey respondents indicated they would like to see more retail stores, evening hours, and increased parking in the business district.

In citing its goals for the meeting, FDRC members stressed that the discussion would have “no legal authority, but it is an opportunity to dream about what downtown Fanwood could be and put that dream into words,” according to printed meeting guidelines which were distributed to participants.

Further, the meeting was “not intended to be a political forum, but is an opportunity to strive for consensus,” the handout stated.

Fanwood Citizens Set Goals to Enhance Downtown Area

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PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWNSHIP OF SCOTCH PLAINS PLANNING BOARD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Township of Scotch Plains will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 12, 1999, at 8:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Municipal Building, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey to consider the site plan application of the Township of Scotch Plains, for Block No. 1201, Lot No. 31.02, B-2 zone which proposes the reconstruction of parking lot parcel 31 to all municipal standards, including 67 parking spaces.

All interested persons may be present and be heard. The file pertaining to this application is in the Office of the Planning Board and is available for public inspection during regular office hours.

Barbara Horev Secretary to the Planning Board 1 T – 7/1/99, The Times Fee: $19.89

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWNSHIP OF SCOTCH PLAINS PLANNING BOARD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Township of Scotch Plains will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 12, 1999, at 8:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, to consider the minor subdivision and waiver of site plan application of J & E Southern, LLC, 1810-1828 East Second Street, Block No. 1201, Lot Nos. 30 and 31, B-2 zone. The applicant proposes to subdivide two lots into three lots, improve the existing building and install brick pavers on East Second Street according to township standards. The following variances are required:

Section 23-3.4A, Col. 10, Para. KRear Yard Setback

Required: 30 feet Proposed: variable width from 0 to 8

feet

Section 23-3.11(d)3a,b,c-Off-street Parking

Required: 1 parking space per each 200 square feet gross floor area Proposed: none

Section 23-2.3(1)7-Off-street pay for parking

Off-street parking shall be proved on the same lot as it is intended to serve or on any adjacent lot in common ownership…….and the owner or applicant shall contribute to the township the sum of $5,000.00 for each offstreet parking space which would have been required……. All interested persons may be present and be heard. The file pertaining to this application is in the Office of the Planning Board and is available for public inspection during regular office hours.

Barbara Horev Secretary to the Planning Board 1 T – 7/1/99, The Times Fee: $39.78

downtown race at 8 a.m., and a parade at 10 a.m.

“Take Pride in Springfield” will be held from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday at Meisel Field on Meisel Avenue in Springfield Township. An entrance fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children, which includes the cost of rides and food, will be collected. The entrance fee will also cover the fireworks display that will begin at 9 p.m.

In Summit, fireworks will be set off at 9 p.m. on Sunday at Soldiers’ Memorial Field, off Ashland Road. The fireworks will follow numerous events in Summit

Communities Plan Fireworks And Holiday Weekend Events

both Saturday and Sunday in honor of the city’s centennial.

Festivities will begin on Saturday at Soldiers’ Field at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Events will begin again at 7:45 p.m. Sunday with a concert, and conclude with the fireworks.

A Fourth of July celebration will be held in Union from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Biertuempfel Park on Winslow Avenue and Vauxhall Road with rides and refreshments. Activities will pick up again at 7 p.m. with a band concert, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.

Suzette F. Stalker for TheTimes

LONG-AWAITED HEARING…Architect Salvatore Lauro, standing, reviews the details of an application by LaGrande Realty Associates, LLC, for a twostory apartment complex on the Dean Oil site during a June 23 hearing before the Fanwood Planning Board at Park Middle School in Scotch Plains. Further testimony will be given on Wednesday, July 28, at the same location. Seated are Vincent Bontempo, left, and John D. Mollozzi (back to camera), both principals in LaGrande Realty Associates.

“The problem isn’t going to go away anytime soon on its own,” he continued. “We’ve run out of short-term fixes and work-arounds.”

A feasibility study (which will cost $10,000 to $20,000), should take four to six weeks to produce results. One has not been conducted in the district since 19781979, when Engelhardt & Engelhardt Educational Consultants were hired.

Other steps to be taken in conjunction with the study include utilizing software to map information regarding redistricting; the review and development of a middle school program description; review of special education facilities; staff discussions, and discussions with the community.

According to the proposed timetable, Dr. Choye would make a final recommendation regarding facilities and enrollment in late October. The board would render its decision in November. A vote on a bond referendum (to finance any renovations/additions) could go before taxpayers in January of 2000.

In discussing the feasibility study, school board member August Ruggiero said, “I don’t think we should limit the group (consultant), but allow latitude for a complete study. If we go to a professional group, we don’t predetermine the outcome.”

“The best avenue is for the RFP (Request for Proposal) to be written in general terms,” said fellow board member Edward J. Saridaki. “I wouldn’t give them the (task force) report.”

He later acknowledged the need to “build off the report,” but suggested the movement of the fifth grade was a “preconceived notion before the task force ever convened.”

Board member Jessica D. Simpson asked, “Is the board accepting the premise

that capacity isn’t there and we need structural change, or does the board want to start over? If there is no other viable option, cut to the chase. I don’t see the reality of another option emerging in October/November.”

Board member Richard R. Meade accepted the fifth-grade move as a possible alternative, but also liked the idea of moving the board offices out of Evergreen School and redistricting students in southside schools to the north side. He indicated an outside consultant could provide more “solid numbers.”

“If you wanted a professional opinion, you shouldn’t have had a task force. We should have gone down this road years ago,” stated Mrs. Simpson.

“I want the board to take responsibility here. What options do you want explored?”, Mrs. Simpson added.

In concluding the discussion, it was agreed the Board President Theresa Larkin and board member Dr. Donald E. Sheldon would review the rfp before it is distributed.

Public Information Coordinator Kathleen Meyer reminded board members of the recommendations that came out of the Engelhardt & Engelhardt study: Close two elementary schools — Shackamaxon and Evergreen — by 1982, and close one of the middle schools by the mid 1980’s.

“I can’t wait to see what happens when a new consultant comes in with an equally distasteful recommendation,” stated Mrs. Meyer, a former board member who was elected to her first of four terms in 1978.

In 1981, the district closed only Shackamaxon, which stood on Martine Avenue on the current site of the Jewish Community Center.

BOE to Employ Consultant To Study Enrollment Rise

FUNDING HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS…Interfaith Council for the Homeless of Union County Board President Lawrence A. Woodruff of Scotch Plains, second from left, accepts a check for $10,168 from Benefit Concert for the Homeless Treasurer Jean Badalamenti of Scotch Plains, far right, as Denise Mayo Moore, Interfaith’s Director of Housing and Education, and Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church Pastor Robert C. Martin look on. The funds will help underwrite the operating costs of one of the council’s housing units. The council helps over 200 homeless people in Union County each year.

Jewish Community Center Slates Senior Programs

SCOTCH PLAINS – The Senior Adult Department of the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey, 1391 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, is currently accepting registration for the summer program which will run from Monday, July 12, to Wednesday, August 18.

The six-week program will be conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and will feature house speakers, classes, entertainment and a kosher lunch.

The programs will include:

· July 14 – Comedian Joey Russell returns to the JCC. A catered luncheon will be held.

· July 21 – Lunch at Ratners on Delancey Street in New York City, followed by a visit to The Museum of Jewish Heritage.

· July 28 – Spirit Cruise around the New York harbor. A buffet lunch will be served aboard the boat, with musical entertainment and a narrated tour of the harbor also provided.

· August 4 – A trip to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, with lunch and a performance of the musical Unforgettable.

· August 11 – A buffet lunch will be held at Shadowbrook, a mansion set on acres of gardens in Shrewsbury.

· Ruth Kaye will perform “My Grandmother, My Mother and Me” at the JCC, followed by a catered luncheon.

All classes will meet in the Weinberg Pavilion at the Wilf Jewish Community Center at the JCC.

For more information, please call Nan Statton at (908) 889-8800, Extension No. 207.

Literacy Volunteers Set Summer Program

SCOTCH PLAINS – The Union County Affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of America has scheduled its summer training schedule for tutors.

The first English as a Second Language workshop will be held at the Elizabeth Library (Main Branch).

Registration will be on Tuesday, July 13, at 6 p.m. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, beginning July 13 and continuing through August 17 from 6-9 p.m.

There will be another English as a Second Language Workshop at the Union Library.

Registration will be held on Monday, July 12, at 10 a.m. Classes will be held Mondays, beginning July 12 and continuing through August 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There also will be a Basic Literacy Workshop held at the Rahway Public Library.

Registration will be held on Tuesday, July 27, at 9 a.m. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, beginning July 27 and continuing through August 31, from 9 a.m. to noon.

There is a materials fee of $15 to cover supplies.

For additional information or to register for the workshops, please call (908) 490-0333.

Mandy B. Reichman Named to Dean’s List At Columbia University

SCOTCH PLAINS — Mandy Beth Reichman, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Reichman of Scotch Plains, has been named to the Dean’s List at Columbia University in New York for the past two years.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student has to achieve a grade point average of 3.33 or higher.

Mandy is a 1997 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

Friday, July 2, 8:00 P.M.

COP-TV DARE Poster Contest

Friday, July 2, 9:00 P.M.

The Battleship New Jersey

Sunday, July 4, 8:00 P.M.

Holiday Announcements

Tuesday, July 6, 8:00 P.M.

Fanwood 100 years later

Tuesday, July 6, 9:00 P.M.

Fanwood a Reporter’s Dream

Thursday, July 8, 8:00 P.M.

Freeholders’ Forum

Thursday, July 8, 9:00 P.M.

Fallen Flags a history of the Central Railroad of New Jersey

Wednesday, June 30, 9:30 P.M.

Story of the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid – Part I

Fanwood’s TV-35 Weekly Schedule