The Westfield Leader Newspaper

OUR 108th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 3599 FIFTY CENTS 2324407

The Westfield Leader — Serving the Town Since 1890 —

Thursday, September 2, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J.

Published Every Thursday

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NJ Transit Aims to Replace RR Bridge Before Year’s End

By KIM KINTER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The railroad bridge that goes over Crossway Place near the town’s Public Works Building is undergoing a $1.4 million renovation which includes the replacement of the current steel structure with one made of concrete.

The NJ Transit project, which got under way in the spring, is expected to be completed during the winter. Upon completion of that project, the Town of Westfield will widen Crossway Place, which runs between North and South Avenues, and straighten the roadway so that it aligns with Edgewood Avenue.

The current bridge was built in 1915. It predates NJ Transit and may have been built before Central Railroad of New Jersey operated the railway that previously ran on the Raritan Valley track, said Ken Miller, a spokesman for NJ Transit.

It is used daily by NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line as the trains travel from Westfield to the line’s end in High Bridge.

NJ Transit annually targets bridges, in particular, for refurbishment or replacement based on their condition.

“Some have been around for quite a bit of time,” commented Mr. Miller.

Although he said none have been deemed unsafe, some are better candidates for replacement than others. This year, the Westfield bridge is the only one in the entire state of New Jersey to be completely rebuilt, he said.

Six other railroad bridges in New Jersey are being refurbished.

The Crossway Place bridge is a steel girder structure and is low and narrow.

The project includes removal of the old bridge and stone abutments. A new foundation will be dug and a wider, higher concrete bridge will be constructed, Mr. Miller said.

The project is being completed by Marquis Construction and Electrical, of Augusta in Sussex County. It is being paid for by funds from the federal Transit Administration, an arm of the United States Department of Transportation.

Mr. Miller said Marquis Construction works mainly during the offpeak hours of daily rail travel and has the option of working weekends as well. The contract calls for the project to be completed in February of 2000, but Mr. Miller said NJ Transit officials are hoping that the new bridge will be in place before that,

possibly before the end of the year. The transit agency has been working with Westfield Town Engineer Kenneth B. Marsh, in discussing time elements and what the town would like to do with the road.

Earlier this summer, Mr. Marsh had said the town was working on plans concerning what to do with the road and hoped to begin work on Crossway Place before winter. The estimated cost of the road project to the town is $125,000 and money has been set aside to fund it, according to the Town Engineer.

But, Mr. Marsh noted this week, it is now unlikely the project will be tackled until next spring since the bridge will not be completed until December.

The town’s plans are done, but the job has not been advertised for bid. In accordance with the plans, the town will widen the road, which is now 18 feet wide at the bridge, to 40 feet wide at the new structure. A bend in the roadway also will be constructed so that it will align with Edgewood Avenue and eliminate a somewhat dangerous intersection, Mr. Marsh said.

Until the town can begin work in the spring, a temporary stone shoulder will be used at the widened bridge

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Planning Board Green Lights Applications For Embree Crescent Subdiv.; Elm Street Café

By LILLIAN DUGGAN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Westfield Planning Board approved two applications during a special meeting August 25, including one requesting the subdivision of the property at 847 Embree Crescent, and another to open a caféstyle restaurant at 3539 Elm Street.

Michael Mahoney, the owner of 847 Embree Crescent, located in the northwest side of town near the Scotch Plains border, plans to level the existing home there and divide the property into two plots on which he will

develop Colonialstyle houses. The houses will individually measure approximately 3,000 and 3,500 square feet.

In his testimony, Mr. Mahoney cited reasons for replacing the existing home with two new ones. He said he feels that the home is not suitable for renovation because the layout is “not conducive to family needs” and alterations to the original home were not done correctly. Because of its poor condition, Mr. Mahoney stated, he believes renovation of the home is not financially worthwhile.

Mr. Mahoney’s plans to demolish the home have met with some opposition from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and area residents.

The Planning Board had requested the input of the HPC regarding Mr. Mahoney’s application. Commission Chairwoman Bonnie L. Danser testified at last week’s meeting that the home, a Queen Anne variant built in the 1890s, “is not in magnificent condition.” She maintained, however, that the property serves as a link between two nearby “exceptional properties” in an architecturally mixed neighborhood.

Ms. Danser said she feels that it’s “always a loss to lose something that’s been in Westfield so long.” Because

the home is not on any list of historical landmarks, it is not protected by the HPC.

According to Ms. Danser, the HPC wants the developer to ensure that the two new homes are “compatible” with the surroundings, rather than adding yet another architectural style to the already varied neighborhood.

Planning Board members agreed with Ms. Danser, and a motion was passed that the owner’s building plans be approved by the Architectural Review Board prior to construction.

The motion was made by Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, who is a member of the Planning Board.

According to Planning Board Chairman Martin Robins, “under

Roof Repair Under Way At Jefferson

By MICHELLE H. LePOIDEVIN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Editor’s Note: The following is the final installment of a summer series of articles regarding improvements under way at Westfield’s public schools as a result of the bond referendum passed by voters last December.

* * * * * WESTFIELD – The replacement of the entire roof at Jefferson Elementary School in Westfield is

well under way. The Westfield Board of Education anticipates that the project, which began on June 28, will be completed by the beginning of the school year.

Board members estimated that the repairs would cost $392,025. However, a bid was awarded to S. J. Carney Roofing, Inc. for $306,600.

Completion of the fascia and other cleanup work for the roofing project can be completed while school is in session.

Renovation to the first floor lavatories near the multipurpose room is expected to begin in October and end before the new millennium. The project was estimated to cost $150,000. The bid will go out in less than two weeks for the renovations.

The final project at Jefferson School calls for the computer cabling and integration of approximately 163 work stations. Elcom Services Group of Edison and Pennsylvania was awarded the bid for $66,841. Originally, board members expected the project to cost $98,700.

The computer cabling and integration will be done in November and December at Jefferson.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Jefferson Elementary School Public Schools To Open Sept. 8

All Westfield Public Schools will open on Wednesday, September 8.

High School – 8: 30 a. m. Intermediate Schools – 8: 15 a. m. Elementary Schools: A. M.Kindergarten through 5th

Grade – 8: 40 a. m. P. M.Kindergarten 12: 30 p. m.

Mrs. Riegel’s Selection Culminates Search for Newest BOE Member

By KIM KINTER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

Darielle Walsh has been faced with the same situation several times in the eight years she has served on the Westfield Board of Education.

A publiclyelected board member unexpectedly leaves the board before a term has expired, leaving the rest of the public body with the task of appointing a replacement.

The state of New Jersey’s only requirement in the process is that a replacement be named within 65 days of the time the member vacated the

Board of Education. However, the process for deciding who that replacement will be is up to each individual school board, Mrs. Walsh pointed out.

And for the Westfield Board of Education, each time a vacancy occurred in the last several years, that selection process has varied.

In 1995, for instance, when Robert Flast resigned from the board, members called on only one person, former member John Toriello, to take his place, Mrs. Walsh said. In other instances, however, board members

gathered a list of people to consider and to contact to fill the opening.

So, when the Westfield Board of Education talked during the summer about who should replace veteran board member Ginger Hardwick, who announced her retirement effective August 1, board members knew there were several ways to approach the problem.

During a board meeting early in the summer, members decided to follow the process of coming up with a list of names that represented a cross section of the Westfield community, Mrs. Walsh said.

A total of 30 to 40 names were brought before the board. Following a discussion among the nine members, that list was narrowed to 20 people.

Mrs. Walsh said the 20 candidates included parents, other community members and some former school board members.

The Board President added that anyone from the community who was

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Curriculum, Technology Changes Greet Westfield School Students

By RUSS WATKINS

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

When Jessica Celine asked Christina Carswell’s secondgrade students to follow some simple instructions in Spanish last November, she was impressed.

“They only had to hear me once or twice before they remembered what to do,” said Miss Celine, who was piloting an experimental language program at Tamaques Elementary School in Westfield. Students in two of the school’s secondgrade classes met twice a week for 30 minutes to learn simple Spanish words and phrases.

The program, which will become an official part of the curriculum when school resumes next Wednesday, September 8, was developed in response to a state mandate that requires all New Jersey students to be proficient in a foreign language by fifth grade.

Miss Celine, who has a master’s degree in Spanish, will teach the program under the supervision of Foreign Language Supervisor Robert Roth. Gonzo Vasquez, a native of Spain, will also teach several classes. Together they will rotate a schedule of teaching Spanish to all second

graders throughout the district twice a week for 30 minutes each.

The new program uses a combination of music, drama and conversation to teach students everyday phrases and commands.

“A lot of people say they can’t speak a word of a foreign language even if they’ve studied it for five years,” Miss Celine said, “but that can’t happen with this program, because it’s based entirely on speaking.”

Westfield Board of Education member and Curriculum Committee Chairwoman Annmarie Puleio believes Miss Celine’s type of enthusiasm guarantees success for the curriculum change.

“The driving force behind education in Westfield is a commitment to translate the will of the community into a vibrant, challenging education for its children,” she said. “We draw on a highly experienced, professional staff to develop a cutting edge curriculum.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. William J. Foley said the ready availability of Spanishlanguage resources drove the board’s decision to choose Spanish over other languages. The state mandate requires only that stu dents be proficient in a language. It

leaves the choice up to the district as to which language will be taught.

Mr. Roth said he initially thought the program might detract from the elementary curriculum, but added that the enthusiasm among students in the experimental program ran so high, it wound up exceeding his expectations.

Learning any foreign language at an early age will make it easier for Westfield students to do well with this area of study in the sixth grade, when they must choose between French and Spanish, he added.

“The way the brain learns a foreign language before puberty is completely different than how it learns after,” he said. “You can still learn a language, but it’s much more difficult.”

In addition to the new language program, Westfield schools will receive a revised Language Arts curriculum for grades 6 through 8 and nearly 200 new computers.

Revisions to the intermediate Language Arts curriculum are part of an effort to align Westfield with state mandatory standards in that field. Mrs. Puleio said she hopes the revisions will help ease the transition between elementary, intermediate and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Downtown Westfield Corp. Hopes To Fund Variety of Town Projects

By DEBORAH MADISON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC) has created plans to revitalize numerous locations in and around the downtown area of Westfield.

The DWC applied to the county for $1.2 million as part of the “Downtown Union County” grant program to fund some of these projects, while other projects will be paid for through the town’s capital improvements fund.

Westfield is one of the 14 municipalities which will share grants totaling $5 million to be distributed in September by the county.

The plan includes two projects to replace trash receptacles and add signage throughout the entire downtown area, as well as revitalization projects earmarked for 10 specific site locations.

The projects have been designed “to transform the town center into a more pedestrianfriendly, safer and

more attractive environment,” according to the grant application submitted by the DWC to Union County. Of the $1.2 million applied for by the DWC, $450,000 has been approved by the county for improvements to the Central Avenue corridor – one of the 10 locations eyed for improvements. This money will fund new sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, signage and shade trees from the north to the south sides of town.

Improvements at nine other locations will also include new sidewalks, ornamental lighting, shade trees and planters. Some sites will receive special amenities, such as bicycle racks, information kiosks, decorative benches and red brick crosswalk pavers.

Approximately 100 new, decorative trash receptacles will replace the 65 existing “obsolete and unsightly” models to make the downtown more attractive and keep the area free of litter, according to the plan.

Twelve “Westfield — 1720” signs will be posted at locations along major

routes leading into Westfield. The signage project and the trash receptacles will be funded by money from the town’s capital budget.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader HELPING THE NEW TEACHERS… Assistant Principal Bob Eyre, center, is busy preparing for the upcoming school year by holding orientations and informational meetings with the new Westfield High School teachers.

David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader ON TRACK WITH REPAIRS… The NJ Transit steel girder railroad bridge that runs above Crossway Place near Westfield’s Public Works Building is undergoing a $1.4 million renovation. As part of the renovation, the stone abutments that support the tracks will be removed and replaced with a new concrete foundation and structure. In the inset, Deck No. 1 and Deck No. 2 are being repaired. The new bridge, expected to be finished by year’s end, will be wider and higher.

INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX INDEX

A & E............ Page 14 Business ........ Page 13 County .......... Page 2

Editorial ........ Page 4 Mountainside Page 3 Obituary ........ Page 12

Religious ....... Page 6 Social ............ Page 6 Sports ............ Page 9

Page 8 Thursday, September 2, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

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WESTFIELD FIRE BLOTTER MONDAY, AUGUST 23

· One hundred block of Hamilton Avenue – good intent call.

· Twelve hundred block of Boulevard – smoke condition.

· Five hundred block of First Street – smoke condition.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24

· Three hundred block of Wychwood Road – unintentional alarm.

· Eleven hundred block of Central Avenue – hazardous condition.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25

· Six hundred block of South Avenue East – electrical hazard.

· Five hundred block of Cumberland Street – emergency medical call.

· Seven hundred block of Cranford Avenue electrical hazard.

· Eight hundred block of Shadowlawn Drive – smoke condition.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

· Five hundred block of Dorian Road – alarm activation.

· Seven hundred block of Shackamaxon Drive – electrical fire.

· Three hundred block of Scotch Plains Avenue – service call.

· Seven hundred block of West Broad Street – good intent call.

· Two hundred block of Munsee Way – water evacuation.

· Four hundred block of Kimball Turn – water evacuation.

· Ten hundred block of Central Avenue – unintentional alarm.

· Twelve hundred block of Boulevard – hazardous condition.

· Seven hundred block of Prospect Street – water condition.

· Six hundred block of Raymond Street – animal rescue.

· Ten hundred block of Central Avenue – extrication.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

· Nine hundred block of Lawrence Avenue – electrical hazard.

· Five hundred block of Dorian Road – good intent call.

· Three hundred block of Windsor Avenue – electrical hazard.

· Three hundred block of First Street – propane gas fire.

· Five hundred block of Rahway Avenue – smoke scare.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

· Three hundred block of Park Street – system malfunction.

· Three hundred block of Lenox Avenue – good intent call.

· Nine hundred block of Willow Grove Road – electrical fire. Nine hundred block of New England Drive – alarm activation.

Look For Future Announcements About The Exciting Plans for Millennium 2000 First Night

Westfield

SCOTCH PLAINS, SUMMIT, EDISON,

METUCHEN WESTFIELD

POLICE BLOTTER TUESDAY, AUGUST 24

· A Westfield resident reported being harassed in an Elm Street municipal parking lot by two individuals who followed him and demanded money. The man flagged down a vehicle, at which time the suspects left the scene.

The suspects were described as slender black males between the ages of 17 and 21, one approximately six feet tall and the other five feet and six inches tall, police confirmed.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

· Police received a report that approximately $865 worth of cigarettes was stolen overnight from an Elm Street supermarket. There are no suspects in the case.

· Tara Neumeister, 18, of Springfield was charged with shoplifting $129 worth of clothing from a North Avenue department store, according to police. Neumeister was released on her own recognizance.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

· A resident of West Chester, Pennsylvania reported that a garment bag containing clothing valued at approximately $1,250 was stolen from his vehicle while it was parked on West Broad Street.

MONDAY, AUGUST 30

· Five pairs of denim jeans valued at approximately $180 were reported stolen from an East Broad Street clothing store, authorities said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Planning Board Okays Subdivision, Elm St. Café

Westfield’s historic preservation ordinance, a property can only be designated historic — and thereby protected — with the consent of the property owner.” Mr. Robins added that “this rarely occurs.”

The board plans to explore options to strengthen the town’s interest in protecting historic properties. To this end, the Planning Board requested a written proposal from the HPC to begin the dialogue.

Among the concerns raised by area residents in attendance were that the area would lose some of its charm if the new homes were either too large or of a style too different from that of the existing home; the proximity of the planned driveway of one of the new properties to an adjacent property, and negative effects on the local water table.

Regarding the water situation, Mr. Mahoney agreed with residents that the backyard of the property is “like a swamp.” He mentioned plans for a collection system, including a catch basin, to manage any water problems. He also stated that he will accept recommendations made by the Tree Preservation Commission to save certain trees, which would provide a buffer between his property and nearby lots. The Commission will reexamine Mr. Mahoney’s development plans prior to construction.

Mr. Mahoney paid $400,000 for his current home and plans to sell each new home he develops on the property for between $500,000 and $600,000.

Under other business, the application by DJM Associates to open the Elm Street Café at 3539 Elm Street had met a fourmonth delay while parking issues were ironed out. A town ordinance requires that commercial properties in the Central Business District (CBD) account for the parking needed by their patrons and renters.

In the case of the building that is earmarked for the restaurant, a total of 57 spaces were required, of which property owner Joel Goodman would have been deficient by 15. The application was accepted, however, without the requirement that the developers account for these spaces.

Mr. Robins told The Westfield Leader that “( his) principal reason for approving the application was the likelihood that the town will be building a (parking) deck and that any parking needs will be absorbed by the new facility.” He added that “a good portion of the restaurant’s trade would be in the evening hours, when parking is more available” downtown.

Restaurant developer Joseph Mortarulo testified that the café will not be a “destination location,” but instead draw the majority of its patrons from among people already in the downtown for such purposes as shopping, entertainment or work. According to Mr. Robins, Mr. Mortarulo’s testimony indicated that

the restaurant “would not generate much parking demand on its own, but would primarily serve people who had other business” downtown.

Regarding the parking issue as a whole, Mr. Robins explained, “The calculations for parking needs cannot be met” by most Central Business District properties. “Therefore, each CBD property must rely on municipally provided parking.”

Because there is doubt that municipal parking is sufficient, the Planning Board’s Site Plan and Subdivision Committee now handles applications for increases in parking greater than 10 spaces.

Mr. Robins expressed that “the parking element of the town’s zoning ordinance doesn’t seem to correspond with reality.” He suggested that a proposal for an ordinance revision may arise from the parking deck study currently being performed.

Attorney Robert Woodsell, who substituted for Town Attorney William S. Jeremiah, 2nd at the meeting, suggested that the restaurant owners provide valet parking for a oneyear trial period, during which time the parking demands made by the restaurant could be assessed. His idea was opposed by board member Robert Newell, however, and was not pursued further.

In his testimony, Mr. Goodman explained to the Planning Board that he owns 11 parking stalls, which account for the needs of his secondand thirdfloor tenant base of smallbusiness owners.

According to Mr. Mortarulo, the interior of the 44seat eatery will feature the store’s original tin ceiling, which has a “copper look.” Mr. Mortarulo said he feels that the ceiling’s appearance will be “reflective of the character of Westfield.”

He described the exterior signage planned for the building as having mahogany woodwork and incorporating the color rose and a patina look into the design, all of which will complement the copper appearance of the interior.

There was some discussion about unifying the architectural style of the restaurant’s facade with that of adjacent stores. Even though the applicants expressed willingness to attempt unification, the Planning Board did not stipulate that they do so.

Mayor Jardim, in particular, said that the plan “seems attractive” and was “not too concerned about unification.”

The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner and will serve breakfast or brunch on weekends. Mr. Mortarulo said the dinner menu Monday through Wednesday will be “toned down” in comparison with dinners served Thursday through Sunday.

The developer said he eventually would pursue minimal sidewalk seating.

Mr. Mortarulo hopes to begin construction immediately so that the café can open in about six to eight weeks.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

site. Mr. Marsh added that before he left for a conference a week ago, he had received a letter from the contractor asking that Crossway Place be closed permanently from August 19 through December so that the bridge could be worked on.

Mr. Marsh said he contacted NJ Transit and said this was unacceptable, and that the original contract called for road closure on only two separate occasions for one week at a time.

He said that he has heard nothing since.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

interested in being considered for the post could have contacted any board member or school official and their names would automatically have been added to the list of 20. But, she said, board members and school officials received no such calls from the public.

Mrs. Walsh then contacted each of the people on the list to ask them, “confidentially,” whether or not they would be willing to serve on the board. Of those 20, only four said yes, they would be willing to serve on the board, she revealed.

Mrs. Walsh asked those four to send a letter of intent, along with personal and professional background information, to the board. The four candidates, in turn, were then sent letters of confirmation telling them the names of the other three prospects and when they would appear before the board for a public interview process.

But, when it came time for the four to be interviewed at the August 24 meeting last week, only one — Anne Riegel — went through with the interview process.

Mrs. Walsh said that the other three backed out for personal reasons.

One cited an unexpected return to work, and the other two cited personal situations that had developed over the summer.

Mrs. Walsh declined to release the names of the three other candidates to The Westfield Leader because she said that they had never reached the “public” part of the interview process and had not given permission for their names to be publicized. Further, after Mrs. Walsh contacted the three for permission to release their names, she was told by the candidates that they did not want their names made public.

Mrs. Riegel’s Selection Ends BOE’s Search for Member

The Westfield Leader has learned, however, that the other three candidates included Denise Ricci, Kim Rhodes and Lucille Davy, all active and involved parents in the school district.

When only Mrs. Riegel continued with the interview, the board unanimously agreed that she would be a strong successor to Ms. Hardwick, Mrs. Walsh said. “Anne was very anxious to serve and ready to serve,” she noted.

Mrs. Walsh added that Mrs. Riegel actually had contacted her independently, expressing interest in the post. Mrs. Walsh said that at that point Mrs. Riegel’s name had already been placed on the list of 20 candidates.

A CoPresident of the ParentTeacher Organization at Jefferson Elementary School for the past two years, Mrs. Riegel has also served as its First and Second Vice President.

She additionally served on the Citizens Advisory Committee on Capital Projects in 1998, and was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Center of Central New Jersey in 1994.

Her term will expire in April of 2000.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

high school. “The goal here is to make sure that what’s learned at the intermediate level builds successfully on what’s been taught at the elementary level and (will prepare students for) what will be taught at the high school level,” she said.

The new curriculum exposes students to a wider variety of authors and subjects, beyond what they currently receive. An additional period of grammar instruction is included as well.

In addition to specific curriculum changes, 185 new computers will find their way into classrooms throughout the district. Part of a tech

Students Greeted By Changes In Technology, Curriculum

nology plan adopted by the Board of Education in 1996, more than half of the new computers will go to fourthgrade classrooms.

Mrs. Puleio said the plan, which has been phased in over several years, will provide 20 computers for fifthgrade classrooms, in addition to the 95 it provided last year.

Additional technology upgrades include a new graphic arts lab at the high school and the networking of Roosevelt and Edison Intermediate Schools for connection to the Internet. All six of Westfield’s elementary schools should be networked by June of 2000.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The wide sidewalk area adjacent to the Rialto Theatre on East Broad Street, dubbed Rialto Park by the DWC, will feature red brick paving, ornamental lighting, Colonialstyle telephone booths, teak benches and landscaping.

The focal point of Rialto Park will be an information kiosk that will display a map of the downtown, a community calendar and a listing of town activities and special promotions and events. Cost estimates for improvements to Rialto Park are $36,000.

The intersection of East Broad and Elm Streets, traditionally known as Bank Square, will be enhanced with ornamental lighting and red brick and granite crosswalk pavers. The special paving is designed to be not only attractive, but also to act as a traffic calming device by slowing vehicles that pass over the rumbled surface, making the intersection more pedestrianfriendly. Teak benches, attractive trash receptacles, planters and flower baskets will also be added.

A cost estimate for improvements to Bank Square is $125,000.

Another location slated for improvements is the wide expanse of sidewalk in front of Banana Republic on Central Avenue, near Quimby Street, dubbed by the DWC as the Central Avenue Promenade.

In addition to receiving all of the amenities planned for similar areas throughout the downtown, the plan is to make this area suitable for musical performances and other types of entertainment during many of Westfield’s promotional events.

Backless teak benches will allow spectators to face in either direction, depending on which way the entertainment is situated.

A cost estimate for improvements to the Central Avenue Promenade is $55,000.

The intersection of Boulevard and South Avenue, dubbed Boulevard Gateway by the DWC, is considered a vital link between one of Westfield’s most significant residential historic areas and the downtown business district. It will feature landscaping, sidewalks, brick crosswalks, ornamental lighting and signage.

This plan has been enthusiastically endorsed by the Boulevard Historic Association, according to the DWC’s grant application. Improvements to Boulevard Gateway are estimated to cost $63,000.

Maser Consulting of Matawan was hired by the town to submit engineering cost estimates for the 12 projects. The cost estimates for four of the projects — Bank Square, Rialto Park, Central Avenue Promenade and Boulevard Gateway — have been completed and were used in the grant application.

Maser was also asked to submit estimates for its supervision, required by law, of the sidewalk and parking lot paving operations to be done by the town.

The town has applied for a $10,000 planning grant from the county for a redevelopment study of South Avenue, between Central Avenue and the Westfield Circle.

According to the proposal created by the DWC, the South Avenue corridor has “great potential for redevelopment to transform the south

Downtown Westfield Corp. Hopes to Fund Projects

side of the downtown special improvement district into a more pedestrianfriendly, economically successful area.” The study, according to the DWC’s proposal, will focus on future mixeduse development along the northerly side of South Avenue. Gaps in the building line along the southerly side of South Avenue will also be targeted for redevelopment, according to the grant proposal.

New parking spaces along the westbound lane would be a boon to existing and future businesses, as well as accomplish muchneeded traffic calming, the DWC’s proposal maintains.

Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko stated that the Town Council and the DWC are studying different ways to fund the portions of these various projects that will not be covered by grants.

He noted, however, that the town expects that grants will be approved for most of the costs for these projects. “The county and the state have been very supportive of all of the improvement projects that we have proposed in the past,” he commented.

The 12 elements of the Downtown Improvement Plan will be submitted in groups to the county for grant approval, as grant money becomes available.

Other locations slated to undergo revitalization, pending approval of additional grant money, are the green areas in front of the north and south sides of the train station. Dubbed by the DWC as Station Square North and Station Square South, these sections have been tapped for renovations similar to those listed in the other projects.

“Quimby Walk,” a walkway next to the Brick Oven Restaurant; “Theater Walk,” along the easterly side of the Rialto Theatre, and “Meetinghouse Walk,” along the easterly side of The Town Bookstore, will receive similar treatment to the Rialto Park plans.

In addition to the DWC improvements, the Town Council has proposed parking lot renovations for Lot Nos. 2 and 2A on the north side of the train station, Lot No. 5 behind the Rialto Theatre and Lot Nos. 1 and 8 next to Trader Joe’s, off of Elm Street.

The council has submitted a loan application for $300,000 for the parking lot renovations to the state Department of Community Affairs, which awards moneys through its Downtown Business Improvement Zone Loan Fund.

Guest Speaker to Appear At Breast Cancer Group

WESTFIELD — The American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Support group will host guest speaker, Cindy Wolk Weiss, who will discuss “The Healing Power of Mindful Living,” and “Mindful Meditation” on Tuesday, September 21, at 7: 30 p. m. at the First Baptist Church, 170 Elm Street, Westfield.

Women who have experienced breast cancer are invited to attend this informative session.

Ms. WolkWeiss, is the coowner of the Get Well Center in Middlesex with more than 20 years of experience in Stress Reduction and Mental Health.

For additional information, please call the American Cancer Society at (908) 3547373.

www. goleader. com

389 Park Avenue • Scotch Plains (908) 322-7126

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Shannon Reilly Earns Dean’s List Status At Albright College

WESTFIELD — Shannon D. Reilly, a senior Spanish, secondary teacher education and certification major at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, was named to the Dean’s List for academic achievement for the 19981999 spring semester. Ms. Reilly graduated on May 23.

A graduate of Westfield High School, she is the daughter of Pamela Shewitz of Westfield.

NJ Transit Aims to Replace RR Bridge Before Year’s End