Columns/Opinions

Thu
03
Jun
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Out On the River

Last month, a few members of the Tribune staff joined Richard Cornell, chairman of Livingston’s Trails and Greenways committee, on a two-hour canoe ride up and down the township’s section of the Passaic River. It was a warm, sunshiney morning and the leisurely paddle offered a unique snapshot of town.

We started our journey behind the Brandon Tevlin Fields off Okner Parkway (also known as the Okner Fields Recreation Area), made our way a few miles up the river to the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland, and paddled our way back. Along the way, we passed under bridges, by homes, and alongside an electrical plant and a shooting range. We saw plenty of wildlife, including herons, turtles, foxes, and stacks of freshwater mussels that had been feasted on by birds. A lack of rain recently left the river lower than normal, making paddling challenging but manageable in a few locations.

 

 

Thu
20
May
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Cannabis Forum

Last week, the Livingston Township Council held its second cannabis forum to hear residents’ opinions on marijuana business-related decisions that Council members will soon make. The discussion included a breakdown of the new law by township attorney Jarrid Kantor, followed by more than two hours of public input. The forum was held as the Council must debate what it will do in regard to the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Modernization Act. The township has until August 21 to pass any ordinances

The township has until August 21 to pass any ordinances restricting cannabis-related business in Livingston. If the town does nothing, then all six classes of business (cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and delivery services) would be allowed to operate in Livingston. The township can permit, regulate, or completely ban any of these classes. Once a class is permitted, it must be allowed for five years.

 

 

Thu
13
May
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Give a Little Bit

The Livingston Kiwanis Club last week announced the cancellation of its annual Karnival, for the second consecutive year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, usually held each May, is the service organization’s primary fundraiser.

Another event typically held each May – and similarly canceled for the second consecutive year out of an abundance of caution – was Livingston’s Memorial Day Parade. The Memorial Day parade is an event many in town look forward to each year, signaling the unofficial start to summer. It’s one of those traditions that make Livingston a large town with a small town feel.

 

 

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Thu
13
May
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Requiem for a Sears

As most individuals who sought a COVID-19 vaccine have received it, the state’s distribution plan is beginning to change course, using its resources to reach areas and demographics that have largely gone unvaccinated thus far.

As a result, there is less of a need for the types of mass vaccination centers that the state and county have relied on for the past five months. These locations, which at one time had lines extending out of the building, are now accepting walk-ins. So it makes sense that Essex County, in recent weeks, would begin to scale back on its half dozen vaccination sites.

 

 

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Thu
06
May
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Get Vaccinated

Now that all residents over 16 years old are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations (and with the Pfizer vaccine expected to be authorized for 12 to 15 year olds next week), we wanted to again take a moment to strongly urge all who have yet to do so to seek out a shot. Unfortunately, as eligibility has expanded, the nation’s number of daily shots given has begun to dip, indicating that demand for the shots is beginning to wane, despite there being tens of millions of unvaccinated Americans.

Thu
06
May
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Affordable Housing

At a meeting last week, the Township Council discussed three ordinances designed to accommodate affordable housing in town. Township manager Barry Lewis explained that the Fair Share Housing Center had pushed for Livingston to create about 600 affordable housing units in its latest round, but the town was able to negotiate that down to about a third of the request. As a result, Livingston must now make space for roughly 1,000 new units, as apartment complexes that are built typically accommodate 20 percent affordable housing.

Understandably, residents of the districts that will be affected by these ordinances were unhappy. The Council listened to all of their concerns, and did not take action that evening. These ordinances will be discussed at future meetings, and additional ones are expected to be introduced, as well.

 

 

Thu
29
Apr
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Livingston Sings

This past Sunday, Livingston Sings returned to our screens. It was billed as an anniversary show “celebrating the arts and acts of kindness,” one year after the original event brought the community together for a cause in a time of stress and uncertainty.

This year’s event again benefitted Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN), an affiliate of Healthy Community Healthy Youth. Last year’s show raised more than $25,000 for the cause.

 

 

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Thu
29
Apr
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And Also... High School Graduation Time

While we are on the topic of graduations, we should note that our annual full color, pull out keepsake Livingston High School graduation section will be published this year on July 1, 2021. As usual, this section will feature photographs of all the members of the LHS Class of 2021. The section is always one of our most popular editions of the year, and we look forward to putting it together and helping our high school graduates mark a huge milestone in their lives.

We assume that there will be an outdoor graduation ceremony again this year, and we hope we will be permitted to attend and take candid photos of the event, to include in this special edition.

 

 

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Thu
29
Apr
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College Graduation Time

Just as they do at this time each year, college graduation announcements are starting to come in. As a result, the Tribune staff has received some inquiries from parents about how they can share their good news with their neighbors.

While we believe it is our job to educate our readers about the major news and events concerning Livingston each week, the Tribune is also here to publicize family milestones such as births, deaths, weddings, religious celebrations, and other important personal achievements. As a result, we are happy to publish the news of a graduation in your family – at no charge. Information should be submitted in writing by mail to P.O. Box 65, Livingston, NJ 07039; by fax at 973-992-7015; or by e-mail at WestEssexTribune@gmail.com.

 

 

Thu
22
Apr
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A Temporary Pause

Last week, Livingston residents were given the opportunity to publicly share their opinions on permitting potential cannabis businesses in town, following Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Modernization Act. Some speakers spoke in favor of allowing such businesses to operate in town, some spoke against it.

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