Columns/Opinions

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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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.

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.

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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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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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.

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.

There are still many people who have yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccines, but beginning next Monday, all residents ages 16 and older will be eligible for their doses.

Residents may notice signs around town encouraging people to get their vaccines; in fact, you may even see ads saying the same in the Tribune. For some time, this was a frustrating message, as most people weren’t eligible to receive the vaccines. But, very soon, all who want a vaccine will have gotten one. Then, the difficult work will begin – convincing our vaccine hesitant friends and family to get their doses.

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We are still a period of time removed from the finalization of this year’s municipal budget, but its foundation is relatively clear. Last year, the township made a concerted effort to not raise taxes in the budget, as residents dealt with the uncertainty of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, now, that bill is coming due.

We are lucky to have the potential litigation settlement with Saint Barnabas and the COVID relief bill to offset much of it. The relief bill is expected to provide nearly $3 million to Livingston over the next two years. A settlement with Saint Barnabas will likely be even more beneficial over the long term.

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Running through the end of the month, Livingston Police officers will be cracking down on distracted drivers as part of New Jersey’s “UDrive. UText. UPay.” campaign. The high-visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on handheld cell phones and sending text messages while driving.

It is a good opportunity for us all to think about vehicle and roadway safety, and the personal responsibility and weighing the value of human life.

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