News

As ofTuesday afternoon, August 4, the Essex County health department has reported that a total of 518 Livingston residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was recorded in mid-March. 69 of those residents have died as a result of the virus.

Compared to the same time last week, that is seven more cases, and one additional death.

Overall, statewide numbers continue to climb as individuals grow more lax in following social distancing guidelines. Last week, Governor Phil Murphy noted that many new cases have beentracedback to several large house parties.

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Tropical Storm Isaias unleashed tornadoes, dangerously high winds, and heavy rain as it swept through the tri-state area on Tuesday, August 4, little reduced in power after making landfall at hurricane strength near Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.

The storm hit the North Carolina coast with winds of 85 miles per hour. More than 12 hours after coming ashore, Isaias still had sustained top winds of 65 to 70 miles per hour.

Its center passed over northern New Jersey, about 65 miles west of New York City, at about 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

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Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. has announced a new partnership with Bimbo Bakeries, headquartered in Wayne. “Generous Livingston residents have kept the donations flowing, so I have kept the food purchases flowing,” said Jeff Friedman, founder and director of the Livingston-based charity. “Now, I’m pleased to announce a partnership with Bimbo Bakeries in Wayne. This is huge development for LPI, our Newark distribution partners, and most importantly, disenfranchised populations.”

To the Editor:
Neglect of Public Safety
Dear Editor:
As the father of two young children who enjoy going for walks, I have struggled navigating the sidewalks in town since I moved back in 2018. Frequently, I am forced to push my children’s stroller in the street with oncoming traffic. At first, I thought the town would issue citations and have the problems fixed. I was wrong. I have learned over the last two years that sidewalk ordinances are systematically not enforced; I was even told so by the former code enforcement official.
The Council is fully aware of the situation; their lack of action put our families in this dangerous situation. I have brought the issue up to our town manager and Council, but most members (excluding Michael Vieira, who is very responsive and in favor of sidewalk reform) have chosen to ignore our residents’ safety and have failed to properly address the situation.

During a relatively quiet week in which most of its calls were false alarms, Livingston Fire Department volunteers responded to two incidents of downed wires, investigated a burning odor, and freed a man trapped in an elevator.

On Wednesday, July 22, fi re-officials went to 44 South Ashby Avenue, where a large tree had fallen into the roadway, blocking Hillside Terrace and getting stuck in telecommunication wires. Firefighters secured the scene while Department of Public Works personnel removed the tree.

On Monday, July 27, fi refi ghters were asked by Livingston police to check a downed street light in the parking lot of the Bank of America at 554 South Livingston Avenue. The firefighters found the wires were still live, and Public Service Electric and Gas was notifi ed. Firefi ghters secured the scene until PSE&G could cut power to the light.

As of Tuesday afternoon, July 28, the Essex County health department has reported that a total of 511 Livingston residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first case was recorded in mid-March. 68 of those residents have died as a result of the virus.

Compared to the same time last week, that is 10 more cases, and no additional deaths. While this marks the highest weekly surge in several weeks, numbers have moved up and down, around 500 cases and the high 60s for deaths, as individuals have been recategorized into their hometowns. The outbreak in Livingston has, generally, leveled off and been relatively flat for the past few weeks. However, cases appear to be slowly rising, which is consistent with the statewide trends.

The Livingston Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday, July 28, focused on the district’s reopening plan, what it may consist of, and when it will be announced.

While the state is requiring districts to announce their plans four weeks before the start of school, superintendent Matthew Block said he is hoping to do so sooner, most likely at the next school Board meeting on Wednesday, August 5.

Reopening Survey

Tuesday night, preliminary results from the district’s survey about reopening that had been sent to parents and staff were released at the meeting.

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Bridgette Nevola has announced her intention to run for the open seat in the upcoming Livingston Public Schools Board of Education election this November. Below, the 22-year Livingston resident has submitted a statement upon entering the race:

The Zoning Board of Adjustment held its regular meeting online on Tuesday, July 28. During the fourplus hour meeting, the Board heard five applications. Several will continue at future meetings in August and September.

JD Fitness Application

The Board continued hearing the application by Fitness Institute, LLC and Properties 143 LLC to renovate the existing structure and construct a second floor at 203 Hillside Avenue. The building sits on a half-acre across the street from the Livingston Senior/Community Center and on the corner of Essex Court, a residential enclave. The building had previously been a medical office, a pre-existing nonconforming use.

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Ayan Bhatnagar, a Life Scout (the second highest rank) with Boy Scout Troop 12 in Livingston, is collecting donations for the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter as part of his Eagle Scout Project.

Items listed below can be dropped off at 5 Yale Court, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., by the front door. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, August 20.

“Any donations are appreciated,” said Ayan, a rising sophomore at Livingston High School. “The shelter is a no-kill shelter and relies solely on donations.”

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