News

SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT WORK: Shown here on Monday, October 7, crews from Midwest Construction, Inc. worked to remove the old asphalt walkway in Memorial Park near the gazebo, and replace it with new concrete sidewalks. The work was being done as part of the township’s ongoing program to improve township parks. Russell Jones Photo

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Matthew Block, superintendent of schools, announced at the beginning of the Board of Education meeting on October 7 that graduation will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 6 p.m.

The time slot was a big change from the afternoon graduation schedules of previous years.

Following the meeting, Livingston High School principal Mark Stern explained that the new time is in line with practices in surrounding districts. In addition, he said, “It helps us avoid the daytime heat and the ‘prime time’ of possible thunderstorms.”

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Attorney Questions Board’s Jurisdiction:

The Livingston Planning Board, at its meeting on Thursday, October 3, began hearing two related applications for a subdivision of a lot at East Mc-ClellanAvenue and Scott Terrace, and a related application for an amendment to a previously approved subdivision of two lots on Scott Terrace.

Ashby Avenue Subdivision

The first item on the agenda was an application by Su Jeen Kim and Sam Hwang to subdivide an existing residential parcel at 14 North Ashby Avenue into two lots. The parcel is a through lot with frontage on Preston Drive, to the east, and North Ashby Avenue to the west. The plan calls for retaining the existing dwelling at 14 North Ashby Avenue and creating an additional building lot to the rear, with frontage on Preston Drive.

With the turning of the weather, “the temperatures have been dropping, and LPI has been heating up,” noted Jeff “The Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI). The Livingston-based charity collects clothing, travel-sized toiletries, new socks, diapers, women’s products, cosmetics, and more to assist the homeless, and runs a seasonal coat drive. Donations may be dropped at the offices of the West Essex Tribune at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite.
Currently, LPI is focusing on two things, said Friedman: an ongoing fundraising campaign to enable the charity to purchase a vehicle; and its upcoming “Fur Extravaganza” sale.
Funds Needed for Vehicle
“A big LPI campaign is underway to fund a vehicle,” Friedman explained. “We are attempting to raise $10,000 during October and early November.”

The Board of Education opened its meeting on September 23 with a moment of silence for Karen Garber, who died two weeks ago. Board president Buddy August said Garber was a dedicated employee of the school district for many years, and “a person you had to love.”

Matt Block, superintendent of schools, reported on a various activities in the district including tennis coach Elliot Lovi being honored at a football game; a new playground at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School; and a “Start With Hello Week” kindness initiative at Mt. Pleasant Middle School.

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TRUCK HITS HOME: Livingston Police, Fire, and EMS responded to 315 East Mt. Pleasant Avenue at 12:21 p.m. on Wednesday for a report of a car hitting a house. Offi cers arrived to fi nd that a blue Dodge pickup truck had struck the foundation of the home and come to a rest underneath a downed tree. The driver and a passenger were being treated at the scene for minor injuries. According to officials, at least one of the vehicle’s occupants lived in the home that was hit. Officials on the scene said that the home appeared to be structurally sound, and the foundation did not appear to be cracked. The investigation is ongoing and no summonses were issued as of press time. The Tribune will update this story next week if there are any further developments. CJM Photo

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HONORING COACH LOVI: Elliot Lovi, long-time Livingston High School tennis coach, was honored at the end of the first quarter of the Pope John XXIII-Livingston football game on Friday evening, September 20. Lovi was introduced to the crowd and recognized for his illustrious career and recent selection as “one of the all time great coaches in the state of New Jersey.” Shown here, Coach Lovi and his wife Marjorie acknowledge the applause from the Lancer fans. Don Schwartz Photo

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During the period prior the November 5 election, the West Essex Tribune is making space available to each of the Township Council candidates, at no cost, for them to present their views to the public.

In an effort to keep the campaign focused on relevant issues, we have again asked the League of Women Voters of Livingston for assistance in preparing questions, as we have in previous years. It is our hope that this will enable the voters to make a direct comparison, which will assist them in making an informed voting decision.

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The Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment, on September 24, heard more than two hours of testimony regarding an application by Poto Developers, LLC for a final site plan and use variance for the commercial property at 222 South Livingston Avenue. It formerly housed the Breslow paint store.

The applicant proposes to expand the existing 2.5 story building to three stories and renovate the exterior facade. He plans to put a beauty salon on the first floor and two one-bedroom apartments on the upper levels.

A use variance will be required for the proposed apartments. The applicant is also requesting variances including parking; building height; and number of stories.

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Editor’s Note: This week, Livingston Philanthropies Inc. (LPI) founder and director Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman explains the organization’s upcoming fur and leather sale to benefit LPI’s work with the homeless.
    •    •    •
By Jeff Friedman
When receiving a thoughtful local donation of warm coats and other items for the “poor, homeless and disenfranchised,” Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) was presented with a brand new, men’s leather winter coat. The tag with the hefty price tag was still attached.
The generous Livingston couple who donated it mentioned that perhaps, “LPI’s upcoming fur sale can include men’s and women’s leather, too.” My initial thought was “what a brilliant idea.”