Livingston New Jersey news

December 17, 1981: In front page news in the West Essex Tribune 40 years ago this week, two snow storms on Monday and Tuesday evenings kept Livingston’s emergency services busy, and resulted in the closing of the public schools on Wednesday.

Maps prepared by the state Department of Agriculture following a survey of Livingston indicated that the township would be facing a major infestation by gypsy moths with the arrival of warmer weather in the spring.

By a split 4-3 vote, the Planning Board approved the major subdivision of the tract known as the Scala Estate into seven residential lots and the completion of Burnet Hill Road as a through street between West Northfield Road and Coddington Terrace.

At the same meeting, the Board began hearing an application for a minor subdivision of the property at 33 Sycamore Terrace. Several residents of Bear Brook Court voiced objections to the plan. At the Livingston Board of

Dear Editor:

In reply to the article in December 9, 2021 on Livingston Pickleball:

I appreciate the efforts of the town and Ron Barbella to try to improve the pickleball experience in Livingston. However, the article in the West Essex Tribune left out many relevant facts that should be considered.

The pickleball program has been extremely successful in Livingston and has brought many benefits to the residents of Livingston that enjoy this sport. It has brought many players outside of Livingston because of the popularity of these courts. This has enhanced the reputation of Livingston in the surrounding communities. Livingston Pickleball has donated to making the school experience successful (racquets) and has donated to several Livingston charities.

5 p.m. (next Tuesday, December 21, will be the shortest day of the year), we must remember, as drivers and pedestrians, to be wary of others on the roadways. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many more people have taken to the streets to get some fresh air and exercise, and drivers must remember to be careful, particularly when it gets dark out. And walkers, runners, and bicyclists should not assume that motorists can see you; particularly when navigating around leaf piles into the center of streets, be sure to look out for vehicles, wear reflective clothing, and use flashlights.

LANCER SWIMMERS FALL TO SETON HALL: The Livingston High School boys’ swim team was defeated by Seton Hall, 39-55, at the West Essex YMCA pool on Thursday, December 9. Shown above, Lancer swimmer Howard Zhuang powers through the water in the breast stroke event. Don Schwartz Photo

FRESHMAN LANCER THREE-WAY SCRIMMAGE: The Livingston High School boys’ freshman basketball team played a three-way scrimmage against Randolph and Clifton on Saturday, December 11, at home in the LHS auxiliary gym. Each team played a half game scrimmage against the other. Shown above, Lancer Cameron Urban drives the baseline against Clifton. Below, Lancer Zachary Smith scores on a fast break against Clifton. Don Schwartz Photos

Mary Begasse (nee Petracca) peacefully passed away Wednesday, December 8, at the age of 74.

Mary grew up in Rutherford and was the oldest of three children of Louise Romano and Carmine Petracca.

She graduated from Rutherford High School in 1965 and went on to receive a nursing degree from Clara Maass in 1968. She met her future husband, John Begasse, whom she married in 1969; together they raised two children. She retired from nursing in 1998 after a rich and extensive career that she found rewarding.

She was a generous, caring and compassionate friend, wife and mother who enjoyed writing, and scrapbooking, and she was very active in championing for the underserved and less fortunate.

The Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment reviewed seven applications at its Tuesday, December 14 meeting. The meeting was held on Zoom and may be viewed on the Livingston Township, NJ Facebook page.

Pool Approved

The first application was submitted by Susan and Steven Scheichet. The applicants sought approval for a pool at 8 Rainbow Ridge Drive. The application included a request for a ten foot pool setback variance. Joe Tirrito, developer of Rainbow

Joe Tirrito, developer of Rainbow Ridge Homes, called in to voice his support for the application. The application was unanimously approved. Rear Yard Deck Approved

Rear Yard Deck Approved

Ricard D. Pecht sought approval for a 12 foot by 12 foot, four foot high deck on 42 Baker Road. An 8.98 foot rear yard setback variance was requested. There were no public comments,

There were no public comments, and the application was unanimously approved.

Livingston police are currently investigating four car burglaries and three residential burglaries reported during the past week.

Cars Entered

On Thursday, December 9, at 6:19 a.m., an unknown perpetrator attempted to enter a car on Sterling Drive. According to police, a dark colored car pulled up in front of the house. One person got out and was trying to open doors on cars in the driveway. The person ran back to the waiting car when the homeowner turned on the outside lights.

Also on Thursday, a Rockhill Drive resident reported that his BMW had been burglarized sometime during the overtime period between Monday, December 6, and Tuesday, December 7. The vehicle had been unlocked overnight, and an unknown person had rummaged through the interior. In addition the front license plate had been removed from the vehicle.

The Township Council has announced that its next meeting, scheduled for Monday, December 20, will take place in person.

For the first time since the pandemic began in March of 2020, Council members will meet in person in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 357 South Livingston Avenue. The regular meeting will continue to be livestreamed, as Council meetings have been for the past 18 months.

Prior to the regular meeting, the Council will hold a conference meeting in person at 7 p.m. in the conference room at Town Hall. The conference meeting will not be livestreamed. In addition, residents must attend in person to participate.

The Livingston High School ice hockey team defeated Princeton High School, 19-0, on Saturday, December 11, at the Codey Arena. The Little Tigers played with a shorthanded team and did not skate a goalie.

The Lancer goals were scored by Austin Vecchio, Ayan Chaudhun, Egor Tarasyuk, Ryan Zales, Danny Grossbard, Dillon Schultz, Reed Plotnick, Zach Silva, Alex Selvin, Shalua Samchkuashvilli and Jace Dockx. The state ranked #19 Lancers have a current record of 6-0.