BELLEVILLE POST
ESSEXNEWSDAILY.COM
JUNE 2024
VOL. 36 NO. 08
4th Annual Bike Ride
— See Page 4
Donations to charities
— See Page 7
Bucs shine on diamond
— See Page 22
Mayor lays out his vision for the future Belleville Mayor Michael Melham gave an elaborate “State of the Township” address last month, with a multimedia presentation and a party-like atmosphere to highlight initiatives underway in town. The mayor took center stage at Nanina’s in the Park on a Monday night in front of a capacity-filled room of supporters to provide an hour-long update. Melham’s remarks went across the board, focusing on the stable municipal tax rate, ongoing smart redevelopment and pro police message. A definitive moment of Melham’s speech came toward the end, when he shared a story about his father, Richard, who received a plaque in 1979 for helping to purchase the first ever bulletproof vests for the Belleville Police Department. Times have drastically changed, the mayor said, noting criminals are now using high-powered weapons that can easily blow through those antiquated vests of yesteryear. That is why the mayor, through his non-profit Michael Melham Civic Association, presented a ceremonial check to the president of the Belleville PBA for $10,000. The money will be used to purchase armored shields for patrols cars, the mayor said, adding he hopes that others in the community follow suit and make
Photo Courtesy of Belleville Twp.
At the annual state of the township address, the Michael Melham Civic Association presented a ceremonial check to the Belleville Police Benevolent Association for $10,000. The money will be used to purchase armored shields for patrol cars. donations to support Belleville’s finest. As part of his many acknowledgements, Melham singled out state Sen. Britnee Timberlake, who took office in January after serving in the Assembly.
“Senator,” he said, “we get along for a reason. We don’t back down, as a matter of fact, we tend to double down!” In terms of redevelopment, there was See VISION, Page 2