The HOWELL Times
Vol. 19 - No. 28
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Council Settles Lawsuit Over Denial Of Private School
By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – A lawsuit that was filed against the township in 2018 has finally been settled after members of the Howell Township Council voted on a settlement. At the November 30 council meeting, Mayor Theresa Berger, Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell, Councilman John Bonevich and Council-
woman Pamela Richmond voted to authorize the settlement regarding a complaint filed over the construction of a Jewish school. About five years ago, the township had blocked a project proposed by Congregation Kollel Inc., which wanted to build a religious school at 344 Ford Road. Plans included a 17,240-square-foot building with classrooms, a 19,000-square-foot
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-9
Inside The Law Page 11
Page 11
Dear Pharmacist Page 13
dormitory and seven homes on a 10-acre tract. This proposal prompted accusations of anti-Semitism on social media, which lead to the applicant filing the lawsuit in 2018. The settlement explains that the Township can acquire the property for open space or recreational purposes, to which the council members (School - See Page 4)
Brennan Appointed To Open Council Seat
BREAKING NEWS @
Dear Joel
December 11, 2021
–Photo courtesy Fulfill Neptune was one of the several locations where Fulfi ll had their turkey distribution for those in need this Thanksgiving. By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – As food prices surge throughout the country,
it’s affected the economy in more ways than ever. Higher prices have left many families and
individuals struggling to have food on the table for themselves. Along with the inflating prices,
many grocery stores and super markets are experiencing a shortage (Food - See Page 7)
Howell Student Arrested For Threatening Social Media Post
By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – Howell High School was recently under high security after a student posted a threatening social media picture. The incident occurred on November 30 when a student posted on Snapchat a photo of an assault rifle between his legs with the caption “Don’t (pull up) tomorrow.” The Howell Township Police Department was notified by multiple residents and they arrested the student.
Police later discovered that the gun was an AirSoft rifle. “Within an hour, the student was arrested. He was found to be in possession of an AirSoft rifle. The same one depicted in the photo. Although not a real firearm it certainly is identical to an actual rifle,” Chief Andrew Kudrick said. According to Howell High School Pr i ncipal Jeremy Braver man, the student will not be in school “for the
immediate future.” The school community was informed the details on the situation in order to avoid further public alarm, he explained. “As always, we are mindful of student confidentiality, but in light of the unrest of the public and our students, and to protect the safety of all students and staff, we are sharing this information,” Braverman said. “To that end, we join in the request (Student - See Page 7)
By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – After the Howell Township Council members failed to appoint a nominee to fill the vacancy, former candidate for mayor Suzanne M. Brennan joined the team. Former deputy mayor Thomas Russo exited from the governing body unexpectantly on November 6 due to personal matters. Initially, he was serving a four-year term that began in January 2019 and was due to end in December 2022. Due to his departure, GOP officials in Howell had to provide three Republicans nominees to the remaining council members in order for them to select a replacement. Those selected were: Suzanne Brennan, Daniel Cardellichio and John Leggio. Last year, Brennan ran for mayor against incumbent Theresa Berger. Cardellichio ran for mayor in 2016 and was also defeated by Berger. He also previously has served on the Zoning
Board of Adjustment. Leggio currently serves on the Planning Board. At the November 30 meeting, Councilwoman Pamela Richmond made a motion to appoint Brennan to the vacant seat which was seconded by Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell. Richmond and O’Donnell voted “yes” and Berger and Councilman John Bonevich voted “no.” The 2-2 tie failed the motion and Brennan was not appointed. Bonevich then made a motion to appoint Leggio, which was seconded by Berger. Before voting, Richmond wanted to explain the process on how Howell’s Republican leaders had decided who to appoint, and if the council did not act on it, the Republican leaders would make that decision. “We received three letters of intent. So our county committee took the time to meet with our three, I think, exceptional candidates,” (Seat - See Page 10)
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