Mayor's Corner

Once again, we find ourselves at the start of a new school year as fall approaches.

While I think we can all agree that there is a certain feeling of magic and nostalgia during the summer, there is something equally special about this time of year. Whether you are a student starting at a new school or returning to the same one as last year, we all have an opportunity for a fresh start ahead of us. I want to welcome our Summit students back to school and wish you a fulfilling year ahead. Our wonderful teachers and administrative staff are here to help you succeed.

If you are new to town or to the Summit public school district, I am so glad you are here and hope you know what a great town you have chosen. Summit is a special community with neighbors who support each other and want the best for each other. Our residents are what make our city such a great place to live, work and visit.

We have many exciting projects, programs and events happening in the coming weeks, so please visit the city website and follow our social media channels to see what is coming up.

We will be continuing work on our plan for the Broad Street West Redevelopment project, including forming an advisory committee and hosting a community meeting this fall. Please go to cityofsummit.org/bsw to view project information and sign up for updates.

My door is open to you if you have any comments, questions or concerns. Wishing you a healthy and happy fall season. See you around town.

The Honorable Nora G. Radest Mayor of Summit

I hope everyone is enjoying the end of the summer with family and

friends!

July featured one of the oldest traditions in Berkeley Heights -- I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the Mount Carmel Feast. Thank you, Joe Franchino, for your moving speech about immigrants and Mike D’Aquila for the flag-raising idea at Town Hall.

We plan to hire SAGE for social services for those seniors who have the greatest need. Our additional $2,500 a year from the Union County Community Development Block Grant contingency grant request was approved.

Many have noticed the hole left from demolition at Berkeley Caterers has been filled by Union County. The County Commissioners hired an engineer to help design the elements of the passive park and trail system Berkeley Heights greatly needs.

Peppertown Park plans continue. They include the creation of a “mobility hub” that creates pathways for each mode of transportation – car, bike and walking - to the train station, since Peppertown is across the street. With new development and new residents, we need to stay a step ahead so commuters can walk, bike, drive, scoot or shuttle to the station. We had to nail down that mobility plan before we could start necessary drainage plans for Peppertown. Our professionals will meet again to map out the next steps.

Summer is often the time for pop-up storms that can lead to severe flooding, especially as weather events become more serious over the last few years.

Council President Kingsley and I met virtually with the Green Brook Flood Commission. Green Brook flooding occurs predominately in the Free Acres area, but the brook traverses several towns and counties. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced inclusion of $496 million in federal disaster relief specifically for the Green Brook project. The disaster bill has an additional $3.2 million to re-study the Upper Basin portion of the project, in which the Free Acres/Berkeley Heights segment is located. The reason for the re-evaluation is the features originally envisioned for the Upper Basin cannot be constructed as contemplated. The Upper Basin includes Berkeley Heights, Watchung, Scotch Plains and Plainfield. We discussed options with the Flood Commission, which includes a representative from the Army Corp of Engineers, and are looking for short-term as well as long-term solutions.

AUTUMN WILL BE BUSY TIME IN NEW PROVIDENCE

What a great summer it has been here in New Providence! We can hardly believe it is almost time for back to school.

Safety is our first and most important priority here in the borough. In cooperation with our high school, our police and public safety, Pioneer Drive and Balcom Road are now one way. This change enhances safety for our students and staff, and for drivers. We ask everyone to please be patient while we adjust to this new change. Please also be mindful of new road markings and signage, and please drive carefully. We have so many wonderful family friendly community events and upcoming activities planned. Our New Providence Diversity Committee is hosting a month of events and activities for all ages to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. A Hispanic Heritage Artifact Display is planned for the library, along with themed story times, movies and a poster contest. Mark your calendars for Oct. 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for a National Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Centennial Park with arts, crafts, Latin and folklore dances, a Zumba demonstration, a display of traditional dresses, music, songs and fun for the whole family. This event is free and open to all. We also have the New Providence PBA 132’s 5th Annual Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 8 to 3 at 1378 Springfield Ave., which is the Community Pool Parking Lot. Rain date is Oct. 2. This free event showcases some really amazing cars. Don’t miss it!

The Street Fair returns to downtown on Sunday, Oct. 30. The fair will be held on Springfield Avenue, between South Street and Livingston Avenue, from 10 to 4, d will include vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, music and storytelling. Vendors will sell refreshments and delicious food throughout the day. We all look forward to seeing you around town, and encourage everyone to please support local and shop New Providence! Mayor Al Morgan New Providence

RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES ASKED TO CONSERVE WATER

As this edition of The Collection goes to press, the region is experiencing what might euphemistically be called quite a dry spell.

Rainfall over the past two months or so has been virtually non-existent, which is lovely if you’re at the beach or a lake, but not so great if you’re a gardener or someone who loves long showers or takes great pride in having a lush, green lawn.

Recently, New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) asked residents and businesses to conserve water. After encouraging voluntary conservation measures, DEP officials said if conditions don’t improve, mandatory restrictions could be necessary.

“Stream flow and ground water levels are falling below normal for most of the state, and some reservoirs are showing steep rates of decline as hot and dry conditions continue,” said DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry and hot periods…if residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months.”

The DEP estimates more than 30 percent of water demand in suburban areas during warm weather months is for outdoor purposes, and officials noted much of that can be reduced or even avoided. Suggestions include asking residents to cut back on watering plants and lawns, and to reduce hosing off driveways and sidewalks.