Al in the News…
Union County Awards $70,000 Infrastructure Grant to New Providence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders last week announced an infrastructure award of $70,000 to the borough of New Providence for the funding of projects to spur economic development growth and a wide variety of improvements.
“Our goal is to provide an economic boost to our municipalities in an area where state and federal assistance has been lapsing,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The end result will be quality of life improvements that continue to make Union County one of the highest-rated places to live in the nation.”
The Infrastructure program was developed through the County Freeholder’s Fiscal Committee, which Freeholder Christopher Hudak chaired, and included Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Sergio Granados and Angel Estrada.
The matching grant initiative makes available a total of $1.5 million to Union County’s 21 municipalities assisting them to accomplish tasks undertaken in calendar year 2015. The funding for the grant is provided through the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital.
“We also want to stimulate some job growth and provide a public benefit in helping towns to build important development projects or address short-term or long-term governmental, social, transportation matters,” Hudak said.
Some examples of work funded throughout the county include the clearing/demolition of certain properties slated for redevelopment; streetscape improvements including curbing and sidewalk repairs/improvements; road resurfacings; municipal building improvements and repairs; funding of various revitalization/development studies, and master plans; downtown/business district improvements; sanitary/sewer/flood mitigation improvements.
New Providence Observes Flag Day with Ceremony
By TAPINTO NEW PROVIDENCE STAFF
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Linda Kale of the New Providence Historical Society and Mayor Al Morgan participated in the borough’s Flag Day ceremonies on Sunday.
The folds of the flag signify as follows:
The first fold is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks, and who have a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in time of war, for His divine guidance. Continue reading
New Providence Gets AAA, AA1 Ratings From Bond Credit Rating Services
By TAPINTO NEW PROVIDENCE STAFF
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The borough was recently awarded two AAA ratings and an upgraded AA1 rating from Fitch Ratings, Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s for its upcoming $9.98 million general obligation bonds. The bonds will be sold on June 17.
“We are extremely proud of this accomplishment. There is a lot of hard work that went into this,” said Mayor Al Morgan, who cited the “great work of all of our professionals who have worked very hard to achieve these stellar ratings.”
“The borough’s strong financial management and prudent budgeting practices have led to the maintenance of ample reserve levels, providing the borough with a high degree of financial flexibility,” Fitch stated in its report on New Providence.
In its appraisal, Moody’s said, “The rating …takes into account the borough’s sizeable tax rate, strong socioeconomic wealth levels, and low debt burden.”
New Providence Council to Increase Open Space Tax
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Borough Council members unanimously approved the introduction of an ordinance that will increase the Open Space Tax levy from .0025 cents to .0035 cents per $100 of assessed value.
A public hearing and final vote will be taken at the council’s next meeting.
Councilman Jim Madden said the funds which amount to $12,800 will be placed in the Open Space Trust Fund and used for recreational field maintenance.
Enacted in 2004, the special assessment was reduced in June 2009 from one penny to one-quarter penny.
Madden also introduced two resolutions concerning bus transportation for the Summer Teen Camp. The first resolution rejected three bids and the second accepted the bid of Passaic Valley Coach Lines for $17,500.
“We were able to get a successful bid at 10% less than the state contract,” Madden said.
Mayor Al Morgan noted that last week was National Police Week and paid recognition to the borough’s police officers for working in a very dangerous job.
“I would trust every single one of them with my life. They do very much that nobody is even aware of,” the mayor said.
Councilman Armand Galluccio said that this year’s “Every 15 Minutes” event sponsored by the Municipal Alliance and Atlantic Health Care will take place at the high school on June 2.
“The event is so named because somewhere in the Untitled States someone dies in an alcohol-related event every 15 minutes,” Galluccio said.
The day’s activities are videotaped, edited overnight and shown to the student body the next day.
Richard and Michelle Brugger of Martial Arts for Life located in the Village Shopping Center received a proclamation from the Borough Council for their positive impact on many borough youths and adults.
“You teach responsibility, respect and discipline,” Morgan said whose daughter received a black belt at the age of 9.
The establishment has been in business for 10 years and Mrs. Brugger is very active in downtown business and economic development.
New Providence Diversity Committee Sponsors Cinco De Mayo Event
By May 6, 2015 at 9:13 PM
The New Providence Diversity Committee sponsored a free cultural event on Tuesday, May 5 for Cinco de Mayo at the DeCorso Senior Center. It included ethnic foods, decorations, Mexican music and dancing, and a cultural presentation.
Community Service Association Holds Annual Pasta and Meatball Dinner
By TAPINTO NEW PROVIDENCE STAFF
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – The Community Service Association (CSA) held its annual Pasta Dinner fundraiser on Saturday evening. CSA members, members of the New Providence Lions Club, and event sponsors and volunteers helped serve pasta and meatballs to hundreds of attendees.
Gary Kapner of the Lions Club, said, “This was a great job for a great cause. I’d like to especially thank Peggy Brodeur, “Chef” Ken DeRoberts, Doug Marvin, Mayor Al Morgan, Bill Hoefling, and all the Meatball Rollers, for their hard work and support.”
Funds raised will be donated to CSA to help New Providence residents in need. CSA helps residents with utility bills, medical bills, rent, transit, clothing, food and other necessities, and is funded by the United Way, donations from individuals, and the dinner.
35th Annual New Providence Fishing Derby Brings Community Together
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – On Saturday morning, town officials and families filled the parking lots and surrounded the pond at Oakwood Park for the 35th annual New Providence Fishing Derby sponsored by New Providence PBA Local #132.
The event was geared towards children 15 years and younger and took place from 8:00-11:00 a.m. The PBA donated a pair of Beats headphones, tackle boxes, and five $25 gift cards for Bass Pro Shops for those who caught one of the six 16-inch lunkers (large fish) swimming in the pond.
Miguel Sauceda obtained a pair of Beats headphones after catching the first lunker in the pond. He was satisfied about winning the derby’s best prize.
“[I’m] happy and very excited,” said Sauceda, “I’m trying to catch another one later.”
New Providence Mayor Al Morgan was pleased with the turnout for the derby.
“This event has been going on for 35 years, it’s really a tradition in town,” Morgan said, “I actually remember taking my son down here every year so I know now he’s taking his son down here. So, it’s a part of New Providence life.”
“It just shows the interest people have in doing things and participating in town events,” Morgan said, “This is what New Providence is all about – community and family life. Any time when the community gets together, it’s always a good thing.”
New Providence Councilman Gary Kapner said, “It’s a great event. Look at all of the people out here casting lines, fishing, having a great time this morning, winning prizes, helping the police department, and helping the community. It’s fantastic.”
New Providence police officer Dennis Carovillamo said the derby is, “…about making a great, fun day for all of the kids to come out to teach them a little bit about fishing. But more importantly, it’s about spending time with family and having a good time.”
The New Providence PBA thanks Starbucks in New Providence for donating coffee for the event.
New Providence Lions Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Benefits Drive for Autism
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Members of the New Providence Lions Club were flipping flapjacks at their third annual Pancake Breakfast at the William Paca Club on Sunday morning. All proceeds benefited the local charity, Drive for Autism Foundation.
The event had the support of many community residents who enjoyed the meal with their family and friends. The cost was $10 per person, and $25 per family. Funds were also raised with sponsors who donated $100 and benefactors who donated $250.
New Providence Mayor Al Morgan, a past Lion’s Club president, said, “Everything we do is for the community and all the money we raise goes to the directly to the organizations we sponsor.” He also pointed out that the organization’s last two pancake breakfasts raised nearly $10,000 for worthy causes.
Bob Kallaur, club secretary, said, “We want give a special thank you to our benefactors and sponsors.”
New Providence Councilman Gary Kapner and Current Lions Club President Brian Geoffroy were among the club member welcoming guests and serving food. Kapner said, “It’s great to be able to support the Drive for Autism Foundation.”
Thomas Trezza of New Providence is a former Lions Club member and the head of the Drive for Autism Foundation. He was enjoying breakfast with with his family. Trezza said that he was very pleased that the Lions decided to select the Foundation for their fundraiser.
The Joyce, Nagie and Cowan families were there to have a pre-game breakfast before the Morris versus Berkshire Girls Rugby match. The girls, who were looking forward to their game, agreed that the pancakes were “great.”
The Drive for Autism Foundation is a private charitable foundation that was established to raise funds and distribute them to schools and non-profit organization committed to the education and treatment of persons with diagnosis’ under the Autism spectrum. For more information on the Foundation visit their web site at http://www.driveforautism.org/index.html.
Since 1917, local Lions Clubs have offered people the opportunity to give back something to their community. Today, with over 1.4 million men and women in more than 180 countries, Lions have expanded their focus to meet the ever-increasing needs of society. The Lions Club donates 100% of every dollar they collect. The New Providence Lions Club is always looking for new members. You can become aware of the needs of the community and effectively make a difference. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.nplions.org/index.php.
Al Morgan Sworn In As Mayor of New Providence
New Providence Business Community Hosts Annual Borough Holiday Party
by Michael M. Shapiro, TAPintoNewProvidence
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – Borough employees, volunteers and elected officials were treated to a festive holiday party complete with buffet dinner, drinks, ice cream sundae bar, and live music,hosted by the New Providence business community on Thursday evening, Dec. 11.
Several years ago, in the throes of the recession, the Borough eliminated the Borough holiday party from the municipal budget to reduce taxpayer expenses. The New Providence business community responded by not only funding the event, but organizing and running it, as well. Today, the Borough Holiday Party, sponsored and hosted by the New Providence business community, has become an event that Borough employees and volunteers look forward to each year. Continue reading