It seems like longer and brighter days are underway as we turned the clock forward last night for daylight savings. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: Prudential ‘North to Shore’ returns for year three; the team behind SLA Thai opens a new Japanese restaurant in Montclair this week; and the team behind Chip City is opening an artisanal bakery in Montclair. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending March 9th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Livingston’s ‘Intergenerational Prom’ Event to Return This Year
- Team Behind Chip City to Open Artisanal Bakery in Montclair
- Montclair Native Featured in Prodigy Racing League TV Series
- Keep Creating Art Presents Women’s History Month Exhibition
- Montclair Celebrates First Crescent Lighting Event at Wellmont Arts Plaza
- Montclair Board of Ed Holds Special Meetings for Superintendent Search
- Prudential ‘North to Shore’ Returns for Year Three
- Critics Oppose ‘Mega-Development’ Plans for West Essex Highlands Project
- Team Behind SLA Thai Opens New Japanese Restaurant in Montclair
- NJIT Plans Residence Hall Renovation to Meet Housing Demand
Livingston’s ‘Intergenerational Prom’ Event to Return This Year
Livingston’s 34th annual Intergenerational Prom — co-sponsored by the Board of Education, the Township of Livingston, and the Livingston High School (LHS) Key Club — will be held on Wednesday, April 9th in the LHS cafeteria. The Intergenerational Prom is a longstanding town tradition, per Patch Livingston, and provides an opportunity for high school students and the township’s senior citizens to socialize and get to know one another. Senior citizens who are interested in attending this event must pre-register at the Livingston Recreation + Senior Services Department located at 204 Hillside Avenue so they can obtain a ticket for entry.
Team Behind Chip City to Open Artisanal Bakery in Montclair
Since the opening of its Montclair location in 2023, Chip City has become Montclairons’ go-to for all of their cookie cravings. After spotting signage on Bellevue Avenue, The Montclair Girl can confirm that the team behind Chip City is now bringing its newest concept, Somedays Bakery, a cafe specializing in artisanal croissants, to the Montclair community. Click here for more.
Montclair Planning Board Contemplates 6-Acre Residential Redevelopment in Estate Section
A rare gathering in Montclair’s historic Estate section is up for redevelopment, with plans to carve seven residential lots from a 5.63-acre parcel at the foot of the Eagle Rock Reservation now before the city’s planning board. The site — which spans from 14 Undercliff Road and 172 Lloyd Road — sits atop one of the region’s most coveted and tightly held pockets of real estate. According to Jersey Digs, the proposal for the land plot is a downsized version of a plan submitted to the board seven months ago, when the developer proposed nine subdivisions for eight new homes and a stormwater management basin. It is unknown when a full proposal will be submitted to the city planning board.
Montclair Native Featured in Prodigy Racing League TV Series
View this post on Instagram
Montclair auto racer David Dalton is now included in a television series on the Prodigy Racing League on MAVTV. This “first-of-its-kind” show provides detailed racing coverage and goes inside the action of the world’s first gaming-to-real racing league, where 30 global competitors battle across 10 intense rounds in the inaugural Prodigy Three (P3) Championship series. The series airs on Sundays at 9PM EST and is available through various local media providers including Verizon, DirectTV, and YouTube TV.
Montclair Board of Ed Holds Special Meetings for Superintendent Search
The Montclair Board of Education scheduled two special meetings this week to discuss the ongoing superintendent search. According to TAPinto Montclair, the meetings proved to be an opportunity for community engagement before moving into executive discussions. The meetings, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 4th and 5th), provided updates on the superintendent search process, with the Board expected to review candidates and discuss the next steps.
Keep Creating Art Presents Women’s History Month Exhibition
View this post on Instagram
In celebration of Women’s History Month for March, Keep Creating Art is presenting the “Not Retired, Reinvented” exhibit showcasing the work of six women who have discovered new purpose and deep friendships through art. The exhibition’s goal is to show how creativity transcends age, displaying opportunities for self-expression, connection, and transformation. The work of artists Sharron Allen, Marie Claire Hepp, Andrea Bruno, Elizabeth Pugh, Joanne Kornoelje, and Marilyn Kozak are showcased in this exhibit.
Montclair Celebrates First Crescent Lighting Event at Wellmont Arts Plaza
On Friday, February 28th, residents from Montclair and surrounding towns welcomed Ramadan at a first-ever crescent lighting event held at Wellmont Arts Plaza. Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that stands for reflection, charity, and coming together with loved ones to share meals and celebrate. This year’s Ramadan will end on Saturday, March 29th, with Eid al-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” per Montclair Local.
Prudential ‘North to Shore’ Festival Returns for 3rd Year
View this post on Instagram
Prudential North to Shore Festival will return for a third consecutive year in a row with an expanded lineup that runs from June 14th through June 29th. This year’s festival returns with a special focus on comedy and music — Laughs and Jams. Some headliners include Jon Stewart, Jon Mulaney, and Pete Davidson; Tina Fey and Amy Poehler; and LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Festival.
Critics Oppose ‘Mega-Development’ Plans for West Essex
Highlands Project
On Wednesday, February 26th, the West Orange Planning Board held a special meeting about the West Essex Highlands project. According to Patch West Orange, Short Hills-based firm West Essex Highlands Inc. wants to build a 496-unit residential development at a 120-acre tract of land on the western front of the Watchung Mountains, which also borders Essex Fells, Verona, and Roseland. Critics argue that the current proposal has grown denser since its introduction in 2006 when the idea of developing in the area raised similar complaints: too many houses, construction on steep slopes, the potential endangering of wetlands, and more traffic on local roadways. The future of the plan is still undecided.
Montclair Chef’s ‘Shakshuka Sauce’ Hits Shelves
View this post on Instagram
Montclair Chef Meny Vaknin has been delighting Montclair with his bold Mediterranean flavors at MishMish for 10 years. Fans first fell for his shakshuka — a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Now, Shakshuka by Chef Meny is available in jars for $14 a bottle at Marcel and Grape Collective located at 620 Valley Road. Chef Meny is working on expanding to other local shops and online orders will be available in the coming months.
Junior Police Academy in Livingston Will Return for 2025
The Livingston Police Department (LPD) opened registration this week on Monday, March 3rd for its sixth annual Junior Police Academy to be held this summer from July 7th to July 11th. The week-long program provides a glimpse into the world of law enforcement and is open to students entering grades six, seven, or eight in fall 2025, per the Livingston Police Department. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited to 60 students with a $100 participation fee per attendee.
Barstool’s Dave Portnoy Reviews Pizza in Montclair + Roseland
View this post on Instagram
Barstool Sports founder and “professional” pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy continued his recent tour of North Jersey with his latest reviews of two restaurants in Essex County. Dave visited La Pizza of Roseland and Belgiovine’s Pizza in Montclair. The outcome of his famous scoring of the pizza led to a modest 6.7 out of 10 for La Pizza, while Belgiovine’s scored higher at a 7.4.
Apartment Building in Montclair Cited 115 Times in 3 Years
Montclair Township recently cited the private owner of Union Gardens, an 87-unit low-income apartment building located at 50 Greenwood Avenue. According to Montclair Local, a clogged sewer line, broken stairway lighting, and bulk waste left curbside are among the 115 violations over the past three years for which the building’s owner has been cited. All but two of the violations had been resolved as of this week, per the township records.
SASS + SHEWins! Awarding $2.5k to Aspiring Lawyer in Newark Area
View this post on Instagram
Sherman Atlas Sylvester + Stamelman LLP (SASS), in partnership with SHE Wins Inc. (SHEWins!) — a nonprofit organization committed to creating a pipeline of college and career and community-ready young women leaders from the City of Newark — has recently announced that they are accepting applications for its Aspiring Law Student Award. Any woman residing in the Greater Newark Area with a desire to attend law school and who meets the requirements above is eligible to apply. Interested candidates may request an application by emailing [email protected] by Friday, April 11th.
Team Behind SLA Thai Opens New Japanese Restaurant in Montclair
This Week
In February 2024, MG reported on a new venture from the chef behind SLA Thai moving into the former space of Daikichi at 608 Valley Road. Now, Minoru — a Japanese restaurant — has made its debut in MTC on Wednesday, March 5th on the second floor. Click here for more.
Kearny-Newark Portal Bridge on Track for Mid-2026 Opening
The three spans of the new Portal North Bridge in Kearny have been lifted in place and are expected to be ready for trains next year. The new bridge replaces a problematic 114-year-old bridge that has frequently been the cause of NJ Transit and Amtrak delays, per NJ.com. The bridge carries the Northeast Corridor line over the Hackensack River in Kearny. Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said the $2.3 billion project has completed 80% of the the major construction phases and is two-thirds through the entire project. The work is now installing tracks, overhead electric power, signals, and other systems on the 2.5 mile-approach causeways and three arch bridges.
NJIT Plans Residence Hall Renovation to Meet Housing Demand
The New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark is set to rebuild its second-oldest residence hall to meet a demand for housing at the growing public university. According to a news release from the college, the new Oak Hall on Summit Street will contain 453 beds in 154 units — more than double the current totals. The units will take the form of apartments for either two or four students with the addition of single units for resident assistants. The 15-story building will also feature several common areas and amenities, including a study lounge, a game room, conference rooms, and a laundry room.
East Orange Launches First Safe Place Program in Essex County
The City of East Orange has launched Essex County’s first Safe Place Program, a partnership between law enforcement and local businesses to provide a safe environment for victims of hate, bullying, or threats. Eleven participating businesses — including local eateries, gas stations, and barber shops — have voluntarily agreed to display an “East Orange Safe Place” window decal that can be seen by patrons or passers-by in need of assistance, per TAPinto East Orange/Orange. In the event that a victim enters a business and needs help, business owners or employees are asked to call 911 immediately and allow the victim to remain on the premises until police arrive.
ICE to Open First Detention Center Under Second Trump
Administration in Newark
The Trump administration is expanding its immigration detention capacity by reopening a 1,000-bed detention center in Newark and adding beds at other privately-owned facilities around the country. The detention center will take over Delaney Hall, a closed prison at 451 Doremus Avenue. According to NPR, the GEO Group — another private detention company that owns Delaney Hall — has signed a 15-year contract with ICE that could generate as much as a billion dollars in revenue over the life of the deal. Sources say the reopening is “imminent,” but no exact date has been announced.
80+ People Displaced After Massive Fire Spreads in Newark
On Sunday, March 2nd, nearly 70 people – including 18 children – lost their homes after a massive fire spread through homes in Newark. A fire broke out just after 1AM in the back of a home on Woodside Avenue that ripped through three more buildings due to strong winds, going to three alarms and sending 13 families out of their homes, per ABC7NY. Two firefighters and two other adults were treated for injuries and are now out of the hospital as the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Port Authority Cops Reunite With Man They Saved At Newark Airport
View this post on Instagram
Herbert Villa recently got the chance to reunite with the Port Authority police officers who saved him during a seizure at a TSA checkpoint in Terminal A of Newark Airport about six months ago. According to Patch Newark, the officers – Bryan Cardona, Anas Swailmyeen, and Finn Ebersbach – performed CPR and deployed an AED on Herbert, ultimately saving his life. A fourth officer, Christopher Lopez, arrived on the scene shortly after Herbert fainted upon regaining consciousness and provided vital support by continuing CPR efforts before he was transported to a hospital for further treatment.
Grayscale Homes To Open in Montclair Next Month
View this post on Instagram
The grand opening of a new interior design studio, Grayscale Homes, at 51 C Fullerton Avenue in Montclair is tentatively scheduled for next month. According to a news release from the team, its goal is to foster meaningful connections within the Montclair community. Grayscale Homes offers interior design services as well as investment property consultations.
The Americana Diner in West Orange Closes
The Americana Diner, located at 270 Main Street in West Orange, has closed its doors as of Monday, March 3rd. It was reportedly one of the last 24-hour diners left in New Jersey before its closure, per Patch West Orange. The diner was opened by family members who “wanted to bring delicious affordable food to the people in and around the town of West Orange.”
A Guide to Boutique Floral Shops in the Montclair Area
Some people only think about flowers when it comes to special occasions, holidays, or events but it’s almost always the perfect act of self-care. Flowers bring joy, warm up a space, and serve as a reminder that the world is full of beauty. You can never go wrong when it comes to a floral arrangement. We’ve rounded up a list of local, independently-owned floral shops that pay homage to the beauty with their inspiring floral designs and creations. Read to learn more about these boutique floral shops in Montclair and Essex County and find the one nearest you.
Anderson's Flowers Inc | 283 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
This floral shop has been hand-delivering floral arrangements and gift baskets to Verona and Montclair locals since 1930. From tulips to sunflowers to orchids to greenery, Anderson's Flowers Inc has it all. This shop provides floral arrangements for birthdays, Valentine's Day, and more. Customers in Verona and Montclair receive free same-day delivery.
Barlett's Greenhouse + Florist | 814 Grove Street, Clifton
View this post on Instagram
Bartlett’s is a secret gardening gem on the border of Montclair and Clifton. The tiny storefront is nothing compared to the numerous greenhouses behind the property, which house a massive array of plants and flower arrangements. This nursery grows most of its stock, so you’re guaranteed quality. However, it’s best known for its impressive pre-made displays, stunning arrangements, and selection of planted pots.
Read More: A Guide to Flower Farms in New Jersey
Bloombox Flower Shop | 334B North Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Along with lovely wildflower bouquets, Bloombox Flower Shop provides workshops for locals to learn the craft of floral design. Flower lovers can also sign up for a flower box subscription, which can be delivered the first Wednesday of every month, every other Wednesday of the month, or every Wednesday.
Blooms in Hand | 228 Claremont Avenue, Verona
View this post on Instagram
At first, owner Anna Coy was only interested in the concept of a floral subscription service, which she started in her at-home workshop after receiving overwhelming support from the online community. Fast forward a few years and she is now the proud owner of Blooms in Hand, a full-service studio. In addition to subscriptions, Blooms in Hand also provides wedding and special event floral design, workshops, and bouquet bars. At a bouquet bar, guests can create their own arrangements with guidance and tips from a designer as a souvenir from your event.
Brave Floral | 87 Baker Street, Maplewood
View this post on Instagram
At Brave Floral, the name represents one of the business's core values — unafraid of taking risks to do what is decent and right. It is committed to prioritizing local vendors, which means all of the flowers come from within 100 miles of the store; minimizing environmental impact by avoiding single-use plastics in its products; and composting the botanical waste generated. When customers shop at Brave Floral, not only are they likely to leave with a stunningly beautiful arrangement, but they may also walk out with a new house plant (because you always need another), candy, or other artisanal goods also sold at the store.
Clores Flowers + Gifts | 590 Valley Road, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Regardless of your personal knowledge or experience with flowers, the staff at Clores Flowers are always ready to rise to the occasion. A Readers Choice winner by Morris + Essex Magazine in 2020, the shop located on Valley Road is immediately inviting with its outdoor display of seasonal flowers, plants, and shrubs while the inside is lush with greenery and flowers in bloom. Let the experts at Clores help design the perfect gift for a special someone or consult for your next big event and no one will be disappointed.
Garden of Edith Floral Design | 54 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
View this post on Instagram
If designing a custom arrangement has ever crossed your mind, then the flower bar at Garden of Edith might be the perfect place to give it a try. The store has a wide variety of fresh and dried flower stems that can be individually purchased to bring that one-of-a-kind touch to any bouquet or gift. The Instagram page is filled with helpful tips and tricks for flower care and maintenance, like how to hydrate and cautiously open the buds on a flower. Garden of Edith has also been active in event design before the storefront opening, which means it is a great option for your next event.
Jerry Rose Floral + Event Design | 176 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
The name Jerry Rose can often be seen in print with the likes of Marcy Blum, famed New York event designer and planner, the NFL, and brands such as Bvlgari and Versace, which have partnered with the floral studio in the past. It comes as no surprise then that walking through the Jerry Rose studio is a jaw-dropping experience filled with lush greens and boldly bright flowers arranged in a variety of planters, pots, and furniture. From a home garden and tablescapes to corporate events and intimate gatherings, Jerry Rose can do it all and do no wrong.
Michael's Florist + Greenhouse | 280 Berkeley Avenue, Bloomfield
View this post on Instagram
This family-owned floral shop has served the Bloomfield community for over 75 years. Michael's Florist + Greenhouse is the go-to for all things flowers and plants. Patrons can find arranged bouquets, succulents, events services, and more at this spot.
Montclair Flowers + Gifts | 324 Orange Road, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Montclair Flowers + Gifts, which was originally named Montclair Florist Inc., opened in Montclair in 1972. Owner Chad Smith took over the family floral business in 1999. At this floral shop, customers can find all sorts of floral arrangements and different treats and knickknacks that make for a great gift. Montclair Flowers + Gifts also provides florals for weddings and other special events.
Rosaspina | 74 Church Street, Montclair
View this post on Instagram
Rosaspina Floral is a boutique shop in Montclair owned by local Lindsey Vandevier. Per its website, "The name Rosaspina is the Italian name for the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty — directly translated to “rose thorn” or Briar Rose, which is Sleeping Beauty’s given name in the original Grimm’s story." The shop taps into this romantic culture with its selection of beautiful bouquets + arrangements. Rosaspina has designs for certain occasions, as well as custom arrangements.
Scarlett Blooms | 126 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
View this post on Instagram
Vennissa Scarlett-Bassey is the owner, floral designer, and visionary behind Scarlett Blooms. While the store has only been open a few years, Vennissa has been a trusted florist in the event space for over 10 years under the business name Scarlett Expressions. Back at Scarlett Blooms, customers can find flowers to fit any occasion or even customize an arrangement. There are also home delivery subscriptions available for those who like a fresh bouquet every week or month. Consider attending, or even hosting, a floral design workshop for the next girls’ night out, where guests get together to design something of their own to take home.
Studio Nectar | 246 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
Studio Nectar is a local floral shop located at 246 Bellevue Avenue. The sustainable floral design studio has a variety of services, where Studio Nectar staff work directly and collaboratively with you to create the floral design you imagine. Wedding bouquets and tablescapes are just a few of the examples of projects this local store provides.
See More: A Guide to Flower Shops in Hoboken + Jersey City
Wildly Floral Co. | 9 Scotland Road, South Orange
View this post on Instagram
Wildly Floral Co. is all about nature-inspired floral design. Owner Josi Stone is passionate about highlighting nature’s beauty and evoking a connection with that beauty through florals. Sustainability is also at the forefront so the store participates in composting and utilizes recyclable or reusable products where possible.
