Bees and birds are starting to dot the New Jersey skies as spring is fully underway. 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: several upcoming road closures are happening in Montclair; a 'stop work' order was issued from the City of Newark for a New ICE Detention Center; and a feature film shot in Montclair will be released this month. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending April 6th, 2025.

Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].

Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):

• Garden Club of Montclair Launches Brick Fundraiser for Avis Campbell Gardens
• Several Upcoming Road Closures Happening in Montclair
• ‘The Saint Clair’ to Open in Former Scala del Nonna Space in Montclair
• SOPAC Announces Temporary Closure of Movie Theater for Future Enhancement
• Community Input Leads to Completion of Livingston Mall Site Visioning Process
• Verona Announces Wellness Fair 2025
• Feature Film Shot in Montclair Releasing This Month
• Montclair State University Appoints New Associate Dean of Bloomfield College
• New Multi-Way Stop Signs Installed at 2 Bloomfield Intersections
• Annual Livingston Intergenerational Prom Taking Place This Week

HOT 97 Announces Summer Jam 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HOT 97, New York’s #1 station for Hip Hop, has announced the date for its annual Summer Jam 2025, the ultimate one-night-only celebration of hip-hop culture. On Friday, June 20th, this year’s lineup is led by A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, and Muni Long, with must-see performances from Kash Doll, Bobby Konders, and more. The lineup is subject to change. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster now.

Garden Club of Montclair Launches Brick Fundraiser for Avis Campbell Gardens

The Garden Club of Montclair recently announced a fundraising campaign to renovate the pathways of the Avis Campbell Gardens as part of its 100th-anniversary celebration. The club, located behind 60 South Fullerton next to the library, is providing interested participants personalized engraved bricks that will be integrated into the new garden pathways. According to a press release from The Garden Club of Montclair, each brick can be personalized with a donor's name, message, or dedication. More details can be found online. Submissions are due July 10th, 2025.

Several Upcoming Road Closures in Montclair

On Monday, March 31st, PSE&G started conducting gas line service and repairs on roads in Montclair. The road closures are as follows: Bellevue Avenue between Grove Street + Park Street from Monday, March 31st to Tuesday, April 8th; Buckingham Road between Grove Street + Park Street from Monday, April 7th to Friday, April 11th; Overlook Road between Grove Street + Park Street from Thursday, April 10th to Friday, April 11th; Lorraine Avenue between Grove Street + Park Street from Monday, March 31st to Tuesday, April 8th; Haddon Place between Grove Street + Park Street from Monday, April 7th to Friday, April 11th; and Alexander Avenue between Grove Street + Park Street from Thursday, April 10 to Friday, April 11th. This information is also available on the Township website.

Bloomfield Group Classic Car 'Cruise Nights' Loses Funding

The Bloomfield Cruisers — a nonprofit group of collector car and motorcycle enthusiasts from the area — has recently announced its “Cruise Nights” featuring classic cars has lost funding and won't be provided this summer. The nonprofit usually counts its Cruise Nights among its signature events. Anyone with questions can contact the group directly.

Stalled Work Resumes on Newark’s Tallest Building

Work on the 42-story Halo apartment tower on Washington Street in Newark has resumed and is now on track to open in 2026. The unfinished building is the first of three Halo towers planned for the site, totaling 1,075 units where 20% of which will rent for below-market rates to people earning less than the surrounding area’s median income, per NJ.com. The Halo’s phase 1 tower is Newark’s tallest building, standing at 467 feet tall, including a permanent rooftop crane for maintenance.

Cedar Grove TD Bank Branch to Close

New Earth Pet Services Opens in Maplewood Village

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Friday, March 14th, the Maplewood Village Alliance welcomed business New Earth Pet Services to the Village with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Located at 155 Maplewood Avenue, New Earth Pet Services provides a variety of pet care services, including grooming, bathing, reiki, heat therapy, hydromassage, and aromatherapy. It also provides dog boarding, walking, and play services, and pet supplies and essentials, all to pamper each pet.

SOPAC Announces Temporary Closure of Movie Theater for Future Enhancement

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) recently announced the temporary closure of its movie theater, which was previously operated by an independent entity leasing space within the center. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for SOPAC, per New Jersey Stage, as plans are underway to introduce a "revitalized cinematic experience" for the community. SOPAC is actively seeking a new operator to reimagine and relaunch the movie theater experience as the previous tenant has vacated the theater space. This change only affects the movie theater component, and there is currently no confirmed timeline.

‘The Saint Clair’ to Open in Former Scala del Nonna Space in Montclair

In early February 2025, one of Montclair’s most iconic Italian eateries, Scala del Nonna, closed its doors after 11 years. On Tuesday, April 1st, The Montclair Girl received an exclusive update from the new business owner taking over the space: 32 Church Street will soon welcome a new American restaurant, The Saint Clair. Click here for more.

Community Input Leads to Completion of Livingston Mall Site Visioning Process

After the township of Livingston went through a week-long community visioning process with real estate consulting firm Topology, the future of the Livingston Mall now has a solid foundation for its redevelopment. Moving forward, Topology will create a concept plan, and upon completion, it will be shared with the Livingston Township Council, per TAPinto Livingston. Designs and images from the visioning process are available online, and updates throughout the process will be featured on this site.

Leaked Documents Show Past Due Bills Are a ‘Disconcerting’ Pattern in Montclair Schools

Recently, Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC) Executive Director Anthony Vauss called then-Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, seeking his help in reaching the township public school district over millions in overdue bills. According to an email exchange leaked to Montclair Local in November 2023, ERESC sought nearly $5.5 million from the public schools. ERESC Business Administrator Craig Smith said that the school district’s outstanding balance totaled about $5.799 million as of Friday, March 14th. This includes a current amount owed of about $1.175 million and a past-due balance of around $4.624 million. A series of unpaid invoices, late notices, and other requests for payment by the district have all led to raised concern over school finances. School district spokesperson Lauren Shears Agnew said the District is now reviewing its protocol for paying vendors.

West Orange Council Passes Gender-Neutral Bathroom Ordinance

The West Orange town council voted 3-2 to pass the gender-neutral bathroom ordinance on its first reading. This comes after many township residents spoke in support of gender-neutral bathrooms during last week’s town council meeting, per TAPinto West Orange. It is unknown when the ordinance will go into full effect.

'Stop Work' Order Issued from City of Newark for New ICE Detention Center

Verona Announces Wellness Fair 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Township of Verona has recently announced that its Community Wellness Fair will take place on Sunday, June 19th, at the Verona Community Center. From 10AM-5PM, participants can stamp their "wellness passport" at different checkpoints that feature meetings with certified specialists, transformative healing modalities, and community resources. Businesses interested in hosting a vendor table can find more information by filling out this form.

Feature Film Shot in Montclair Releasing This Month

Sam Friedman, a lifelong resident of Montclair, shot a feature film in Montclair during the summer of 2023 and now has a release date. Grassland will be released on April 18th, 2025, and is executive-produced by Oscar and Grammy-winning artist Common. It premiered at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.

Montclair State University Appoints New Associate Dean of Bloomfield College

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Montclair State University has announced the appointment of Dr. Maruice Mangum as the new Associate Dean of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University after a nationwide search, effective Monday, May 5th. Dr. Mangum will help lead academic programs that coincide with the University’s strategic plan and advance teaching excellence and innovation.  He currently serves as professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at Jackson State University, where he plays a key role in fostering an academic environment that prepares students for the next stages of their lives.

NJ Grant Helps Empower People With Special Needs at Livingston Center

New Multi-Way Stop Signs Installed at 2 Bloomfield Intersections

On Monday, March 31st, Bloomfield public safety officials announced the installation of two new multi-way stops in the township. Drivers should be aware of two new traffic patterns on Hoffman Boulevard and Waldo Avenue, as well as Hazelwood Road and Orchard Street. Police officers will be on the scene in case of traffic violations, per Patch Bloomfield.

Student Artwork to be Showcased at AIA Newark + Suburban Architects

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AIA Newark + Suburban Architects will host an exhibit showcasing artwork by local New Jersey students in grades 6 through 12 from today, April 6th, to Monday, April 28th. Located at the Montclair Public Library on 50 South Fullerton Avenue, he exhibition will feature drawings, paintings, and software renderings created by students from Newark, Montclair, Orange, and Kearny who participated in AIA Newark + Suburban’s The Holidays Student Art Contest, and will also be receiving achievement awards for their creative and inspiring designs. An opening reception will be held on April 6th from 1PM–3PM in the café area.

14-Year-Old Who Killed Newark Cop to be Charged as Adult

It was announced on Thursday, April 3rd, that the 14-year-old charged with shooting and killing a Newark police officer will be charged as an adult. According to NJ.com, interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said the teen will be moved from state to federal court. The teen could face a longer prison sentence than allowed by state law for young offenders if convicted at the federal level. Juveniles under the age of 15 usually cannot be tried as adults for any offense, per New Jersey state law. The teen would face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted in family court in Essex County. The teen remains hospitalized after he murdered Detective Joseph Azcona on Friday, March 7th.

Individual Infected with Measles Reportedly Traveled to Newark Airport

It was announced on Wednesday, April 2nd, that a person infected with the highly contagious measles traveled to various places in New Jersey, including Newark Liberty International Airport and several locations in Bergen County. The person had traveled abroad before returning to the United States and traveling between Michigan and New Jersey. As of Wednesday, no associated cases in New Jersey have been identified. A full list of possible exposure locations with timestamps can be found on NJ.com, with the possibility of symptoms showing up as late as Thursday, April 17th.

New Little Falls BBQ Spot Hosts Soft Opening

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Li's Hot Pot & BBQ, located at 475 US-46 in Little Falls, hosted its soft opening on Wednesday, April 2nd. The new restaurant specializes in Chinese Hot Pot and Korean BBQ, with a menu featuring a Condiment Bar that highlights different sauces, spices, and fresh herbs. It is open Monday through Thursday from 12PM-10PM and weekends from 12PM-11PM.

Annual Livingston Prom Taking Place This Week

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 the township's website, 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.