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September 2007
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May 2007
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The Fourth of July parade was probably the best yet. Celebrations of summer continue with the fireworks on July 7th and concerts and events throughout the summer…
	Fourth of July Parade
	Property Tax Rate
	Celebrations
	Parking Issues
	Contact Me!

Fourth of July Parade

    

The Fourth of July parade set off under cloudy, but cool skies, and I think we had a record crowd. The bands were great, we had the usual diversity of participants, and a cool day was pleasant for the marchers. I like to walk and enjoyed seeing a lot of you along the parade route, along with a number of former Montclairions – guess a good tradition stays a part of one’s family outings.
     Governor Corzine chose the Montclair parade to walk in. And walk he did along the entire parade route. I expect that one of the reasons he chose Montclair was to thank and congratulate the veterans whom Montclair chose as its Grand Marshals. July 4th (whatever day we celebrate it on) is Independence Day and we owe our independence and freedom to our veterans, our public servants and our citizens.
     I’ve always walked the parade route behind a good friend’s convertible – she drives and my husband waves. I’m never sure whether the cheers are for her car or me! Whatever, it is an honor to be there and to see so many of you in the parade and along the route.
     Fireworks were postponed until Saturday, July 7th at Mountainside Park. Given the weather at 9 pm, I think the Town made the right call.
     The summer also brings free concerts and events throughout the town and county. Check the Town’s website and the Arts Council website.

Property Tax Rate
     We will be introducing an amended budget at our first meeting in July and adopting it after a public hearing on July 24th. As of now, we haven’t heard whether we will receive extraordinary aid from the state to cover the costs of last year’s microburst. Asked some of the Governor’s staff, but didn’t get an answer.
     At our last meeting, we authorized the mailing of estimated tax bills that are based on our best knowledge at the time. The fourth quarter bill will include the final numbers, including the approved budget, extraordinary aid received and the final county rate. The estimated rate is $2.16. The final rate could be slightly more or less.
     The rate for 2006 was $5.36 but was set prior to the revaluation. The increase in the total valuation of property more than halves the rate, but it is applied to the current value of property.

Celebrations
     Congratulations to the 2007 graduates of Montclair High School, all Montclair residents who graduated from high school and college, and the graduates of other schools in Montclair. The rain cooled our spirits in the MHS amphitheater, but can’t take away the knowledge and friendships that blossomed there. By all accounts, Project Graduation was once again a great success.
     Public art was unveiled at the Siena and at the Orange Road parking deck in June. Thanks to the Montclair Arts Council and Patricia Selden and her committee for running the selection process and working with the developers of the properties. The artists were thrilled to participate in Montclair and their work illustrates the importance of the arts in our downtowns and lives. Take a look at the new additions; volunteer to help the Arts Council and join the Arts Council to encourage their work in town.
     I stopped by the YMCA to wish the 2 mile and 10K participants well and ended up participating myself. It was good practice for the Fourth of July parade although I moved much faster with everyone else running. It was a good feeling to push myself further and faster than I thought I could go.
     Also in June, the YMCA dedicated the William and Helen Geyer YMCA Family Center on Glenridge Avenue. It is a wonderful facility for our young children. It’s interesting to remember that this was the original site of the Crane House which is now on Orange Road. Before the House was moved and later in a new building, it was the YWCA – of importance to young African American women who had moved to Montclair from the south and consequently for children’s activities that were based there.

Bay Street Parking Deck Grand Opening

Parking Issues
     The Council has added a few streets to those on which overnight, on-street parking is allowed by permit. Talbot and William Street and Mission and New Street now allow parking. Permits can be obtained from the Parking Authority.
     We continue to work on the details of parking around Montclair High School and hope to have new rules in effect before the new school year. The current proposal will allow all day parking for students in certain areas through purchase of a parking permit. Hopefully, the parking can be dispersed and not adversely effect any one neighborhood. We are also suggesting some additional spaces for short-term visitor parking and recommending enforcement of the time limit parking currently in effect.
     There is no easy solution, but these steps should alleviate the situation.
     I have also written the school administration asking them to inform parents, coaches and fans of where they can legally park for school athletic events. Some streets are too narrow for parking on both sides during events and illegal parking can prevent emergency vehicles from getting to their destinations. The George Inness lot is available on weekends and, during the spring and fall, the Clary Anderson Arena parking is close to Woodman and Fortunato Fields.
     We can’t legislate courtesy, but we can all be good neighbors and considerate of others.

Contact Me!
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