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\£> i&ttixtb ttBB Serving Westfield, Scotch Plains and Fanwood Friday, April 30, 2004 50 cents Condominium project gains momentum •ytMD be built on the site atop an the project will occupy and grant hoped to avoid. Ward said Wednesday morning. RECORD PRESS underground parking facility. Ward conditional uses. Code Review and Town "We're taking steps to rework the In a recent meeting between Currently, the land use ordi- Property chairman Sal Caruana plan, and I feel positive that's WESTFIELD — While Ward and the Code Review and nance does not permit ground said the project will likely get where we're going to go," he said, approval of an age-restricted con- Town Property Committee, the floor residential uses, and the done, but after it is redesigned by adding that the committee "had dominium complex on Prospect two sides began the process of proposed project does not con- Ward. The developer is now ana- recommendations we can live Street is far from assured, the narrowing the differences form to a number of physical zon- lyzing the council's concerns and with." Town Council is moving closer to between Ward's proposed project ing standards. Town officials is planning a response. Members of the council have reaching a compromise on the and restrictions town officials would also like to make age- "This is the most direct expressed interest in Ward's proj- issue with developer James would like to see before granting restricted residential units a con- approach to get this project ect since discussions began last Ward. approval. ditional use for the zone. done," Caruana said, "and I fall. Neighborhood residents As detailed in conceptual Instead of changing the zoning If the council decides to would argue for many reasons have expressed a preference for drawings, the condominium proj- for the central business district endorse this approach to the (the project) is worthy of this con- the condominium development ect would provide some of the or granting significant variances project, it would still be heard by sideration." and are opposed to an alternative more upscale residences in the for the project, town officials the Planning Board, a step "Things now look very positive downtown. About 35 units would want to rezone the specific lots Ward's planner Peter Steck had for the condo project," James (Continued on page A-2) Zyla selected Board picks Riegel OHO of the Boys as top cop in as new president Seo/cft Plains-Fanwood High grad ning smoothly," Riegel said. "I want Nate Jones, a standout kick returner THE RECORD-PRESS to make serving on the board a pos- and comerback for Rutgers itive experience." She said board University, was selected by the Scotch Plains WESTFIELD — The Board of members would be assigned com- Dallas Cowboys in the seventh Education elected a new president mittee and liaison posts after a spe- round of the NFL Draft Sunday. For and vice president for the coming THE RECORD-PRESS cial board retreat next month. the story see Sports, Page C-1. year at its reorganization meeting Riegel, who served as Finance SCOTCH PLAINS — When Lt. Mark Zyla, 44, Tuesday night. Committee chair during the budget takes over as chief of police tomorrow, he may be Anne Riegel, who had previous- process this year, said her priorities the youngest to serve in that position in the town- ly served as vice president, was are improving communication with ship's nearly-110 year history. elected as the the public — par- He is also the most educated. Zyla will become board's president. ticularly through the first township police chief to hold an under- She will replace Riegel said her priori- e-mails, which graduate degree, which he received in accounting Arlene Gardner, the board increas- who voluntarily ties are improving com- ingly receives. and management from Seton Hall University in GEORGE PACCIELLO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER stepped down munication with the pub- 1981. He moved to Scotch Plains at age 10 and is a Mark Zyta is the new chief of the Scotch Plains She said tech- from the post but nology issues 1977 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High Police Department. will remain a lic — particularly through School. will be important member of the e-mails, which the board this year, as the According to Tom Atkins, township manager, Atkins' approach to finding a new leader was well board for the last who announced Zyla's promotion at a press confer- increasingly receives. board has creat- thought out." year of her elected. ed a new position ence last week, the 22-year-veteran demonstrated Zyla will replace Chief Marshall Nelson, who term. for a chief tech- he was the best candidate for the job after a rigor- retires today in anticipation of his 65th birthday. Riegel was nominated by nology officer. Getting networks ous screening process. State mandates force police chiefs to retire at that Gardner, who described her as to run seamlessly behind the "His record speaks for itself," Atkins said. "He is age, and also require municipalities to hire new "hardworking and dedicated." scenes is also one of her goals, she the man in 2004 best equipped to lead us. chiefs of police from within departmental ranks. The board also selected Ginny said. iectgnlzfng "He will have the respect of the men and women Scotch Plains will also be losing Capt. John Leiz aa its vice president. Leiz was Also, reports conducted by a of the department, will be a good commander, and Shebey to state-mandated retirement. Because recently re-elected to the school board consultant evaluating the will set up a good team," Atkins said. Shebey was the only captain in the township's board in the April 20 election, along guidance department will be an excellence Under local ordinances, Atkins, not the police department, officials have known for some with fellow returning board mem- issue for the board when they Stade DeChnstopher, a teacher at Township Council, is responsible for selecting the time that the next chief would be promoted from bers Richard Solomon and Julia become available later this year. Westfield's McKinley School, was new chief. But Zyla earned a vote of confidence the rank of lieutenant. Walker. Leiz, Solomon and Walker Riegel also expects continuing surprised in her classroom Monday from Mayor Martin Marks as well. were all sworn in for their new discussions about the high cost of with the news that she is this year's "I know Mark Zyla, I know his reputation, and I "On May 1, we have 65 years of experience walk- terms at Tuesday's meeting. special education in her tenure as recipient of the Rotary Club's think he will make a strong chief," Marks said. "Mr. "Overall, things have been run- board president. Philhower Fellowship, given in honor continued on page A-2) of outstanding elementary instruc- tion. Seethe story on Page A-4. Township man faces Spring weather, charge of taste of summer Some April showers and brisk temperatures caused kidnapping (from left) Dominique, Danielle and Darlena Vo to bundle up at Westfield Spring Fling Saturday, but THE RECORD-PRESS couldn't keep the sisters SCOTCH PLAINS — A local from enjoying a treat usually mm club comes man was arrested in Plainfield reserved for warmer days — Tuesday morning and charged Italian ice. For more pictures toWestftold with first-degree kidnapping. of the event, which was Audience members may have been According to Lt. Brian sponsored by the Westfield startled by this fright wig donned by Mahoney, Plainfield police Area Chamber of Commerce, Judge Baron "Don King" Chambliss, arrested Joseph Checchio, 46, at turn to Community Life, Page but at Saturday's charity boxing about 3 a.m. Tuesday after being B-1. event at Temple Emanue-EI, the only advised of a warrant for his things putting a scare in local lead- arrest by township police. ers-tumed-pugilists were the fists of Mahoney said Plainfield police former heavyweight contender Gerry arrested Checchio in the area of Cooney. See the photos of the JOHN FEI/CORRESPONDENT evening on Page A-8. (Continued on page A-2) Program helps girls learn, both at home and abroad Register to vote teenage daughters, said the program is efforts by running a car wash. THE RECORD-PRESS intended to raise awareness at home In Afghanistan, it costs about $250 and actively help young women over- per year to provide education to a girl. In the primary WESTFIELD — Educational oppor- seas. So far, the chapter has raised enough The deadline is rapidly approaching tunities may be improving for women "Each chapter is matched in a part money to educate two girls, and the to file to vote in the June 8 primary outside of the United States, thanks to of the world where girls are being members hope to at least double that election for municipal, county and the efforts of a local student organiza- denied education," Alter said. "Kids number by the end of the year. state offices. Residents must regis- tion. participating in the program learn Seven members of Roosevelt's chap- ter by May 10; see your municipal Girls Learn International, which about human rights and other cul- ter gave a Power Point presentation for or county clerk's office for more was founded last spring, is dedicated to tures" and how these factors combine Roosevelt students Tuesday, educating information. promoting access to quality education to prevent women from being given their peers about the plight of women for all girls. The organization enlists opportunities, she said. in other countries and encouraging middle school and high school girls to A chapter at Roosevelt them to devote time to the cause.

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