Ad Populos, Non Aditus, Pervenimus Published Every Thursday Since September 3, 1890 (908) 232-4407 USPS 680020 Thursday, May 7, 2015 OUR 125th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 19-2015 Periodical – Postage Paid at Rahway, N.J. www.goleader.com [email protected] SEVENTY FIVE CENTS Planning Board Approves Subdivision on Ripley Ave. By THOMAS VAN DUYNE The owner felt that the variance coming crowded. Speaking to the Specially Written for The Westfield Leader should be granted on the grounds that board, Martin Zaher, a resident of WESTFIELD — The planning the houses will comply with all of the Ripley Avenue, said that this would board listened to arguments from minimum setback laws (the ordi- also “hurt the character and charm” opposing sides Monday night in re- nances which govern how far a house of the neighborhood. Mr. Zaher felt gards to the subdivision of 1020 must recede from the curb and from having the ranch house, which is the Ripley Avenue and the subsequent the neighboring yards) and that while only one in the neighborhood, made construction of two houses. Currently, the depth of the back yard does not the street feel unique. He feared that the lot is just over 10,000 square feet meet the minimum requirement, the the addition of two houses of close and contains a ranch house. The pro- fact that the house backs up to the or identical nature would take away posed construction would create two, Sycamore Field park makes up for from this. 5,142-square-foot lots with a two- the smaller size both aesthetically Other concerns were expressed by and-a-half-story house on each lot. and in practicality. board member Robert Newell, who At 5,142 square feet the proposed Several objections were made to questioned the building of two-car- lots would not comply with the 6,000- the project by neighbors. A fear was width driveways when the rest of the square-foot minimum lot size ordi- expressed that this would create a neighborhood has only single-car nance currently in place, for which precedent allowing for all 10,000- driveways, and the removal of sev- the builder and owner were seeking a square-foot lots to be divided and eral trees that were cited to be taken variance from the planning board. could lead to the neighborhood be- down in the building plans. The tree concern was brought to the attention of the board by several community members as well. The builder and owner were recep- tive to working around the trees and felt no issue with the board making Paul Lachenauer for The Westfield Leader the tree preservation a condition of UP, UP AND AWAY… These youngsters enjoy one of the rides featured during Sunday’s Spring Fling street fair sponsored its approval. In a handout provided by the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce. to the board and community mem- bers in attendance, the counsel for the applicants highlighted many rea- BOE Recognizes Philhower sons for the construction to be ap- proved. They felt the multi-level houses would make for a better fit on the block and would be in the spirit of Award Recipient; Athletic Teams the neighborhood. In the presenta- By DELL SIMEONE sionals in the Westfield Public colades ranging from A to Z. “A, tion graphic information was pro- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader vided that attested to the majority of Schools. I congratulate Kareem Th- awesome, amazing; B, brilliant; C, the houses along Ripley Avenue hav- WESTFIELD – The board of edu- ompson on this significant honor be- contagious positive attitude; D, dedi- ing variances, with many being un- cation met Tuesday evening at stowed on him by the Westfield Ro- cated,” etc., all the way to Z. der the 6,000-square-foot benchmark. Jefferson Elementary School, where tary.” She then introduced Jefferson Mr. Thompson thanked everyone Paul Lachenauer for The Westfield Leader Using that as evidence, the official the Rotary Club of Westfield’s an- Elementary School Principal Jeanette for their kind words and thanked his A GREAT DAY FOR A STREET FAIR… Sunday’s Spring Fling street fair, grounds for the variance was asked nual Charles Philhower Award was Munoz. colleagues. He said, “Throughout my sponsored by the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce, drew a large crowd to for using a C-1 Hardship Variance presented to the outstanding elemen- Ms. Munoz praised Mr. Thomp- career, I’ve been surrounded by mas- Downtown Westfield. where the law “requires zoning ordi- tary-school teacher. The board also son, a fifth-grade teacher. She of- ter teachers. To Ms. Munoz, he said, nances to be drawn with reasonable honored the champion teams from fered congratulations and praised him “thank you for the flexibility to adapt size in consideration to the character Westfield High School. for his enthusiasm and energy. to the future.” He thanked his stu- CF Budgets For More Pay of the district.” In this case, the many Superintendent of Schools Marga- Ms. Munoz, who is a member of dents for having wonder and curios- existing undersized lots would set a ret Dolan said, “Today we celebrate the selection committee, shared some ity. He continued, “I only hope I can Stations, Lot Improvements precedent for this subdivision. National Teacher Appreciation Day of the sentiments expressed in the have the same effect on my future CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 and salute the 600 teaching profes- letters from students, former students students.” and parents regarding Mr. Thomp- Mr. Thompson additionally By CHRISTINA M. HINKE for $330,802 for parking lot improve- son. Some called Mr. Thompson a thanked his family, who were present, Specially Written for The Westfield Leader ments at the municipal building. Freeholders Hear Con, teacher who puts learning under the by saying, “You’ve been my rock. CRANFORD — The township Mayor Kalnins and Mr. Hannen op- microscope to make a difference in a You’ve shown me by example how to committee approved 12 resolutions posed the resolution. child’s life. He was characterized as live my life.” and two ordinances on first reading Commissioner Hannen opposed Pro Comments on Field “a life-changing teacher” and “a Board Vice-President Gretchan Tuesday night. Former mayor of the resolution for an application for mentor and teacher to every student Ohlig called the award a fitting me- Cranford, H. Raymond Kirwin, was grant funds to be put towards the By PAUL J. PEYTON Barbara Majewski of Rahway so that every student in the class fells morial to Charles Philhower, who in the township for a visit and sat at North Avenue Train Station Pedes- Specially Written for The Westfield Leader said people she has spoken with at important.” A former student re- served as superintendent of schools the dais with township officials at the trian Plaza, saying it “…has grown to COUNTY — The Union County the park were unaware of the marked, “I learned more in that class- from 1917 to 1949. request of the governing body. Mr. the point where we can no longer freeholder board was met Thursday county’s plans for the park. “Tak- room than anywhere else in life.” In other business, certificates hon- Kirwin was mayor from 1964 to 1965. afford to do the project.” night by opponents of a turf field ing over the only green space we Three of Mr. Thompson’s col- oring the Westfield High School boys’ Mayor Andis Kalnins presented Mr. The township is budgeting with lights and bleachers at Rahway have is not moving forward,” she leagues, who have worked with him cross country team were presented to Kirwin with a key to the city. $700,000 for its portion of the project, River Park and members of the said of the project. for more than 10 years — fourth- team members for winning All- A resolution to purchase two dem- for which an additional $500,000 is Communications Workers of Bob Carson of Rahway added grade teacher Tania Bizink, first-grade County, North II and Group IV Cham- onstration pay stations at a cost of appropriated through grant funds, America Local 1080 who are upset that the county’s and City of teacher Patricia Merlo and third-grade pionships. Coach Chris Tavelski said, $10,000 was approved, by a 4-to-1 Commissioner Robert D’Ambola by what they deem is unfair treat- Rahway’s proposal also includes a teacher Anna Carrisimo — all laughed “We’re very proud of all of them.” tally, with Commissioner Tom said. In January 2014, the total cost ment of them as contract talks con- public address system and a press and said Mr. Thompson has many Certificates were awarded to the Hannen, Jr. opposed. A year ago, Mr. of the project was estimated at tinue with social services employ- box. He said he has been having wise sayings. Westfield High School girls’ gym- Hannen opposed the awarding of a $813,000. Then in April 2014, after ees. trouble getting details on the project. All 21 of Mr. Thompson’s fifth- nastic team, which won the Union contract for just under a half million the bids were received for the project, Rahway River Park plans call for “So this process is going on be- grade students praised him with ac- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 dollars to replace the pay stations and the low bid came in at $1.17 million. the replacement of the grass field hind our backs with our tax dollars add more in the township. The bid was rejected because it was with a turf field, track and lights being appropriated...It is not a The committee, by a 3-to-2 vote, over budget.