Page 2 Thursday, September 12, 2019 The Westfield Leader and The Scotch Plains – Fanwood TIMES A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION PA Details Alternatives for Green Medallion Program New York Bus Terminal Sprouts In Downtown By JESSE WINTER variant of the Javits terminal would By CHRISTINA M. HINKE lions, 16 Prospect owner Tim Boyle Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times be a smaller version of the larger Specially Written for The Westfield Leader and The Times showed an array of compostable and SPRINGFIELD — The Port Au- proposed terminal in Alternative 9. WESTFIELD – Some may begin biodegradable takeout containers he thority of New York and New Jersey Storage and staging would also be to see new “Green Westfield 2019” uses. A takeout cup is made up of has big plans for the legions of com- located in the Javits lower level. medallion stickers sprouting up on cornstarch instead of plastics, and muters who depend on the bus to get There is another option, a no action the windows of downtown merchants. takeout containers are compostable to their jobs in Manhattan and be- alternative, or better conceived as a The medallion is to signify the busi- or biodegradable, plus he uses paper yond. The bus terminal replacement contingency where none of the afore- ness is taking measures to be sustain- straws instead of plastic. “People are project is the Port Authority’s answer mentioned proposals could be real- able. thrilled about it,” he said of his busi- to the significant influx of additional ized. This would see the current Port The initiative, entitled “Green ness’ use of these more environmen- riders projected to fill the already Authority bus terminal not being re- Westfield Medallion Program,” spon- tally-friendly products. He agrees that overburdened corridors of the most placed, but would instead undergo sored by the Downtown Westfield “something has to be done” to be important hub for New Jersey’s bus “substantial maintenance and repairs Corporation (DWC) and Westfield more sustainable. While these prod- commuters. to continue its safe use.” Green Team, is to encourage business ucts do cost him anywhere between According to their Port Authority’s During the PA’s presentation, com- owners to use sustainable practices to two-and-a-half to four times more Paul Lachenauer for The Westfield Leader and The Times estimates, by 2040 daily passenger muters had an opportunity to offer HONORING JEFF TORBORG...Union County Freeholders present Jeff help protect the environment, and in than the typical plastic, he said he is trips are to increase from 260,000 to their voice. Once such rider was Torborg, center, with a resolution honoring him and dedicating the Jeff Torborg turn draw in those shoppers who con- hopeful that if big-box retailers and 337,000 daily passenger trips: an in- Kallita Phipps from Union, NJ. Ms. Youth Baseball Field in his honor following the dedication of the Echo Lake Field sider sustainability when making pur- international companies begin using crease of 77,000 trips altogether. Phillips, a commuter who rides a NJ on Saturday. Pictured, from left to right, are: Freeholder Sergio Granados, chases. the cornstarch bio-plastics that it During the Port Authority’s presenta- Transit bus, went beyond the talking Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, Suzie Torborg, Jeff Torborg and The program is entirely voluntary, “would significantly lower the cost.” tion last Thursday inside the Hilton points and ventured into other areas Freeholder Vice-Chair Alexander Mirabella. and business owners who want to opt- Mayor Shelley Brindle is to honor Gardens Hotel on Route 22 West in affecting the bus experience by rais- in are asked to fill out an online ques- the Green Westfield medallion Springfield, the replacement project ing questions about the possibility of tionnaire about their sustainable prac- awardees at the Tuesday, September was outlined in three alternatives or another tunnel linking New Jersey to County Freeholders Dedicate tices. Food-based businesses need 24, town council meeting. The dead- plans that would see a new iteration New York City; the problems caused three points and non-food businesses line for responses for the 2019 pro- of the Port Authority bus terminal. by express lane shutdowns and a bus Field to Jeff Torborg need one point to qualify for the pro- gram is this Sunday, September 15. The first proposed plan, or site for terminal more friendly to riders com- gram. Some of the sustainable prac- Next year, the program is expected to replacement project is dubbed Alter- muting experience. MOUNTAINSIDE — Union field Junior Baseball League teams. tices include: giving out bags upon roll out again, with a bit stricter set of native 3 or Build-in-Pace, involves Ms. Phipps commented on the im- County officials joined with local The youth players all wore uniforms request, switching to paper straws or criteria. The Green Team is looking building on the existing Port Authority portance of “having a Port Authority baseball legend Jeff Torborg, his fam- from the various teams Mr. Torborg giving a small discount to customers “to see where we can go on a volun- site. According to the PA’s presenta- Bus Terminal that can accommodate ily, municipal officials from was associated with, all in his 10 who bring their own reusable bags. tary basis…without pushing the is- tion, that proposal “rebuilds the bus increased buses, but also a terminal Mountainside and Westfield, the uniform number. Last Thursday, members of the sue,” Green Team member Karrie terminal within all or part of the Port that can better accommodate the flow Union County Sheriff, and two youth The Freeholder Board and the Green Team walked around to hand Hanson said. Authority bus terminal footprint, lo- of passengers waiting in line,” she baseball teams in dedicating the Jeff Torborg family extended their thanks out the medallions to downtown busi- The DWC and Green Team also cated between West 40 and 42nd Street said. “There are often times we have Torborg Youth Baseball Field at the to the for donat- nesses that have so far earned their will publicize Green Westfield busi- and 8th and 9th Avenues. Storage and lines crawling all over the building county’s Echo Lake Park in ing the uniforms; the , medallion. Businesses that have nesses regularly, including adding the staging would be located in the new with no one directing traffic. My con- Mountainside on Saturday afternoon. and for their earned this status include 16 Pros- business names to the Green Team’s terminal and, or at off-site locations.” cern is how they will handle the qual- Mr. Torborg, a native of Westfield donations and participation, along pect, The Hope Chest, Savory Spice webpage on the town’s website, and Additionally, a new 9th Avenue would ity of being a passenger in the termi- and former resident of Mountainside with Famous Dave’s and Wakefern Shop, Farinolo, the farmhouse store, highlighting awardees in the town’s provide a direct connection from the nal.” Before these three alternatives for 30 years, was with his wife, Suzie, for making food donations. Ono Bowls, Town Bookstore, The social media communications and in lower level to Lincoln Tunnel. The or plans can proceed forward, the his sons, Dale and Greg, and ex- The Torborg family also donated Bar Method, Golden Bee Antiques, the Westfield Today newsletter. second proposed plan, dubbed Alter- Port Authority will conclude its 120- tended family to celebrate the occa- memorial bench plaques to the field. The French Martini, Round Table The results of the program are to be native 9 or Perkins Eastman D&D, day public outreach period, which sion. The facility additionally includes a Wealth Management, Westfield Fit- presented to the national Main Street would see the PA bus terminal relo- began on May 23. “Suzie and I and our entire family plaque memorializing Mr. Torborg’s ness, Outta Hand Pizza, Bovella’s program, Ms. Hanson said. Westfield cated to the Javits Center’s lower level After this period concludes, a sum- are so very appreciative of all the accomplishments. Pastry Shoppe, Patricia and Paul – is a nationally-designated Main Street where a new underground bus termi- mary report will be made public and efforts of the Union County Board of The permitted youth baseball field, Artisans of Fine Oils and Balsamics, Community. nal would be located for both com- reflect this period of public engage- Chosen Freeholders and their staff which sits off Mill Lane in Echo Lake Galleria West, AR Workshop For more information on the pro- muters coming to and from New Jer- ment. After which, the Port Authority in creating this beautiful new Jeff Park in Mountainside, is open for all Westfield, Sole Shoes and Midas. gram, see https:// sey, and also those riders utilizing in- of New York and New Jersey will Torborg Youth Baseball Field, which teams to use by appointment by calling On a walk to hand out the medal- www.westfieldnj.gov/medallion. tercity bus services. work with the Federal Transit Admin- will provide a great place for kids to the Union County Department of Parks According to the presentation, the istration “to initiate a formal environ- play for generations to come,” Mr. and Recreation at (908) 527-4900. new building’s “footprint would ex- mental review,” according Port Au- Torborg said. “When I first was told Mr. Torborg began his career as an Police Arrest Suspect, 21, tend from West 32nd to West 40th thority documentation distributed to about this amazing tribute, I was All-State for Westfield High Street, between 11th Avenue and the the public during the public meeting. literally speechless...this is a tremen- School, and an All-American catcher In September 7 Burglary West Side Highway.” New under- You can still submit comments to the dous thrill for me and for my family. at Rutgers University, where they re- ground bus ramps would be built to Port Authority of New York and New It is an honor to be recognized by my tired his number, 10, the first-ever WESTFIELD — Police Chief pending a mandatory court appear- provide connections between the Lin- Jersey through their website home county, which has been the site uniform retired for a Rutgers Univer- Christopher Battiloro has announced ance on Friday, September 20 at 8:30 coln Tunnel and proposed terminal panynj.com. The PA’s estimates the of events important to generations of sity baseball player. the arrest of Torrance Q. Williams, a.m. in State Superior Court. The crimi- with storage and staging areas being new Port Authority Bus Terminal re- my family.” He was drafted originally by the Jr., 21, of Elizabeth, for burglary and nal charges were approved by the located in the lower level of the Javits placement could be finished around Freeholder Chair Bette Jane , played for criminal attempt – burglary (both 3rd- Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Center. The third proposed plan, 2030, according to documents avail- Kowalski, who emceed the event, them, and later for the California degree crimes), which occurred on “The Westfield Police Department dubbed Alternative 10 or RPA Termi- able through their website. said: “Jeff Torborg is one of the most Angels during his 10-year career. He September 7 at approximately 2:21 is working hard to combat property nal under Javits, is a hybrid of the first accomplished ball players to ever caught ’s perfect game a.m. Williams was also charged with crimes,” stated Chief Battiloro. “But two plans. Commuter busing dealing Thank You for Your come out of Union County. Jeff went and no-hitters by and credit card theft (a 4th-degree crime). our residents must do their part. with cross Hudson commuting would on to achieve an impressive Major , and was part of Don Chief Battiloro stated that Will- These crimes will not stop if we be located at a “rehabilitated Port Continued Support League baseball career, both as a Drysdale’s record-setting streak of iams was observed by patrol officers continue to leave our vehicles un- Authority Busing Terminal,” while player and , and is certainly 58 and two-thirds innings of score- attempting to gain entry into unlocked locked at night and make ourselves intercity busing would operate out of of Local Journalism worthy of today’s dedication.” less baseball. vehicles parked in the area of Maple such easy targets for theft. Follow Freeholder Vice-Chair Alexander Mr. Torborg later managed five and Harrison Avenues. the lower level of the Javits Center. goleader.com/form/subscribe the 9 p.m. routine.” According to the presentation, this Mirabella, who introduced Mr. Major League Baseball teams — the Chief Battiloro credited the inves- Anyone with further information Torborg and presented him with a , White Sox, Mets, tigative efforts of Officers Robert related to these vehicle burglaries is resolution honoring him with his col- and Florida Marlins. Desiato, Jr. and Richard Gill, who asked to contact Detective DaSilva at leagues, said, “We welcome you home He served as a coach for the Yankees were assigned to a special plainclothes (908) 789-6085. today. We are pleased to name this for 10 years as well. patrol detail aimed at detecting and field in your honor, and our hope is to After his managing career con- identifying vehicle burglary and theft Two Intersections inspire future generations of our cluded, Mr. Torborg went on to spend suspects. younger county residents to follow in 12 years as an award-winning televi- Williams was processed at the Require A Full Stop your path.” sion and radio baseball broadcaster Westfield Police Department on the WESTFIELD – At their Septem- The event also included tributes for CBS Radio and Fox (television) above stated charges and subsequently ber 3 meeting, the Westfield Town from Jim Iozzi, president of the Union Sports. released on his own recognizance Council unanimously voted to adopt County Baseball Hall of Fame (whose an ordinance to change Mountain organization previously inducted Mr. Garwood Republican Party Avenue in the area of Lawrence Av- Torborg into their Hall of Fame); enue, and North Avenue in the area of Jeff’s son Greg, who read a letter of Announces 2019 Candidates West Dudley Avenue to through congratulations from Chicago White streets. This change enables both in- Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and ap- This year’s 2019 election season Joe fell in love with Garwood five tersections to become stop-mandated pearances by former Major League has begun. With a special election in years ago because of the small town intersections, as opposed to their cur- Baseball players Garwood this year, the Republican feel. He enjoys being able to walk to rent yield structure, providing addi- (who played for the Yankees and Mets Party is proud to announce our candi- the parks with his wife and 3-year-old tional pedestrian safety measures. and also managed the Mets), dates for borough council, William daughter. Joe is very active in the “The traffic pattern change that this (a former pitcher for the Mets and Bellomo, Victor Stevens and Joseph veteran and active-duty soldier com- ordinance allows is a welcome addi- Yankees), and (a former Nicastro. munity. Joe is looking forward to tion to our Year of the Pedestrian Florida Marlin and Boston Red Sox Garwood is at a time of transition being on council to help ensure plan, as we continue to identify areas player), and Jay Horowitz, a long- where we need strong dedicated lead- Garwood’s services stay home where throughout town where safety mea- time Mets’ public relations guru. ers that will help plan for Garwood’s they belong. sures can be improved,” Mayor Jesse Winter for The Westfield Leader NEW BUS TERMINAL...New Jersey residents look over plans last Thursday on Following the ribbon cutting, Mr. future. Garwood has a lot of change on Shelley Brindle said. the transformation of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Bus Torborg threw out the first pitch to his Joseph Nicastro has been a the horizon. We need to plan for the Stop signs will be installed at Terminal, the nation’s largest bus terminal. The presentation was held at the grandson, also named Jeff Torborg, Garwood resident for the past five future and make sure Garwood stays these intersections in the coming Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield NJ. The project, which is expected to cost $7.5 and an exhibition game ensued be- years. He is a Berkeley Heights De- what we all love. Vote for the weeks, and the Westfield Police to $10 billion, is anticipated to be finished by 2030. tween Clark Little League and Spring- partment of Public Works employee. Garwood Republican Team this Department will provide message election to ensure Garwood’s fu- boards to remind drivers of the ture. change as they approach the loca- Steve Bluafeder tions. In addition, a new striping Garwood GOP Chairman plan will be painted at these inter- sections that includes pedestrian crosswalks and a more stringent Write Whatever lane structure intended to mini- mize motorists cutting left turns You Want ... too closely to the opposite side of the roadway. Drivers and pedes- We’ll Publish It! trians are urged to take extra pre- cautions at these intersections goleader.com/form/bulletin when the new traffic pattern is implemented.

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