Cranford plans stiffer penalties for health code violations By Cheryl Hehl Staff Writer CRANFORD — Last week Township Health Officer Megan Avallone strongly suggested it was time to ensure all town­ ship restaurants maintain the safest stan­ dards by putting in place an ordinance that would fine those failing to comply in a timely manner. Those who have had food poisoning, norovirus or salmonella would agree it is not something they want to pick up again, especially when dining out. Unfortunately, according to state officials, while it is hard to pinpoint where someone picked up the bacteria that causes these illnesses, it is not impossible. File Photo That is why Avallone said in an inter­ In Rahway, necessary upgrades to the town’s water delivery infrastructure will be raising the annual fees by $40 for the view with LocalSource that she is making average homeowner, but officials say this is a small price to pay compared to surrounding communities sure such an outbreak does not happen on her watch again. Avallone is the health director for the Westfield Regional Health Water fees to increase by $40 Department, which the township contract­ ed with last year for $57,635 annually to By Cheryl Hehl dards. Although United Water operates the treatment plant in Rah­ provide state-mandated health services. Staff Writer way, the city owns the facility and is therefore responsible for any Part of ensuring the safety of residents RAHWAY — Although many people think water is free, it's not. required improvements to its infrastructure. The engineering firm starts with local restaurant owners adher­ For Rahway residents, the cost of upgrades to the local water-treat­ looked at three options available to the city, two of which would be ing to state laws specifically in place to pro­ ment plant is going to run $16 million, although the average home­ considerably more expensive in the long run. tect the health and welfare of the general owner will see an increase of only $40 per year. One option is for Rahway to look at "interconnections" with public. It's never easy for a governing body to hear its water-treatment Middlesex Water Company and purchase water from it, although While many eating-establishment own­ facility is not able to meet peak daily demand, or that it is going to even using a nearby facility would require considerable work to ers and their employees say state laws gov­ cost millions to bring the system up to New Jersey Department of bring this water supply to the city. Tompak explained that an erning them are too restrictive, Avallone Environmental Protection standards. What does help is that the express interconnection would cost $12 million, plus an additional begs to differ, and said she is well aware of city can access half the money for this project interest-free, while $2 million for connections. Further, it was found that an intercon­ what can happen due to something as sim­ floating bonds for the remainder. nection would not meet the city's peak water demands, and the cost ple when employees do not wash their Last week representatives from Hatch Mott MacDonald, an to purchase water would exceed $5 million a year. hands prior to handling or preparing food. engineering firm, attended a city council meeting to explain exact­ The second option would be to tap into groundwater through "We had an establishment in one of the ly why the water system needs updating and how the city is in a bet­ wells, although the only wells available were sealed off years ago. In towns we contract with that engaged in ter position than most when it comes to the cost of supplying water 2004, United Water undertook an evaluation of the feasibility of improper hand washing and the result was to residents. using groundwater as a water supply, but found there were limited 30 members of the public contracted the Mark Tompak of Hatch Mott MacDonald said the city's water fil­ locations where new wells could be constructed. In addition, con- norovirus," said the health officer. tration is antiquated and cannot consistently meet today's stan- See AVER AG E, Page 6 See CRANFORD, Page 9 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY • SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Are You Disabled & Unable to Work? You May Be GAIL A. SPENCE FREE CONSULTATIONS • NO RECOVERY-NO FEE Insured for Monthly ATTORNEY-AT-LAW 80 Main St. • Suite 335 • West Orange • 973.324.9610 Benefits Experience • Knowledge • Compassion 2 — August 22, 2013 — Union County LocalSource r° P The Springfield B’nai B’rith lodge recently honored Investors Bank with a civics award. From left: Kevin Cummings, Roza Nedelkova, Joseph Tenen- baum, Mary Rose Genovese, Michael Tyrone, and Daniel Murphy at award S t r n e T F p . s T i u h . 1 presentation. B’nai B’rith lodge honors f CLaiLSjji C zl S/uuuJ local bank with civics award More than 130 men and women recently joined in honoring Investors Bank and its man­ agement at the Springfield B'nai B'rith lodge's 57th annual dinner-dance at Temple Beth Saturday, September 28th Ahm Yisrael inSpringfield for the bank’s dedication to the communities it serves. Kevin Cummings, the bank's president and chief executive officer, accepted the lodge's prestigious B'nai B'rith International Citizenship and Civics Award. The presentation was (rain date: Sun,, Sept. 29) made by Joseph Tenenbaum, the president of the lodge that covers all of Union County and beyond andls one of the largest B'nai B'rith lodges in the United States. Tenenbaum said wherever Investors has offices the bank plays an important role in that community. 11am to10 pm - Wood Ave. at City Hall Cummings, in accepting the award, expressed his pride in his bank's community role. He also noted the outstanding 170-year history of B'nai B'rith in the United States and the Step off the train at Linden, world. and you’re part of the party! KALOS ILTHATE - WELCOME • L i v e M u s i c r 36™ ANNUAL • F o o d / CREEK! • FR i W d s ; FESTIVAL St. Dem etnos Greek Orthodox Church • Union, NJ • K ID S'A C TIVITIES! B E CREEK FOR A. W EEKEND ...YO U 'LL LO VE IX • Authentic Greek Food Prepared on Premises • I O O + V e n d o r s ? •Souvlaki/Gyro • Beer - Liquor - Wine - Ouzo • Zeimbekiko Dance Contest, Saturday Night • j w e s o m e C a r s .' Pastry Shop “Greek Delight” Live Music / Entertainment • Boutique -Jeweiry • Folk Dancing • Rides - Games • B e T h e r e r Donation: $1.00 FREE PARKING Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 6 pm - 10 pm Friday, September 6, 2013 - Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Sponsored by the Linden Cultural Committee Thursday, September 6, 2013 - Dinner 6 pm - 12 Midnight For more information on Linden events, visit Saturday, September 7, 2013 - 12 Noon - 12 Midnight Sunday, September 8, 2013 - 12 Noon - 8 pm [email protected] ST DEMETRIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 721 RAHWAY AVENUE - UNION, NEW JERSEY or M a t Tel 908-964-7957 Fax 908-964-6875 www.stdgocunion.org [email protected] ENJOY THE FOODS SOUNDS OF GREECE UNDER THE TENTS! RAIN OR SHINE! Union County LocalSource — August 22, 2013 — 3 Union hopes for big downtown turnaround By Cheryl Hehl SID and downtown." This, though, was eas­ Staff Writer ier said than done. UNION — In 2004 when the township According to the board, the SID was a designated its center as an area in need of critical component of Union's economic redevelopment, officials had great hope for base, and it recommended a redevelop­ a turnaround that would revitalize this ment plan be drafted that included the once vibrant shopping district. Since then component of residential development businesses have come and gone, and the above local businesses. However, many of center, like many downtowns, has contin­ the buildings in the downtown area either ued to struggle. do not have residential quarters or are The recent retirement of Special occupied by businesses, not residents. Improvement District and Economic Metro's report did mention that the cen­ Development Director Michael Minitelli ter continues to be the focus of planning and the SID board's decision not to fill the efforts by the township, which was working open position has left things in a state of to put revitalization efforts into action. flux. With events like the Festival on the That was in 2006. Since then, progress has Green coming up in September and busi­ been slow. ness owners in need of promotional events According to the Metro report, the cen­ to draw patrons, there is concern things ter is well suited for market-rate residential will decline even further. development above existing businesses, Efforts are under way now to bring although other problems exist. A market needed foot traffic to the center through study showed that while Union's center is the addition of two floors of apartments accessible within the metropolitan region, above a string of stores on Morris Avenue. "the downtown is not experiencing retail The idea is that the residents of the new success and is suffering from a lack and apartments will shop here and visit local File Photo mix of quality retailers." restaurants. Union center hopes to recover from continued economic hardships with "Part of the problem includes the type Meanwhile, with construction under changes to their SID program and recent and ongoing redevelopment, a tac­ and distribution of commercial uses within way, officials continue to hold out hope tic that has worked for some communities, but not for all.