A Worthwhile EffortWe know that there are many residents who live in the area of the former Bottle King property who are quite upset today, as they have been for many months. That property will likely become a 195-unit apartment complex in a few years, after a redevelopment ordinance passed at Monday’s Township Council meeting.We are sure that this does not quell the anger and frustration that they feel, but it is well worth noting that their efforts in opposing the project have made a difference. Yes, its size was not reduced nearly as much as its neighbors wished to see, but we are certain that without their constant vocal opposition over the past half year, that it would have been a larger project.We do not know how many units the developer initially proposed. The Council had mentioned upwards of 400 units during previous meetings, but there is no public information confirming that figure. Either way, that was likely just the initial proposal, made with the knowledge that it would be negotiated down.Even still, back in June, this project was set to include a 276-unit apartment complex, along with retail elements. Now, there will be 195 units on-site, with affordable housing for people with special needs located elsewhere in town. Again, we do not expect residents to be pleased with a multi-story apartment complex comprising hundreds of units in their backyards. We simply want to acknowledge that, due to their efforts, there will be 81 fewer apartments on-site.It may not be the result that many in town wished to see, but the effect that this group of residents has had in preventing something even larger coming to the Bottle King site have not gone unnoticed.Camuso Display Opens This WeekendIt is that time of year again. Thanksgiving has officially kicked off the holiday season and we in Livingston turn our attention to the Camuso Display, which will be lit up for the season each night at the Oval starting this Saturday, December 2. There is no fee to enter the display.For those who are not familiar with the Camuso Holiday Display (and if you have spent a December in Livingston – or read a recent edition of the Tribune – how could you not be?), the spectacular figures were created by the late Ernest Camuso, a toymaker and machinist by trade, and displayed annually on the front lawn of his Burnet ...
