News

In response to a ban on gas powered leaf blowers that will commence May through September in South Orange starting next month, the Council discussed the prospects of a similar ordinance in Livingston during its conference meeting on Monday, April 10. The Council had previously discussed this matter 16 months earlier, and determined at that time that they would not consider an ordinance until the town's own Department of Public Works employees were using electric equipment. DPW director Chris Southworth said that doing so was not viable for the department at the moment. Several landscapers were present at Monday's meeting to oppose a ban, but they and the Council were in agreement on continuing to permit gas powered equipment. Fred Kalweit of Fred's Small Engine Repair in town noted that electric blowers are "not ready for the prime time season." He said that they are too expensive, have a low runtime on batteries, and the sound diuerence is minimal compared to gas powered equipment. He also noted that the duration of the work would take longer, so the sound (the reason for the South Orange ordinance) would be greater with electric equipment. Council member Shawn Klein reiterated that until the DPW says they can use electric equipment, the town should not ask commercial businesses to do the same.

The Livingston Fire Department responded to a number of calls this past week, including a report of a leaking pipe at Town Center on Saturday, April 1.

A series of vehicle-related thefts were among the crimes that occurred over the past week in town, according to Livingston Police.

The Livingston Planning Board, at its Tuesday, April 4 meeting, pushed a vote on a Preliminary and Final Site Plan with variances located between 389-405 East Mount Pleasant Avenue. The discussion will be continued at a future meeting, as the meeting ran too long.

Barbara Sax knew the day would come when theArts Council’s gallery needed to clear out and move. This was the arrangement, she said.

LACROSSE TEAM HAS WINNING STREAK: The boys’ varsity lacrosse team defeated Wayne Valley, 13-3, in a scrimmage on Thursday, March 30. They next defeated Lenape Valley, 12-2, in the season home opener on Monday, April 3. Lancer Ari Roitman led the Lancers with three goals. Pingry defeated the Lancers, 13-3, on Monday, March 27, in a scrimmage. Above, Lancer senior Zamar Faith forces the Pingry attack player to the outside. At right, Lancer goalie sophomore Frank Bagolie deflects the ball to make the save against Pingry. Don Schwartz Photos

Livingston’s Zoning Board reviewed and approved four variance applications and delayed three during its Tuesday, March 28 meeting. The Board also continued discussing an applicant’s request to install an elevator in a residential home, which was proposed during last month’s meeting.

The Rally for Women’s Rights, sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV) and held on Sunday, March 26 at the gazebo on the Oval, laid out a variety of messages about advocacy and working together for change.

TOP OF THE CLASS

The Livingston Township Council passed two ordinances and introduced two ordinances, at its Monday, March 27, regular meeting. Several resolutions also passed, which included the approval of several contracts, waiving outstanding taxes for certain properties, and changing fees for certain events in town.