Belleville Prepares To Swap Mayors: Vélez Set To Take Over For Melham

BELLEVILLE, NJ — A changing of the guard is just around the bend in Belleville.

A public swearing-in ceremony will take place for Belleville Mayor-Elect Frank Vélez at noon on Wednesday, July 1 at the auditorium of Belleville High School, 100 Passaic Avenue.

Belleville’s newest town council members – Danyale Wells and Michelle Rodríguez – will also be sworn in at the ceremony. Terms last for four years.

Vélez, Wells and Rodríguez ran together on a common slate in the May municipal election. They emerged victorious against a slate that included Mayor Michael Melham, Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and Yolanda Luna.

Some of the issues that the Vélez team campaigned on include stopping "reckless development," keeping Belleville affordable, strengthening town services, supporting schools, advocating for seniors and people with special needs, and ensuring "responsible spending."

• Related: Stunning Upset In Belleville As Vélez Claims Victory In Mayor Election

Since winning the hotly contested mayor election, Vélez has been making his rounds in Belleville. In the past few weeks, the mayor-elect has been seen at the new “America 250 Mural” along Route 21, an annual Juneteenth Block Party, a World Cup-themed event hosted by the Belleville Soccer Association, and a ribbon cutting ceremony for a local business, among other events.

Meanwhile, the town’s outgoing mayor has also been visiting neighbors, residents and businesses around Belleville.

Some events that Melham has attended in recent days includes the Juneteenth Block Party, the ribbon cutting for JAG Physical Therapy, the St. Mary and St. Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church Youth fundraiser, and a swearing-in ceremony for Belleville’s newest police officers.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.