Caldwell Municipal Buildings Take 'Major Damage' In Storm

CALDWELLS, NJ -- Several municipal buildings in Caldwell took "major damage" during a weekend storm that left chaos and flooding throughout the area, officials said.

On Sunday, Caldwell Mayor Ann Dassing issued the following advisory:

"Yesterday afternoon after receiving 4.9 inches of rain, the Borough of Caldwell sustained major damage to the Municipal Building, Public Library, and Community Center Parking Deck. No reported injuries to date. For cleanup for our residents, we will have bulk pickup on Wednesday, August 15th. The Parking Deck lower level is closed until further notice. Permit holders can park in the Parsons Lot off of Westville Avenue and on Roseland Avenue overnight.The Library will be closed the week of August 13th.The Community Center will be open. Please adhere to new parking pattern as the Main entrance to the upper level of the parking deck is closed and under review by our Borough Engineer to evaluate the safety of the roadway. Please check on your elderly and disable neighbors and park your vehicles in driveways if practical in order for our Public Works crew to continue street cleanup. If you receive a flash flood warning, please stay inside or seek higher ground. Any emergencies, please call 9-1-1. Additional information will be distributed when available."

The storm also left damage in West and North Caldwell, including a flooded basement on Elm Road in Caldwell, damage to the bridge at Orton Road in West Caldwell, and wet floors at a movie theater in Caldwell (see more details here).

North Caldwell officials issued the following advisory on Sunday:

"There will be a Special Bulk Garbage Collection for all flood related items. The collection days are as follows:Tuesday, August 14th, Wednesday, August 15th, Friday, August 17th, Tuesday, August 21st, Wednesday, August 22nd. All flood related items can be placed at the curb starting today."

The Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department stated that firefighters responded to more than 30 calls for alarms, water rescues, flooded basements, water conditions and a major transformer fire underneath Bloomfield Avenue.

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Photo: Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department