North Caldwell’s Nativity Set Needs Repair: Official

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — Should North Caldwell find $3,200 to purchase a new nativity set for the borough’s seasonal holiday display? That was one of the questions posed to borough administrators during a recent public budget hearing, according to municipal records.

During a March meeting of the North Caldwell Borough Council, Borough Engineer Frank Zichelli told attendees that the borough’s nativity set – a “hand-me down” from Notre Dame Church – has seen better days.

According to Zichelli, the set’s baby Jesus has “disintegrated” and needs to be replaced, while the other pieces in the set can be salvaged. Zichelli said that a new, “middle of the line” nativity set would cost about $3,200.

Councilman John Chiaia said that he’s tried to locate a “proper size” baby Jesus online with no success.

North Caldwell council members reportedly told Zichelli to “find a baby Jesus and make do with the rest of the nativity set.”

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