Looking To 2021 In Livingston: Coronavirus, Schools, Business

LIVINGSTON, NJ — 2020 was a year of tragedy, triumph and unpredictability. But all things must end and yield to new beginnings.

Here are three things to ponder as Livingston moves forward into 2021.

COVID-19 VACCINES: WILL PEOPLE GET THEM?

In December, the first wave of COVID-19 vaccines began in Essex County. And while the general public isn't eligible to get the first of the two necessary shots yet, there are a range of frontline health care workers who can – and have already gotten theirs.

Livingston residents who qualify will be able to get vaccinated at the Essex County site at the former Sears building in the Livingston Mall, 112 Eisenhower Parkway. Livingston residents may also eventually be able to get their shots at one of the COVID-19 vaccination sites planned to pop up across the state soon – including at Federally Qualified Health Centers, local ShopRite locations or doctor's offices.

• COVID-19 Vaccines Begin In Essex County (What You Need To Know)

But when vaccines become available to the general public, it remains to be seen whether Livingston will achieve the 70 percent vaccination rate that state officials are hoping for within six months.

In November, Rutgers-Eagleton researchers released the results of a poll that tried to get a bead on the Garden State's current feelings about a COVID-19 vaccine. Between 36 percent and 47 percent of respondents said they "probably" or "definitely" won't get vaccinated against COVID-19.

• 2 In 5 NJ Residents Say They Won't Take Coronavirus Vaccine (Poll)

A recent informal Patch survey showed that 54 percent of New Jersey readers said they would get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. About a quarter — 26.2 percent — said they intend to take a coronavirus vaccine once approved but only after it's been in use long enough to ensure it's safe and effective. Meanwhile, 16.5 percent don't intend to get a vaccine, and 3.3 percent weren’t sure.

• Most In NJ Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine, But Some Skeptical (Survey)

BUSINESSES: WILL THEY RECOVER?

Across Livingston and Essex County, local businesses – both large and small – were tested in ways they never expected last year. Not all survived.

• Sears At Livingston Mall Is Closing
• Lord & Taylor Closing Livingston Mall Store
• Small Businesses In NJ 11th District Face Hard Future, Study Says
• Popular Essex County Bar Closes With Note: 'The Pandemic Killed Us'

Some business owners have clashed with state regulations, curfews and restrictions. Others have reported that they're on the brink of collapse.

• Director At Livingston Event Venue: NJ's COVID Rules 'Too Broad'
• Fed-Up NJ Hairdressers, Barbers Rally In Essex County: 'Let Us Reopen'

But others found a pathway forward, adapting to weather the crisis the best they can. Some even found ways to thrive.

• Crystal Plaza In Livingston Planning 'Over-The-Top' Renovation
• Take A Sip Of 'Normalcy' Amid COVID At Livingston Coffee House
• Livingston Restaurant Offers Free Food To Struggling Families
• Livingston Moms Open 'Indoor Playground' Amid Coronavirus
• Pandemic Inspires Livingston Mom, Son To Open Store In Montclair
• Livingston Mall Reopens; 'Important Economic Engine' Restarts

SCHOOLS: WILL THEY BE REMOTE OR IN-PERSON?

Throughout Livingston and Essex County, local school districts had a tough call to make in 2020: go remote or stay in-person?

Constantly changing state regulations – and school districts’ attempts to find their own pathways forward – were a hallmark of 2020. Will there be another year of uncertainty in Montclair, or will its schools find more secure footing?

Here are some of the storylines that are expected to continue in 2021.

Big Milestone As Livingston Schools Reopen From Coronavirus

All of Livingston's public schools are open for in-person classes for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Livingston Schools Can't Replace Teachers, Will Go Remote-Only

Nearly 150 Livingston teachers said they can't return to classrooms. The district "simply cannot replace them," Superintendent Block said.

School Reopening Is 'Unsafe,' Essex County Teachers Union Says

"The risk to the health and safety of our students and staff is too high," the 12,000 members of the Essex County Education Association say.

Livingston 2020 Election Results: School Board, Council Winners

Livingston voted for members of the board of education and town council. See certified results here.

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