Montclair Group’s Legal Battle Over Lackawanna Plaza Continues

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A group of advocates in Montclair will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 16 to help support their ongoing legal appeal over development at Lackawanna Plaza.

The group, A Better Lackawanna, said its members are hosting their event, dubbed “Local-Motion,” to help fuel their ongoing legal appeal against the Montclair Planning Board’s approval of development plans at Lackawanna Plaza.

• See related article: Lackawanna Plaza Plans Hit Big Speed Bump In Montclair
• See related article: Lackawanna Terminal On 'Most Endangered NJ Historic Places' List

Events are scheduled to take place at the Montclair Brewery and the Montclair Farmers’ Market. (See details below)

A Better Lackawanna released the following update about their appeal last week:

“A Better Lackawanna LLC is composed of 201 individuals who have signed on as plaintiffs in the appeal. Originally the appeal was filed June 21 with 11 individuals; and subsequently a motion to amend added an additional 190 plaintiffs. The defendants (the Montclair Planning Board and now The Pinnacle Companies and The Hampshire Companies), motioned to dismiss the additional 190 plaintiffs. Judge Keith E. Lynott ruled in favor of A Better Lackawanna LLC citing, ‘As the case has only recently begun, there is no prejudice to the defendants arising from the amendment.’ The defendants have appealed that decision. Oral arguments for and against allowing the additional 190 plaintiffs will be heard in Essex County Superior Court on Friday, Nov. 15.”

MONTCLAIR BREWERY EVENT

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the Montclair Brewery will host one of the events from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organizers wrote:

“The brewery will be serving Lackawanna Ale which benefits the legal fund. Some of the participating eateries are creating special Lackawanna-themed items for the day to benefit the legal fund. Others are donating a portion of all sales whether dine-in or take-out. A map and signage will list all offers for the fundraiser. Layers of Flavors will make a donation for every Thanksgiving pie ordered during Local-Motion on Nov. 16.”

During the event, alternative concepts for Lackawanna Plaza created by Montclair High School students will be shown.

“We’re particularly excited to showcase the students’ creative concepts for this large project,” said Caroline Kane Levy of A Better Lackawanna. “The concepts all include a supermarket, adequate parking and adaptive reuse of a historic structure. All of the student designs include at least as much – if not more – affordable housing as the approved plan.”

There will be live music. All ages are welcome; kids are free. Tickets are available online and at the door. (Learn more about this local event)

MONTCLAIR FARMERS’ MARKET

A Better Lackawanna will also set up an information table at the Montclair Farmers’ Market at the Walnut Street Station on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors can learn about the appeal, make a donation or pick up a map of local businesses who support the effort (see the list here).

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