2022 Top News Stories In Essex County: Patch Takes A Look Back

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It was a busy year for news in Essex County. Catch up with some must-read stories about taxes, elections, abortion, crime, inspiring people and more at the below links (click the headline to read the article).

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

Court's Abortion Ruling Stirs Fierce Controversy In Essex County

The Supreme Court voted to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Here's what Essex County had to say about it.

See How Every NJ Town Ranks For Property Taxes: New List

Patch ranked the average property tax bill for every municipality in New Jersey. Where did YOUR town fall on the list?

Tax Gap In Essex County: Many Wealthier Towns Pay Lower Rates

Some homeowners are paying much less than their neighbors when it comes to their "effective property tax rates." Here's what that means.

'Disappointing' Year For Female Politicians In Essex County: Study

A woman held just 2 of 22 mayoral seats this year in Essex County – one of the lowest rates in New Jersey.

'Freedom Convoy' To Support Truckers Will Pass Near Essex County

The "peaceful, nonpartisan" Freedom Convoy event route includes Rt. 3, US-46 and I-80.

Lead Pipes And Newark: Kamala Harris Returns To NJ To Praise City

Nearly four years ago, Newark made national headlines when it confronted a lead water crisis. Things have changed – big time.

Candidates Claim Victory In Hotly Contested West Orange Races: 2022 Election

Several candidates have claimed victory in this year's competitive races for mayor, council and school board in West Orange.

Millburn Mayor And Official Respond To Recall Petitions Against Them

Millburn Mayor Maggee Miggins responded to a petition filed by three residents to recall her and a Township Committee member.

Belleville Among Towns Cited In Scathing NJ 'Sick Leave' Report

There's a financial black hole in New Jersey, and it's sucking money out of the pockets of local taxpayers, a state watchdog agency says.

Massive NJ Budget Gets Mixed Reaction In Essex County

Some say it doesn't help with taxes or inflation. Others called it a "backroom budget." But the $50B spending plan has seen support, too.

4 NJ Lawmakers Vote Against Record-High US Military Spending Bill

In New Jersey, three House Democrats and a Republican voted against the $858B National Defense Authorization Act. Here's the roll call.

Menendez, Booker Split Votes On Record-High Military Spending Bill

New Jersey's two U.S. senators had split opinions on the $858 billion NDAA, which is now headed to the president's desk.

Long-Awaited Review Gives Deep Look Into NJ's Largest County Prison

The Essex County Correctional Facility has a capacity of 2,434 inmates – more people than the populations of 94 New Jersey municipalities.

NJ Releases 800 Inmates – And $148 Per Day It Costs To House Them

More than 6,600 New Jersey prison inmates nearing the end of their sentences have been released early since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Don't 'Bully' Republicans Over Buffalo Shooting, Montclair GOP Says

A councilman in Montclair blamed "Trumpites" for "destroying" the Republican Party. Here's what a local GOP group had to say in reply.

Murphy Vetoes NJ Foreclosure Reform Bill, But Leaves Door Open

Supporters of the bill argued that it will put families and nonprofits on equal footing with "flippers" and corporations at sheriff's sales.

NJ Antiwar Activists Say US Isn't Blameless For Ukraine-Russia

There are some big questions that New Jersey residents should be asking about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, these activists say.

Newark Suspends Lukoil Gas Station Licenses

A boycott inspired by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has launched in New Jersey's largest city.

Pro Athlete From NJ Flees Ukraine After Russian Invasion: Report

Lucious "Lucky" Jones, a Newark native, is among the rush of people trying to escape Ukraine, a report says.

More Women Level Accusations Against Montclair Town Manager

Tim Stafford has been named in two lawsuits, and has been accused of creating a hostile work environment. He's currently on paid leave.

Belleville Mayor Blasts 'Attempted Coup' Of Local Planning Board

The Belleville Town Council tackled a bitter controversy involving the planning board at their latest meeting.

Inflation Is Eating Up NJ's Unspent Pandemic Funds, GOP Lawmakers Say

Gov. Murphy has signed the largest state budget in New Jersey history. But these Republican lawmakers say that many "hard questions" remain.

Blizzard Of 'Tough On Crime' Bills In NJ Is Bad News, Advocates Say

The public perception is clear, experts say: Americans think crime is on the rise. But do "tough on crime" laws just make things worse?

Essex-Hudson Greenway Closer But Work May Take Years, Officials Say

NJ officials say $20M in American Rescue Plan funds will jumpstart the highly anticipated hike/bike path, which will cross through 8 towns.

Bank 'Redlined' NJ Home Buyers In Newark Metro Area, Feds Allege

A major bank will pay $13M after it discriminated against Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in three New Jersey counties, prosecutors said.

Rallies, Outrage In Essex County Over NJ Health Care Hikes

A massive insurance hike is going to slam local budgets and taxpayers. It will also hurt the workers praised as COVID "heroes," some say.

Fiery Debate As Montclair Renews Controversial Fire Contract: Videos

A sharply divided Montclair Town Council gave a thumbs-up to a deal that will renew a shared service agreement with Glen Ridge.

3 Republicans Launch Run For NJ State Senate, Assembly In 2023

Longtime Essex County politico Al Barlas will join Sen. Kristin Corrado and Assemblyman Chris DePhillips for a run in NJ-40.

More Money For Cops? 25 NJ Groups Say 'No Way' – Here's Why

Activists are bashing three House Democrats from New Jersey for supporting a bill that would boost funding for local police departments.

Thousands Of NJ Veterans Struggle With 'Bad Paper Discharges'

Some have PTSD. Others are victims of "don't ask, don't tell," or got busted for smoking a joint — and it cost them their VA benefits.

Hundreds Of NJ Immigrant Workers March In Newark For Citizenship

They risked their lives during COVID and pay nearly $600M in state/local taxes every year. It's time to make them citizens, advocates say.

Coalition On Race In Maplewood Releases 2022 Demographic Report

Which racial and ethnic groups are moving in and out of Maplewood and South Orange? A nonprofit coalition released its 2022 analysis.

'Peace Walk' Against Gun Violence Unites Thousands In Newark

The massive show of solidarity was held for "the silent majority of the people who need to know that we are not alone," Mayor Baraka said.

CORONAVIRUS

Essex County COVID Center At Livingston Mall Closes

Essex County will still be vaccinating and testing for covid as numbers rise again, but the center in Livingston has closed.

Essex County COVID Vaccine Clinics Now Mobile-Only: What To Know

Essex County has stopped offering COVID-19 testing at the clinics. "Getting vaccinated is still the best defense," an official said.

Essex County Is Ready To Give COVID Vaccines To Kids Under 5: Official

If the feds grant approval for the shots, Essex County is ready to distribute them, Joe DiVincenzo Jr. says.

Rutgers Expert Cautions Against 'Hygiene Theater' As Flu Season Nears

In the early stages of the COVID pandemic, many thought a viral threat was lurking on every surface. It wasn't, a New Jersey professor says.

'Better Late Than Never,' GOP Senator Says As NJ Lifts COVID Mandate

Kristin Corrado is one of several Republicans who have been calling to nix the state's testing requirement for unvaccinated school workers.

EDUCATION

Essex County Will Get Most School Aid In NJ By Wide Margin

Essex County is getting the most state aid for schools under the Murphy administration's plan … and it's not even close.

West Orange School Earns Prestigious 'Blue Ribbon' For 2022

A school in West Orange that goes by the motto "The School That Cares" is one of less than 300 to earn the national honor this year.

This Essex County School Had One Of Highest Test Passing Rates In NJ

Amid the COVID pandemic, many NJ school districts saw test scores drop, but not this public school in Essex County.

Essex County 'Teacher Of Year' Hails From West Orange School District

A special education teacher in West Orange took home the honors as the state's latest "Teacher of the Year" in Essex County.

Montclair, Bloomfield College Merger; How Would It Impact Students?

Here are two things students should know if a planned merger between two colleges in Essex County gets final approval.

NJ Preschool Funds Paying Big Dividends For Belleville, Official Says

Belleville has received more than $16 million for preschool over the past four years. And yes – it is money well-spent, an official says.

Pre-K On The Way In Nutley: School District Seeks Staff, Space

"This program will help remove barriers and provide opportunities for all the families and students in Nutley."

Kids Pay The Price For Overpolicing In Schools, NJ Students Say: VIDEO

"Fund education, not incarceration," a student demanded, marching alongside hundreds of other youth activists at a protest in North Jersey.

WEATHER/ENVIRONMENT

NJ Activists Want 7 Controversial Fossil Fuel Projects Shut Down

"If approved by the Murphy administration, these would be massive polluters," environmental advocates allege.

Superstorm Sandy Caused Flood Of Excrement In New Jersey 10 Years Ago

Billions of gallons of wastewater spilled into Newark Bay. There's a plan to stop it from happening again – but not everyone's on board.

$150M Settlement Floated For 85 Accused Passaic River Polluters In NJ

U.S. Attorney: Newark, Harrison and other vibrant communities have borne the brunt of pollution along the Lower Passaic River for too long.

Waste Processing Plant Off The Table In Newark; Aries Nixes Plan

"I'm proud of all our neighbors who stood up against this plant," an advocate said. "I believe we've reached a turning point."

Protesters In Bloomfield Push Biden To Cut Off Fossil Fuel Industry

Activists rallied in North Jersey to demand an "end to federal support for the fossil fuel industry."

Cocktail Of Chemicals Found At Polluted Site In Newark, AG Says

A "contaminated" industrial property near the county prison was used as an illegal dump site for hazardous waste, authorities allege.

Students Lead Rally For 'Climate Action' In West Orange

A group of activists rallied in front of West Orange's town hall as part of a student-led demonstration for "climate action."

NJ Churches Answer Call To Go Greener: 'Climate Change Is Real'

Here are some suggestions on how to live greener from an "environmental task force" in the Archdiocese of Newark.

From Poop To Power: Sen. Booker Tells Feds To Rethink 'Biogas' Plans

Cory Booker of New Jersey and several other senators say biogas isn't all it's cracked up to be. Award-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix agrees.

REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT

Who Owns Newark? City Fights Back Against Corporate Home Buying Spree

"What has happened in other cities is happening in Newark – but on a scale unmatched anywhere in the country."

'Largest-Ever Real Estate Project' In East Orange Has 820 Rental Units

The Crossings at Brick Church Station has a price tag of roughly $500M, and is expected to transform the neighborhood, officials said.

Millburn Group Launches Petition Against Affordable Housing Building

A group has launched a petition against an affordable housing building on Main Street in Millburn, saying it will segregate its residents.

Chick-fil-A, Yay Or Nay? Chain Coming To Garden State Parkway

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is on the menu for a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway. Good or bad news? Take our reader poll.

Construction Starts On Luxury Apartment Building In Belleville

Shovels have hit the ground at The Kelsey on Washington Avenue. The six-story building will have 114 apartments when it's complete.

10 Most Endangered Historical Sites In NJ In 2022: Where They Are

Preservation NJ has released its annual list of endangered properties. From Bradley Beach to Bergen County, see which sites are in danger.

BUSINESS

$2M Of Weed: NJ Sees More Than 12K Customers On First Day Of Sales

The Green Rush has begun in New Jersey – and business is booming, state officials say.

2 Millburn Men Top Forbes List Of Richest People In America

Two men from Millburn are among New Jersey's and the country's wealthiest people, according to Forbes. Find out their net worth.

Deal To Bring Amazon Cargo Hub To Newark Airport Falls Apart

Newark residents and advocates have been bashing the proposal since it was made a year ago.

Huge Movie Studio Coming To Newark; 600 Jobs Expected, NJ Governor Says

A partnership with Lionsgate will bring a gargantuan TV and movie studio to New Jersey's largest city.

Feds Sue To Block NJ Hospital Merger; 'Bad For Patients,' FTC Claims

RWJBarnabas Health, one of the largest hospital systems in New Jersey, wants to acquire Saint Peter's Healthcare.

Wonder Food Trucks Bring Meals And Debates To Maplewood, Nearby Towns

As Wonder's "mobile restaurants" bring home-cooked meals to 20 North Jersey towns, online discussions have ensued.

Mayfair Farms Closes After 80 Years Of Business In West Orange

After eight decades of making memories in West Orange, a beloved event venue has bid the town goodbye.

Last Day Nears For Longtime Livingston Shoe Store That Opened In '50s

After touching the soles of several generations of kids in Livingston, the 68-year-old family-run shoe store Jay's Shoe Box will close.

Montclair Restaurant Is 'Top Place To Eat' In NJ, Yelp List Says

A restaurant that just opened this year in Montclair headed up Yelp's new "Top 100" list. Several other local eateries also made the cut.

West Orange Restaurant Closes, Cites 'Force Majeure'

"It was a difficult decision because of the rise in prices and all kinds of expenses."

First Lucid Electric Car Dealership In NJ To Open In Short Hills

Move over, Tesla. The first New Jersey retail location for Lucid Motors, an electric car maker, will open at the Mall at Short Hills.

West Orange Weed Entrepreneurs Celebrate A 'Win For The Underdog'

Two "regular guys" with a dollar and a dream are on their way to opening a Black-owned cannabis dispensary in West Orange.

'Best Pizza Ever': Legendary 1955 Pizzeria Reopens In Livingston

Livingston residents have waxed poetic about Bonvini's Pizza: "The pepperoni and sausage circles intermingling like suns and moons."

NJ Man Gives Up Corporate Job To Make Bagels In Montclair

A survivor of the "Great Resignation" is celebrating one of the proudest achievements of his life – opening his own storefront.

OBITUARIES

At Age 111, NJ's Oldest Woman Dies In Maplewood

Edith Hodes Rose, New Jersey's oldest woman, died Jan. 11 in Maplewood. She often spoke of how her mom protected her from the 1918 pandemic.

NJ Mourns James Mtume; Beloved Musician, Activist Dies At 76

James Mtume jammed with some of the biggest names in the music business. He was also a charismatic champion for social justice.

Millburn Mourns School Board Member, Family Killed In Car Crash

The Millburn schools said Danielle Prieto had a "generous heart." She, her husband, and one of her sons died in a highway crash in Florida.

Owner Of Time Warp Comics In Essex County Dies At Age 58

The Bloomfield resident and Pompton Plains native ran his beloved comic book shop for 35 years, making "deep and meaningful friendships."

Fashion Show Honors Memory Of Essex County Musician Killed By Bus

Video: A fashion show included designs from the mother of a college student who died when he was struck by a bus in Bloomfield.

TRAVEL

Democrat, GOP Lawmakers Say NJ Car Thefts Are An 'Epidemic'

A Democratic lawmaker has found common ground with a Republican peer: fighting back against car theft "gangs" that prey on teens.

Bigger, Better $2.7 Billion Terminal At Newark Airport Unveiled: VIDEO

A brand-new terminal is taking flight at Newark Airport, and it's a game changer for passengers, officials say. Take a peek inside here.

United Airlines Is Building A Fleet Of Electric Flying Taxis

They have the potential to revolutionize air travel in cities around the world, United says.

NJ Transit Agrees To Improve Disability Access At Newark Penn: Feds

As part of a settlement, NJ Transit will make updates to improve access for people with disabilities at five of its busiest train stations.

Long Valley Woman Thanks Newark Cops For Rescuing Stranded Aunt

A New Jersey woman took a ride in the back of a Newark police car – and she couldn't have been happier. Here's why.

OTHER NEWS

Essex County Leads NJ In Homelessness; See The Most Common Causes

Essex County had the most homeless people in New Jersey during an annual "point in time" count – yet again.

NJ Has 1.5 Million People Living In 'Food Deserts,' Officials Say

New Jersey is spending $240M to eradicate "food deserts," where people face a chronic battle to find healthy eating options.

Nutley Man Continues 'Comeback' Story After Devastating Stroke

A "very close, Brady Bunch-type of family" in Essex County has been hit with enormous medical bills. Here's how to help.

'Give Me The Gift Of Life': NJ Nurse Searches For Kidney Donor

A Belleville wife and mother who works at a hospital in Montclair is desperately searching for the kindness of a stranger.

Newark 'Winter Village' Has Ice Skating, Heated Igloos, Shopping

A popular winter village with ice skating, go-karts and heated "igloos" will return for the 2022 holiday season in Newark.

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