West Orange’s Top News Of 2023: Patch Year In Review

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It’s been a memorable year in West Orange. Catch up with some of 2023’s top news stories here (click the headline to read the article).

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

West Orange Mayor Gives 2023 State Of Town Speech: WATCH

Susan McCartney spoke about public safety, land use/development, community spirit and rumors of a Target coming to town.

West Orange Council Adopts Town Budget, Tax Hike Approved (VIDEO)

The West Orange Town Council voted to adopt the 2023 municipal budget. It comes with a tax hike – but not the 16% originally proposed.

Jarrett vs. Town Hall: Feud May Cost West Orange Bagel Baron Big Bucks

A war of windows may cost a New Jersey bagel shop owner a whopping $1,500 per day. Here's why he's up in arms. (Read our update here)

West Orange Mayor Sues Town Council; Trenk Saga Continues

The West Orange Town Council held an emergency meeting to discuss a lawsuit filed by Mayor Susan McCartney. Here's what it's about.

West Orange Mayor Says 'Perfect Storm' Swirls This Budget Season

A loss of COVID aid, a rise in expenses and dwindling reserves are causing a "perfect storm" for the town budget – and a looming tax hike.

Sewer Fees Increase In West Orange; Council Gives Green Light

The sewer fee hike comes as the West Orange Town Council prepares to vote on a municipal tax increase.

Audit Of West Orange Town Finances Is 'Clean,' Officials Say

The audit covered the 2022 calendar year in West Orange – prior to one of the most heated budget seasons in the town's recent history.

The Show Will Go On: West Orange Council OKs 2023 Fireworks

Nope, the show isn't cancelled this year. Here's what you need to know about the 2023 fireworks display in West Orange. (Read our update here)

West Orange To Verona: Students Hold Walkout Over Israel-Palestine War

"This is not a matter of Muslims versus Jews – it's a matter of educating people on the history of Israel and Palestine," organizers said.

Controversial Slogan Incites Fear As West Orange Students Plan Walkout

"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Some say it's a rallying cry – others say it's hate speech.

West Orange Parents Fear Pro-Palestine Students May Be 'Doxed'

West Orange continues to see angry debate over a pro-Palestinian student walkout that was planned at the high school – and later canceled.

West Orange Leaf Blower Ban Voted Down – For Now

It's back to the drawing board for a proposed leaf blower ban in West Orange.

Richard Codey Is Retiring From NJ Senate: 'A Tough Day For Me'

Codey, a former governor of New Jersey, has been serving as a lawmaker for more than 50 years. He was victorious in the primary election.

West Orange Bids Mila Jasey Farewell Ahead Of Retirement From Assembly

"West Orange is actually where I started my official path to the Assembly," the longtime Democratic lawmaker said.

Gov. Murphy Visits West Orange To Sign Drug Cost Bills Into Law

Several West Orange elected officials were on hand to greet the governor.

EDUCATION

West Orange School Board Election Results Certified: See Final Tallies

Maria Vera defeated incumbent West Orange Board of Education member Melinda Huerta.

Tax Hike Approved As West Orange School Budget Hits Finish Line

The West Orange Board of Education narrowly approved the district's school budget for 2023-2024. Here are some highlights.

Dedicated West Orange Teacher Named 'Educator Of The Year'

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce named Catherine Connors as its 2023 "Educator of the Year." Here's why she earned the nod this year.

Watch 2023 West Orange High School Graduation Ceremony (VIDEO)

This year's high school graduation ceremony created a sea of smiles in West Orange. Catch up here.

Popular West Orange Summer School Program Breaks Enrollment Records

523 students signed up for enrichment courses, which were staffed by 32 teachers, five paraprofessionals, and 40 high school volunteers.

West Orange Is Expanding Free Preschool For Upcoming Year

The West Orange Public School District is adding nearly 200 more preschool seats for 2023-2024. Here's what to know.

Award-Winning Educator In West Orange Uses Cartooning To Teach Kids

Jay Wecht a professional cartoonist and teacher in West Orange, earned an "Educator of the Year for Distinguished Service" award.

CRIME/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime In West Orange: FBI Data Gives Peek At Long-Term Trends

West Orange's property crime trends have seen a big improvement over the past 4 decades. Other crime trends have stayed relatively steady.

Elderly Man Killed In West Orange Home Fire: Authorities

A fatal structure fire claimed the life of a West Orange resident, authorities say.

Armed Robbery Of Facebook Marketplace User In West Orange: Police

The seller and buyer agreed to meet in West Orange and exchange money for a pair of sneakers. Here's what happened next, authorities say.

Thieves Sneak Into 2 West Orange Homes, Steal Cars; Police Issue Alert

Over the past six months, there have been eight other similar incidents reported in West Orange, authorities said.

West Orange Man, Cops Try To Chase Down Car Burglary Suspect

He managed to give them the slip, authorities said.

West Orange Will Retrain Cops After Training Fiasco In South Jersey

The West Orange PD wasn't among the participating agencies at the conference, which glorified violence and insulted women and minorities.

WEATHER/ENVIRONMENT

Canada Wildfire Smoke In NJ: Expert Answers Common Questions (VIDEO)

A professor at NJIT in Essex County has answers to some of your most pressing questions about the hazy smoke wafting across New Jersey.

Weird Lights Seen In New Jersey Skies: 'Elon Musk, Is This You?'

The sightings lit up social media across New Jersey. Some said they were UFOs – others had a different theory: Space X satellites.

Groundhog Day In Essex County: See 2023 Predictions From 'Edwina'

Did the Turtle Back Zoo's star groundhog call for warm weather, or another six weeks of cold? And who does she say will win the Super Bowl?

Coyote Attack Reported At South Mountain Reservation In Essex County

"We ask that anyone visiting the reservation be extremely cautious," an Essex County official said.

100 Rescued Sea Turtles In New Jersey; Nonprofit Hits Big Milestone

Where is the only sea turtle hospital in the state located? The Turtle Back Zoo, of course.

Another Early Dismissal For West Orange Schools As Hot Weather Lingers

"We anticipate a regular schedule on Friday," district administrators said.

Essex County Hunters Kill 240 Deer In First Cull Since COVID Pandemic

The cull took place at South Mountain (Maplewood, Millburn, West Orange) and Hilltop reservations (Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, Verona).

REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT

NJ Supreme Court Rules On West Orange Library Dispute

Town officials said the site of an aging library is an "area in need of redevelopment." The highest court in New Jersey disagreed. (Read our update here)

West Orange Hits The Target; Planning Board OKs Shopping Center Plans

It's official, West Orange: a Target store is headed your way. (Read our update here)

West Orange Council Takes Crucial Vote On Movie Studio Proposal

West Orange is the home of the world's first film production studio. It's a legacy that may soon spread its wings again in the township.

Worries Still Swirling About West Orange Property Revaluation

West Orange homeowners are asking, "Will it raise my property taxes?" The short answer? Maybe – or maybe not.

West Orange Senior Housing Building Is Moving Forward, Firm Says

The "100 percent affordable" building will have 65 units of housing, developers say. It will be located where the former library once stood.

West Orange May Develop Part Of Rock Spring Golf Club, Officials Say

It's costing a pretty penny to keep the municipally owned course open, officials said. (Read our update here)

West Orange Nursing Home Expansion Plans Denied By Zoning Board

The West Orange Zoning Board denied an application from Daughters of Israel, which wanted to expand their campus on Pleasant Valley Way.

Plan To Build New Apartment Complex In West Orange Moves Forward

The West Orange Planning Board approved a developer's plan to build a 142-unit apartment building on Pleasant Valley Way.

BUSINESS

West Orange Rolls Out New Fee For Local Businesses: Mercantile License

The deadline for West Orange businesses to comply is approaching. The penalty for those who don't? A $2,000 fine.

Iconic West Orange Wedding Spot Closes Doors: That's It For The Manor

Another popular wedding hotspot in West Orange is now closed.

2 New Fast Food Restaurants May Come To West Orange (See The Plan)

There are plans to demolish a vacant restaurant on Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange and put a Popeyes and Sonic in its place.

West Orange's Oldest Business Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Schneider Hardware on Main Street in West Orange has withstood the test of time. Catch up on its history here.

Bias Crimes Target 2 West Orange Businesses; Reward To Catch Suspects

Essex County authorities said one of the crimes involved sexual orientation and another involved race.

West Orange Cannabis Dispensary Eagerly Anticipates Opening Day

"The Library" continues to hold community outreach programs, including an upcoming school supply giveaway on Labor Day weekend.

Trash In West Orange: Industry Costs Are Rising, Consultant Says

How much would it cost West Orange to go "in-house" for garbage collection? Here's what a consultant says.

West Orange Restaurant Makes List Of 'Top 100 Places To Eat In US'

A West Orange restaurant made the cut for a Yelp list of the "Top 100 Best Places To Eat In The U.S." for 2023.

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL

The Danger Zone: West Orange Road Is A Crash Magnet, Records Show

It runs just about half of a mile. So why are there so many car crashes on this single stretch of road in West Orange?

Fatal Car Crash In West Orange: Husband Dead, Wife Injured

A tree limb fell in high winds and went through the sun roof of a car, hitting the driver in the head, authorities said.

Fatal Car Crash Claims 2 Lives In West Orange, Authorities Say

The victims included the driver of the car and a passenger, West Orange authorities said.

Crossing Guard Shortage In West Orange Forces Cops To Pick Up Slack

"The current shortage of crossing guards in West Orange is an ongoing concern."

West Orange Police Hand Out 18 Parking Tickets On Fairmount In 1 Night

There has been an uptick of complaints at several locations in town, including Fairmount Terrace, West Orange police said.

West Orange Jitney May Help Bridge Gap Left By DeCamp Bus Lines

DeCamp is ending its routes to New York City, including the ones serving West Orange.

West Orange School District Requests New Driver After Bus Incident

No students were harmed – although some became "emotionally upset" – during an incident involving a bus in West Orange, an official said.

OBITUARIES

Beloved West Orange Teacher Passes Away, Community Mourns

The West Orange community is mourning Brad Mitchell, a science teacher at the high school who died Sunday.

For The CJs: Late West Orange Residents Honored At Fundraising Events

The memories of two West Orange residents who have passed away – both named "CJ" – shone brightly at a pair of separate fundraisers.

OTHER NEWS

'Turkules' Captured In West Orange – Just Before Thanksgiving Holiday

The town's unofficial mascot is no longer a West Orange resident. Here's the latest on the wayward bird known as "Turkules."

Pride Celebration In West Orange Shows Love For LGBTQ Community

Hundreds of people turned out to show support for their neighbors at an annual Pride event in West Orange.

Free Holiday Lights At Turtle Back Zoo Will Return For 2023

A popular holiday display featuring a million lights, animal exhibits and costumed characters is returning to the Turtle Back Zoo.

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