Scotch Plains-Fanwood|News|
Union Catholic Parents and Educators Urge SP Council to Support Development Applications
Parents and educators filled three-quarters of the council chamber's gallery Tuesday night.

<b>Basics</b>
<b>Email</b>: AlanN@patch.com
<b>Phone</b>: 908-875-7774
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<b>Birthday</b>: March 7
<b>Bio</b>: Alan was born and raised in Scotch Plains, and returns to the township after having graduated the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in May 2010. There, he covered the Highbridge section of the Bronx; led the launch, design, and upkeep of TheUptownChronicle.com; and reported short- and long-form stories that ranged in topic from crime to education, health, sports, feature, and investigations. In May 2009, Alan graduated Vassar College, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy. When not combing through declassified foreign relations documents, he competed as a member and captain of the men's swim and dive team. He graduated Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 2005, and currently volunteers with the Fanwood Rescue Squad.
<b>Beliefs</b>
<i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.</i>
<i>This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.</i>
Local Hot Button Issues
<i>* What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?</i>
The budget crisis, shared services, and development
Parents and educators filled three-quarters of the council chamber's gallery Tuesday night.

A resident of Promenade opposes an application to rezone a wooded tract of land adjacent to Charlie Brown's from residential to mixed-use.
Notes from the Scotch Plains Township Council meeting Tuesday night.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High suqad kicks off spirited week of pre-season practice.
A memorial service was held today for Newcomer, who lived in Scotch Plains.
Editor Alan Neuhauser spends a shift with Scotch Plains police officers. This is the first installment of a regular feature.
Hyperlocal sites deliver timely news in New Jersey
Police activity in Scotch Plains, from Aug. 9 through Aug. 15.
The free acting and audition class continues every Tuesday night, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the Fanwood Memorial Library.
Police activity in the township from Aug. 2 through Aug. 8.
Fanwood Council votes to draft letter opposing the rate increase.
Veto override attempt likely dead.
With Assemblywoman Linda Stender in attendance, the council approves a resolution supporting the override. Councilman Robert Manduca opposes the measure.
State senate veto override attempt likely dead.
Residents ages 17 to 58 took part in the Jersey Girl Triathlon last weekend.
News items from Aug. 1 through Aug. 7
Health administrators fear for patients, prepare for layoffs and clinic closings
Police activity in the borough from Aug. 3 through Aug. 9.
The pop group behind 'Hey, Soul Sister' will play Saturday, Sept. 11. The band Spoon will headline Sunday.
The pop group behind 'Hey, Soul Sister' will play Saturday, Sept. 11. The band Spoon will headline Sunday.