May 2010 be more fruitful to all.
And, like the weekly recycling!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Don't Cry Poverty
The Borough is great at saying it has no money and needs to cut back.
If that is the case, how did this quietly get passed as an ordinance:
11-17. WAIVER OF FEES FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS AND RESIDENTS:
A. All active first responders of the Lincoln Park Fire Department and First Aid Squad and
their families, residents receiving public assistance, residents on active duty with the
armed services of the United States, or residents over the age of 60 shall be entitled to
the following benefits for recreation programs.
(1) Exemption from fees for recreational programs conducted within the Borough of
Lincoln Park.
(a) Specifically excluded is any portion of the fee collected by the Borough of
Lincoln Park on behalf of another entity, including but not limited to: State
of New Jersey, County of Morris, or any outside vendor.
B. All active first responders of the Lincoln Park Fire Department and First Aid Squad and
their families, shall be entitled to the following benefits for activity under the Uniform
Construction Code
(1) Exemption from the municipal portion of the Uniform Construction Code fees for
the issuance of a building permit required in connection with either the
construction of an addition or completion of repairs to an existing single-family
dwelling and occupied by an active first responder member of the volunteer
organization.
(2) Partial exemption from the municipal portion of the Uniform Construction Code
fees not to exceed a maximum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for the
issuance of a building permit required in connection with the construction of a
new single family dwelling to be occupied by the active first responder member of
the volunteer organization.
You can fins the ordinance here.
OK - so what that means is if you volunteer for the First Aid Squad or the Fire Department, a lot of your fees are waived. Wow. I guess we know who has juice in this town. So to all you other's who volunteer for PAL or something else - too bad.
If that is the case, how did this quietly get passed as an ordinance:
11-17. WAIVER OF FEES FOR CERTAIN VOLUNTEERS AND RESIDENTS:
A. All active first responders of the Lincoln Park Fire Department and First Aid Squad and
their families, residents receiving public assistance, residents on active duty with the
armed services of the United States, or residents over the age of 60 shall be entitled to
the following benefits for recreation programs.
(1) Exemption from fees for recreational programs conducted within the Borough of
Lincoln Park.
(a) Specifically excluded is any portion of the fee collected by the Borough of
Lincoln Park on behalf of another entity, including but not limited to: State
of New Jersey, County of Morris, or any outside vendor.
B. All active first responders of the Lincoln Park Fire Department and First Aid Squad and
their families, shall be entitled to the following benefits for activity under the Uniform
Construction Code
(1) Exemption from the municipal portion of the Uniform Construction Code fees for
the issuance of a building permit required in connection with either the
construction of an addition or completion of repairs to an existing single-family
dwelling and occupied by an active first responder member of the volunteer
organization.
(2) Partial exemption from the municipal portion of the Uniform Construction Code
fees not to exceed a maximum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for the
issuance of a building permit required in connection with the construction of a
new single family dwelling to be occupied by the active first responder member of
the volunteer organization.
You can fins the ordinance here.
OK - so what that means is if you volunteer for the First Aid Squad or the Fire Department, a lot of your fees are waived. Wow. I guess we know who has juice in this town. So to all you other's who volunteer for PAL or something else - too bad.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Where is the Council?
Do you know who any of these people are (or what they look like):
In no particular order:
Ann Thompson
Herman Nadel
Jim Wild
Lou Pepe
Matt Petracca
Janet Long
Ray Kerwin
The borough had a 5K yesterday and from the looks of things, none of them thought it important to show their faces. Busy planning their annual (paid) trip to Atlantic City I guess.
In no particular order:
Ann Thompson
Herman Nadel
Jim Wild
Lou Pepe
Matt Petracca
Janet Long
Ray Kerwin
The borough had a 5K yesterday and from the looks of things, none of them thought it important to show their faces. Busy planning their annual (paid) trip to Atlantic City I guess.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Old West Ghost Town
Well it seems the old west has come east, since the Borough of LP is resembling an abandoned ghost town. Let's walk down Main - not too bad, except for the old Moe's and the jewelry store being vacant. We have a shoemaker moving in sometime, so the street won't lean too far to one side with empty storefronts.
Over to the plaza with Blockbuster - wait, "store closing". That will leave the dingy convenience store all by itself. Great.
Shop-Rite plaza - off the top of my head, it's about 40% occupied. So that is starting to look a little dangerous as well.
Walgreens and vicinity - OK except for the empty gas station at the corner. Overrun with weeds and looking like a bad strip of land.
Over by the trains, nothing. R&K left for less rent by the recycling center.
So what is the borough council doing about it. Nothing. They prefer to speak about nothing in particular except cutting spending, spending that supports programs that the citizens of LP pay for. But we have a really nice Municipal Building and two great looking firehouses. Maybe when people can't afford their homes they can stay for a couple of nights in these places.
Rough days ahead.
Over to the plaza with Blockbuster - wait, "store closing". That will leave the dingy convenience store all by itself. Great.
Shop-Rite plaza - off the top of my head, it's about 40% occupied. So that is starting to look a little dangerous as well.
Walgreens and vicinity - OK except for the empty gas station at the corner. Overrun with weeds and looking like a bad strip of land.
Over by the trains, nothing. R&K left for less rent by the recycling center.
So what is the borough council doing about it. Nothing. They prefer to speak about nothing in particular except cutting spending, spending that supports programs that the citizens of LP pay for. But we have a really nice Municipal Building and two great looking firehouses. Maybe when people can't afford their homes they can stay for a couple of nights in these places.
Rough days ahead.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Halloween in LP
Lots to do.
Tonight is Halloween Parade/Party/Contest starting at 6:00PM, down at train station. Check out the details here:
http://www.lincolnpark.org/Journal-Calendars/Special%20Flyers/2009/Seasonal/Halloween%202009.pdf
Tomorrow - come down to Pleasant Ave in Lyn Park section for the annual Halloween mazes some local families who really like the holiday put on. Great stuff.
Tonight is Halloween Parade/Party/Contest starting at 6:00PM, down at train station. Check out the details here:
http://www.lincolnpark.org/Journal-Calendars/Special%20Flyers/2009/Seasonal/Halloween%202009.pdf
Tomorrow - come down to Pleasant Ave in Lyn Park section for the annual Halloween mazes some local families who really like the holiday put on. Great stuff.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Lincoln Park Day
Tomorrow is Lincoln Park Day, the celebration of the year. Fun, food, games and vendors make it a great time.
And maybe some of the Borough Council members will attend. I defy you to pick them out of a line-up. They are apparitions, either making comments that pre-suppose malevolent intent on Semitics or absolutely vapid and knowing nothing.
They all need to go.
And while were at it, the former CEO, Dennis Gerber was sentenced to a five spot this week for stealing $21K from the borough. Justice was served like a whip. I'll bet he wished he rolled over on somebody else now. If I ever get in trouble, I will not be hiring his lawyer.
And it all happened on the current (more or less) council's watch. Don't forget that. Ever.
And maybe some of the Borough Council members will attend. I defy you to pick them out of a line-up. They are apparitions, either making comments that pre-suppose malevolent intent on Semitics or absolutely vapid and knowing nothing.
They all need to go.
And while were at it, the former CEO, Dennis Gerber was sentenced to a five spot this week for stealing $21K from the borough. Justice was served like a whip. I'll bet he wished he rolled over on somebody else now. If I ever get in trouble, I will not be hiring his lawyer.
And it all happened on the current (more or less) council's watch. Don't forget that. Ever.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Locals Only
How about a hat off to the long-time local merchants who have made LP the best. Here's a short list - don't get crazy of your favorite isn't here.
Shop-Rite (everything you need)
Steve's Barber Shop (the oldest business in town?)
Anthony Franco's (best pizza - don't even argue_
Linda's Deli (Bob rocks)
A&A Gourmet Deli (expensive but tasty)
Carvel (ICE CREAM!)
Pinebrook Grill (good eats)
Wolfson's (the mini Shop-Rite)
Bicycle Tech (best bike shop on Earth)
And some of our new favorites - hope you decide to stay!
Maggie Moore's
Sunset Pub & Grill
Keep on keepin' on.
And some of our new favorites - hope you decide to stay!
Keep on keepin' on.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Stuff in LP
Great night at the lake last night (what is it's name?) - movie night! Kids, parents, friends, food, Jack Black, all on the beach. What more could you ask for.
Speaking of the beach - Mrs. Cassidy has done a phenomenal job down there! This place looks great, they added kayaks (a palindrome) and paddle boats to the mix, as well as a water trampoline for the kids. And it costs $35.00 a family for the season!
The LPFD held their annual carnival last week - was crowded the nights we went. It's their big fundraiser, so we hope they made some jing.
Co-ed softball on Sunday nights (another rec program) - down at Boro Field.
Summer in LP.
Speaking of the beach - Mrs. Cassidy has done a phenomenal job down there! This place looks great, they added kayaks (a palindrome) and paddle boats to the mix, as well as a water trampoline for the kids. And it costs $35.00 a family for the season!
The LPFD held their annual carnival last week - was crowded the nights we went. It's their big fundraiser, so we hope they made some jing.
Co-ed softball on Sunday nights (another rec program) - down at Boro Field.
Summer in LP.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Late Breaking Blog
Wow - been awhile since we posted with any irregularity.
Missed the opportunity to bellow this one:
DAILY RECORD
June 26, 2009
Ex-Lincoln Pk. offical admits $21K theft
Former CFO faces up to 10 years in prison
BY PEGGY WRIGHT
STAFF WRITER
The former chief financial officer for Lincoln Park admitted Thursday that he stole $20,916 in borough funds over a year-long period and now faces between five and 10 years in state prison.
Saddle Brook resident Dennis J. Gerber Sr., 58, pleaded guilty in state Superior Court, Morristown, to one count of official misconduct by stealing between January 2007 and January 2008. Because he stole while serving as a public official, state Attorney General requirements call for him to be treated more harshly than nongovernment or public officials, defense attorney Deborah Gross-Quatrone said.
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Brian DiGiacomo has recommended that Gerber be sentenced, tentatively on July 31, to up to 10 years in prison, with five years before he is eligible for parole. He must forfeit any pension benefits he was entitled to, repay the borough $20,916, and forfeit his CFO license. Gross-Quatrone said she is trying to make arrangements for Gerber, who suffers from diabetes and other ailments, to serve his sentence in a prison external care program for inmates with major medical issues.
After Gerber's plea, the defense lawyer said her client was trying to make ends meet at home financially, and didn't use the money on gambling or other vices.
"He didn't have the pride to say to his family "I'm failing you,"' she said.
Gerber gave a bare-bones account of his crime in court, telling Judge Thomas V. Manahan that he stole $3,000 from the borough on Jan. 24, 2008, and other funds over the preceding year for a total theft of $20,916.
At the time of his arrest in February 2008, Gerber had been employed by the borough for a decade. He left on Feb. 8, 2008, to accept a job as CFO for Rockaway Township but was fired before he started work there when the thefts were made public on Feb. 13, 2008. Borough officials had discovered that two checks totaling $10,916 were drawn a month earlier on an account set aside for retirement parties and deposited into an account bearing Gerber's name. Further investigation revealed he had taken $10,000 in 2007 from borough accounts.
Now, I had a couple of opportunities to meet the man, he seemed like an OK sort. He hung around two miserable employees (one now an ex-employee). Good luck in genpop.
Missed the opportunity to bellow this one:
DAILY RECORD
June 26, 2009
Ex-Lincoln Pk. offical admits $21K theft
Former CFO faces up to 10 years in prison
BY PEGGY WRIGHT
STAFF WRITER
The former chief financial officer for Lincoln Park admitted Thursday that he stole $20,916 in borough funds over a year-long period and now faces between five and 10 years in state prison.
Saddle Brook resident Dennis J. Gerber Sr., 58, pleaded guilty in state Superior Court, Morristown, to one count of official misconduct by stealing between January 2007 and January 2008. Because he stole while serving as a public official, state Attorney General requirements call for him to be treated more harshly than nongovernment or public officials, defense attorney Deborah Gross-Quatrone said.
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Brian DiGiacomo has recommended that Gerber be sentenced, tentatively on July 31, to up to 10 years in prison, with five years before he is eligible for parole. He must forfeit any pension benefits he was entitled to, repay the borough $20,916, and forfeit his CFO license. Gross-Quatrone said she is trying to make arrangements for Gerber, who suffers from diabetes and other ailments, to serve his sentence in a prison external care program for inmates with major medical issues.
After Gerber's plea, the defense lawyer said her client was trying to make ends meet at home financially, and didn't use the money on gambling or other vices.
"He didn't have the pride to say to his family "I'm failing you,"' she said.
Gerber gave a bare-bones account of his crime in court, telling Judge Thomas V. Manahan that he stole $3,000 from the borough on Jan. 24, 2008, and other funds over the preceding year for a total theft of $20,916.
At the time of his arrest in February 2008, Gerber had been employed by the borough for a decade. He left on Feb. 8, 2008, to accept a job as CFO for Rockaway Township but was fired before he started work there when the thefts were made public on Feb. 13, 2008. Borough officials had discovered that two checks totaling $10,916 were drawn a month earlier on an account set aside for retirement parties and deposited into an account bearing Gerber's name. Further investigation revealed he had taken $10,000 in 2007 from borough accounts.
Now, I had a couple of opportunities to meet the man, he seemed like an OK sort. He hung around two miserable employees (one now an ex-employee). Good luck in genpop.
Monday, June 15, 2009
SUMMER IN LP
Great place to be... check out the lake. The Rec Dept has done a phenomenal job down there!
LP Community Lake
LP Community Lake
Sunday, April 26, 2009
BOE and BOLP
The BOE of LP had their elections this week - the shaved down budget passed and the two incumbents running unopposed were elected. Read it here.
In other news of municipal importance, the $250,000 a year man, Joe Maiella has retired. That is not a mis-type. This guy was making a quarter of a million, and was indignant when he didn't get a raise a couple or so years ago. Good riddance. Rumor has it that he'll be around as a consultant though, because LP apparently has no bite.
In other news of municipal importance, the $250,000 a year man, Joe Maiella has retired. That is not a mis-type. This guy was making a quarter of a million, and was indignant when he didn't get a raise a couple or so years ago. Good riddance. Rumor has it that he'll be around as a consultant though, because LP apparently has no bite.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Countdown
To the local School Budget gets voted on in 9 days or so on April 21. There are a lot of nefarious types in our local government who not only politic against it, but revel in any defeat. These people need to go. You can have your opinion and your vote, but blathering about losses before they happen are like counting chickens...
You can see what is being proposed here at this link:
http://www.lincolnparkboe.org/budget.html
Be warned - there are no speaker's notes, so they may be difficult to follow.
The children of town deserve that this passes, in this author's opinion. Don't let the downward spiral that the Borough and it's elected officials caused interfere with proper education and facilities to our most important citizens.
You can see what is being proposed here at this link:
http://www.lincolnparkboe.org/budget.html
Be warned - there are no speaker's notes, so they may be difficult to follow.
The children of town deserve that this passes, in this author's opinion. Don't let the downward spiral that the Borough and it's elected officials caused interfere with proper education and facilities to our most important citizens.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Angels in the Outfield (and the Infield)
The Lincoln Park Angels Softball Program will be holding the 3rd annual SPRING FEVER Tournament.
18 teams at the 12U and 10U levels will descend on the the paradise known as LP for a lot of softball.
LET'S GO ANGELS!!!
18 teams at the 12U and 10U levels will descend on the the paradise known as LP for a lot of softball.
LET'S GO ANGELS!!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cudos
How does a guy who served one year with a planning board get a plaque? See this fro this week's Suburban Trends:
LINCOLN PARK - Petracca recognized for his service
(by Sid Johnston - Staff Writer - March 25, 2009)
LINCOLN PARK - Matthew Petracca may have moved on from the Planning Board to the Borough Council but his work as a member of the board has not been forgotten.
On March 19, the Planning Board presented Councilman Petracca with an award in recognition of his service on the board.
Petracca, 26, served as a Class IV member of the Planning Board from 2007 through 2008. Since Petracca was elected to the Lincoln Park Borough Council in 2008, he was obligated to vacate his position on the board.
The award was handed to Petracca in the form of a plaque with the message, “Presented to Matthew Petracca in appreciation for your dedicated service to our planning board, Class IV Member 2007-2008, Presented by Borough of Lincoln Park 2009.”
“Serving on the Planning Board has been an honor and I am truly thankful for the opportunity of serving the residents of Lincoln Park as a member of the board,” Petracca said.
Councilman Petracca is an attorney and also serves as treasurer of the Morris County Republican Committee. In addition, he is the former president of the Lincoln Park Republican Club.
I believe it's called "sucking up" - good job LP!
LINCOLN PARK - Petracca recognized for his service
(by Sid Johnston - Staff Writer - March 25, 2009)
LINCOLN PARK - Matthew Petracca may have moved on from the Planning Board to the Borough Council but his work as a member of the board has not been forgotten.
On March 19, the Planning Board presented Councilman Petracca with an award in recognition of his service on the board.
Petracca, 26, served as a Class IV member of the Planning Board from 2007 through 2008. Since Petracca was elected to the Lincoln Park Borough Council in 2008, he was obligated to vacate his position on the board.
The award was handed to Petracca in the form of a plaque with the message, “Presented to Matthew Petracca in appreciation for your dedicated service to our planning board, Class IV Member 2007-2008, Presented by Borough of Lincoln Park 2009.”
“Serving on the Planning Board has been an honor and I am truly thankful for the opportunity of serving the residents of Lincoln Park as a member of the board,” Petracca said.
Councilman Petracca is an attorney and also serves as treasurer of the Morris County Republican Committee. In addition, he is the former president of the Lincoln Park Republican Club.
I believe it's called "sucking up" - good job LP!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Watcher is Back
I have been away too long, people of LP. Not a lot to report, just the usual shenanigans going on in our elected government.
Apparently we have a budget - and the revaluation of everyone's homes is complete I hear. Next stop, property taxes going up. And a lot of apologetic "we have to do it" cr*p from the powers that be. We'll see. Right now my slant is they all have to go.
Have you ever attended a council meeting? It really is something to behold. Lots of inane banter, and a couple of the council members would appear to be below the Mendoza line when it comes to IQ. The folks at Mensa have nothing to worry about.
Apparently we have a budget - and the revaluation of everyone's homes is complete I hear. Next stop, property taxes going up. And a lot of apologetic "we have to do it" cr*p from the powers that be. We'll see. Right now my slant is they all have to go.
Have you ever attended a council meeting? It really is something to behold. Lots of inane banter, and a couple of the council members would appear to be below the Mendoza line when it comes to IQ. The folks at Mensa have nothing to worry about.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Suburban Trends Article
Here's a link to the Suburban Trends article written by Sid Johnston:
http://www.suburbantrends.com/NC/0/2307.html
So let me get this straight - you OK to build three buildings (which still have issues apparently) and then decide to discuss taking away employee comp-time. OK. But what the council has to realize is that the world of LP cannot only revolve around 8AM-4PM. Things have to go on at night, there is work to do on weekends, etc. Maybe we should just shut the whole town down. Make sure the council still has a place to meet though.
http://www.suburbantrends.com/NC/0/2307.html
So let me get this straight - you OK to build three buildings (which still have issues apparently) and then decide to discuss taking away employee comp-time. OK. But what the council has to realize is that the world of LP cannot only revolve around 8AM-4PM. Things have to go on at night, there is work to do on weekends, etc. Maybe we should just shut the whole town down. Make sure the council still has a place to meet though.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
It Will Be Interesting...
to see how the elected officials of LP deal with the budget crisis, particularly since they created it by approving $23M (give or take) in new buildings, including two new firehouses which are essentially garages when you come right down to it.
Can't wait. I'm sure everyone's best interest is being served.
Can't wait. I'm sure everyone's best interest is being served.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Who Watches the Watchers
First post Lincoln Park. Hello.
So why am I starting this? Because I have seen the gluttony and stupidity that has overrun the town I call home for a very long time and I have decided to use the technology available to expose in the sunshine. I hope it cleans the wounds.
Check back when you can, comment as often as possible. Everyone's opinion is valid here, unlike those of the citizens and our elected officials and (many) borough employees.
So why am I starting this? Because I have seen the gluttony and stupidity that has overrun the town I call home for a very long time and I have decided to use the technology available to expose in the sunshine. I hope it cleans the wounds.
Check back when you can, comment as often as possible. Everyone's opinion is valid here, unlike those of the citizens and our elected officials and (many) borough employees.
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