Clark Schools Closed Monday & Tuesday, Halloween On For Monday

Patch chatted with Mayor Bonaccorso Sunday night for an update on Clark's recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

Power restoration
-Bonaccorso says power has been restored to 99 percent of town. Georgia and Carolina streets and James Avenue are still without power. "Again PSE&G has indicated we have given them every street that’s out about 10 times by now," Bonaccorso told Patch. "I talked to the rep today and they said they knew about those areas and are going to get those areas addressed. I am happy to see where we are with power, but I'm not going to stop pushing until we get to 100 percent. I thank the citizens for their cooperation and patience throughout this."

Schools closed Monday and Tuesday
- Clark schools will remain closed Monday and Tuesday. Hehnly School is still offline because of downed poles and wires. Tuesday is Election Day. Bonaccorso said he had hoped power would be restored to Hehnly today, but that crews did not get there.

Halloween
- Halloween is scheduled for Monday. Bonaccorso said that unattended children and teens should not be out past 4:30 p.m. "After the sun goes down there are too many hazards out there," Bonaccorso said. There will also be a Trunk-or-Treat at Esposito Park on Madison Hill Road. Cars should arrive by 2 p.m., kids will trunk-or-treat from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Bonaccorso asked that only participating cars park in the lot during that time.

Down trees
- Bonaccorso says the DPW continues to work on removing downed trees and branches that are township property. All streets are clear.

Gas
- The Clark Police department is helping direct any traffic backups near Clark gas stations. (See our photos of the Exxon on Brant and Central avenues, taken Sunday around noon.) Bonaccorso said he has heard the gas situation in our area will ease up this week and plenty of gas will be available. Click here for full instructions on gas rationing. Bonaccorso made a deal with the Exxon on Central and South avenues in Westfield to purchase diesel fuel for Clark police and emergency vehicles when the township's supply was almost depleted last week.

Elections
- Will proceed as scheduled, though resident who vote at Hehnly School may vote somewhere else if lines are still down. A decision will be made on Monday.

Donations
Ralph Bernardo is collecting coats at the rec. center.