Week in Review: New Town Center on Gypsum Property, Police Awards, Fatal Parkway Crash

Our top stories for the week of March 18, 2013.

  UPDATED: Clark Says Yes to Plan for Town Center on Former Gypsum Site The Clark Planning Board approved the new plan and rezoning at Tuesday night's special meeting. Mayor Responds to Gypsum Rezoning Criticism; Public Hearing Tonight at ALJ Monday night's Clark Council meeting got heated when a resident took to the mic to argue against the town's proposed zoning change to the U.S. Gypsum property to encourage a new commercial town center. Driver Killed in Sunday Parkway Crash Was a Heroic 9/11 Port Authority Cop Lt. Kevin Murphy of Hazlet, who died in a Sunday night crash near the Woodbridge exit of the Garden State Parkway, was a decorated police officer and Special Olympics organizer. Clark Police Officers Receive Awards for Lifesaving…

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Clark and Garwood Week in Review

Our top stories for the week of Jan. 27.

Now Open: Big Mac's BBQ Brings Smoked Southern Style to Clark "My husband's crazy – he'll smoke anything," says Cathy McIntyre with a laugh. Recently opened Big Mac's BBQ Pit at 1473 Raritan Road (near Friendly's – look for the big pink pig out front) is the couple's dream restaurant, where Cathy's husband John does just that, putting his years of backyard smoking to good use all week long for paying customers. Big Mac's offers all kinds of smoked entrees from John – pulled pork, pork chops, brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey and even meatloaf – alongside sides and desserts made by Cathy, in a family-friendly atmosphere. They are open for lunch and dinner. Five Kumpf Students Chosen as Pop Warner Scholar Athletes Five Carl H. Kumpf Students …

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Clark and Garwood Week in Review

Our biggest stories for the week of Jan. 20.

Interest From Buyers on Long-Vacant A&P Building, Reports Clark BA Clark Business Administrator John Laezza reported that he had good news at council's Jan. 22 meeting: interest from buyers on the vacant former A&P building on Westfield Avenue. Laezza said it has been 12 years that the building has sat vacant. He did not reveal who was interested in the space. The vacant building has been a point of contention, and Mayor Sal Bonaccorso has been vocal about his frustrations with the empty space in such a high-profile location. Last April, we polled readers on what they'd like to see take over the space. Thirty-two percent voted for "retail," while 30 percent chose "other" and 25 percent chose "another supermarket." Our story also garnered a…

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The Week In Union County

Here's a look at some of the stories that made headlines throughout Union County for the week of Jan. 6-12.

Clark [VIDEO] Watch Clark's Appearance on Terry Bradshaw's 'Today in America' Clark's television debut is here. The town's appearance on NFL commentator and former player Terry Bradshaw's "Today in America" infomercial series was recently completed and is available on the company's YouTube page. The infomercial provides a detailed history of Clark and highlights Clark's rec program, schools and accessibility. The infomercial was filmed in July, and Clark paid $19,800 in fees to produce and air it. The hefty price tag caused some residents to question whether the funds could be better allocated in town. The video features shots of senior and rec activites, the Dr. Robinson Plantation, Clark's senior fitness center, Hyatt Hills golf course, …

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Clark and Garwood Week in Review

A look back at our biggest stories during the first week of the new year.

Nierstedt and Palmer Sworn In to Garwood Council and More From First 2013 Meeting On Jan. 2, Garwood Council held its first meeting of 2013, the annual council reorganization meeting. First on the agenda was the swearing in of two newly elected councilmembers, Democrats Bill Nierstedt and Ann Palmer. Nierstedt and Palmer won seats in a race against Republican incumbent Tim Hak and newcomer Mike Martin, changing the voting makeup of council from a 50/50 split of Democrats and Republicans to a Democratic majority. Also during the meeting, the mayor gave her 2013 address, listing communication improvements, redevelopment, shared services and emergency management improvements as priorities for this year. Clark Education Fund Gives Out Fall …

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Clark and Garwood Week in Review

Our biggest stories for the week of Dec. 9-16.

Groundbreaking at Clark's Age-Restricted Housing Project Local officials gathered recently to celebrate the start of construction at Clark's age-restricted housing project on Terminal Avenue. The plans include four, four-story residential buildings with a total of 329 one- or two-bedroom units, 20 percent of which will be designated lower income housing per Coalition on Affordable Housing rules. The complex will be limited to residents 55 and over, 66 and older for the COAH units. Clark Resident Michael Cupo Writes Memoir and Self-Help Book Michael Cupo thought he had everything he’d always wanted: a beautiful wife, two wonderful children, a nice house, and a great job. By all outward appearances, he’d made it. He ought to have been one …

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Week in Review

Union County Week In Review: Police Investigate Child Luring; Target Expansion Opens

Here's a roundup of some of the top stories throughout Union County during the week of Oct. 14-20.

Berkeley Heights Area Leaders to Honor John Pullara, Berkeley Heights Eagle Scout Community leaders, businessmen and Scouters will join together to honor Eagle Scout John Pullara on Oct. 24. John will be receiving the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in recognition for his dedication to his community and for exemplifying the values of the Boy Scouts of America. Two Charged With Unlawful Possession of Weapon in Berkeley Heights On Oct. 11, Ptl. Ron Desimoni arrested Raheim Williams, 36, of Chambersburg PA, and Jamar Carter, 30, of Manhattan, NY. Neither individual could explain where they had come from or why they were in the area, both exhibiting signs of nervousness. After receiving consent to search the motor vehicle, Ptl. DeSimoni …

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The Week That Was in Union County — Clark Death a Homicide, Teen Slain in Linden

Major stories in Patch towns in Union County this past week

Countywide The Union County Homicide Task Force has been continuing work on the investigation into the death of Vera Pecoraro while also working two other active homicide investigations in the county – the shooting death of a Linden teen and the stabbing of a 17-year-old during a large fight in Rahway. Clark Matthew Dorsi, lawyer for Michael and Theodore Pecoraro, says the two are fully cooperating with the investigation into their mother's homicide. Vera Pecoraro was found with her throat slit on Saturday at her home on Rolling Hill Way in Clark. Police say there was no sign of forced entry into the home and they believe she knew her attacker. Cranford Former Cranford Deputy Mayor Ann Darby no longer works for JPMorgan Chase, but the wife…

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Week in Review: Authorities Investigate Possible Homicide, Garwood Fisherman Statue Reappears, Clark Police Car Accident

Our top news for the week of July 1.

Clark Police and county authorities are investigating the death of a Rolling Hill Way resident. According to unconfirmed reports, the body of an elderly woman was found in her home Saturday evening. The incident was reported just before 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 7. John Holl, a spokesman for the Union County Prosecutor's Office, said late Saturday evening that the UCPO is conducting an investigation into the incident, which will include an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The death has not yet been ruled a homicide and investigators are working to gather more details. Around 9:45 a.m. on Sunday a woman driving a tan Chevrolet Cavalier with Florida license plates T-boned a Clark police car at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Oak …

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The Week That Was in Union County — 4-Alarm Fire, Child Dies in Six-Story Fall

Major stories in Union County towns covered by Patch for the week of June 18-24, 2012.

Countywide West Nile virus was detected in mosquito pools in three towns: Summit, Cranford and Clark. Officials detailed efforts to combat the virus — found in four pools out of 63 tested throughout the county — and shared tips for residents. Clark Health Officer Nancy Raymond says the finding is not especially alarming and that there have been positive tests in the township in previous years. Cranford Firefighters from Cranford and surrounding towns battled a 4-alarm fire in a Cranford residence on Sunday afternoon through evening. See the video here. Clark The infamous Clark Bread Bandit has been busted! Clark Det. George Marmarou was out on patrol when he saw a familiar maroon pickup truck drive by him and thought, "That's the guy." …

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