When 14 year old Ava Addotta climbed out of the Atlantic Ocean last month after her one mile ocean swim in the Andy Rooney Swim Meet, there was applause, happiness and a sense of pride. After all , the 14 year old Middletown High School student finished first among the females who competed in the meet. Miss Amy
But her pride and emotion ran even higher when she was presented with the Amy Lynn Gill trophy for her accomplishment in a meet that drew 103 competitors in male and female divisions…..the award was named in honor of her friend and swim coach, Amy Lynn Gill, also a neighbor in the Navesink section of Middletown where both the Gills and the Addottas live.
But it was almost too much to describe when the presentation was made by Gill’s daughter, Hayden, Ava’s close friend and fellow swimmer in this and other races.
Amy Lynn, who died Jan. 31, was not only a Special Education teacher in the Hazlet school system but also a swim coach for both Hayden and Ava, together with many other swimmers, and an avid supporter of the NJRC Swim Club where all her swimmers belong. Her relationship with her daughter Hayden’s friend was so close she wasn’t just a teacher, not just her friend’s mom…she was Miss Amy to a young woman who loved and respected her for so many different reasons.
For Ava, last week’s Andy Rooney Swim Meet is the second time she had competed in this annual event . But she has competed in many other meets, both in the ocean and in the pool during the years since she first learned to swim.
The daughter of Neil and Christi Addotta, Ava spoke about the Meet following her win and a celebration that afternoon at the Proving Ground in Highlands, where funds were raised for the Amy Gill Scholarship Award for a graduating senior and swimmer from Raritan High School.
The water temperature was probably in the 60s, and was “very cold,” during the mile swim, the mature young woman said. But if anything, the low temperatures made her swim even faster. “I just wanted to get out,” she said.
Swimming since she was eight years old, Ava said of the several sports in which she competes, it is her favorite because being in the water helps her relieve stress. Asked what type of stress a 14 year old faces, the swimmer said any variety of things, “like if I’m having a bad day at school or something like that. “ Enjoying both ocean and pool swims, she is partial to the breast stroke,, which is what she used in Saturday’s meet. Although loving the water from the first she first went in at three years of age, Ava said she learned swimming first at the Seashore Day Camp. “Miss Amy,” was always special to her, she said, and her latest victory, armed with the Amy Lynn Gillaward, is especially meaningful because she feels she did it for her.
Ava was not only happy to be in the meet, but even more happy that so many of her and Hayden’s friends also competed; for them, it was one more opportunity for all of the swimmers to enjoy their own friendship. She and Hayden live close enough they visit each other and often “hang out on the beach.”
The day of the interview, Ava and Hayden had just returned from Sandy Hook, where they had gone with their surfboards. “But there wasn’t enough surf, so we just hung out on the beach,” she explained. When she’s not in the water, Ava is also a member of a lacrosse team where she plays midfield.
But this coming weekend? There will always be the memory of receiving the Amy Lynn Gill Awardand having it presented to her by Miss Amy’s daughter, and her friend Hayden. Armed with those memories, the champion swimmer will be back in the water for another swim meet …
Miss Amy Miss Amy Miss Amy Miss Amy Miss Amy Miss Amy Miss Amy Miss Amy
More than a dozen young entrepreneurs are going to take their first official step into the business world Sunday, August 11, from noon to 4 p.m… when the Firsts Annual Children’s Business Fair takes place in front of Amici restaurant.
The young entrepreneurs have been invited by Amici Pizza, located in the Eastpointe Shopping Center on Route 36 in Navesink, to launch their products in a one day only marketplace.
Tables are set up in front of Amici’s, and each of the young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to display their products, speak to customers, describe their creations and offer them for sale.
Included among the various businesses are jewelry and artwork among other creations. Prices have been set by each of the children at the Business Fair.
The children have worked hard to establish not only their creations but also their business strategies There will be judges at the Fair to rate each of the exhibits and the public is invited to stop, browse, buy and become participants in this first event of its kind.
Amici’s Pizza is located at 6437 Route 36, there Eastpointe Shopping Center where the Posts Office is located. There are signs at the Buttermilk Valley and Route 36 intersection to guide motorists to the site.
The outdoor event is a rain or shine affair, and cold be moved indoors should the outdoor awning not be sufficient for any downpours.
Whether it was the eagle who responded to his whistle, the osprey who swooped up his fish or the wrens and finches that gathered around his home doesn’t seem to matter.
The result is octogenarian of Brick,a talented artist, creative in both design and style, in recent years is now also a home manufacturer of both birdhouses and bird feeders that are selling like, well, nest eggs!
A salesman by profession when he was younger, Gordon and his first wife lived in the Lake Hopatcong area. When his wife grew very ill, Gordon was at her side, tending to all her needs and always remaining within hearing should she need him to be bedside.
So he spent quiet hours sitting outdoors enjoying the serenity and respite at the family’s lakefront home. That’s when Gordon first noticed an eagle ‘eying him,’ every day. It got to the point where Gordon could whistle, and the eagle would suddenly appear.
Then there was the time Gordon was fishing on the lake, caught one and was tossing it back in when an osprey swooped down and grabbed it in mid-air.
Couple those experiences with the myriads of finches of all colors that always seemed to be around, and Gordon was hooked on birds.
Artistry had always been his hobby since high school, and through the years he became proficient at it, with crowds gathering first to craft shows where they eagerly purchased his creations of historic hold homes, pastoral or country settings, and “anything natural. I took photos with my camera and did my art to be natural.” Although he start with watercolors, artists and professors suggested acrylics would be a better medium to enhance the fine work he does.
So he switched and found art lovers liked his natural settings, the snow owls he saw and painted in Alaska, the historic homes he visited on Cape Cod, the flowers , clouds and blue skies he painted everywhere. He accepted the challenge of painting people’s houses for framing in their living rooms, and even took up painting unique scenes on antique hand saws, once he had cleaned them, sanded down the handles, and stained them beautiful enough to display the natural pictures he painted on the blades.
So when a customer asked if he could make a birdhouse and paint it, it was an easy next step.
But perfectionist that he is, Gordon wanted his bird houses and art work to last and be able to withstand weather. So each one is made of a sturdy wood…redwood or cedar seem to be his favorite; they’re crafted into birdhouses of three different sizes to ensure comfort for different size birds, given two coats of marine varnish, before he painted his finch, or cardinal or sparrow as added decor and signed every piece of art.
So it was an easy next step when someone asked if he could make a bird feeder. Not feeling the affection for squirrels he feels for birds, Gordon was quick to agree, then designed a ‘squirrel proof feeder, made it, added a chain for hanging, double marine varnished it and now sells them as well. The bird houses he creates are either with or without a painting on the front, and the entry holes and the houses themselves vary in size to ensure easy access and protection for the size bid owners want to attract.
When Gordon’s next request came for a lighthouse,, the every talented artists came up with that as well, and now builds three foot tall lighthouses in a variety of colors and designs, including solar powered lights to they can light up front lawns or back patios nighttime.
Gordon’s website is custombirdhousesbygordy.com; he’s open to displaying at art shows and craft gatherings, and takes individual orders with guarantees of customer approval!.
Rick Hennessey, owner of Hennessy Auto Body, Inc., at 74 Avenue A, Atlantic Highlands, was cited as the Volunteer of the Month by Mayor Lori Hohenleitner as this month’s meeting of the Mayor and Council. Hennessey, whose business has been and continues to be a landmark in the borough, is known for his kindness, thoughtfulness and always willing to be of assistance attitude and was praised by the Mayor for “helping everyone in so many ways,” terming the business “a family institution.” Asked to comment at the meeting, Hennessey would only say, “Happy to do it……no problem.”
The approval of the purchase of EV Charging Stations for the borough, which was unanimous at this week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council, was the culmination of a project more than two years old.
Council approved a contact totaling $136,807.33 with Bryan Electric, without competitive bidding, A $24,000 portion of that is financed through a grant and the award without bidding with an approved co-op authorized by the state Department of Treasury.
Councilman Brian Dougherty, who joined the process in January, 2022, explained the benefits of the purchase in detail at the meeting, separating the resolution from the consent agenda in order to detail the importance and advantages of the purchase.
The council president said he began working with Environmental Committee Chairman Blake Deakin shortly after starting his term on council in January, 2022, in order to bring EV charging service equipment to the borough at minimal cost.
He and Deakin applied for grants to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and were successful in being awarded grants from both applications. The pair than began the net process of negotiating with EVCS installation companies and considered several different locations.
Because of the Seastreak ferry terminal location at the municipal harbor area, that was considered the most desirable site for the first chargers, Dougherty explained. Such a location would seem to ensure use of the charges by ferry commuters during the work week, thus providing a revenue stream for the borough.
The marina is the recreational center of community as well, Dougherty continued, attracting boaters, fishermen, tennis and basketball players, and users of the Henry Hudson trail as well as others. In addition, the harbor is also a short walk to some of the borough’s most popular eateries, including On the Deck, Sissy’s, Harborside, Gaslight, Christine’s Italian, Hudson Café, as well as several shops and other businesses.
Both Dougherty and Deakin then worked with Bryan Electric, the top ChargePoint installer in the state, to design a detailed proposal for installation of three-dual, level two chargers, six stations in all. “We felt the proposal was reasonably priced, especially when incentive programs from JCP&L and the federal government added to our grant monies available,” the councilman explained.
With the unanimous approval of the station, Dougherty said “we are eligible to apply for and receive monies from their programs. Since we will own the charging stations, Atlantic Highlands will earn revenue as soon as the stations are operational.
Dougherty also cited other key personnel who have helped move the acquisition to the present, including the mayor, borough administrator, borough engineer, chief of police, DPW director, fire marshal, code enforcement officer, harbor master, and harbor commission chair. Officials then met with Seastreak personnel who he said are also enthusiastic about the project. “This was truly a collaborative effort. I can’t thank everyone enough for their great help,” Dougherty said.
After the unanimous vote, he added “I am thrilled to get this project approved. I think it will benefit commuters, our residents, and our businesses. Since these charging stations will be visible on the ChargePoint network, one of the largest providers in the country, it will attract visitors to our community.”
Neighboring Highlands has had a charging station in its municipal lot on Bay avenue since last November. They retained Livingston for the engineering, permits., purchase and installation of the DC Fast charging station at a cost of $165,400. A grant of $75,000 from the NJ Department of Tourism covered a portion of the overall bill
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A Sharp Contrast Residents of Atlantic Highlands should take some pride and appreciation for one of their residents, Mark Fisher. They should also heed attention to information he so carefully learns then generously spreads to all are interested.
Fisher has no desire to run for any office, it seems. He has no political ambitions, happy as he is with his recreational activities and his efforts with the volunteer fire department. But it is obvious he certainly loves his hometown, follows every aspect of its growth and future carefully and does all the research to ensure he has all the facts. He even knows how to get all the facts if they are not made available to him through regular requests.
That is in sharp contrast to the Mayor indicating there is no need for the borough to get the opinion of residents on whether they want Sea Bright to be part of the regional school district.
It’s in sharp contrast to not getting updates on what’s happening with the Mother Teresa school property or the impact of all those new houses under construction along the waterfront, complete with oil spills.
It is in sharp contrast to the planning board setting aside a late-night half hour to hear a building owner explain what he wants to do with a building, one that has never endeared itself to the town since it was built a little more than five years ago. The owners sent packets to all the planning board members at least a week before the meeting. They did not pay any fees, give any notices to neighbors, or include the public in any information.
The building owners simply wanted to informally find out how far the planners will let him legally break the law before they spend a bundle of cash on officially presenting ideas for ten apartments, more stores, an indoor garage and brewery storage.
Even though it was informal, those testifying did not have to swear to tell the truth, and neighbors did not have to be informed; even those present at the meeting were told they would not get a chance to ask any questions or give any opinions. This was a matter just between the planners and the property owner, not the public.
The lack of transparency in so many areas makes the astute citizen even more curious, even more certain he has to pass information to residents who are not getting complete transparency from their elected or appointed officials.
The latest news Mark Fisher has learned concerns the next plans for Kalian, the contractor who built the large complex complete with apartments and shops but little parking on First Avenue. The contractor who has plans for a similar building next door, once the little but very popular liquor store and deli are torn down.
Kalian is scheduled to appear at the September 5 planning board meeting with proposals for the Masonic Lodge property.
Fisher, ever curious, dug deeper into the story before the meeting and has come up with a lot of information on Kalian’s need to secure variances to build what he wants with the approval of the town.
Which brings me back to legally breaking the law. That’s exactly what variances are.
The borough establishes regulations to meet the vision they have for the future of the borough. If someone wants to build something that isn’t within that vision, they appear before the planners, explain their ideas, answer a lot of questions, occasionally make an adjustment or two, and then, more often than not, are granted permission to break the law and go ahead with their plans.
Last year, the planners allowed the laws be broken on the west side of town. Someone purchased the fireman’s field house property. Then the new owner, who did not have to buy the land at all, decided he wanted to do something with it which was against the law.
On the property he had just purchased, the new owner wanted permission to build three houses where the borough regulations said should not be more than two.
He came to the planning board, answered all the questions, and boom, the planners gave him the variances, the right to break the laws, not for the enhancement of the area, simply because he as the new owner wanted to do something with the property the borough laws had said would not be a good idea.
So now, it’s Kalian who apparently wants to do the same thing.
He wants to put up not one or two, or even three single family houses but FIVE homes, each on lots the borough laws say would be too small. The news isn’t official, but if Fisher says it comes from a reliable source, he has a lot of confidence it’s accurate.
It also brings up another questions. By approving those smaller lots last year, has the planning board set a precedent that can be argued by every other person in the borough who wants to build undersized lots?
Where does it end?
When do the borough laws take precedence?
If the Kalian information is accurate, the neighbors within 200 feet will most likely be notified….it’s a requirement of anyone who wants to break the law in this manner to inform them officially.
So it is up to residents to show up for that September 5 meeting to hear the whole story, hear why five houses creating five undersized lots, would be an improvement for the borough, an improvement good enough to toss out the borough laws and legally create something that would also create the need for future variances, more permissions to break the law.
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The ambition of two former addicts and the kindness of Jaspan’s Hardware Store meant residents and visitors to Atlantic Highlands could learn more about Adult & Teen Challenge Saturday as well as purchase handmade cutting boards designed in a variety of hard woods from oak to maple.
The two young men, one in the program to combat addiction for eight months, the other new to the program one month ago, set up a display table in front of Jaspan’s Hardware Store on First Avenue Saturday, courteously greeting passersby and inviting them to stop and look at the hand-crafted woodwork.
Each was there as a participant in the Adult & Teen challenge open to drug or alcohol addicts 18 years of age and older.
The program has facilities in five of the New England states as well as New Jersey and offers a 10-to-12-month Christian residential recovery program for both men and women. There are ten centers across the states for the program, which offer spiritual, academic and vocational training to assist individuals in returning to society as responsible citizens.
The program members at Jaspan’s Saturday were eager to talk about the success of others who have already passed through the program and have learned that the key to their success was developing a relationship with God and putting into practice what they learned through the program.
Both were inspired by others with whom they have spoken and feel confident they also will be able to achieve success in overcoming addictions.
Both made the decision on their own to enter the Challenge, realizing at some point they were otherwise heading to prison and facing lives without futures.
The program is called a challenge since it takes strength, perseverance and desire to complete it, the men said, but some of its benefits are restoration of family relationships, learning structured programs and receiving clinical counseling in a caring environment.
The residential component of the Challenge is divided into four phases, each with a specific goal and customized curriculum, and students must pass each one in order to continue into the next phase. During the final phase, transition residents learn how to implement their new skills in an Aftercare Plan.
It is one of the goals of the program directors that every graduate leaves with a GED or Hiset diploma and further assistance upon graduation with college, trade schools, employments, careers, ministry or the ACTNENJ apprenticeship program.
For more information on the program, visit info@tcnewengland.org or visit their website at tcnewengland.org. The main office is at 1311 Main St., B Rockton, MA 02301.
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The Atlantic Highlands Planning Board took an additional half hour at the end of a three hour meeting Thursday night to hear informal plans for converting the Carton Brewery building on First Avenue into a ten unit residential complex, with a smaller brewery, garage space and retail shops on the first floor apartments on the second and third floors and private outdoor enjoyment for apartment residents on the roof.
DOTCC Holding Company sent attorney Vincent Scrudato and lead project architect Bryan Keelan of MidAtlantic engineering firm to informally present initial ideas for conversion of the brewery into a mixed multi use facility.
With board attorney Michael Steib stressing it was an informal hearing, and the witnesses giving testimony that would not be under oath, members seemed to express initial approval for any concept that would change what many residents feel is a less than esthetic architecture on its main street between the colonial style Borough Hall and early 20th century elementary school.
Steib also made it clear, in spite of a question from resident Mark Fisher, that the discussion was strictly between the presenters and the board, and the public would not be able to either express opinions or even ask questions during the presentation.
Attorney Vincent Scrudato,, of the firm of Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri and Jacobs, introduced architect Bryan Keelan of MidAtlantic Engineering firm of Wall Township. Keelan, whose reputation identifies him as a lead project architect, outlined what he knows of the plans and answered questions on what had been presented to board members with their meeting packet more than a week ago.
The engineer said he did not know whether the present owners had plans to sell the building, how much equipment is needed for an operable brewery or where current equipment used now would be stored if the brewery would be limited to a portion of the first floor, or whether the units would be condominium or rentals. Keelan also did not know the details on the connection between Carton’s other building on W. Washington ave where the informal plans are also looking to include for parking.
Keelan was explicit in his knowledge of several other matters, however, noting there would be five apartments on each the second and third floors, a current elevator would be in place, the roof would be exclusively for the residents of the 38-foot-tall building, and there would be balconies stretching out from the apartments. In addition to the brewery and retail space on the street level, there would also be interior parking, with access from the borough hall side of the building.
Kellan felt there would be sufficient room for a residential lobby and: tenant” space on the first floor with the brewery reserving approximately 2,080 square feet for its operation.
Members appeared to think the idea of change would be good for First Avenue, with most questions and concerns focusing on parking, which was termed “always the big issue.”
While most people would have a “good feeling” about a more esthetic looking building with a busy storefront rather than the current solid concrete walls, members questioned the impact of aromas emanating from the brewery in close proximity to residential units, with one member saying it would “compete with the coffee smell.”
Planners suggested consideration of possibly reducing the apartments from ten to eight to alleviate parking requirements, consider hanging gardens on balconies and greenery on the roof to aid the environment, and getting more definite information on whether use of the Carton’s nearby property is part of any application that would be submitted.
In opining the importance of looking towards the future and taking the infrastructure into consideration, planners asked about the impact of additional children on the borough’s school district, its water and sewer systems and other impacts on the borough. Planners also indicate any application of a use change gives the owners a “second change at esthetics” after the current factory-like appearance of the structure.
Cadet Nicholas Billows with Captain Lennie Reed, USN (Ret.)
“I wanted to be a part of the MAST legacy at the Leadership Academy,” said Nicholas Billows of Oakhurst, explaining why he applied for, passed and attended the rigorous two weeks of leadership training at Newport Naval Base in Rhode Island last month.
Not only did this rising junior become a part of MAST legacy as one of 13 students from the Marine Academy of Science and Technology who attended this year, and one of the more than 120 students from nine states who also earned entry into the prestigious leadership academy, he came home carrying the Distinguished Graduate award for overall performance.
The cadet who receives this highest honor is determined by individual achievement in leadership, drill, academics, and sailing to create an overall score.
“I am honored to have received the award this year from the Officer in Charge,” Billows said.
The son of Lori and Gregory Billows, and younger brother of his sister Adrienne, Nicholas has achieved in numerous ways in a variety of fields before receiving this latest honor.
He is a participating member of the Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) at the family’s long-time parish, St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean Township.
The GOYA program has changed his life, the student said, since he first became active in GOYA when he was in 7th grade at Ocean Township Elementary School.
He volunteers behind the altar, and participates extensively in religious services, Sunday School, and volunteer opportunities. Besides the religious and educational aspects the program offers, GOYA has also given Nicholas the opportunity to meet GOYA members, many of whom are now close friends and come from all over the state, including at MAST, he smiles.
He also speaks some Greek, but admits, “not very much. I would like to learn more, as some family members and many of my friends can speak it.”
In addition to church activities, Nicholas was Cadet of the Quarter for the fourth marking period in the 2022-2023 school year, and recently received a varsity letter in Ocean Township High School Track and Field where he ran the 400 and 800 meter events and competed in prestigious races including the Penn Relays.
He is the current Scout of the Year in Boy Scout Troop 70 of Oakhurst, where he is a Life Scout looking to earn his Eagle award.
Nicholas, who is an honor student at MAST, said when he first heard of the high school on Sandy Hook, he was not certain he wanted to attend, since he thought attendance in the school in which all students are also in the NJROTC meant he would have to serve in the Navy.
He envisioned MAST as “a daily boot camp.” “I was definitely wrong on both of those fronts. I eventually chose MAST for the focus on marine science, and the ability to go on the research vessel, The Blue Sea.”
When it came to applying for the leadership academy in March, Nicholas said he wanted to do that as well, since he is now in a position of leadership at MAST. “I wanted a better understanding of how to reward, discipline, and train my subordinates because I think that is vital in having a successful organization. The academy would also serve as a glimpse into the life of military service, which may possibly be my future career path.”
The two weeks were definitely an unforgettable experience, the cadet continued, knowing that in addition to everything he learned, it gave him the opportunity to see aspects of the NJROTC program from the cadets who attended from units from nine other states. “It provided us all with so many different ideas and opportunities to bring back to our home schools.
There were cadets attending from Maine to Maryland and each with something different to bring to the table.”
Admittedly, the entire two weeks was not easy, he concedes. The mental part of the program was more difficult than the physical because “it takes a lot of self-control to not take things to heart, and not let words weigh you down. At Leadership Academy, you are often subject to yelling and being on the receiving end of disciplining. In these situations one must remember why they are there and that this is all to improve us and teach us how to deal with stressful situations. “
He believes the MASTies were all thoroughly prepared for the physical part because of the dozens of physical fitness practices and workouts throughout the school year at Fort Hancock.
For Nicholas, sailing was the best part of the program at Newport. “I never thought I would have liked sailing, but I believe I excelled and enjoyed it very much. I had a great instructor and a stellar crew of three other cadets. I believe the sailboats were really a guise to provide a leadership lab for the cadets, and to teach us all how to stay calm and work through stressful situations, even in a sailboat. Communication was huge in being a good ship, and we worked very well together and became very close friends.”
The most difficult part of the program came when Nicholas was selected to be a company commander at the graduation ceremony. He had to learn an entire manual on the sword, he said, “almost immediately. He had learned the basics, he noted, but needed more than a basic understanding to participate in the sword drill at graduation. But still, “I read through all of the manual, and practiced with one other cadet from my platoon who had prior experience. The next day, I was proficient in using the sword and succeeded in keeping my billet as company commander.”
While every lesson was important during the rigorous training program, Nicholas said most important to himself was learning how to create relationships with people who were complete opposites.
“The Academy presented each cadet 120 opportunities, 120 other cadets, to befriend and learn from, just as much as we had learned from the instructors and aides.” Maybe learning from other cadets was not leadership training, he said, but “we taught each other how to build professional relationships, how to network, and how to compromise and communicate. I did not expect so much of the learning to take place inside the dormitories.”
The Newport academy also gave the MAST student a chance to see how his school compared to other schools across the northeast.
NJROTC programs in other schools were as small as 40 students, or as large as 800 students. He learned something from each of them he plans on bringing back to MAST.
He also learned that MAST is one of the most widely known programs in the area, and he feels fortunate to have as many opportunities as the Monmouth County school offers, many of which are not present at many other schools.
Overall, the program was fun, Nicholas said enthusiastically. That’s because the Naval Science Instructors, his peers, and past graduates present to help guide the cadets during the training program, were all vital in preparing them mentally and physically.
“Attending Leadership Academy was the best decision I have ever made. It was one of the best experiences of my life. If I ever get the opportunity to return, I will jump on it immediately “
Since wondering about going to MAST before he started, Nicholas has had several changes of heart. His favorite subject is now Naval Science, not necessarily because the class is so interesting, fun, and rewarding, but because of the other activities, including drill, academics, orienteering, joint leadership academic bowl (JLAB), and physical fitness. “Each provided us all with opportunities that would not be possible without the Naval Science program. This program has made me the person I am today and has given me friends and a community I will never forget.”
‘That being said, what are the bad parts of going to MAST? “I don’t have a least favorite class. This past year, every teacher I had loved to teach, and I felt that I learned so much from each of them. All teachers were always there to help, and be there for everyone. They make their classes interesting and fun, and they are always open to have conversations and learn from us as well.”
In his sophomore year at MAST, Nicholas was a member of the color guard, where he presented our Nation’s honors at community events, battalion formations, and competition drill meets.
He was promoted to the rank of Cadet Chief Petty Officer in May and will serve as the Blue Color Guard Commander for the 2024-2025 school year, working with a co-captain to take charge of the twelve cadets on the newly selected color guard.
“Cadet Billows is an incredible young man – a hard worker, a compassionate leader, and a true team player. I was so happy, but not surprised, to see him receive the Distinguished Graduate award at Leadership Academy. I look forward to seeing how he puts all that he learned at the Academy into practical application, both at MAST and in his life outside of school,” said Commander Tracie Smith-Yeoman, US Navy (retired), the Senior Naval Science Instructor at MAST.
And that student who wasn’t sure he’d like MAST because of his fear it could be daily boot camp? Now he is not only open to attend a service academy, “but more specifically, the United States Naval Academy, where I would like to commission as an officer in the Marine Corps.”
It was a busy night. The board gave final approval for a variance they had studied and approved last month on First Avenue, they officially hired Renee Frotton as its secretary, a lady who has long proven her worth as a professional, hard worker, and dedicated public official.
They listened long, hard and attentively, asked questions, and made things easier for a resident to understand. They did all this, then voted and granted a variance for the fence she requested that is two foot higher than the law allows.
They listened to neighbors and the applicant before approving their variance that impacts not one but two separate districts but did not bring out any strong opposition from neighbors, some of whom even said how wonderful the property looks.
They listened to a couple that wants to move their driveway so they didn’t have to continue to share a driveway with a neighbor and even listened to the neighbor who just wanted to clarify something and they approved it after settling the issue of what is impervious and what is not.
They heard another case with another great attorney and even suggested he chat with his client to make a few changes in his application for a variance and come back another night with some new ideas.
He thanked them and will be back with changes made because of their suggestions. But first they listened to all the testimony and asked all their questions why the applicant should be allowed to legally break the law to put in still more apartments, more cars, and garages.
All of that took three hours and the planners, led by a common sense chairman who doesn’t ever seem to lose his cool, certainly knew what they were talking about before making any decisions.
It was 10 p.m. on a weeknight and most of these folks have day jobs.
But still, they took another half hour to listen to two more hard working, and most likely well paid professionals give them some info on how to switch an ugly brewery building into a magnificent and beautiful addition to the main street of what used to be a snug little community where everyone knew everyone and where grandkids still lived close enough for little ones to bike over for a visit and a hug.
But the public present at this week’s meeting, and there were quite a few, considering the late hour and all, were not given the same privilege. They could listen to this informal idea for squishing a brewery that until now has taken up all of the 38 foot high building,into 2000 square foot of space on the first floor making room for lots of other things in the same building.
They could hear all about balconies sticking out over First avenue from some of the ten new apartments tentatively planned for two floors of the building, and they could listen to all the questions about the impact all those new folks would have on schools, sewers, water, and other amenities. But they couldn’t ask question number one or give a single suggestion.
So how does a developer, lawyer, builder, architect or other professional get to take up a half hour of time in an official meeting without anything more than sending out some ideas and getting on the agenda?
No applications necessary, no fees, no letting the public have input, just a nice, cozy conversation to help change a building just about everyone has called ugly since it was first approved…yep, with lots of planning board approval.
One board member even said it gives the owner a “second chance” to make a beautiful building.
Really?
Why should he have a second chance?
Because the planning board goofed in the first place in allowing what is there?
Or because he did not follow what the plans approved at that hearing years ago?
Because it was ugly a first time, he should be allowed years later, to have a “second chance” on making it right?
Boroughs need planning boards and variances, which are really nothing more than official authority to break the law,.
Sometimes it is necessary to help the home owner who has owned property for a long time, laws have changed, and now changes he wants to make don’t fit in with the new law.
And Planning Board members should be complimented for all the good work they do, trying to make it easy for those who make these requests on their own, filling out all the applications and paying all the fees, but without an attorney to guide them.
This board seems to do all that well. They offer suggestions, they ask questions that show they have studied the situation and know what they’re talking about and they help to make things right in a polite, courteous, and friendly manner.
But when a company that was granted approval to put up an ugly building years ago and now wants to make even more money, bring in more people, change yet again the face of what used to be a small homespun community and add to what cities like Hoboken and Jersey City have become, why are these same hard working planners going above and beyond?
If they’re going to let the guy with money and ideas come in with experts to help him make up his mind before he spends a dime on the borough, at least let the folks who stay late for that portion of the meeting have a little bit of input.
You know they will when it comes to official applications and official public hearings.
Break the Law Break the Law Break the Law Break the Law
Break the Law Break the Law Break the Law Break the Law
