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Message |
    
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 299
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 8:41 am: | 
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i answered the phone to hear a recording in progress about a meeting about safety concerns in the village? Where and When? what? did anyone else get this message? |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 379
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 8:44 am: |
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I haven't had one... |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5123
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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Hmm...
When did you get this call? I thought the town didn't have the ability to do this? |
rosie
Citizen
Username: Rosie
Post Number: 72
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 9:35 am: |
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I just got the same call....9:30 am |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 4101
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 9:36 am: |
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My guess is it is about this:
May 17, 2006
Village Holding Special Public Safety Meeting
In light of recent events and the Village’s commitment to open communication with our residents when serious incidents occur, South Orange is holding a special Public Safety Committee meeting on Thursday, May 25th at 7:00 pm. We welcome attendance from all residents so that we may directly address your concerns and keep you informed as to how these matters are handled both within Village Hall and in communicating with Villagers.
http://www.southorange.org/articles.asp?articleID=151
Perhaps they utilized the Reverse 911 system for select neighborhoods.
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Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 9550
Registered: 4-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 9:41 am: |
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What was the content of the message?
(Didn't see MHD's post. Thanks.) |
noracoombs
Citizen
Username: Noracoombs
Post Number: 150
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 9:49 am: |
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MHD is right--the phone call was a notification of Thursday night's meeting.
BTW, my call came at 8:30 or so. |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 4102
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 9:55 am: |
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Where is the Meeeting? Village Hall? |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 300
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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i got the call sunday evening, as did my neighbor down the street. |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 446
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 11:54 am: |
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We got our call yesterday about 5:30. They didn't mention what the issue was - just a safety thing and sounded somewhat dire. Good thing I already knew what was going on, otherwise I would have assumed there was an ax murdered or mad rapist on the loose. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 302
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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i hate it when my ax gets murdered!
should i go to the meeting with my concerns about increased taxes to pay for Tau, and the town going bankrupt and the water having sand in it? those are some of my safety concerns at the moment. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2787
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 3:24 pm: |
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As posted on the village website:
Village Holding Special Public Safety Meeting
In light of recent events and the Village’s commitment to open communication with our residents when serious incidents occur, South Orange is holding a special Public Safety Committee meeting on Thursday, May 25th at 7:00 pm. We welcome attendance from all residents so that we may directly address your concerns and keep you informed as to how these matters are handled both within Village Hall and in communicating with Villagers.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 4108
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 3:35 pm: |
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in Village Hall?? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2788
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 4:07 pm: |
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Yes, in village hall. |
campbell29
Citizen
Username: Campbell29
Post Number: 448
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 4:31 pm: |
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Crazy - Unless the Tau wants to have a hair salon inside it, there is no public safety menace.... I'm sure the upstanding individuals who will no doubt be tagging it weekly will be contributing to the overall ambience of the village. Certainly they will feel right at home when looking at the boarded up Shoprite and various holes in the ground.
As for the water, which might actually be a safety menace - someone, somewhere, signed a contract which apparently allows EOW to supply us with whatever they see fit, so get used to it and learn to live with it for the next 10 years, (when I'm sure another equally beneficial contract will be signed) |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5132
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 - 8:30 pm: |
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What 'events?' I thought there was only one (and even that is too many) shooting... |
red_alert
Citizen
Username: Red_alert
Post Number: 259
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 8:44 am: |
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Helpful tips before attending tonight's safety meeting.
1. Make sure to lock your car when you park at the Town Hall lot.
2. Don't forget to bring your mace.
3. Leave your valuables at home... so it can be robbed while you are at the meeting.
Good luck. |
Mama Cloudy
Citizen
Username: Mamacloudy
Post Number: 15
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 8:55 am: |
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You know...the thinly veiled racism and vitriol of those posting on this forum makes me wonder why any of you live in South Orange.
Just move to Millburn. I'm sure it's all sunshine and Wonder Bread over there. |
marion cobretti
Citizen
Username: Marion_cobretti
Post Number: 136
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:47 am: |
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what the hell are you talking about? concerned citzens that would like to discuss the recent violent crimes that have occured in the village to try to make the town safer is "veiled in racism"? the only racist post is yours a**h***. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 3807
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 9:55 am: |
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Marion you nailed it ! |
joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove
Post Number: 508
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:21 pm: |
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"Cloudy" vision.
jd |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 560
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:28 pm: |
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I don't think Mama is referring to this particular thread (though she should have clarified). A previous "crime" thread did get pretty dicey and very controversial, with lots of shouts of blatant racism.
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Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1534
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 1:48 pm: |
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"Just move to Millburn. I'm sure it's all sunshine and Wonder Bread over there."
You are probably right. Millburn is further away from Newark and probably has less of a crime problem. For instance I would guess that the chances of a random shooting at 5:00 in the afternoon would be much less there.
This doesn't meant that I am racist, and it doesn't mean that I don't like South Orange or Maplewood, only that because of the relative proximity of these towns to places of high crime and low income leaves them much more susceptible to both petty and violent crimes.
OK, let me have it now. That is what usually happens when someone posts a truth on this board. |
Steve Hickson
Citizen
Username: Shickson
Post Number: 14
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 2:20 pm: |
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Mayor,
Not only is Millburn safer---but I hear they are also building a large "Wonder Bread" sculpture that will be placed outside of Martini's Restaurant. The cost to Millburn taxpayers will be somewhere around a million bucks---but the way I see it it's worth it---it should attract some extra tourists---I mean who wouldn't want to come to Millburn to see the large Wonder Bread sculpture---and think of the value-added for all those lonely 30 and 40 somethings who hang out at Martini's---Now they can hook-up in front of a large slab of Wonder Bread---and of course, no drive-by's! Gotta love our neighbors. Gotta love America! |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1539
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 2:28 pm: |
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Steve,
Maybe South Orange should buy those plans from Millburn and make a Tau sandwhich on Sloan Street. The black of the Tau and the white of the bread could help to show the diversity of the town. A little lettuce and tomato and we have a tourist attraction. We could sell t-shirts that say, "I saw the Tau sandwhich and all I got was this lousy tax increase." |
Steve Hickson
Citizen
Username: Shickson
Post Number: 15
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 2:40 pm: |
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Mayor,
I like it! Plus, the sandwich motif may help fill the void that's been left by the erstwhile Town Hall Deli---of which I believe you may be an alumnus. A tax increase for a sandwich sculpture might be acceptable but it should at least have pickles if the taxpayers are going to foot some of the expense. As another value-added, perhaps SODA could host "How to Make a Joe" seminars adjacent to the sandwich sculpture.
Also, as fyi, for other MOL'ers I did support the new diner on Sloan Street earliers this week via a gyro wrap, fries and a coke---not bad, and the place is packed every time I go by. |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 564
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 2:59 pm: |
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You do know the attempted car-jacking/abduction 2 days ago happened in Millburn, right? |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1540
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 3:14 pm: |
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Yes... As I said, I believe that Millburn has less of a crime problem, not no crime. There was also a car-jacking in South Orange in the last week. |
marion cobretti
Citizen
Username: Marion_cobretti
Post Number: 137
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 3:46 pm: |
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what boggles my mind is that someone who interprets certain posts as racist, turns around and makes a racist statment themselves. i live in millburn. i just bought a loaf of wonder bread and made a grilled cheese sandwich.with tomato.crust cut off.no pickel.
"you got spend money to make money lou" chief wiggam |
newtoallthis
Citizen
Username: Newtoallthis
Post Number: 260
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 3:51 pm: |
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Anyone know if the meeting will be televised? |
MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 4122
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 11:10 pm: |
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Can anyone report on the meeting tonight? |
Mama Cloudy
Citizen
Username: Mamacloudy
Post Number: 22
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 11:30 pm: |
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Didn't think I had to spell it out, but I will. I've read several threads about the shooting and they where indeed racist elements to many of the comments. Especially when black hair salons are singled out at the root cause of crime in this town, that rings of racism to me.
I mentioned Millburn specifically because of the crime committed there just this week. And, the "wonder bread" comment wasn't racist -- explain that one to me?
A final note...I thought these boards were for mature, community discussion, not name-calling.
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Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1554
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 3:18 am: |
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Mama, you can say what you want. Everyone knows the "wonder bread" comment was racist. Everything you have said on this message board has been racially motivated, and you are being called on it right now. Instead of assuming that everyone is out to blame certain racial groups for problems in town, try reading some posts and understanding what the problems in town are actually about. |
JoRo
Citizen
Username: Autojoe51
Post Number: 117
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:00 am: |
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Got to Public Safety meeting a little late ... It was very well attended (75-80?), and a lot of emotional testimony was heard. Gross, DeVaris, Rosen and Chief Chelel were there, don't know where the Village President and other Trustees were. (I think they all should have been there, particularly VP.) People in the Irvington and Fairview area seemed pretty fed up -- poor lighting, tons of litter, loitering, picnicking in Grove Park (not allowed), intimidation on the street, illegal parking, speeding. They painted a picture of a part of town that's neglected by Village Government in terms of code enforcement, development, and traffic calming. Though the meeting was not about development, several residents pointed out that run-down buildings, relatively minor violations and litter contribute to a sense of lawlessness -- the broken windows theory. Several suggested that better enforcing minor rules would lead to a reduction in bigger crimes. Gross said the government wanted to work with the residents and would create a report based on the meeting before the next public safety meeting. He encouraged residents with questions to call or email him or the other Trustees. Apparently the president issued an edict about all service businesses in the village being closed by 8:30 p.m. I don't know if this is a recommendation, if it's enforceable, what the deal is. Need to look into it. The reverse call really seemed to bring people out, and it seems there's good momentum around the issue. Question on my mind: Do we have enough police officers? Did we bond for more along with everything else? I agree on the broken windows issue. The longer our CBD properties languish, the more problems we're going to have. It creates a negative atmosphere, breeding a sense that the leadership is out-to-lunch and developers don't care, and brings down community pride. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2792
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 9:58 am: |
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JoRo: First off, it was a public safety committee meeting, so only three trustees are permitted to attend. When the date was picked, I was still on the public safety committee and I did notify village hall I would not be able to make it because I had a prior committment. They decided to stick with that date because it worked for the Police chief and the village administrator.
Also, you can not bond for employees (illegal). The village has increased the number of police officers since I have been on the BOT and we have been working on a five year plan with the police chief (which includes a request for more officers).
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Steve Hickson
Citizen
Username: Shickson
Post Number: 16
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 10:42 am: |
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Hey Marion,
Do you deliver? |
JoRo
Citizen
Username: Autojoe51
Post Number: 118
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 11:29 am: |
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thanks for the clarification, mark. i asked last night if other trustees were invited and was told (unless i misheard) that they were. so, although it was a public safety meeting, i was under the impression that some trustees made a decision or were simply not able to attend. at any rate, if trustees are barred from such committee meetings, perhaps a better forum would have been a "special village meeting" where all were permitted to attend. my point is that the issue is important enough to our entire community to have had complete attendance by the board. good to know you can't bond for employees. (but wouldn't that be analogous to start-up company paying for its employees with venture capital or a business loan?) |
phd6786
Citizen
Username: Phd6786
Post Number: 22
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 1:59 pm: |
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Trustee Rosner,
Quote:"only three trustees are permitted to attend"
Which three trustees were "permitted" to attend? How come there were only two trustees there? Who selects which trustees are "permitted" to attend? |
tomp
Citizen
Username: Tomp
Post Number: 43
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 2:20 pm: |
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They made an audio recording of the meeting, and said they'd play it for the full BOT at an upcoming meeting, in order to try to identify action items. I don't think they said the tape would be put on the website, but it would make sense to have it there. Unfortunately, only around half of the people who got up and spoke used the microphone, and so many people's comments might not have been picked up.
Overall I thought it was a good meeting. Hopefully it'll turn out to be more than just a way for the board to let people blow off some steam. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 3246
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 2:56 pm: |
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I believe the issue about how many BOT members can attend has to do with the fact that if more than a certain number of members are at a meeting, it becomes an official trustee meeting, where there's a requirement for notice, an agenda, minutes, etc.
I could be wrong, though. |
Old and Gray
Citizen
Username: Pastmyprime
Post Number: 375
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 5:54 pm: |
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Basically what I got from the meeting was...We need more cops, and or better deployment of what we have for a few different reasons. However, It was stated by Dr. Rosen I believe that they have increased the police department in recent years, and have a 5 year plan, whatever that may be??? I recall hearing otherwise around the town gossip, but who knows? I know that the last thing the town will probably do is increase the department quickly or substantially, but what can they do to make it more efficient. Many towns audit or do departmental-wide studies, is SOPD due for one? Are we getting all we can out of the police? They do a great job, but can we re-deploy, or adjust their work schedule to accomadate better policing? What options are out there, since they stated a major increase in officers will not happen?
The chief was very rational and reasonable in my opinion, as was a very sick John Gross, who looked like he really dragged himself out to this meeting.
The Chief clearly stated the police can't be everywhere at once, or remain somewhere for an overly extended period...They cannot address every issue in town at one time. Which was disappointing, but it was all common sense responses.
As the meeting progressed, A lot of things basically came back to quality of life issues, kid issues, and traffic related issues. Which is pretty reasonable in my opinion, as the majority of problems in town. I think the idea that the town is basically being overrun, or there is some racist conspiracy against hair salons is a bit overboard.
I was dissapointed to hear that we don't have a lot of cops dedicated to traffic enforcement in town, as that is a huge pet peeve of mine, but I guess they have to make due. Chief Chelel stated "I have only one traffic officer..." A lot of his responses seemed to say to me that we are doing what we can with what we have, and that was positive, yet, what can we do to improve their work?
A lot of good points came up, specically the prevelence of gang grafitti in residential areas. The issue of business hours relating to ALL businesses, not just salons and hair shops.
Some proposals brought by residents were cameras and police substations, but Remember, someone has to be watching and a substations require a cop to be there.
My wife didn't want to speak, but we thought about this as well:
Whatever happed to the bike patrol down town, I can't remember the last time I saw one of those guys riding around? Wouldn't that help on party nights in and around the campus this fall,and downtown during the rush hours? I think thats a little more efficient then officers on foot?
A lot of valid points, and a step in the right direction}, but it will remain to be seen if anything comes of this, or if this was just to appease us all? |
Mary32
Citizen
Username: Mary32
Post Number: 26
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 5:57 pm: |
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phd,
Rastro is right. The magic number is 3. Any more than three trustees would make it a majority therefore an official meeting. That was not an official meeting. It was advertised as a meeting of the Safety committee. The Safety committee's members who should be there were DeVaris, Rosen, and Moore-Abrams. Guess which member wasn't there?
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tototoo
Citizen
Username: Tototoo
Post Number: 172
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 7:11 pm: |
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Um, Terianne? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2794
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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phd: Mary32 has it right. If a trustee could not make it and made that known another one could take his/her place. Even though this meeting was advertised as a safety meeting, the date was picked without asking the members of the committee.
O & G: We have the same number of police officers today as we did 3 years ago when we still had a bike patrol and two officers dedicated to traffic issues. The Chief decided the officers could be better utilized and I think he is in a better position to make those calls than anyone else.
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