Top News Of 2023 In The Caldwells: Patch Year In Review

CALDWELLS, NJ — It’s been a memorable year in the Caldwells. Catch up with some of 2023’s top news stories here (click headline to read article).

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

Firm Says Caldwell's Redevelopment Plan Costs $482 Per Homeowner

Caldwell officials asked a firm to audit a local redevelopment plan – and the costs associated with it.

Caldwell Debates Nixing Tax Breaks For Developers, Homeowners

In a town that's seen "monumental debt the past few years," are five-year tax abatements in redevelopment zones good or bad for Caldwell?

Tax Hike Proposed In Caldwell: See Impact To Average Homeowner

A property tax hike could be on the horizon in Caldwell.

Engineer Issues New Report On Future Of Caldwell Library, Borough Hall

As Caldwell grapples with structural problems at the Borough Hall and library, an engineer released new photos and reports.

What Should Go In Walker's Park In North Caldwell?

Most of the 17-acre North Caldwell land will be for passive recreation, but the town has talked to artists and restaurateurs about uses.

Downtown Caldwell Redevelopment Plan Still Being 'Fine-Tuned'

The Caldwell Borough Council is circling back on an amendment to the town's redevelopment plan after feedback from the planning board.

Departing Caldwell Council Member Gives Suggestions For Future

Jonathan Lace offered some fond memories – and suggestions for his council peers – after his final meeting this week.

EDUCATION

North Caldwell Will Vote On School Bond Referendum: What To Know

A $51 million bond referendum would pay for repairs and expansion in the North Caldwell Public School District. (Read our update here)

Caldwell-West Caldwell Will Get $3.6M In School Construction Funds

New Jersey has greenlighted $450 million in construction funding for school districts across the state, including Caldwell-West Caldwell.

$60M In Upgrades At Essex County College Campus In West Caldwell

A county college campus in the Caldwells has been reborn.

High School Football Player In The Caldwells Nominated For 'Giant' Award

Jake Gruzas has proven that he has the "heart of a Giant." Now, the rest of the Tri-State Area needs to know it.

WEATHER/ENVIRONMENT

Canada Wildfire Smoke In NJ: Expert Answers Common Questions (VIDEO)

A professor at NJIT in Essex County has answers to some of your most pressing questions about the hazy smoke wafting across New Jersey.

After River Rises To 1989 Level, Caldwells Area Floods, NWS Says
A flood warning continues in the Caldwells area with flooding reported in Fairfield, West Caldwell,

Bear Spotted In The Caldwells; 'Please Use Caution,' Officials Say
Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state's natural heritage, experts say.

Essex County Hunters Kill 240 Deer In First Cull Since COVID Pandemic
The cull took place at South Mountain (Maplewood, Millburn, West Orange) and Hilltop reservations (Cedar Grove, North Caldwell, Verona).

CRIME/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY

Property Crime Rates In Caldwells Remain Historically Low: FBI Data

Property crime rates have gotten much better in Caldwell, North Caldwell and West Caldwell, new data from the FBI shows.

Car Fatally Strikes 68-Year-Old Pedestrian In Caldwell (UPDATED)

A car hit and killed a pedestrian on Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, authorities said.

Caldwell Woman Dies In 2-Car Crash: Authorities

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said that a woman, 70, died after a collision in Roseland.

VIDEOS: Stolen Car Falls 2 Stories From North Caldwell Embankment

A car tumbled two stories onto the driveway of North Caldwell home early New Year's Day, two police videos show.

After Family 'Lost Everything' In West Caldwell Fire, GoFundMe Set

A family with two young boys lost their West Caldwell home to a Mother's Day fire. A GoFundMe is helping them out.

NJ Man Points Gun At Another Driver After Crash In West Caldwell: PD

A North Jersey resident allegedly pointed a gun at another driver during a recent hit-and-run crash in West Caldwell, police said.

REAL ESTATE/DEVELOPMENT

North Caldwell Golf Course Will Be Turned Into Housing: See New Plan

North Caldwell's mayor said that 2024 will likely be the last year the Green Brook Country Club will operate as a golf course.

Pickleball Courts, Tennis Upgrades At Grover Cleveland Park

Tennis and pickleball players will get a boost from upgrades at the county-run park, which is located in Caldwell and Essex Fells.

BUSINESS

Caldwell Recaps Policy For Solicitation After Concerns From Residents

Annoyed with visits from solicitors trying to sell you things in Caldwell? You're not alone, officials say.

Wife-And-Husband Team Open Hair Salon, Coffee Bar In Caldwell

Mane.Lobby in Caldwell is a dream come true for an up-and-coming hairstylist from New Jersey, its owners say.

OBITUARIES

Funeral For Former Caldwell Fire Chief 'Red' Messer

'Red' Messer served in the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years, after leaving the Navy honorably. Find out more about him here.

Lived 'Amazing Life Of 103 Years': West Caldwell WWII Veteran Dies

He lived to be 103 years, served in WWII, raised a family, and ran "Style with Tile" in the Caldwells. His funeral is Wednesday.

OTHER NEWS

Caldwell Family 'Turns It Around' After Cops Called On Black Daughter

A girl from Caldwell was honored by Yale after police were called on her while she was spraying lanternflies. Her family is looking ahead.

Hilde Turns 100; Parents Sent Her From Germany To Caldwell During War

A former Caldwell resident turned 100. Her assisted living center celebrated and told of her life working in Montclair after World War II.

North Caldwell's Water Meter Replacement Project Is Halfway Done

All water meters in North Caldwell will have to be replaced under the mandatory project.

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