News

Commissioner Tucci and The Department of Parks and Recreation are proud to announce the launch of its Toy Drive, aimed at bringing joy and holiday spirit to families in need throughout the community. The event will run from Wednesday November 13 to December 6. All donated toys will be distributed to our community churches.

We are requesting donations of new, unwrapped toys.  “The holiday season is a time for giving, and we are committed to ensuring as many families as possible have the opportunity to experience the joy of receiving a gift.” stated Commissioner Tucci.  

Donations will be accepted at the Recreation Department located at 44 Park Ave until Friday December 6, 2024. Items may be dropped off during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the main office.
 
For further information on these efforts or to contribute please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 973-284-4966, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am & 4:00 pm.

Township of Nutley Mayor John V. Kelly, III and the Board of Commissioners have announced plans to host one of Nutley’s oldest traditions – the annual Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting.  The entire community is invited to attend the Township’s official kick-off of the Holiday Season on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 5:30pm to 7pm, with activities scheduled to take place on both Chestnut Street and Franklin Avenue. 

“This is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for Nutley, and we are delighted to continue this wonderful tradition,” commented Mayor Kelly.  “This year, the Board of Commissioners is excited to announce the new location of the Christmas tree, at the heart of the new Municipal Plaza, right in front of Town Hall at 1 Kennedy Drive.”

As in past years, Santa will return to Nutley with his reindeer and elves! Photos with the “Big Guy” will be available in an outdoor heated tent.  The Chamber Singers and Brass Ensemble will be on hand to delight the crowds with holiday classics under the direction of Vincent J. Vicchiariello, Nutley Schools Coordinator of Fine, Practical & Performing Arts/Career & Technical Education.   

Additional festivities will feature a mini-train ride, horse and buggy rides, roasted chestnuts, doughnuts and more!  There will also be various Nutley School System support groups hosting fundraising tables. At the conclusion of the celebration, all are invited to visit the Live Nativity at the Vincent United Methodist Church. Viewing times are 7:10pm and 7:35pm.

For more information please contact the Office of Mayor Kelly at (973) 284-4976 or visit www.nutleynj.org.

There is a water main break on FRANKLIN AVENUE (between Harrison Street and the Belleville Line).  Residents and businesses in the area may have discolored water and low water pressure. Please anticipate road closures and detours and plan accordingly.

Brown water occurs when the flow of water in the mains is altered. That can occur from unauthorized use of fire hydrants, fire fighting, or a watermain break. Please note that eventhough it is discolored, the water is still safe.

The break should be repaired shortly and water pressure will be restored.  Please run water for 10-15 minutes or until water clears to address any discolored water.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to complete repairs and restore road conditions as quickly and safely as possible.

The Township of Nutley surprised former resident Martha Stewart live on the Drew Barrymore Show yesterday during a remote broadcast from Elm Place, the street she grew up on, as Township officials honorarily named the street “Martha Stewart Place.” Stewart was raised in the Township and is a 1959 Nutley High School graduate.

Mayor John V. Kelly, III along with Commissioners Mauro G. Tucci, Alphonse Petracco and Thomas Evans joined Stewart’s niece Sophie Slater and nephew Chris Herbert in a short ceremony unveiling the honorary street sign.

“One of the things I always say is Nutley is a destination in life,” the Mayor said as Stewart and Barrymore watched from a studio in Manhattan. “It’s an important destination in life because of people like Martha who are from here who have had so much success in so many different fields. We wanted to honor that legacy here in Nutley so we passed this unanimous proclamation in honor of Martha.”

The episode of the Drew Barrymore Show featuring Martha Stewart is scheduled to air on Tuesday, November 12th on CBS-TV.

Shovel Out Seniors is a program in the Township of Nutley’s Department of Public Safety connecting our Senior Residents with our Nutley High School students.  The purpose of this program is to provide affordable shoveling services for seniors without them having to pay extremely expensive shoveling prices. 

• The Program is intended to connect Nutley High School students with senior citizens in the community who are in need of snow removal. 
• The senior citizen and student will establish the cost of shoveling before work begins.  
• Senior citizens will receive a list of all registered students in their area to make initial contact.
• Students will be expected to communicate with seniors directly to coordinate the time and details.
• Students should provide their own shovels.  If the senior citizen would like areas salted, they must provide salt.
• The student is not responsible for clearing off any vehicle due to potential property damage.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the student.
• Students will not be allowed to enter any home for any reason.
• Students must contact the senior citizen directly if they are unable to shovel.
• Students can earn Community Service hours and must keep track of their hours.
• Students will not shovel snow accumulations of less than 3 inches .
• Seniors are expected to pay students when the job is completed.
• Parents must sign students’ permission slip and provide their daytime phone number.

HOW TO REGISTER

Senior citizens and students can complete the paper application and mail, email or drop off to:

Township of Nutley
Department of Public Safety
228 Chestnut Street
Nutley, NJ 07110
Attn:  Michele Koster
Email: mkoster@nutleypd.com

• Senior Paper Application - 2024 
• Student Sign Up Form - 2024 

Mayor John V. Kelly III and the Board of Commissioners have announced that the Township of Nutley will be utilizing a new garbage collection system beginning in January. The new program for the collection of solid waste is significantly more cost-effective and will provide a cleaner, more attractive community image. 

“This is a significant change for our residents and we want to make sure everyone is aware of the reasons why we have chosen to move forward with this program,” Mayor Kelly says. “First of all, the cost of garbage collection has been rising at an alarming rate, which necessitated that we look into all viable options. Fortunately, we were able to secure a new system that will not only save money, but will also be environmentally safe and keep our homes secure from wildlife.”

The Township has purchased and will distribute new carts which are specially constructed to be used in an automated collection system. The cart is designed for durability and ease of handling, with  a lid which keeps odors in and moisture out. It is the only container which can be used with the new system. Each cart, which is the property of and will be provided by the Township, will include a serial number that corresponds to each residential address. 

Each resident will receive one 95-gallon cart with a capacity more than three times that of a standard residential garbage can with the ability to accommodate 300 pounds of waste. (Typically, a cart filled with standard household waste will not exceed these limits). Notably, each cart is equipped with wheels for ease of use; despite the cart’s ability to hold up to 300 pounds of waste, residents able to lift 25 pounds will be able to easily bring a fully loaded cart to the curb for pickup.

If residents determine that they need more capacity, additional carts may be leased for a fee. 

Vegetation carts (designated yard waste consisting of tree limbs or branches, grass clippings, incidental leaves, straw, shrubs, bushes, plants and sod) will be also distributed to all single, two-, three- and four-family homes.

The Township will be holding live presentations on the new system in the next few weeks. The presentations will also be available on the Township of Nutley’s website and social media sites. 

The delivery of the carts will begin on Monday, December 2, 2024 and will stretch over a two week period. The new automated pickup system will take effect January 2, 2025, after which no waste will be removed other than what is in Township-authorized carts. 

“This is an exciting new program that will be beneficial to our Township,” Mayor Kelly says. “We realize it is a major change, so we ask our residents to be patient; we will work to the best of our abilities to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.”

The Township will be mailing out detailed information to all residents. They will also have resources online. Residents and commercial businesses are encouraged to reach out to the Nutley Health Department with any questions. 

• Township of Nutley Garbage Information Link: https://www.nutleynj.org/garbage 
• Manufacturer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk_f6f6SWE0&t=393s 
• Recycle Coach: https://www.recyclecoach.com/

Nutley Parks and Recreation Department Director Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci announced today that a mitigation project at Memorial Park (the Mud Hole) will begin on Monday, November 4th. The project is being undertaken in response to the damage caused by 2021’s Tropical Storm Ida.
 
On September 1, 2021, the Township of Nutley experienced significant damage from the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida, particularly affecting its park system following severe flooding. Shortly after, a collaborative project was launched with FEMA to cover the costs associated with the damages to Nutley's parks. The project was classified as Category G, meaning that any proposed mitigation for resilience must occur within the park system and could not be allocated to other efforts, such as elevating or acquiring flood-prone homes. Mitigation efforts for the Mud Hole were proposed at $580,000, which were approved and will be reimbursed to the Township by FEMA. Repairs were successfully completed, and the Township submitted plans to FEMA for mitigation strategies.
 
“The mitigation project involves clearing debris and items that have accumulated in the Mud Hole during storms, creating additional capacity for stormwater storage,” Commissioner Tucci said. “The goal of this project is to alleviate and prevent some of the flooding we experienced during Ida and increase retention space for flood waters during future storm events.”
 
Implementing various mitigation strategies will facilitate stormwater runoff management, thereby reducing the volume of damaging floodwaters and protecting homes and infrastructure. The mitigation of the Mud Hole should be viewed as an initial step among many taken by the Township to enhance resilience for future flooding events.
 
The Mud Hole will be closed for approximately six weeks during the mitigation, according to Commissioner Tucci. “We ask everyone to be patient while we work to make our beloved park system the best it can be,” he says. “Unfortunately, there is no single solution to flooding in a municipality. However, this project will go a long way toward better protecting the Mud Hole and the homes adjacent to it.”

In an effort to provide protection to our vulnerable residents, the Nutley Health Department is looking to identify homebound residents in Nutley in need of the COVID-19 vaccination directly in-home. 

Homebound is being defined as anyone who is immobile, homebound due to illness, would have difficulty being transported to a vaccination clinic and are not receiving direct medical care at a long-term care facility, skilled nursing facility, etc.   

If:

• You fall under this category, or
• You are the caregiver of someone who is homebound, or
  
• You have a neighbor or friend who will not have seen this community notification but would benefit from this vaccination service because they are homebound.

Please contact the Nutley Health Department at (973) 284-4976 and provide name, phone number and address of the homebound resident by Friday, October 25th 2024. 

Our staff will reach out to these individuals to ask if they would like receive the COVID vaccine and make arrangements for a home visit.

If you have any questions, please contact the Nutley Health Department.  

You can also email covidhomebound@nutleynj.org and use the subject header, “Homebound Resident”. 

Commissioner Thomas J. Evans CPA, Director of the Nutley Department of Revenue and Finance, was inducted into the Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman College of Business Hall of Fame last week. Commissioner Evans, a 1977 graduate of the university, was honored at the annual event held at Lenfell Hall located on the FDU Florham Park campus.

“In organizational learning and talent development, Tom is best known for his groundbreaking work at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC),” said Dr. James Almeida, Dean of Silberman College. “Through his 38-year career with the firm, Tom served as an invaluable strategic partner and as a member of the firm's extended leadership team, Tom is keenly aware of the need to achieve goals and drive strategic execution. His relentless attention to business strategy, technology, and talent, bringing meaningful business impact, has generated extraordinary results at PwC and received industry acclaim. So, please join me in welcoming Tom Evans into the Silberman Hall of Fame.”

Commissioner Evans was the first of three inductees to take the stage and speak following Dr. Almeida.  He stated “I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to stand before you tonight as an inductee into Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Silberman College of Business Hall of Fame. It's been very diverse, it's been very challenging, it's been very rewarding, I've met wonderful people throughout the world helping many people along the way. 

“First and foremost, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee, and everyone involved in organizing this wonderful gala. Your dedication to celebrating the legacy of Samuel ‘Buddy’ Silberman and fostering a spirit of excellence within our community is truly inspiring.

“I stand here tonight because of the unwavering support and encouragement of many individuals. To my family, thank you for being my rock and my biggest cheerleaders. To my children, you inspire me every day to be a better person and a better dad. And now, the best grandpa I can be. 

“To my professors and mentors, thank you for imparting your knowledge, your wisdom, and your passion for the world of business. I've been very fortunate in my career to take my love of finance and business and be able to couple that with talent development and leadership. And I think it's an amazing formula. You put it all together, and help people grow better in their own lives.

“What I learned at home and at school was that the things that you do that are most impactful in helping others are the things you do on your own - when no one's looking over your shoulder and no one knows that you did it. You're just doing it because it's the right thing to do. I'm reminded that the true measure of success is not found in accolades or titles, but in the positive change we bring to the world and those around us every day. I'm deeply grateful for the honor, and for the opportunity to be part of such a distinguished community.”

Mayor John V. Kelly III and The Department of Public Affairs and Health invite you to join in on the Veterans Day Ruck March Event!  

Commemoration 5K Event: This year we will be hosting two individual Ruck Marches which recognize the approximately 22 veterans a day, who take their own life. The suggested weight for a rucksack will be 22lbs or 22 canned goods to be donated to the Nutley Family Service Bureau Food Pantry immediately following the 5K ruck march. All are welcome to participate, any and all other weight, or no weight, is permissible as well. All participants are responsible for packing and bringing their own rucksack or backpack

Elite Ruck March Saturday November 9th, 2024

A fast-paced and more intense march will start at 149 Chestnut Street at 9:00am. A light breakfast will be offered, with ruck march step off scheduled for 10:00am.

Veterans Day Monday November 11, 2024

Immediately following our annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the WW2 Monument at 11:00am (to which all are invited), we will kick off a moderate paced Ruck March from the monument through the Nutley Park system to the Kingsland Manor and back for a 5K long march.

If you would like to participate in this event registration is open until October 31st, 2024

For registration and more information please contact Daniel Jacoby at (973) 284-4951 ext. 2428

As the fall season kicks into high gear, the Township of Nutley has announced a full schedule of events for the month of October. As one of the busiest months of the year, Nutley has a full slate packed with events designed for everyone from toddlers to seniors.
 
The schedule kicks off on Wednesday, October 2nd, with a Coffee with a Cop event taking place at 10am at Valley Bank’s Franklin Ave. location. Coffee with a Cop allows the community to come out and share a cup of coffee and get to know our dedicated police officers. No speeches or lectures, just great conversation and java!
 
On October 3rd, Mayor John V. Kelly III and the Public Affairs and Health Department will be presenting their first “No Homework Family Fun Thursday Movie Night” at Yantacaw Park behind Nutley High School (Vincent Place). The featured movie will be the classic comedy Hocus Pocus. Food trucks will be present for great snacks, and a great time is guaranteed! Pre-movie fun begins at 6pm followed promptly by the movie at 6:30pm.
 
Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli and the Department of Public Works will host Leaf Bag Distribution Day and Food Drive on Saturday, October 5th at the Public Works Garage (located at 1 Cortland Street) from 8am to 1pm. Commissioner Scarpelli is once again asking residents to help stock the Nutley Food Pantry. Canned goods, cereal, peanut butter, pasta, and rice are all needed. The DPW will also present Hanger Recycling Day & Rigid Plastic Recycling Day on Sunday, October 13th from 9:00am - 2:00pm in Municipal Parking Lot 7.
 
Commissioner Scarpelli, in conjunction with GreenNutley, invites everyone to attend the season’s final Farmers Markets, which take place every Sunday through October 27th from 9am to 2pm in Municipal Parking Lot 7 (507 Franklin Ave.).
 
On Thursday, October 10th, the Public Affairs and Health Department will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Los Jarros Mexican Grill Restaurant (85 Union Ave.) from 5pm to 7pm; on Sunday, October 20th, Mayor  Kelly brings the popular Paws in the Park celebration back to the weekly Sunday Farmers Market. Bring your fur babies! On Tuesday, October 22nd, the department presents a Navigating Medicare seminar at the Nutley Public Library from 10am to noon.
 
Commissioner Alphonse Petracco and the Nutley Fire Department will be presenting the 42nd Annual Fire Prevention Open House on Friday, October 11th at the Public Safety building. The family-friendly event will feature bouncy houses, train rides, refreshments and much more.
 
With Halloween closing out the month, Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci and the Department of Parks and Recreation kick off the holiday celebrations with the Grandma/Grandpa and Me Pumpkin Painting Party on Wednesday, October 16th. Commissioner Tucci is pleased to invite grandparents and their little pumpkins to this very special Halloween Pumpkin Painting Party, being held at the Parks and Recreation Department (44 Park Ave.) from 6pm to 7:30pm. The evening will include light refreshments, a pumpkin and paint for each child. The fee for this special event is $5.00 per child; grandparents are admitted free! The department also brings back the widely popular Spooktacular Halloween Party on Friday, October 25th. All are invited to enjoy hayrides, music, candy apples, snacks, drinks and more.
 
Continuing the Halloween festivities are the Public Affairs and Health Department’s Spooky Sprint on Sunday, October 27th at 2:30pm, followed by the Public Safety Department’s 14th annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 31st at 3:30pm at the Nutley Township Public Safety Building. The popular event will once again feature decorated car trunks, treats and entertainment. The Public Safety Department-sponsored event is an opportunity for the “Trunk or Treaters” to be able to visit the Nutley Police and Fire station in a positive way, enhancing the relationship between police, fire and the community, in a well-lit and secure area.
 
There is truly something for everyone this October in Nutley!

Commissioner Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli announces that the Public Works Department will have a special Leaf Bag Distribution Day, Saturday, October 5th at the Public Works Garage located at 1 Cortland Street from 8am to 1pm. 10 bio-degradable leaf bags will be provided per household.

The leaf bag give away will be combined with a food drive for the Nutley Family Service Bureau’s food pantry.

Commissioner Scarpelli is once again asking residents to help stock the Nutley Food Pantry. Canned goods, cereal, peanut butter, pasta, and rice are all needed. Residents can pick up their free leaf bags and at the same time help out those who are less fortunate.

In addition, if residents are unable to participate in the October 5th distribution day, leaf bags may be picked up at the Public Works Garage located on Cortland Street, weekdays starting Monday, October 7th between the hours of 8am and 3pm. Proper identification will be required

RAKES Program

The RAKES program will enter its 16th year this fall providing assistance to the elderly and the disabled.   The RAKES program will be utilizing volunteers to help out those who are unable to rake their yards.

More information and applications may be obtained by contacting Cheryl Gaccione at (973) 284-4958 or cgaccione@nutleynj.org.

Yesterday, the Township of Nutley celebrated the sixth annual Welcome to Nutley Day at Nichols Park. This event brought together students, staff, and supporters of the ON3 project for a chance to connect with local business representatives.
 
 “Today’s Welcome to Nutley Day event was an overwhelming success in showcasing our restaurants and businesses to our ON3 neighbors,” Commissioner Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli said. “All the Township departments participated, not only at the event, but also in helping prepare for today’s activities.”
 
 Nichols Park, conveniently located just across from ON3, was alive with activity as nearly 30 local vendors showcased delicious food and fun giveaways. DJ Rob Frannicola provided entertainment for guests from various ON3 companies including Eisai Pharmaceuticals, the Seton Hall University Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) Campus, Modern Meadow, Ralph Lauren, the Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, and Prism Capital Partners.
 
 “Thank you to the Mayor and Commissioners, DJ Rob Frannicola, and all our participants,” Commissioner Scarpelli added. “Special thank yous go out to Lisa Zitola and the men and women of the DPW. It was a great day for the Township of Nutley!!”

Commissioner Dr. Joseph P. Scarpelli, would like to notify residents of an upcoming PSE&G roadway project in Nutley that may impact Township residents. This notification is sent to inform residents of the upcoming work so that alternate routes can be planned if needed and to maintain a level of safety within the community.

Starting Thursday, September 19, 2024, and continuing through the beginning of October 2024, PSE&G will be milling and repaving the below roadways as part of their gas main upgrade project. The work will occur between the hours of 7 AM to 5 PM and will be contingent on weather conditions.

The contractor performing the roadway work for PSE&G is Tilcon New York, LLC.

If you have any questions, please reach out to PSE&G directly on their project hotline at 1-833-661-6300. If you are unable to contact PSE&G, feel free to contact my office at 973-284-4958.

Roadways impacted by PSE&G Gas Main Upgrade Project