Caller accuses Glen Ridge of snubbing Christmas and Hanukkah as council tables Baldwin Street settlement
Listen
Public comment turned tense when a caller confronted the council over the borough's Facebook page, which had posted professionally designed graphics wishing residents a happy Kwanzaa and happy Diwali but nothing for Christmas or Hanukkah. The caller called it "the opposite" of the diversity and inclusion resolution the council passed in June and said it was offensive to both Christian and Jewish neighbors; when the caller heard someone laughing during the call, she called it "beyond offensive" and "really hurtful." Councilor Mans and other officials said nothing was done deliberately, that the borough doesn't have professional in-house graphics capability, and that any gap was an oversight rather than intentional exclusion; they said they would take the matter under advisement, but the caller remained unsatisfied and ended the call.
The council tabled Resolution 175-23, a settlement agreement tied to rehabilitation grants on Baldwin Street, after Administrator Zichelli reported the settlement had proven "very elusive" despite roughly ten days of work, since it involved the borough's administrator, co-administrator, a third-party contractor, the homeowner, and a prospective new buyer — with a closing on the property scheduled for the very next day. The council also adopted Resolution 176-23 canceling certain 2023 water budget appropriations, approved payroll for the January 1, 2024 pay date, and approved a raffle license for the Glen Ridge High School HSA. All votes were unanimous, with Councilor Meyer absent.
Councilor Lefkovits reported the Library Trustee Board had nominated two new trustees, chosen from a pool of 18 candidates, to be presented for council approval at the next meeting. Administrator Zichelli announced the passing of Mark Blesi, a former police officer, fire chief, OEM coordinator, and code enforcement officer, and council members closed the year by thanking department heads and wishing residents a happy and healthy New Year.
What to watch
- Resolution 175-23 (Baldwin Street rehab grant settlement) remains tabled, with a property sale/closing pending among multiple parties.
- Two newly nominated library trustees to come before the council for approval at the next meeting.
- Council said it would review its social media practices around holiday recognition.