Jim Purcell

Stories from Jim Purcell

Foster-Dublin's write-in wakes up mayor's race
David Younge
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

An ostensibly rubber-stamp Democratic primary took a surprising detour Monday with an eleventh-hour write-in campaign for mayor by Elsie Foster-Dublin.

The borough council veteran's play for the center chair drew outrage and complaints of "unethical," "disrespectful" behavior from local party leaders throughout the day and into Tuesday’s election.

School sets salaries, staffs summer session
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Highland Park school board approved individual 2011-12 salaries for the district's 192 returning professional staff -- teachers, counselors, classroom assistants and support staff -- at their June 6th meeting.

Full-time teaching salaries increased by the contracted rates of between 1.4 and 2.3%, according to the district's salary resolution published at http://www.highlandpark.k12.nj.us/board/agendas/agendate/6%206%2011.pdf.

Developer requests changes to Cenacle site approval
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Pulte Homes, the developers of “Overlook at Highland Park” at the intersection of River Road and Cedar Lane, have applied for relief from two conditions of their site plan approval: first, a mandate that the historic Cenacle House on the property be turned over to "a public entity" for the purpose of preservation; and second, the timeline for completion of the project’s 18 affordable housing units.

H.P. board shown details of Raritan Ave. 7-11 project
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Highland Park Planning Board met on May 19 to exchange ideas with the Washington Square Group of Chatham, a real etate developer which is seeking to build a two-story building at 138 Raritan Avenue.

The Washington Square Group represents the Seven-Eleven Corporation in proposing a convenience store, with upstairs offices, on the former Sunoco gas station site.

Borough wraps up 2011 budget approvals
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Highland Park borough council adopted a resolution amending its 2011 budget at a May 3 session.

According to Kathleen Kovach, borough administrator and chief financial officer, this budget's $1.70 per $100 of assessed value rate represents a 2.4 percent increase over last year's spending plan.

Trenton is re-considering H.P. charter school
Jim Purcell
Monday, May 2, 2011

The local chapter of Save Our Schools-New Jersey met at Highland Park Middle School on May 3 to continue their fight against the possible creation of a Hebrew Language Immersion Charter School in town.

About 25 people attended the session; the group claims a membership of sixty total.

Borough approves schools budget, selects board members
Jim Purcell
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Highland Park voters approved a $21.5 million schools levy on Wednesday, May 27, and selected four of the nine Board of Education members for the coming year. The levy overwhelmingly passed with 1,092 yes votes, versus 525 no votes.

Downtown H.P. anchor location could become a 7-11
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, April 19, 2011

At the April 14 Planning Board meeting, board member Heather Wilkerson reported on 7-11's application before the Highland Park Redevelopment Authority (HPRA) to build a convenience store on the corner of Raritan Avenue and South Second Avenue.

Raritan Avenue continues to ride the storm
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, April 12, 2011

As Highland Park's economic strategists wait out the Great Recession, business owners and residents report a mixed bag of results.

James McCrone, executive director of the non-profit organization Main Street Highland Park (MSHP), says development of the downtown "is not strictly political or governmental; it is a process."

Gary Minkoff to seek election as mayor
Jim Purcell
Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Highland Park Mayor Steve Nolan confirmed on Monday that he is "not in a position to run" for a four-year term this fall.

 

According to Highland Park Democratic Committeeman George Valenta, borough councilmember Gary Minkoff has received the party's endorsement for mayor in the June 7th primary.

 

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