Mosque Hearing Continues, Body Found in Swamp Top Local News

Mosque Applicant Urged by Township Professionals to Double Parking Spaces in Proposal

The Islamic Society of Basking Ridge was back before the Bernards Township Planning Board to continue at 124 Church Street in Liberty Corner Village. Township professionals asked that the number of parking spaces at the house of worship be increased to 110 from a proposal for 50 because they said that mosque worshippers typically arrive one or two in a car for Friday services. The applicant's attorney objected. Bernardsville architect Dan Lincoln also gave further description of the building.

The discovery of a man's body in the swamp was made Tuesday near Long Hill Road in Harding Township. The man was later identified as a Lake Hopatcong resident, his death ruled a suicide.

Bernards Schools Expect to Save Millions by Refinancing

Record-low interest rates provide an opportunity for the Bernards Board of Education to refinance the remainder of debt from the last major schools renovation project in 2005. Part of the debt already was refinanced in 2012.

Another Request that Diwali Be Made School Holiday

Basking Ridge mother asks school board to consider making Diwali a school holiday — repeating a request that has consistently been made at Board of Education meetings for more than a year — so her daughters can enjoy their holiday and also gain respect. The school board is in the midst of discussing future school calendars.

Hockey Rink Expected to Reopen in Spring

For a number of reasons, it took five tries for the Township Committee to find a contractor to redo a cracked hockey rink at Harry Dunham Park for the right price. Now, the job is substantially done and weather will determine when the final coat and finishing touches can be put on this spring.

EEC Art Show on Nature Lasts Through Jan. 27

Children from all four of Bernards Township's elementary schools are among the hundreds who have contributed to "Nature Through A Child's Eye," an annual art show that will continue through Jan. 27 at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center.