JCP&L Hearing, Ridge Traffic Task Force, Menorah Lightings Start Week

Bernards Township officials learned from the governor's office just last week that the township was chosen for a meeting of the state Board of Public Utilities Commissioners — with JCP&L President Donald Lynch expected to attend — during which the public and officials can express their opinion on how the power company performed before, during and after Sandy hit the area, said Mayor Mary Pavlini.

Pavlini said only a handful of such meetings are being scheduled throughout the state, and those from neighboring towns are invited to Monday's meeting, scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. in the auditorium at the 70 Quincy Road, Basking Ridge.

She said the meeting will be led by the BPU representatives, including President Robert Hanna. Pavlini said she believes the governor's office has scheduled about four to five such meetings in the most hard-hit areas of the state.

Basking Ridge, Bernardsville and some other nearby communities were left virtually with no power in the first days after the storm passed through on Oct. 29. Basking Ridge schools were closed for two weeks, with the last residents regaining power after 14 days. In Bernardsville, some residents had to wait even a few days longer.

"This is a great opportunity for the public to come out and ask question, give their opinion and make suggestions," Pavlini said.

She said it is her understanding that the meeting is meant to reach the public and officials from surrounding communities as well.

Immediately following that meeting, Township Committee and Board of Education representatives are due to meet at 7 p.m. to discuss the continuing issue of Ridge High School traffic jam-ups.

The public also is invited to the second meeting. The task force has been assigned the goal of examining options for improving traffic flow at the high school entrance, located at the intersection of Lake Road and South Finley Avenue, and within the school campus itself.

Also coming up this week:

• You can join the festivities at 6 p.m. Monday when the Chabad Jewish Center at Basking Ridge Somerset County, in Basking Ridge, hosts a menorah lighting at Flag Plaza (at the corner of Mt. Bethel Road and Mountain Boulevard) in Warren. at 6 p.m. Then on Wednesday, Chabad is inviting the community to a party, "Chanukah with the Hoop Wizard, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. That will be followed by a menorah lighting at Chabad's center at 3048 Valley Road. Further information on Chabad's Hanukkah parties and menorah lightings in on the Chabad website.
• The township's Coakley Russo Memorial Golf Course is officially closed for the season as of Monday.
• The Bernards Township Environmental Commission meets at 7 p.m. on Monday at the municipal building at 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge.
• The Bernards Township Sewerage Authority meets at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the municipal building in Basking Ridge.
• The Bernards Township Committee meets at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the municipal building in Basking Ridge.
• The Bernards Township Shade Tree Commission meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.