Maplewood Weekly Update · 3-5-2025
Township of Maplewood, New Jersey sent this bulletin at 03/05/2025 01:44 PM EST
Good afternoon, friends & neighbors. March has arrived, the snow is gone - and spring is in our sights. Read on for your latest Township news & don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Maplewood property owners, a new climate-conscious stormwater utility is headed your way this May. No one likes a new bill, but this one has a pretty solid "why". A few fast facts:
Curious for more info? Visit our dedicated Stormwater Utility landing page to read the full ordinance; review the newly-released Credit & Adjustment Policy Manual; and view links to the Township Committee meetings that helped shape the utility.
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The Township shares our residents' concern of the new presidential administration's focus on dramatically increasing the enforcement of immigration laws, including deportation. At this critical time, the Township reaffirms its commitment to the fair and equal treatment of all residents, regardless of their immigration status, as we did when we adopted Resolution 3-17, on January 3, 2017, expressing Maplewood's commitment to equal, respectful and dignified treatment of all people.
It's important to remember that every person who lives in or visits New Jersey has rights regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. In light of this, the government agency, Office of New Americans, has published an updated guide to immigrant rights & resources for both immigrant individuals and business owners.
Last Monday, Maplewood Township invited the community to attend the first of three virtual meetings to discuss the concept of installing bicycle lanes along Parker Avenue, from Maplewood Avenue to Irvington Avenue. This March 3rd meeting focused on Parker Avenue between Maplewood Avenue and Prospect Street, while upcoming meetings on March 10th and 24th will focus on other sections:
Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. – covering Prospect Street to Boyden Avenue
Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. – covering Boyden Avenue to Irvington Avenue
Please join us for these meetings at www.zoom.com or (929) 205-6099, Meeting ID: 832 7918 0298, Passcode: 910975.
Help us spread the news: Maplewood's finest is hiring & actively recruiting to improve representation of minorities & women as Maplewood Police Officers. Applications can be obtained in person at the station (1618 Springfield Avenue) until March 21.
Life gets busy (don't we know it), but this is the week to take a beat to thank the people who keep our kids safe on the daily! Join Walk Bike Ride South Orange, Maplewood & South Orange Police Departments & JESPY House for the 3rd Annual SOMa Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, through from March 7. During this week, you can thank your local crossing guards with a token of appreciation such as a card (downloadable card template here), a poster, a hot drink, a treat, or just by saying thanks!
Start shutting down crimes of opportunity today. Be mindful to never leave your keys in your car; and take a minute to set up a free Home Security Survey with Maplewood Police Dept. These surveys are designed to assist residents with security options they can use to further protect their residences. If you would like to have a survey conducted for your residence, send an email to blewin@maplewoodnj.gov.
Our Division of Arts & Culture is positively hopping for Women's History Month. To stay up-to-date on their incredible lineup of events, subscribe to their weekly Arts & Culture Newsletter. A few highlights coming up:
Sunday, March 9, between 1 - 4 pm, the Durand-Hedden House is presenting First Lady: The Untold Power of Edith Wilson, a talk with author Rebecca Boggs Roberts.
1978 Arts Center & Division of Arts & Culture are running a call for art from local MAPSO girls*! Participants can submit work that is already completed - so strip those walls at home & send in submissions today as the March 9th deadline is fast approaching. All participants who enter will receive a gift card to our local art supply store, A Paper Hat. (*includes non-binary and all who identify as female)
It's back! Maplewood Village Alliance & Springfield Avenue Maplewood are partnering with Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture to bring back the popular Windows for Women. The pop-up town-wide art gallery will display local female artists in the windows of businesses across Maplewood Village & Springfield Avenue throughout March.
Maplewood Town Hall shone bright like a diamond last night! Led by Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams and South Orange Mayor Sheena C. Collum, elected females from both towns gathered in white to help read Maplewood Township's annual proclamation in honor of Women's History Month. Read the full story & proclamation at the Village Green & head to the SOMA Celebrates Women website or join their Facebook page to learn more about all the exciting WHM events coming up for both towns this March.
It's always a good time to talk recycling. As a reminder, your recycling cannot be placed at the curb before 5 pm the night before pick-up (too early); or after 6:30 am the day of pick-up (too late). To get the full skinny on our town recycling program, check out our 2025 Curbside Recycling Page & print our handy 2025 Recycling Calendar for your fridge. You can also get reminded via our Township Instagram and Facebook feeds every Sunday; and our very own Mayor Adams uses a cool recycling reminder app called Recycling Coach. Click the link, type in Maplewood, NJ & get the QR code to download right to your phone.
Dreaming of spring home improvement projects? As you hatch your plans, remember that installing or replacing a fence requires a zoning permit. More information on this, along with all the other structural plans that may need a zoning permit, can be found on our detailed Zoning Division web page.
Free children's vaccine clinics are coming this March! Catch up with last night's full Dept. Of Health March Report or head to their dedicated web page for more details.
Heroes come in all (blood) types. Save the date to help out your community as we face a blood donation shortage both locally and nationally. Join Essex County's Blood Drive on Friday, March 21, 11-5 pm, at the Essex County Hall of Records Parking Garage. See flier for more details, and use the QR code to book your spot.
COMMUNITY SERVICES - RECREATION & SENIOR PROGRAMMING
There is no off-day for our robust Community Services Dept.! To stay up-to-date on this exciting department's many (many) fun offerings for seniors, kids and adults alike, subscribe to their weekly Community Services Newsletter.
Two notable upcoming dates to save: Maplewood's Spring Egg Hunt is making its triumphant return on April 12th, from 12-2 p.m., at Memorial Park North. And on April 26, our beloved town Softball & Baseball Parade will launch from Columbia High School at 9 a.m., eventually landing at Memorial Park North.
ESSEX COUNTY
Essex County is excited to announce that the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) 2025 is now available for public review and comment. This plan outlines the strategies the County will use to reduce the risks and impacts of natural hazards across the county, such as flooding, wildfires, and extreme temperatures. The County invites all residents, stakeholders, and community members to review the plan and share their feedback. Your input is vital in helping us create a safer, more resilient Essex County.
Stay connected. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, check out our latest job openings, and sign up for email and SMS message updates.
For more information on Town happenings and events, check out our Township Calendar.
You'll find a running list of our township's many resolutions & ordinances, as well as agendas, minutes, upcoming meetings and more, on our town website.
Have a great day, Maplewood — and see you next week!