Charlie Spademan makes sculptures out of steel, resin and wood. One of his workspaces at Lackawanna Plaza used to haul refrigerated food. We visit the Montclair artist to hear how he helped create Hillside Sculpture Park, how he got his hands on slabs from a red oak that came down at Hillside School, and what happened when a late-night James Rosenquist installation at Disney ended with breakfast served by Goofy. Charlie also has some thoughts on what it takes for artists to keep working in the town they helped make worth wanting.
At the Nov. 10 council meeting, Montclair tabled the redevelopment plan for 205 Claremont Avenue, the Town Hall site. The plan would have allowed several uses, including a PSE&G substation. Mike was in the room and walks us through the debate over when residents could speak and what they wanted the council to make public before moving forward. Catch up on our substation coverage.
And in What the Hell Is Going On With That?, Montclair is revaluing every property in town. We explain why Essex County ordered it, what to expect when inspectors come knocking in 2027, and how your new assessment could affect your 2028 tax bill.
Plus, what we learned at the township’s budget hearings about rising health insurance costs and a proposal to move 911 dispatch, Cranbury Township’s reported $26 million wire fraud loss, Montclair’s Nov. 12 Finance Committee meeting, and the return of Saturday recycling drop-off at the DPW yard on Nov. 14.