This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh and Mike mash up two of Montclair’s hottest topics: schools and real estate. With a nearly $20 million school deficit, a December 9 referendum, and talk of a possible state monitor, one big question keeps coming up at open houses and dinner parties alike: Could this hurt Montclair’s reputation—and even our property values?
Will the School Crisis Hurt Home Values?
Farnoosh and Mike explore whether a state fiscal monitor and years of budget cleanup can actually impact the housing market. They revisit their interview with Town Manager Stephen Marks to discuss why he’s not convinced that school turmoil automatically drives down prices, then layer in data, social media reactions, and the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for Montclair schools. Local real estate attorney and longtime resident Jen Metzger joins to share what she’s seeing in contracts, closings, and buyer sentiment right now.
Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill: What Her Win Means for Montclair
New Jersey has a new governor, and she’s from right here in Montclair. Political reporter Terrence McDonald of the New Jersey Monitor jumps on to break down Sherrill’s decisive victory, her success flipping several Trump-leaning counties, and what her deep roots in Montclair could mean for issues like school funding, local affordability, and state oversight.
Op-Eds, Anonymity, and Healthy Debate
The pod’s first community op-ed, arguing for a No/No vote on the December 9 referendum, sparked as many questions about anonymous bylines as it did about budget policy. Farnoosh and Mike walk listeners through why they made an exception in this case, how anonymity can sometimes broaden civic participation in a small, high-stakes town, and the core arguments the writer made about loans, tax hikes, and long-term accountability.
Ask Our Agent: Adjusting from City Life to Montclair
In this week’s Ask Our Agent, Compass real estate agent and show sponsor Karin Diana answers a question many Brooklyn and Manhattan buyers have: What’s the hardest part about adjusting to Montclair life—and how do you make the transition smoother? From walkability and cars seats to making friends and the shock of full-on homeownership, Karin offers practical tips (including why you might want to try an Airbnb and test-drive the commute before you buy).
Farnoosh & Mike Eat Food: La Fontaine
In Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food, sponsored by Twocents, the hosts head to La Fontaine, a cozy café where French, Italian, and Turkish flavors all share the same table. They meet the owner, who brought a piece of Istanbul to South Willow and Glenridge, and dig into crepes, Turkish treats, and gelato that has Mike reminiscing about his first big trip to Turkey. Plus: when you go, how to actually catch them during their breakfast-and-lunch-only hours.
Renting Your House to a Movie Crew (and Maybe Springsteen)
Remember the Bruce Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me from Nowhere that shot around New Jersey and screened at the Montclair Film Festival? One of its exterior shots was filmed at a home in Upper Montclair. The homeowner at the time, Kim Amirata, tells the story of what happens when a film crew comes calling—trucks, contracts, payouts, and all. Then Glenn Schuster of Film Friendly Locations explains how productions actually find Montclair houses, what they look for, and how to get your place on his radar if you’re hoping to turn your driveway into a day rate.
News Roundup: Scams, School Clubs, and Comedy
To close out the episode, Farnoosh and Mike run through a few local headlines:
- Email scammers impersonating the township’s Planning Department and how to protect yourself.
- Roughly 25 school clubs at Montclair High and the middle schools losing funding to keep this year’s budget in balance—and what that means for students and fundraising.
- The first-ever Montclair Comedy Festival, produced by Sweet + Sour Comedy, bringing stand-up, improv, and workshops to town November 13–15.
Finally, they each share One Big Thing they’re doing this weekend (spoiler: Turkish coffee, Costco debates, and cupping all make an appearance).