Week in Review: Municipal Tax Increase Proposed, Student Begins Collecting Dresses, Floodgate Report Released

The municipal portion of the average resident’s tax bill could increase $112 if the council approves a proposed $55.5 million tax levy.

The tax levy is part of township’s proposed $77.8 million budget.

An independent study of the floodgates on the Pompton Lake dam has concluded that the operation of the gates does not increase downstream flooding.

“The data and the science we now have clearly indicates that the floodgates are not the cause of flooding down stream,” said Bob Martin, DEP commissioner.

Several residents in the Riverview section of town say local, state, and federal officials deep dropping the ball with regards to flooding. They want a permanent solution to the problem, not more studies. They also say that a report released this week, which says that the gates don’t contribute to downstream flooding, is incorrect.

Rachel Coughlin, a junior at , started her annual charity event this week. She is collecting gently-used and new dresses for underprivileged girls to wear to social functions in the coming weeks and months.

Jackie Cohen is putting together a fundraiser to help Special Olympics New Jersey’s Passaic County chapter. Cohen is putting together a 5-kilometer run to purchase equipment and uniforms for a team in the county.

Councilwoman Lonni Miller Ryan is spearheading an effort to assist flood victims. Ryan has organized a group of volunteers to help flood victims with long-term recovery efforts. 

Robert Burke has vowed to continue his fight to install a wind turbine at his business, . 

The Planning Board memoralized an agreemen between Burke and the township that sets the parameters by which he can install the turbine.

It was announced recently that Natalia Sout, a Wayne resident and gold-medal winning Olympic gymnast, will be inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.