The JACKSON Times Vol. 20 - No. 11
In This Week’s Edition
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Tennis Club Holds Benefit For Autism Research
BREAKING NEWS @
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Community News Pages 6-14
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Inside The Law Page 16
Classifieds Pages 28
Photo courtesy Westlake Tennis Club Members of the Westlake Tennis Club gather during a recent fundraiser they hold each year to benefit Autism New Jersey at the Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson. By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The Westlake Tennis Club recently held its annual fundraiser to benefit Autism New Jersey in the ballroom of the Westlake Golf and Country Club. Member Linda Lafer said this event was started in 2003 by Howard Lazan,
a Westlake resident, who wanted to help his nephew who has autism. She added that in 2007, Arlene and Steve Friedland became co-chairpersons in continuing the mission to enhance services for families. “This special day began with mixed doubles round
robin tennis matches at the Westlake courts, including a continental breakfast. The activities were later followed by a wine and cheese party and ballroom buffet dinner-dance,” Lafer added. She said, “Memories performed songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s with
DJ Pete providing dance music before and after the band. In addition, 50/50 raffle drawings were also held with three lucky winners picked.” Lafer said a highlight of the evening was the guest speaker, Dr. Suzanne Buchanan who serves as the (Tennis - See Page 4)
September 2, 2023
Civil Rights Lawsuit Ends With $575,000 Settlement
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – A civil rights lawsuit alleging the township used zoning and land use authority to discriminate against Orthodox Jewish residents has concluded through a $575,000 settlement. New Jersey State Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced details of the settlement that resolves a lawsuit filed accusing Jackson officials of having violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) by discriminating against Orthodox Jewish residents through, among other things, the use of zoning and land use powers that made it harder for Orthodox Jews to practice their religion. The DCR is the state agency responsible for preventing and eliminating discrimination and
bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation (e.g., places open to the public like schools, businesses, hospitals, etc.). It also enforces the LAD, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act. The settlement, which is memorialized in a consent order and approved by the Superior Court, provides broad equitable relief prohibiting the township from discriminating against Orthodox Jews. The consent order requires the municipality to adopt new policies and procedures that protect religious freedom and to repeal prior ordinances that discriminated against Orthodox Jewish residents. It also requires ongoing monitoring of Jackson’s compliance with the LAD. The $575,000 settlement (Lawsuit - See Page 4)
Ordinance Curbs Parking On Brewers Bridge Road
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON–Anordinance passed that changed the rules of the road, but first the rules of the meeting slowed down the proceedings. Ordinance 24-23 prohibits parking on portions of Brewers Bridge Road. Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn said she received some e-mails questioning the need for this. She said the road has experienced a
number of fatalities. “I stand behind the traffic safety bureau and their recommendation of making no parking on both sides of the street,” she added. During Township Council meetings,residentsaregiven the chance to comment on ordinances before the council decides on them. An individual - who at first identified himself as “anonymous” - stated he
was not legally obligated to identify himself, despite this being on livestreamed video which is archived for later viewing via the township website. The town’s attorney disagreed, saying that comments are for public record in a case like this, where the governing body has to decide on a course of action. The governing body has the authority to require in-
dividuals to give their name and address as that may be relevant to the proceedings. “Thatisn’tcorrect,”theman responded. The attorney replied “it is.” “I’m going to go with the lawyer at the table,” Council President Steve Chisholm said. The speaker claimed a Supreme Court ruling allowed him to speak anonymously. The attorney again in-
formed him there is a difference between speaking during a town meeting, and submittingcommentsabout a topic. In the latter case, there are situations where you might not be required to provide your name and address. AdamSilversmithofBrewers Bridge Road ultimately revealedhisidentityandstatedthatinitiallytheordinance called for prohibition of one
side of the street parking. “Now there is a revision of Brewers Bridge Road to have no parking on either side.” Silversmith added, “in addition to that my family has been going through the disturbance of rumble strips that were recently installed along this way. Jackson Police have conducted a traffic study which has resulted in a huge amount of an increase
in traffic and ultimately to a recent death.” “I asked for other modifications and those modifications were addressed by Mr. (Township Business Administrator Terence) Wall to the New Jersey Department of Transportation on numerous occasions where Mr. Wall has claimed that it is up to the Department of Transportation and that they
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(Road - See Page 4)