News-pourri

Two pieces of legislation co-sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17) have become law, and a third awaits Gov. Chris Christie’s approval. The first is part of a legislative package sponsored by Danielsen and Assembly Democrats Lou Greenwald, Gordon Johnson, Bruce R. Land, Bob Andrzejczak, Vince Mazzeo, Eric Houghtaling, Dan Benson, Patricia Jones, and Raj Mukherji to provide mental health …

BRIDGEWATER – Franklin Township residents’ success was celebrated July 27 at the Franklin Community Night held at TD Bank Ballpark. Sponsored by the Franklin Reporter & Advocate and the Business Alliance of Franklin Township, and presented by the Somerset Patriots, the evening was also a fundraiser for the township-based Sisters Network of Central New Jersey.

Update: The proposed township youth center on Lewis Street should be a multi-purpose building that can be modified to reflect changing tastes through the years, and be one where youth can go to learn, play and keep out of trouble. That seemed to be the consensus July 25 of about 50 residents who gathered in the Franklin Middle School library …

A $23,057.25 merit bonus for schools Superintendent John Ravally was approved by the Board of Education. The board approved the bonus, the terms of which had been negotiated last year, at its July 19 special meeting.

Township Democrats gathered in Colonial Park July 22 for their annual summer picnic. There was the usual hamburgers and hot dogs, watermelon and desserts, but this year saw something new: freshly made pizza.

The South Middlebush Road property eyed for a temple and gathering hall is up for sale. The 16-acre parcel at 630 South Middlebush Road, which includes a four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, is listed at $1.2 million.

The old Somerset County Social Services building on Franklin Boulevard would give way to a new, four-story mixed use development under a plan proffered by the Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries. Soaries’ Corporate Community Connections, Inc. owns the property, plans for which include razing the current building and building a new structure with retail, office and residential units. Soaries is senior …

An idea to place a “performance gazebo” on township property next to the library’s main branch was given conditional support July 11 by the Township Council. The gazebo would be donated to the township, but paid for by private donations and managed by the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council.

A proposal to reduce the amount of time hunting is allowed on two township nature preserves this year was adopted July 11 by the Township Council. As a result of the vote, hunters using firearms on the Negri Nepote Native Grassland Preserve and the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve/Bunker Hill Environmental Center will be restricted to from sunrise to 9 a.m., …

Legislation co-sponsored by state Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-17) that would support workers who are attacked while supervising inmates or detainees is now law. The measure was also sponsored by Assembly members Daniel R. Benson, Raj Mukherji, Elizabeth Muoio, Jamel Holley, Shavonda Sumter, Joann Downey, Pamela Lampitt, Sheila Oliver, and Benjie Wimberly.