Proposed Housing Development NIXED!

According to reliable sources, the developer has withdrawn his application
Below is a post I wrote this past February concerning this project. The traffic problems and the current state of the economy are believed to be the nail on the coffin. I hear that Matzel and Mumford spent about 2 million to try to get this project passed.



Date: Feb 23rd 2008
"Millville may not be ready for the new residents and the sprawl. YIKES!! Shelly Schneider,spoke and said that only 3 to 4 buses would be at the proposed school location near Woodland Shores since most kids would walk. She said a NEW high school is the #1 on the list and any school built near the lake would be at LEAST 10 years away. Earlier one of the School Board Members Michael Beatty spoke and said the land would be a good location for a school, but that potential project is low on the district's list of building priorities. Most of the neighbors complained about how traffic on Sharp is going to be even WORSE then is already is now. A person came up with absurd notion to say its ok to build if there is NO access to it. (helicopter access anyone? ) That would be a good image to sketch. Anyone who draws a sketch please let me know and I will put on this blog!!! Some said they did not want "AFFORDABLE HOUSING". One of the planning board members (thankfully) asked Kim Warker to define what "affordable housing" is. Dave McCann made a very factual presentation that had numbers and quoted regs that would limit the scope of the development. The planning board is to work with the city staff and reps from the Developer. The Planning Board may announce the date for a work session to discuss traffic issues on the Matzel and Mumford housing proposal near Union lake at its next meeting at City hall at 12 S. High St. March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Here is a recent article I saw in the AC Press"

Millville Board of Education Meeting

David Sciarra, executive director of Education Law Center, spoke at the Millville Board of Education meeting last nite and he did NOT paint a pretty picture. He spoke about the lack of a long-term capitol plan. Yes, Millville got money for a new school but those funds are out and there is no plans by the legislature to allocate more funds. The 2nd topic was "High School Redesign". Pressure from colleges and corporations was put on the legislature to mandate that ALL students would have to take chemistry, Algebra I and II and geometry. Mr. Sciarra was concerned that this would cause more drop outs and this is the LAST thing we need to happen here in Millville!
The AC Press covered the meeting last nite

"Lastly, he said, is the future of state funding for Abbott Districts and Millville."

"With a new funding formula, one that sees a change in name for Abbott Districts and less state funding, Millville, which depends on the state for 80 percent of its funding, would not see an increase in aid in either 2010 or 2011, despite having to mandate new programs that will cause costs to escalate."

Millville, he said, is not alone. He told the board to remain informed and to keep the public informed about everything it's facing.

School Board ASSN Convention in AC

As mandated by the state of NJ. I was in Atlantic City to "New Member Orientation" It was from 9:30 to 4:15 yesterday Oct 28th 2008. Fred picked me up in the blowing rain and we sat though seminars. They ranged from Negotiations to Curriculum. It was informitive. Here are some photos

Millville School Board

The Millville School Board met Monday night. The Student of the Month was congratulated.Teachers with perfect attendance were honored.They are Assistant Superintendent Judith Koru made certificates for each of the following honorees:

-- Senior High: Christy Thompson, Kathleen Procopio, David Vorndran, Linda Penka and Timothy Jacobsen.

-- Memorial High: Dale Moore and Clara Lowers.

-- Alternative High: Ann Hadden

-- Silver Run Elementary: Judith Kessler, Leon Warner and Margaret Newton.

-- Holly Heights Elementary: Cynthia Noblett.

-- Rieck Avenue Elementary: Donna Saul.

-- Bacon Elementary: Robin Bennett and Patricia Cramer.

-- Wood Elementary: Nancy Vanaman

-- Culver Center Administration Building: Lisa Discepola.

-- Child Family Center: Kelli Friebel and Tammy Bracco.

2nd Annual Student Technology Showcase

Today June 4 was the 2nd Annual Student Student Technology Showcase. It was held at Lakeside School in Millville and it was a full and varied program. One workshop that I saw was called "Multimedia Math Stories." Students presented solutions to stories they created that include the four steps of problem solving. Students presented Video tutorial the students created and used a Geosketchpad. It was good to see kids and teachers working together.

2n Annual Student Technology Showcase June 4th

It will be held at Lakeside Middle School. I encourage everyone to attend!!

Millville Schools WeTip Program

The Millville Schools are in the We Tip Program. Go to the Millville Schools website and see the small link that says WeTip

WeTip's School Safety Program is a unique nationwide program designed to provide a way for students and staff to give information anonymously regarding school crime.

• Our mission is to protect children from crime and criminals.
• Our goal is to educate school personal and school students about WeTip and the ways to be proactive in creating a safer school environment using WeTip.

This is a program that needs to be publicized!!