Springfield Week in Review

An Elizabeth man was arrested in Springfield in connection with a series of sexual assaults this week. Invesigators say , 36,  targeted couples checking into motels in Linden and Elizabeth on weekend nights. He would reportedly force his way into their room at gunpoint, where he ordered the couple to engage in sexual acts before making the male stand in the bathroom while sexually assaulted the female victim. He was arrested by Springfield and Elizabeth police after he responded to a traffic summons in the township's municipal court.

Springfield has installed and activated to record red light runners in all directions of the intersection of Morris and Maple Avenues, an intersection designated as dangerous by township and New Jersey Department of Transportation officials. A 30-day test period for the cameras went into effect on Wednesday, April 18. Until the testing period ends on May 17, red light cameras will record infractions, but will not issue summonses. Springfield officials have planned to accurately adjust the system to prevent incorrect citations. Summons will be issued starting May 18.

In a talk at on Wednesday, April 18, stressed that while new technologies are changing relationships, the underlying facts are the same. He did not advocate for children to stop using Facebook or iPhones or for parents to withhold such devices until their 18th birthday. Instead, he urged caution and sensitivity. “If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online,” Rich said.

The nominated by Springfield’s Democratic party are no strangers to serving on Township governing boards. Between them, they have served on five boards and chaired three. Candidates David Barnett and Margaret Bandrowski are both active members of Springfield community and government.  Barnett, a resident of Springfield for more than 15 years, has served as a member of the Township Committee, Chair of the Planning Board, Chair of the Board of Adjustment and Chair of the Development Review Committee. 

The ballroom of was packed with foodies for the . In addition to the dozens of food and drink vendors from Springfield and surrounding towns, the night featured live musical performances, silent auctions and tricky trays. Rotary Treasurer Gary Hecht reported that over 200 people attended the fundraising feast. See Patch’s gallery of vendors and more here.