Watchung-Green Brook's Top Stories in August
Neighborhood lockdown, alleged sexual assault among most-read stories last month.
August was an unusual month for Green Brook and Watchung: in these usually-quiet communities, readers followed several dramatic stories on Watchung-Green Brook Patch.
In case you missed any of the top news, here's a quick recap of the month's biggest stories:
Lockdown Lifted in Watchung Neighborhood
This story was the month's most read, as readers learned of events unfolding in Watchung when a man threatened suicide by trying to draw police into a shootout. Somerset County SWAT responded, and the man was able to be talked down.
Internal Injuries, Head Lacerations in Route 78 Crash, Police Say
Just a week ago, a tragic, one-car accident on I-78 closed the roadway while five passengers in the car were hospitalized, several with severe injuries.
Sex Assault, Child Porn Latest Charges Against Watchung Man
In a disturbing chain of events, Watchung resident Patrick Deck was charged with videotaping in a boys bathroom, followed by charges of posssessing a rifle illegally. Then, just two days after the rifle charge, a shocking series of charges including sexual assault, child pornography and recording a minor in a sexual act were filed. Deck is being held at the Warren County Correctional Center, with bail set at $200,000.
North Plainfield Man Charged With Murder
Tenants in a North Plainfield apartment house stumbled across a grisly scene, leading to charges that a resident of the hosue murdered a New York woman.
Green Brook Mayor Responds to Critical Letter
Mayor Jerry Searfoss discussed a letter from resident Diane Eisen that criticized the township for increased taxes and reduced services at the July 30 Township Committee meeting. Eisen attended the August meeting to reiterate her points, with the committee members suggesting she check with the school board.
Diane Eisen
12:07 pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012
When I attended the Committee meeting two weeks ago the Township Committee clarified for me what I had already read about - our tax rate increased for 2012 by another 6.5 percent so each resident is paying an additional 6.5% more in taxes than they were last year. This is more than three years worth of increases in one year! It was apparent that this Committee, with few exceptions, is wanting for fresh ideas and enthusiasm for change. I don't feel that I got a clear answer about WHY Green Brook's taxes have increased more dramatically than all the other Somerset County towns. I strongly believe that these budgets can be trimmed but there appears to be a lack of motivation to initiate this process. Other communities are considering alternative solutions such as more sharing between neighboring towns and have also worked more cooperatively with the School Board in an effort to cut costs. It is clear that this Committee considers themselves a separate entity and does not wish to involve themselves in affairs of the County or the School Board. I feel that as the center of our community they should be making an effort to encourage those who are responsible for those budgets to provide relief for over-taxed residents so that this community will continue to survive as a separate entity in the coming years. We need to become serious about reducing taxes and I came away from the meeting wondering if our Town Council, School Board and County Freeholders are as worried as I am.