Advocates on both sides are gathering signatures, with organizations such as the Rahway River Watershed Association, SOMA Action, SOMA Justice, the Maplewood Environmental Advisory Committee, and the South Orange Environmental Commission opposing artificial turf.

The Village held a ceremonial ground breaking in June, and it will be able start actual construction after the NJ Department of Community Affairs gives final approval of the plans.

In signing the bill, Murphy handed the first pen to MMS student Cate Schoenborn who was struck by a car on Prospect Street last fall. “I do this with Cate and the many families like hers front of mind, determined to make sure no child ever again faces the same kind of pain or danger.”

“I don’t know what we can do as a government, but this is outrageous,” said TC Member Vic De Luca. “We talk a lot about diversity and being welcoming, but if you don’t have the dollars, you’re not welcomed here.”

“This is completely unsustainable,” said South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum, adding that South Orange has been “working to try and get out of the state health benefits plan, as are numerous other municipalities.”

Evening of Roses honors Reverend Forrest Pritchett; Recognizes Rabbi Michael Berenbaum with Humanities and Holocaust Education Award.