Stay informed about what's happening in Bloomfield, West Orange, Montclair, and across Essex County. I cover local development projects, tax changes, and community issues that affect homeowners and homebuyers in Northern New Jersey.
Covered by Sorelle Crooks – local real estate agent and Essex County insider keeping you informed about the developments that affect your neighborhood.
Six real estate developers have filed builder's remedy lawsuits against West Orange, seeking to bypass local zoning laws for higher-density housing. Here is what this means for homeowners, property values, and the future of development in the township.
The Montclair Planning Board reversed a prior denial and approved a seven-unit apartment building with ground-floor commercial space at 260 Park Street. One unit will be affordable housing. Here is what the project means for the neighborhood.
The Township of Montclair resumed in-house operations at Clary Anderson Arena after ending its contract with an outside management company. Community volunteers raised $1.2 million for renovations, and the town committed $1 million toward reopening the historic rink for the 2026-2027 season in September. The arena has served the community since 1961 and offers public skating, lessons, and youth ice hockey.
Essex County completed traffic safety upgrades at two busy Bloomfield intersections Franklin Street and Berkeley Avenue and Franklin Street and Watsessing Avenue. Each intersection received new traffic signal equipment, new poles, updated signage, and fresh roadway striping. The improvements, announced by County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., aim to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians in these high-traffic areas.
Pig & Butter, a black woman-owned NYC brunch concept from Chef Sherri Grimes, opens July 31 at 401 Orange Road in Montclair. Here's what it brings to the local dining scene.
The historic Bloomfield Children's Library renovation is set to wrap up in August 2026. Here's what was done, why it matters for homeowners and families, and what comes next.
The Summer of Soccer at Montclair's Lackawanna Station brought 39 days of free World Cup watch parties from June 11 through July 19. Here's what the community event series meant for the downtown.
Toastique, a health-focused gourmet toast and smoothie bowl cafe, opened June 20 on Church Street in Montclair. Here's what it adds to the downtown dining scene.
Bloomfield received $480,000 in federal funding for lead service line replacement. Here's what it means for homeowners and how to check if your home is affected.
Bloomfield's affordable housing plan is nearing state certification, paving the way for new development quotas and a home improvement program. Here's what it means for property values and the local market.
Sale-to-list ratios jumped dramatically across Essex County in Q2 2026. Bloomfield hit 113%, West Orange 112%, and Montclair 128%. Here is what the data means for buyers and sellers.
CHA Partners breaks ground on The Royal at Bloomfield Station, a 372,000-square-foot mixed-use project with 210 apartments, 14 townhomes, retail space, and a public plaza near the train station.
Essex County crews are replacing the nearly century-old Label Street bridge in Montclair. Here's what the road closure means for commuters and residents.
The West Orange Zoning Board unanimously denied a proposal for a Popeyes drive-through and IHOP restaurant at 470 Eagle Rock Avenue. Here's what happened and what it means for the neighborhood.
The Burn hot mat Pilates studio, Humberto's in the Valley restaurant, and Identity Physical Therapy are opening in West Orange in July 2026. Here's a first look at what's coming to town.
Bloomfield received $137,600 in state grants to expand wellness programs for older adults and recreational opportunities for residents with disabilities. Here is what it means for the community.
A proposal to expand Nicolo's Bakery with new mixed-use buildings on Baldwin Street in Montclair was heard by the Historic Preservation Commission on July 16. Here's what the plan includes.
PSE&G is upgrading the electric distribution system in West Orange, with work on Pleasant Valley Way and several residential streets continuing through July 2026. Here's what homeowners should know.
Clementina, a modern Italian restaurant from Chef Michele Rocchi, opened June 5 at 627 Valley Road in the former Saunders Hardware building. Here's a first look at the space and what it means for the neighborhood.
Two six-story mixed-use apartment buildings with ~125 units each are proposed near Bloomfield Center. Here's what the projects include and what they mean for the neighborhood.
The West Orange Plaza redevelopment is attracting roughly 25,000 sq ft in new commercial leases. Here's what it means for the neighborhood and local property values.
Bloomfield is rolling out a $6.9M water meter modernization project with free smart meter installations for all residents. Here's how it works and what homeowners should know.
A proposed NJ bill would allow accessory dwelling units on single-family lots statewide. What it means for Essex County homeowners, buyers, and property values.
Bloomfield BOE approved a $152M school budget with 24 staff cuts and a 4.97% tax levy increase. Here's what it means for homeowners and the 2026–2027 school year.
Montclair homes are selling at 122% of list price with only 1.6 months of inventory. What the record-breaking market means for buyers and sellers in 2026.
Free People opened at 469 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, filling a long-vacant storefront at a landmark building. Here's what it signals for downtown and local property values.
Montclair's Planning Board is hosting ward-based community meetings for the 2026 Master Plan Reexamination Report. What it means for homeowners and buyers.
The West Orange Board of Education approved a budget cutting 77 staff positions and eliminating middle school sports amid a $13.5M deficit. What it means for homeowners.
Crestmont Country Club proposed installing a traffic light on a county road in West Orange – raising questions about who funds public infrastructure. Here's what happened at the July Planning Board meeting.
West Orange Council approved a 7.26% municipal tax increase – a $312 annual hike for the average homeowner. Combined with school increases, total taxes rise ~$666. Here's what homeowners should know.
Montclair Council voted 4-2 to limit building heights to three stories in the Fourth Ward near Bloomfield Avenue – citing concerns about gentrification and displacement.
Montclair Council approved a 30-year PILOT for the Lackawanna Plaza redevelopment – 300 residential units, 135,000 sq ft of commercial space, and a new supermarket near the train station.
The West Orange Planning Board voted 4-4 to reject a controversial 496-unit residential development on forested Watchung Mountain on May 6, 2026. A potential appeal looms as legal questions surface about a 2020 court settlement.
Essex County received $41.9M in grants to improve safety at 36 high-crash intersections across the county – including upgrades to traffic signals, crosswalks, and road infrastructure.
New Jersey broke ground on the Essex-Hudson Greenway – a $69.2 million, 9-mile state park transforming a former rail line into a trail linking Montclair to Jersey City.
Bloomfield Township has a property tax revaluation in progress – thousands of homes have already been inspected. Here's what the reval means for your assessment and your tax bill.
Bloomfield's $110.3M 2026 budget proposes a $584 annual tax increase for the average homeowner ahead of the July 28 public hearing. Here's what's driving the increase and what homeowners should know.
Montclair voters approved a one-time $1,117 tax increase but rejected a permanent levy – decided by just 13 votes. The district now faces deeper cuts including 32 teaching positions and freshman sports.
West Orange is investing in road safety upgrades and infrastructure projects – including Washington Street pedestrian improvements and Pleasant Valley Way retaining wall repairs.
Bloomfield Township advanced a new Home Improvement Program to help residents fund major home repairs – covering roofing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Montclair is closing Church Street to cars on select weekends as a pedestrian plaza pilot – a walkability experiment that could boost downtown business activity.
Bloomfield Township launched a residential energy efficiency outreach campaign with PSE&G – offering rebates up to $7,500, 0% financing, and free home assessments.
New renderings reveal a four-story supportive housing building at 210 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, offering 11 units for veterans.
Montclair received $36.7M in transferable tax credits from the NJEDA for transformative renovations to both library branches.
Bloomfield Township adopted a new Master Plan in April 2025 – a long-range blueprint covering zoning, walkability, sustainability, and development priorities.
Montclair's 2025–2035 Housing Element identifies multiple sites – including township-owned parcels and commercial properties – for potential affordable housing development.
A six-story mixed-use development with 200 residential units has been proposed for Bloomfield Avenue. Here's what the project includes and how it fits into the township's Master Plan.
If you hear about new construction, zoning changes, or community developments in Essex County, I'd love to hear about it. I'm always looking for stories that matter to local homeowners and buyers.
Local knowledge matters. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a longtime property, or relocating from NYC, I can help you navigate the process with honest guidance.