Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Real Estate Market Is Scorching Hot For Montclair Homeowners, New Report Says

Coming up: Virtual Open House at Berkeley College on the Montclair Patch calendar

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Good morning Montclair! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Montclair homes are selling in days, often far above asking
  • How will Montclair Art Museum transform your evenings and weekends soon?
  • Is Montclair enforcing its sidewalk café rules fairly on Church Street?

Also on today's calendar: Virtual Open House at Berkeley College and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 86 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 90, low: 71.
  • Thursday: Some sun with a shower or two, with a high of 83 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Real Estate Market Is Scorching Hot For Montclair Homeowners, New Report Says (patch.com) — Montclair homeowners are seeing their properties soar in value as ZIP code 07042 ranks second-hottest in the nation, with homes selling fast and often far above asking price. The report highlights Montclair's pricey but desirable market, fueled by high down payments, strong buyer credit scores, and popular local amenities like downtown dining, the Bellevue Theater, and Watchung Booksellers.
   

2. Montclair Art Museum's Fresh Future: More Art, More Music, More Community (tapinto.net) — Montclair Art Museum's new executive director, Todd Caissie, is planning longer hours, more outdoor events, and expanded programs that more deeply connect with Montclair residents of all ages. From teen "third spaces" and senior scholarships to accessibility and art-and-wellness initiatives, the museum aims to become an even more welcoming civic hub for local schools, families, and neighbors.
   

3. Sidewalk Café Law Lands Montclair Restaurateur in Court. Does Case Measure Up? (montclairlocal.news) — Montclair's sidewalk café rules have landed Fresco Da Franco owner Franco Porporino Jr. back in municipal court over alleged violations of the town's six‑foot clearance requirement on busy Church Street. Township health officials say multiple complaints and obstructions like poles and meters triggered summonses, while Porporino claims he's being selectively targeted despite his long tenure and community events. The case highlights Montclair's broader push for safer, obstruction‑free sidewalks under its Complete Streets policy.
   

4. Lawsuit Claims Montclair Schools Failed to Protect Student from Online Predator (montclairlocal.news) — A new lawsuit alleges Montclair Public Schools failed to protect a Glenfield Middle School student from an online predator while she used a district-issued laptop, claiming inadequate filters, monitoring, and safety policies. The district has declined comment, while officials work on updated device-use rules amid broader statewide efforts, including new laws signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill to strengthen online protections for minors.
   

5. Montclair Film Unveils Reflective Artwork for 15th Annual Festival (montclairlocal.news) — Montclair Film is marking its 15th annual festival this October with striking new artwork by acclaimed visual artist Adama Delphine Fawundu and a new title sponsorship from Volvo Car USA. Residents can look forward to the Oct. 16-25, 2026 festival, with the full schedule coming in late September and ticket sales opening first to Montclair Film members, then to the general public.
   

📸 Around Montclair

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on July 28, 2026 in Clifton, NJ 07013 near Main Avenue Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view this… (Nextdoor Montclair Heights)
  • My girlfriend and I saw a need in our community for lots of different kinds of help so we are starting our own business!
    We work with each other so whatever you need, let us know! We got you!=) More flyers with more info in the first comment! So go ahead and click! You… (Nextdoor Lincoln)
  • Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Assistant Restaurant Manager in Bloomfield. Apply here.
  • Atlantic Health System posted a job opening for Medical Office Associate - Per Diem, Days, AMG Multispecialty - Multiple Locations in West Orange. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Montclair here.

Ok Montclair! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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