Community Corner

šŸŒ± Patch AM: 95-Unit Apartment Building Proposed In West Orange At Site Of Shuttered Restaurant

Happening soon: Virtual Open House at Berkeley College on the West Orange Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
Wednesday August 19th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello West Orange! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Big apartment proposal could reshape former Essex House site
  • New Leon Marketplace supermarket approved for former Americana Diner site
  • How West Orange's new executive order changes cooperation with ICE

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

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 86 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Brief showers; not as warm, temps: high: 77, low: 61.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and less humid, with a high of 83 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 95-Unit Apartment Building Proposed In West Orange At Site Of Shuttered Restaurant (patch.com) — A major redevelopment is on the table for the former Essex House restaurant site on Northfield Avenue, where a four-story mixed-use building with 95 apartments, including 19 affordable units, has been proposed. The West Orange Planning Board postponed its hearing to Sept. 9, giving residents more time to review plans that also call for ground-floor commercial space and 165 parking spots.
   

2. New Supermarket In West Orange Gets OK From Planning Board (patch.com) — West Orange residents can look forward to Leon Marketplace, a new two-story supermarket approved for the former Walgreens and Americana Diner site on Main Street. The project includes nearly 20,000 square feet of space, on- and off-street parking, rain gardens, EV spaces, and rooftop solar capacity, with detailed plans for access, lighting, and loading designed specifically for this West Orange location.
   

3. West Orange Will Limit Cooperation With ICE Under Mayor's Executive Order (patch.com) — West Orange has adopted a new executive order limiting how township property, staff, and records can be used to support federal civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Mayor Susan McCartney's move aligns the town with similar Essex County and statewide "trust" policies, while keeping all public services and facilities fully accessible to residents regardless of immigration status.
   

4. Orange Daily Buzz: Aug. 18, 2026 (jerseybee.org) — A charity "Running with the Devils" 5K and walk is set for November 1 in West Orange, with discounted registration available through September 7 to benefit RWJBarnabas Health. The roundup also highlights upcoming East Orange health events, a Bloomfield MVC mobile unit visit, an Essex County parks photo contest, and changes to PATH fare payment options.
   

📸 Around West Orange

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🗓 Upcoming Events in West Orange

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Hiring Part-time Teacher for Preschool Aftercare Program
    Hiring Part-time Teacher for Preschool Aftercare Program... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning neighbors.
    I'm moving soon. Does anyone happen to have boxes they're willing to give away for free? Or have recommendations for a place to purchase cheap boxes?… (Nextdoor Golda Och)
  • Acosta posted a job opening for Merchandiser Travel Retail Service in Livingston. Apply here.
  • Millburn High School posted a job opening for Custodian in Millburn. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Orange here.

Ok West Orange! 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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