FROM NORTHJERSEY.COM
Thursday, January 5, 2006
By ELAINE D'AURIZIO
STAFF WRITER
BUTLER - Mayor Joseph Heywang is looking ahead to a 2006 of refinement in his hometown, and he also hopes that the world at large can move toward a sense of shared community.
Welcoming in the new year at the local government's annual reorganization Tuesday night, Heywang praised the spirit of giving exhibited by individuals to those in need last year.
"Looking back, it wasn't a very good year for the globe," he said. "We've had natural disasters |such as hurricanes and earthquakes, and many died in those. But one of the good things is the way people responded by assisting those who in need. We live |in local, state and world communities and have to learn how |to get along and help one another."
Heywang also looked forward to Butler's plans to revitalize downtown Main Street with new stores, apartments and a river walk.
"We have the permission to go forward on the $440,000 grant of federal funds administered by the state," he said.
"The old structures have been dismantled. What was is making way for several stores fronting Main Street with apartments above and two other structures, which will incorporate garages with apartments upstairs."
He said there will be 69 apartments - 12 above stores and the rest bordering the Pequannock River.
"There will also be a river walk for people to appreciate the beauty of the river," Heywang said. "Once the frost is |out of the ground, they will be pouring cement for those structures."
Sworn in to three-year terms on the Borough Council were Judith Woop, a Democrat, |and Robert Alviene, a Republican, who campaigned on their commitment to carry through plans to revitalize the downtown area.
Both were incumbents on the governing body.
There were no surprises in appointments, either, at Tuesday's municipal reorganization.
Among the principal appointments, Martin F. Murphy was signed on for a one-year term as borough attorney and Paul Darmofalski to a one-year term as borough engineer.
The municipal prosecutor will be Edward Azar, and Earl Dean will serve as emergency management coordinator.