Week In Review: Burglaries, Unruly MHS Students, Assisted-Living Facility

In case you missed them, here are the top five stories from the past seven days in Montclair. If you have any stories you'd like to see covered, please email Shelley@patch.com.

Montclair Hit By Robberies, Burglaries

Over a four-day period, two people were robbed and four homes were burglarized, according to Montclair Police.

Montclair Focuses On Inclusion For Special Needs Students

On July 1, Dr. Monty Helfgott took on the newly created position of Inclusion Facilitator for Montclair Public Schools. Since then, he's worked hard to develop ways to support the families of special needs students. In Montclair, he said that some 800 of the district's 6,000 students have been classified as special needs. Another 90 or so special needs students attend special schools outside the Montclair School District.

MHS Students Warned To Stay Off Streets

Montclair High School students are walking in the middle of the streets surrounding the school, especially James Street, during lunch periods, prompting complaints from the public. After only three days of school, high school administrators sent an email to parents and caregivers on Monday saying they've been contacted by the Montclair Police Department.

Shopping Locally—And Getting Fined Locally

Former Councilor Cary Africk writes: One of the annoying things a town can do is ticket cars, like yours, in the shopping district. It drives people crazy, sends a negative message to the shopper, who vows to "never shop in that town again."

Planning Board Approves Assisted-Living Facility

The Montclair Planning Board voted Monday night to sign off on the construction of an assisted-living facility on the privately owned Church Street Parking Lot, despite the fact that litigation seeking to halt the project is pending.