Fire Support Crew Decision Expected, Celebrity Visits and More This Week

Coming up this week on Patch

The borough council is expected to give the okay to the of whose members would serve as a support group to the department which has been shrinking in numbers in recent months.

The associate members would not be able to assist with fire fighting but would be on hand at emergency calls to serve refreshments, take part in fire prevention events and community celebrations. At least 15 fire department volunteers have resigned in recent months - 12 by resignation and three were terminated for non-compliance with bylaws.

Fire chief Richard Giarratana previously stating that many are unable to put in the required amount of time, or are unable to take part in the extensive amount of training that is needed. However some ex-firefighters have been vocal in stating that the reasons they have left have to do with leadership and safety concerns.

The public can speak out on this ordinance during a public hearing which is expected to take place during the 8 p.m. council meeting Tuesday.

A public hearing on an ordinance that will allow restaurants with corner properties to expand their is also expected Tuesday night. The to the proposal last week and also recommended expanding the timeframe for outdoor seating into the spring and fall.

Also this week, Patch will have bring readers updates on pending construction projects such as the Boulevard Streetscape Project. A tentative date of July 23 has been set for the start of construction, as per Borough Admnistrator Mike Kronyak. However Borough Engineer Ken Job is expected to give the latest project updates during the work session portion of the Tuesday night council meeting.

Later this week Patch will have coverage surrounding the visit from a esteemed celebrity in the literary world as makes an appearance at the Heights library Friday. Rodgers, who is well-known as a lyricist, composer and children's author, will read an excerpt from her book "Freaky Friday" as well as sign copies. The visit will be followed by a screening of both the original and remake film versions of the book Rodgers penned 40 years ago.