Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will JESPY House’s approved project reshape Milligan Place and local housing?

Coming up: Meadowbrook Day Camp to Host Open House on January 11, 2026 on the South Orange Patch calendar

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Hello South Orange! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will JESPY House’s approved project reshape Milligan Place and local housing?
  • What changed as South Orange’s Planning Board went back in person?
  • Which South Orange representative just joined Tahesha Way’s congressional coalition?

Also on today's calendar: Meadowbrook Day Camp to Host Open House on January 11, 2026 and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I am on a seafood diet. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in South Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Sunday: A p.m. rain or snow shower, with a high of 47 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Monday: Breezy in the morning, temps: high: 41, low: 30.
  • Tuesday: Sunny; breezy in the p.m., with a high of 45 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Planning Board Approves JESPY House Redevelopment at 111 Milligan Place (tapinto.net) — South Orange’s Planning Board has approved JESPY House’s redevelopment at 111 Milligan Place, clearing the way for new supportive housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The revised three-story plan keeps 20 bedrooms while better fitting the neighborhood, and residents praised the decision as a long-awaited boost to inclusive housing in the village.
   

• South Orange Planning Board Returns to In-Person Meetings (tapinto.net) — South Orange’s Planning Board has resumed fully in-person meetings at The Baird, while still offering a Zoom option for residents. The reorganized board reappointed members, advanced local development cases including JESPY House, and reviewed accessory dwelling unit applications that could shape housing options in the village this year.
   

• Way picks up new support as part of ‘Women for Tahesha Way' coalition (newjerseyglobe.com) — South Orange and Maplewood get a direct stake in the crowded race for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, as their Assembly representative Cleopatra Tucker joins a new “Women for Tahesha Way” coalition backing Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way. The group, led by NOW-NJ’s president and several prominent women officials, highlights Way’s record on women’s rights and voting access ahead of tomorrow’s Montclair campaign event.
   

📸 Around South Orange

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🗓 Upcoming Events in South Orange

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📣 South Orange Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday January 11
  • Fitness Open House • New Year! New You!
    JCC MetroWest | Fitness Center , 760 Northfield Ave , West Orange
    10:00 am
  • January/February Art Exhibit Opening Reception
    JCC MetroWest | Gaelen Gallery , 760 W Northfield Rd , West Orange
    11:00 am
  • Caldwell Parsonage Open House
    Union Township, NJ Calendar , Caldwell Parsonage 909 Caldwell Ave , Union
    12:00 pm
  • Frozen The Musical
    Paper Mill Playhouse , 22 Brookside Dr , Millburn
    1:30 pm
  • Forever Judy and the Wizard of Oz
    Springfield Public Library Springfield, NJ 07081
    2:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making South Orange PatchAM possible:

  • HZY GOODS — (973) 200-3030
    HZY Goods Dispensary in East Orange Now Open!
  • Avellino Custom Masonry — (908) 879-8699
    Family owned business in business for over 30 years.
  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
  • Dogtopia of West Orange — (475) 338-3501
    Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Melba Moore Returns to the Stage With a Legacy That Still Lifts Us —Gregory Burrus Read on Patch
  • World‑Class Musicians Cyrus Chestnut, John Lee, Winard Harper & Lynette Sheard Headline “Jesus and Jazz” 1/25 —Gregory Burrus Read on Patch
  • Bradley Beach Jazz Festival Returns February 3–7, 2026 — A Five‑Day Celebration of Jazz, Community, & Culture —Gregory Burrus Read on Patch
  • Valley National Bancorp posted a job opening for Retail Associate Trainee (Entry Level Retail Banker) in South Orange. Apply here.
  • ShopRite Supermarkets posted a job opening for ShopRite - CSA/Carts Clerk (Glass NJ) Salary Range $15.49 - $15.49/hr in Newark. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near South Orange here.

🗞 Nearby News

Maplewood

  • Get Covered: NJ State Health Insurance Open Enrollment Runs Thru January 31 (villagegreennj.com)
  • Christopher Newport University Professor Dr. David Pollio Remembered For Impact On Students (dailyvoice.com)

Irvington

  • Maplewood Police Blotter: Residential Burglary and Attempted Burlgaries, Motor Vehicle Theft, (villagegreennj.com)
  • Former Giants star Antonio Pierce shines in head coaching interview: ‘Blew me away' (nj.com)

East Orange

Ok South 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: I see food and I eat it.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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