(Fanwood, NJ) – Jill Jackson Jones, a Kramer Manor history preservationist, announced at Monday’s agenda setting meeting that Kramer Manor, a neighborhood of about 100 households founded in 1924 as an all-Black enclave, will be included in the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail.
According to Jackson Jones, legislation establishing the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on September 7, 2022. The law called for the New Jersey Historical Commission to create the trail “to promote awareness and appreciation of Black History, heritage and culture that will highlight black heritage through historical markers and a trail like path that connects stories of black life and resiliency.”
“We are just so excited about this. The application (to be included in the Black Heritage Trail) was lengthy,” announcing that she learned that Kramer Manor was accepted as part of the Trail two weeks ago.
She has suggested a Black Heritage Trail marker for Kramer Manor be placed on Martine Avenue in the middle of Fanwood and Scotch Plains.
The Fanwood library will feature a discussion on the “Legacy of Kramer Manor” by Jackson Jones on Tuesday, February 4 at 7 pm.
Mayor Colleen Mahr began Monday’s agenda setting council meeting by speaking of the importance of Black History month, celebrated in February.
“We know that celebrating the legacies of black history and all the contributions is really part of American History,” Mayor Mahr said. She said this is “against the backdrop of what is happening at the federal level” where federal agencies are not recognizing the celebration or public messaging of Black History Month as part of President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or DEI.
Several resolutions were approved at Monday’s meeting.
The Council appointed Courtney Agnello as municipal clerk as she has fulfilled the required qualifications and has become certified by the state as a registered municipal clerk. Agnello has been deputy clerk since July 1, 2023.
Richard Hawkins was appointed municipal public defender, replacing Jill LaZare who informed the borough of her decision to retire. Hawkins is the municipal public defender for Roselle Park, assistant municipal prosecutor for the City of Irvington and is the former zoning board attorney for the City of Linden, and the former land use board attorney for Roselle Park.
A resolution was approved authorizing the borough to apply for a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Local Recreation Improvement Grant for $100,000 for the LaGrande Park athletic fields improvements, which will include new outfield netting and dugout shading.
A resolution approving a one-year, $42,000 contract with EJ Economic Development Advisors LLC for economic development consultant services. The company is operated by Elizabeth Jeffery, Fanwood’s director or economic development.
The Mayor and Council will hold its monthly regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18 at 7 p.m.
