Development News for Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Cedar Grove Announces Community Events and Infrastructure Project Updates

The township manager provided updates on several upcoming community events and project progress. Events include the 34th annual Clean Sweep Day on June 6th, the dedication of outdoor AED equipment with the Aliver Foundation on June 6th, and the grand reopening of the ADA accessible playground at Community Park on June 20th, funded by a $750,000 grant from the NJP. The annual fireworks celebration is scheduled for July 2nd, with expanded features for America's 250th anniversary. Project updates include the resurfacing of the upper playground at Community Park, PSEG's paving operations on several streets to be completed by June 16th, and upcoming paving of Rock Ledge Place and Reservoir Place by AJM Contractors. PSEG is also replacing gas mains and upgrading electrical work, while Transco will perform repairs to their gas main near the Pekman River. Notices for these projects will be available via social media, Nixel, and direct homeowner notifications.

Public Comment Highlights Allegations of Corruption, Interference, and Demands for Transparency

During the public comment period, Bill Brown, a combat veteran and founder of the New York City Seal Swim, spoke about his organization's event that honors veterans, SEALs, police officers, and firefighters through adventure therapy and physical challenges at iconic New York City landmarks. He expressed frustration over being denied a permit for his event this year after seven years of successful operation, alleging interference from the Port Authority chairman and a Port Authority official. Brown also alleged corruption within the Cedar Grove Police Department, citing an incident where a process server was allegedly unlawfully stopped and an incident report was backdated. He demanded transparency and accountability regarding body camera footage, phone records, and GPS data related to this incident. Leroy Truth, an investigator, also spoke, stating he was asked to investigate allegations of corruption within the police department and against Kevin Oul, the Port Authority chairman and former Cedar Grove mayor. Truth detailed several allegations of Oul abusing his power, including impacting his sister's career, retaliating against her husband, interfering with Brown's event, and allegedly orchestrating the unlawful stop of a process server. He requested the release of specific body camera footage, metadata, phone records, and GPS tracking data. David Snow, representing The Exposure Report, also spoke about the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly in relation to Kevin Oul and alleged political influence, retaliation, and law enforcement interactions. Kate Hartwick from Essex County provided updates on county events and park programs. Several speakers, including Brown, Truth, and Snow, emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and for officials to challenge authority and powerful individuals, drawing parallels to Bridgegate and the importance of not protecting corruption.

Cedar Grove Council Authorizes Payment of $261,513.63 in Bills

The township council approved the payment of bills in the aggregated amount of $261,513.63. The summary of bills was duly audited and found to be correct. A motion to approve the payment was made and seconded, followed by a roll call vote where Councilwoman Scavage, Mayor Migga, and Councilman Alley voted in favor.

Investigator Details Allegations Against Kevin Oul and Demands Release of Evidence

Leroy Truth, an investigator, spoke about his investigation into alleged corruption within the police department and against Kevin Oul, the Port Authority chairman and former mayor. He detailed several allegations of Oul abusing his power, including impacting his sister Eileen Tul's career, retaliating against her husband, interfering with Bill Brown's NYC Seal Swim event, and allegedly orchestrating the unlawful stop of a process server. Truth presented a metaphor of a silk handkerchief to represent missing evidence, including unedited body camera footage, metadata, audit logs, GPS tracking records, and phone records for specific officers, demanding their release. He urged the town to stop defending those accused of criminal actions and to be transparent, stating his investigation would reveal the truth. He also referenced prior legal issues and arrests involving himself and others in relation to corruption allegations.