Redevelopment plans to be heard next week Kaplan submits plans for former snuff mill site BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       A milestone was reached in Helmetta's snuff mill redevelopment when Kaplan Cos. submitted its building plans for the historic factory site. The redeveloper is expected to begin giving testimony on the plans for a senior community at the former Helme Tobacco Co. property during the F... More ...       East Brunswick resident Mark Miklos (right) performs with the Raritan Valley Ramblers during Friday's grand opening celebration of the "new" township library. In addition to extended hours to 9 p.m. every night and a new online service, the township's public library will open a cafe later t... More ... Residents slam bank proposal at clinic site Zoning board expected to render decision March 7 BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       The fight to decide the fate of the Forney Clinic site is in its final round. With concerned citizens in one corner and representatives of Valley National Bank in the other, the deliberations have gone on for several months before the Milltown Zoning Board of Adjustment. A decision ... More ... Violation jeopardizes license to run junkyard BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - - A local auto wrecker is being required to file plans for a waste containment pad by the end of the month or face the possibility of being shut down. The Borough Council held a special meeting Jan. 29 to discuss what to do about Giancola Auto Wreckers & Auto Sales, Manal... More ... Students to take input on revitalization effort BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       JAMESBURG - The Revitalization Coalition is moving forward with plans to improve and invigorate the town with the help of Rutgers students. The group, along with graduate students from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, will meet Saturday to seek input from... More ... J'burg troupe to present 'Ellis Island' symphony BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       JAMESBURG - The borough's Historical Association and its theater group, Lakeview Players, will tell the story of Ellis Island this weekend with help from an esteemed composer. More ... Spraying is planned to control gypsy moths Part of East Bruns. has high concentration of egg masses BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - The township is alerting residents that spraying to control gypsy moths this spring will not present a human health risk. The aerial spraying is expected in early May in the southern region of East Brunswick, according to Township Business Administrator James White... More ... Parking restrictions lifted in E.B. BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Resi-dents of West Amherst Street who lobbied to have a parking restriction lifted from their street will get their wish. The township is expected to lift the restriction limiting parking to two hours on the road, something that was put in place years ago to discoura... More ... Amber Blues go way beyond playin' the blues Local band finds its groove at bars and clubs in N.Y., N.J. BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Many musicians, when asked what type of music they play, say they cannot describe it because it doesn't fit neatly into any one category. The music of Amber Blues also spans a variety of genres, but the members of the band are able to describe it to a T. More ... Renovation party       Justin McCue, 8, watches as clown Bonky-G-Bird makes a balloon dog for him during a party held Friday to celebrate the new offerings at the East Brunswick Public Library. More ... County adds Saturdays, O.B. stop for shuttle       Middlesex County officials will expand a new shuttle service that runs between East Brunswick and Old Bridge to include Saturday service and a new stop in Old Bridge. The changes to the Brunswick Square Mall-South River-Old Bridge Shuttle take effect this Saturday. More ... Accident closes 2 lanes of Rt. 18       EAST BRUNSWICK - The center and left lanes of Route 18 northbound were closed for about one hour last Thursday following a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Cindy Way. The accident, reported at 12:52 p.m. More ... Celebrating the Year of the Pig Teachers explain the stories/customs behind Chinese New Year BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       As the second new moon arrives, the Chinese get ready to welcome a new year. Chinese New Year is one of the biggest holidays for the Asian population in the Central Jersey area, and its celebration has become more popular as the Chinese population has grown in recent years. More ...