Book bonanza      CHRIS KELLY staff Stu Glasser, of New York, was among the many who came to the Brunswick Square Mall in East Brunswick Monday morning for the opening of the 34th annual Bargain Book and Media Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the East Brunswick Public Library. The sale continues through Sunday. For ... More ... Controversial retail center plan is denied Some felt mall would create unsafe traffic conditions BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Alocal developer's plan to bring a shopping center to Monroe Township has been denied for the second time by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. "[I voted against it] because of the negative impact it would have on the quality of life for the residents of the nearby communities," board Vice Chairman ... More ... Board rejects parents' ice hockey proposal Parents offered to fund EBHS team at $2K per player BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       A group of local parents and students had their goal blocked by the East Brunswick Board of Education after proposing a parent-funded ice hockey team for the high school. The board voted March 20 against allowing any parent-funded athletics programs. More ... Havens lets his heart, and audience, guide him Singer/guitarist will perform Saturday at Marasco Center BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Seeing Richie Havens in concert is like a box of chocolates ... you never know what you're going to get. From before the time when he played an epic-length opening at Woodstock back in 1969 up until now, the soulful-voiced guitarist lets the moment, and the audience, guide his performances. More ... Tax hike nearly triples after state aid cut Boro will take back midnight police shift in proposed budget BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       HELMETTA- Borough officials are proposing a higher tax rate now that Gov. Jon Corzine is seeking to cut all of the state aid for the 2008 municipal budget. The municipal tax rate increase jumped from 3. More ... Barlow only candidate for Spotswood mayor BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - Though the municipal election is not untilMay 13, it appears likely that the successor to longtime Mayor Barry Zagnit will be Thomas Barlow. Barlow, currently a borough councilman, is the only candidate for mayor, at least on the ballot. No one else filed a petition by the March 20 d... More ... Town reviewing whether builder violated ethics law Applicant did not disclose campaign contribution BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE- Ad eveloper whose controversial application to build a shopping center was denied last week may have another problem on his hands. More ... Teen volunteers tee off to fund annual mission Youth group to visit Denver to work with homeless kids, elderly BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       MILLTOWN - Miniature golf fans don't need to head to the Shore this weekend to look for a hole in one. The social hall at St. Paul's Church, at South Main Street and West Lakewood Avenue, will be transformed into an 18- hole miniature golf course Friday and Saturday night. More ... Developments of 8, 9 homes in front of board Sawmill Brook Estates would be located off Milltown Road BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - A developer is seeking Planning Board approval for a small single-family home community off Milltown Road next to Country Lane Park. The proposed nine-lot subdivision, called Sawmill Brook Estates, would be built around a proposed cul-de-sac leading to Milltown Road. More ... Developments of 8, 9 homes in front of board New homes proposed on Old Bridge Tpke., Pamela Road       The Planning Board is reviewing a nine-house development that would front on Old Bridge Turnpike near Rues Lane. Jacob Rybner, of Cranbury Road, is seeking preliminary and final approval to subdivide the 4.4-acre property into 10 lots, with eight for new homes, one for an existing dwelling and an... More ... Stricter standards in place for separating recyclables BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD- The borough has been mandated to adopt stricter polices for trash and recycling separation, and the rules will affect homeowners as well as developers. Last week, the Borough Council adopted two ordinances delineating which items must be recycled and separated, as required by Middlesex... More ... Bridge work closes Federal Rd.       MONROE- Asection of Federal Road will be closed for the next eight months as repair work is done on a bridge. The bridge, located over a stream at the intersection of Federal and England roads, is being replaced after a state inspection revealed the bridge was unsafe. More ... Fire limited to living room, porch BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SOUTH RIVER - A borough couple escaped a fire at an Augusta Street home March 17. The fire began in the single-family home at 3:17 p.m., when a husband and wife, who is pregnant, were at home. The man called for help, and the South River and East Brunswick fire departments responded to the scene... More ... No cost figure for arts center BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Township officials are still awaiting a total cost figure for the community arts center. Mayor William Neary had said he expected a cost figure for the facility to be presented at Monday's meeting, but no such number was given. More ...