A recent New York Times article about Belleville painted an idealized picture of the town, especially from a real estate point of view. Here, Belleville Watch highlights some of the things that maybe realtors and politicians would rather not discuss.
Why would a legal opinion from a library board attorney, apparently concerning a conflict of interest with AlphaDog Solutions — Mayor Michael Melham’s company — be necessary?
By FF3, Lead Editor A nearly 200-year old painting, appraised at $125,000 and belonging to the Belleville Historical Society, was removed from the Belleville Public Library and now hangs on the wall in Michael Melham’s office at Town Hall. The… Continue Reading →
By FF3, Lead Editor Throughout my adult life, I have held firm to three simple values: good government, civic engagement and responsible development. A year ago, when Essex Watch founder Lee Dorry invited me to become editor of Belleville Watch,… Continue Reading →
by FF3, Lead Editor Belleville Watch is often accused of criticizing our elected officials and “being negative,” without offering an alternative. I offer this in hopes of inspiring larger conversations about what Belleville could be. To Begin…. Belleville is a… Continue Reading →
By FF3, Lead Editor Two public meetings were held last week. One — the Belleville Board of Education on Monday, January 25th — permitted residents to attend. Since bringing back in-person meetings in late September 2020, the BOE put in… Continue Reading →
(Editor’s Note: The following was sent via e-mail this morning to Vincent DeFilippo, Health Officer for the City of Orange, NJ, from which the Township of Belleville contracts public health services. According to Mayor Michael Melham, Mr. DeFilippo made the… Continue Reading →
Mayor Michael Melham says tough financial decisions need to be made due to revenue shortages. Belleville residents need to know how their tax money is being spent. A forensic audit of Town Hall would help. In 2020, as if dealing… Continue Reading →
Mayor Melham and the Town Council have no problem issuing pricey water bills to Belleville residents, allegedly to cover a $1.6 water utility deficit. That’s probably not shocking when you consider their refusal to support a criminal investigation into a… Continue Reading →
The Belleville Watch is part of the Essex Watch Project, an interconnected network of independent public advocacy groups and citizen coalitions sharing resources and common goals.
The Essex Watch is a volunteer watchdog organization and public advocacy platform. It partners with engaged citizens and civic groups in various municipalities, and offers guidance on how to identify, report, and raise awareness of misconduct in local government.
© 2023 Belleville Watch — Powered by Essex Watch | All rights reserved.
All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service