Patch's Top 5 Stories to Watch in 2011

If 2010 was busy, we're predicting 2011 is going to be even busier. Here's our forecast for the top stories to watch in the new year:

• While 2010 saw two uncontested council races, 2011 brings up four open seats including that of the mayor. Current Mayor Jordan Glatt has expressed no interest in running for re-election. We're predicting it's going to get quite heated this election season. The other council members whose terms will expire Dec. 31, 2011 are Michael Vernotico, Steve Murphy and Ellen Dickson, who has already said she will continue to campaign for County Freeholder.
• The Zoning Board of Adjustment is expected to formally pass a resolution denying Overlook Hospital's application to build a helipad on its roof in January. After that, Overlook will have 45 days to appeal the decision to the Union County Superior Court where the Zoning Board's decision will either be upheld or overturned.
• If you thought the loss of state aid to the schools in 2010 was rough, the budget crunch district's will face in 2011 with a 2 percent cap in place will be even worse. Plus, the school district is going to consider a contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Nathan Parker in January, less than a month before a new superintendent salary cap could come into effect.
• As with the schools, the municipality will be operating under a 2 percent tax levy cap as well. With tensions already heightened over police staffing and overtime budgets, municipal funding for the library and proposals for garbage and trash pickup, the 2011 budget hearings could get heated.
• The July murder of Abelino Mazariego was a critical event of 2010. But 2011 will likely bring court appearances for the five individuals charged with murder and attempted robbery in the case. Currently, the prosecutor's office is in the process of having three juveniles waived up to adult court. After that, we could be going to trial. In addition, the son of the victim–also named Abelino Mazariego–is going through his own judicial process after being charged with forging a donation check given to the family. More court appearances could be expected in 2011 in that case as well.

As always, stay tuned to Summit Patch to keep an eye on all of these stories and anything else that develops throughout the year.