Get the Latest--Check the City of Summit website for up-to-date information

Are you surprised when something happens in town and you haven't heard about it until after the fact? One of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy, sustainable community is communication...and exploring the renovated City of Summit website is an excellent place to start. For example, right now in the "News" section on the Home page, you can get information on:

• The renovation of the DeForest Ave. Park and Shop Lots, including links to an informative, easy-to-read Fact Sheet, and to the Memorandum, with rationale and details of the project, as well as construction plans;
• Notice about construction on Kent Place Blvd., to start on June 26; and
• Many other items, including links to articles, jobs, and other specific City project information, by clicking on "More."

Scroll down a bit to "Upcoming Events" to see what's going on in Summit over the summer, then head to the "Meetings" sections to find out when the Common Council, Planning Board and Environmental Commission meet, as well as other City boards, committees and commissions.

The navigation bar on the right gives you access to online payment information, parking information, downloadable forms and permit applications, agendas, minutes and ordinances, and more.

At the very bottom of the page are the icons that help you to "Like us on Facebook," "Follow us on Twitter," "Subscribe to our news feeds " (RSS), and receive email notifications.

And that's just on the Home page!

Ready to move on? Just click on one of six major area tabs near the top:

In the Government section, you can learn about our mayor and council members, City departments (including the Transfer Station under Public Works), boards and commissions, and employment and volunteer information.

In the Business section, read about opening a business in Summit, Summit Downtown, Inc. and Chamber of Commerce, Think Local First, and the popular Farmers' Market.

The Recreation section has loads of information on community programs, like the Aquatic Center and the Municipal Golf Course, as well as a map of the parks and playgrounds.

The Arts/Events section focuses on Summit's outstanding venues for the arts including the Visual Arts Center, the Community Playhouse, the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, the Summit Public Art program, and the work of the Historic Preservation Commission.

In the Education section, learn about Summit's top-flight public schools and the Summit Educational Foundation, as well as local private and parochial schools, the impressive Summit Public Library, and Sage Eldercare.

In the Environment section, explore Summit's rich natural environment, and look through the flyers and articles to get helpful green tips, and to learn about Summit's green events, trees, recycling, and its award-winning participation in the Sustainable Jersey program.

So don't be left in the dark. Make checking the website a habit to keep current on what's going on in Summit.

By Beth Lovejoy, on behalf of the Summit Environmental Commission