Crackdown on illegal housing continues Twp. gave violation notice to three properties last week BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       Woodbridge added three more to its list of approximately 300 to 400 illegal homes last week, as part of the township's crackdown program on illegal housing. The crackdown yielded several boarding homes, including an informal day-care center. More ...       Daisy and Missy (l-r) patiently wait for their treats at the Parker Press Dog Show in Woodbridge on Sunday. More photos on page 17. More ... Metropark face-lift includes serious upgrades $47M project includes major changes for service, convenience BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       New Jersey Transit broke ground last week on a $47 million project to rebuild Metropark Station on the Northeast Corridor line, which promises to deliver comfort and convenience for thousands who use the station. The Metropark project, which was announced in December 2006, is the se... More ... Middlesex bird population an example of diversity Report: county is home to 308 species of birds, some rare, endangered BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       It turns out, the human population isn't the only thing that is diverse in Middlesex County.According to a report released by the Edison Wetlands Association, an Edison-based grassroots environmental organization, Middlesex county is the home to more than 308 different species of birds, More ... Zoning Board to hear app. for age-restricted housing Colonia residents signed petition against 100-unit project BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - The Zoning Board will hear the hotly contested Mase Land Co.'s application on May 3 to build 100 age-restricted units on the current Rahway Bus Co. site on Inman Avenue at the intersection of Delaware Avenue. In January, more than 500 Colonia residents signed a petiti... More ... OTW facility to house popular shore restaurant McCloone's restaurant to open at off-track wagering facility in Fords BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - After a year of scoping out their possibilities, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has found a vendor for its restaurant, which will be inside their state-of-the-art off-track wagering facility in Fords. However, the reviewing process may take up to three ... More ... Twp. to put traffic safety signs in high-traffic areas BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - Residents will now see an abundance of traffic safety signs throughout the township with the placement of 30 "Be Kind" signs near schools and high-traffic areas last week as part of the traffic safety sign program dedicated to former Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. More ... Event to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research Parents of 2-year-old with disease advocate for medical research BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       OLD BRIDGE - Kerryann and Ken Silvestri are in a race against time. The couple's 2 1/2-year-old son Anthony was born with cystic fibrosis, which brings a much shorter life expectancy than the average person. There are several variants of the disease. More ... County begins new traffic light construction Light on Oak Tree Rd. will be operational in three months BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - The lights are changing on Oak Tree Road. The Middlesex County Engineering Department has begun work on a traffic light at the intersection of Oak Tree Road and Sugar Tree Plaza to curb accidents and slow down traffic on one of Edison's busiest thoroughfares. More ... Small fire in Menlo Park Mall forces short evacuation Fire Dept. said fire began with cigarette thrown into hole in wall BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - A cigarette caused a fire in the walls of the Menlo Park Mall, resulting in a mallwide evacuation on Friday. According to Edison deputy fire chief Ralph Ambrosio, the fire began at 10:35 a.m. in the wall of a utility corridor network of hallways behind the stores, used by ... More ... Dog day afternoon      Above, Jack (l) goes nose to nose with Nemo (r), a Great Dane rescued by Peter Bernettie of Iselin, at the Parker Press Dog Show in Woodbridge on Sunday. Top right, Homer snatches a biscuit that was placed on his nose by owner Madison Mikosz, 5, from Woodbridge. Bottom right, Tyler Struben, 4, of Wo... More ... Newspaper group boasts banner year for awards Latest tally is 28 awards in state press contest       It was an exceptionally good year for Greater Media Newspapers, when the New Jersey Press Association awarded the group 28 awards for writing, photography, advertising and circulation excellence in its Better Newspaper Contest for 2006. More ...