WAYNE, New Jersey (WABC) — A swim team in New Jersey says it’s getting kicked out of its pool.

The Rebels Aquatic Team says the Wayne Community Center told them the team can no longer use the facility, leaving more than 100 youth swimmers without a pool in the middle of the season.

The team has been using the pool for practices and meets.

The organizers thought they had a five-year commitment based on the contract but found out this week it was not enough to save them a space to use the pool.

The swim club was told this week that they have to shut down on June 24, but their swim season does not conclude until August 5.

The organizers began this effort to get kids into swimming at the height of the COVID lockdowns, and it has grown ever since.

Parents went online after getting word about being booted from the community pool and expressed a lot of frustration.

They have a practice Thursday afternoon and feel their kids are not getting a fair shake from the town.

Eyewitness News reached out to the mayor’s office and the Wayne Department of Recreation, who said they had no comment about this pool controversy.

———-

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Download our connected TV app

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

New survey data released May 13 suggests affordability pressures are increasingly shaping whether older New Jersey residents stay or leave the state.

More than one-third of residents age 45 and older – 35% – said they have considered leaving New Jersey in the past year, according to a new AARP New Jersey “Vital Voices” survey. Among those weighing a move, 67% said the high cost of living is a primary reason.

The findings come as state lawmakers continue discussions centered on property taxes, utility costs and policies aimed at helping residents age in place.

“New Jersey should be a place where people can afford to grow older, not a place they feel forced to leave,” Chris Widelo, state director of AARP New Jersey, said in a statement. “Right now, rising costs are pushing people out.”

NJ property taxes, utilities driving concern

Affordability pressures extend across multiple key household costs.

Property taxes remain a central concern, with 53% of respondents citing them as a factor in considering leaving the state. The survey also found strong support for the Stay NJ program, which provides eligible homeowners with up to $6,500 in annual property tax relief.

More: Sherrill’s brand becomes clearer. She’s NJ’s new cost hawk | Opinion

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) said they support keeping the program intact, including maintaining the full benefit.

Rising utility costs are also a growing concern. About 89% of respondents said they are worried about increasing electricity bills, including a majority who said they are “very concerned.”

Support for caregiving relief, transparency

The survey highlights financial and logistical pressures facing caregivers, as more residents provide unpaid care for aging relatives.

More than half – 54% – of adults age 45 and older said they have served as unpaid caregivers. A majority said caregiving costs are a financial concern, and 86% expressed support for a caregiver tax credit.

Respondents also backed greater oversight of long-term care facilities. Strong majorities said they support requirements for nursing homes to disclose ownership, staffing levels and financial arrangements, along with greater transparency in how Medicaid funding is spent.

What it means for NJ budget talks

The findings underscore a broader policy debate in Trenton over how to address affordability challenges while maintaining services.

AARP New Jersey is urging state leaders to prioritize policies that reduce financial strain on older adults, including property tax relief, utility affordability and support for caregivers.

“This survey sends a clear message,” Widelo said. “If New Jersey wants to remain a place where people can age with dignity, we must focus on making it more affordable to stay.”

This story was created by reporter Joe Martino, jmartino@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

BELLEVILLE, New Jersey (WABC) — Frank Vélez, a 24-year-old town councilman, was elected as the new mayor of Belleville, New Jersey, on Tuesday.

Vélez may be young, but he has years of experience after he became involved in politics at 19 because his sister has special needs.

He has served on the school board in Belleville and the town council, and he was on the staff of former congressman Bill Pascrell.

Vélez said his win is a testament to hard work.

“We ran on getting back to the basics, the quality of life. Talking about responsible development and just talking about getting back to the priorities of working people,” Vélez said.

Incumbent Michael Melham faced backlash for his handling of a massive warehouse fire that shut down schools for more than a week.

There has been growing pessimism in town, highlighted by the massive 14-alarm warehouse fire this month that caused residents to evacuate and schools to shut down for days.

Parents and educators wrote a joint letter critical of Melham and school leadership for failing to communicate with parents during the emergency.

“In the hours and days following the fire, our community was left navigating uncertainty with little or no official instruction, resorting to group chats and scavenging social media for guidance or information, both of which should have been provided by the government that we entrust for such tasks,” the letter read in part.

Vélez said he’s ready to get to work.

“I feel grateful. I am humbled, and I’m just- just so ready to get to work as the next mayor of Belleville. And I’m so grateful to everyone for support. This was a resounding victory,” Vélez said.

———-

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.