Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

174 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 Russo said Newton and its school system have become very ethnically diverse in recent years, and he applauded this. Newton’s school district is the only one in Sussex County growing right now, and one-third of its student body is comprised of Spanish-speaking pupils. “And we have more Mexican restaurants and Latino-owned businesses,” Russo revealed. “It makes us more interesting and exciting. We think it’s fun.” The future Russo added that he has himself been a part of the local landscape for 16 years, and he’s proud to be involved in such a wonderful community. “We’re growing, we’re welcoming, we’re diverse, and we’re inclusive,” he observed. “It’s exciting to see the growth, both internally and externally. It’s really evolved over the years. We always put the best interests of our taxpayers at heart. That’s a big part of the culture we’ve created here. has been around for 91 years now. It’s part of the Atlantic Health System. Along with the aforementioned Thorlabs, of course, Atlantic Health and Planet Networks (providing Internet, fiber-optic networks, and other computer-related services) are turning Newton into a technological hub. It makes Newton a good high-tech investment opportunity and a center of high-end entrepreneurial activity. Russo informed that Atlantic Health is investing tens of millions of dollars and bringing many high-paying jobs to the Newton community. “It’s definitely a game-changer,” he remarked. And on the residential front, Russo said many people are coming to Newton and Sussex County from Bergen and Essex counties and New York City, changing the demographics of the community a lot and causing the prices of real estate to go up very quickly. Williams shared his assessment. “All true,” she said, adding, “People are willing and happy to pay the price to be a part of our community.” Williams noted that the Big Apple is just over a quick hour away by train.