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SUMMIT, NJ – Mike Walsh has no reason nor desire to put excess pressure on his Summit girls lacrosse team.

As three-time defending Group II champions and winners of 61 of their last 69 games, the expectations are already crystal clear—whether set by the Hilltoppers’ fan base, community or their own history of excellence.

“At the end of the day, I think we earnestly and realistically start with the goal of winning a state championship,” Walsh said. “[Our players] are aware of [the expectations]. They all play club ball and are pretty serious about lacrosse and many will play it at the next level. We just try to stay focused on getting better, winning games and staying within the culture that is Summit lacrosse.”

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Summit has spent the last few years dominating its competition, last spring winning 18 games by an average of over 10 goals per victory. Walsh has some key pieces to replace, including midfielder Lauren Riley and attacker Anya Wardle, but is confident that the roster remains strong enough to handle what figures to be a newer, tougher environment.

“The challenge is greater now that we’ve bumped up to Group III,” he acknowledged. “We’ve got some kids that have got to step up.”

Despite some key graduation losses, Summit brings back plenty of talent, especially on the offensive side of the field.

Senior Molly Davies leads the Hilltopper attack a year after recording 58 total points (50 G, 18 A). Already a huge piece of Summit’s offense, she will now assume the role of main offensive threat for her team.

“Molly has been in the system for a couple of years now,” Walsh said. “Now, it is her time to step up and be the go-to player. She is incredibly fast and has worked hard at her game.”

Of course, she will not shoulder the offensive load alone. Senior Parker Febo, a fast and elusive player, figures to make major scoring contributions while flowing between attack and midfield. Juniors Kelsey Shallcross and Ella Peterson and senior Sloane Ricciuti—who returns following a second ACL injury—will all have big roles, as well.

The midfield will, at some point, feature senior Nell Ducey, a second-team All-Union County honoree in 2024, though her availability will depend on how fast she recovers from a foot injury.

She will be part of a position group that also includes junior Sara Scallon and senior Susannah O’Connell. Scallon saw time as a sophomore, but Walsh is looking for her to become more of a two-way midfielder this season. O’Connell, a former defender, is a four-year starter who tallied 34 ground balls and forced 34 turnovers last spring. Sophomore Anne Grace McGovern rounds out the starting midfield.

Summit will be led on defense by senior Mackenzie Matter, who was a first-team All-Group II player a year ago. An excellent one-on-one defender, she will play alongside seniors Emily Sensenich and Ellie Hicks and sophomore Sofia Serban. Senior Juliet Webb will also be part of the rotation on defense.

The defensive group will work to support senior Marin McGuire, who has stepped in as the Hilltoppers’ starting goalie following Elizabeth Walsh’s graduation.

It is clear the cupboard is far from bare for the Hilltoppers, but they will need to work hard to make it four Group titles in a row—particularly with their movement to a larger classification. Along the way, they will seek a second consecutive Union County crown and an outright NJIGLL Stars & Stripes Red Division championship (after sharing it with Morristown and Oak Knoll in 2024.

Walsh knows it won’t be easy, but if Summit’s history is any indicator, it is ready.

“Nobody is going to shed any tears for us,” he said. 'Championship or bust’ is a hard expectation to put on high school kids. I think we go in with realistic aspirations. We know the challenge that is before us.”

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SUMMIT, NJ – Another political leader has visited the disaster site at 720-722 Springfield Ave., where ongoing erosion has claimed nearly 50 feet of a Summit resident’s backyard since 2011.

On Friday, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. toured the property of Adrianna Alarcon to witness firsthand the worsening crisis.

Alarcon greeted Kean and a group of Summit and Union County officials by revealing that she had lost more land just that morning due to overnight rain.

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“It’s gotten so bad that I can’t sleep at night when the rain starts,” she said, explaining that each morning she

discovers more of her backyard has disappeared into Salt Brook, a tributary of the Passaoic River in Union County.

For over a decade, Alarcon and her family have witnessed their property steadily vanish due to extreme weather events, including Hurricane Irene in 2011, Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Kean’s visit comes as concerns mount over conditions caused by a broken Union County pipe, severe storms, and increased runoff from local developments.

“This is a problem that needs to be solved quickly,” Kean said after his tour. “We are here to meet with homeowners and officials at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. We need to work together because this is impacting people’s lives.”

Kean said he would push for the Army Corps of Engineers to assess the situation, which also affects nearby New Providence and Berkeley Heights. “We also need to secure federal funding for the entire Passaic River and local watersheds,” he added.

Local and state officials, including Summit Common Council Member Delia Hamlet and State Senator Jon Bramnick, have been engaged to help mediate the serious issue. Union County has agreed to repair the broken pipe, a major contributor to the damage. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been involved in exploring long-term solutions.

The erosion is not limited to Alarcon’s property; it also threatens neighboring homes on Springfield Avenue and Sunset Drive. The shifting course of Salt Brook has raised concerns that the damage could extend toward Springfield Avenue, worsening the crisis.

Kean’s visit is expected to be a pivotal moment in the effort to secure federal support. With local and state officials already working toward a resolution, the hope is that federal assistance can accelerate a solution to stabilize the affected properties.

“The congressman needed to see it with his own eyes,” Alarcon said. "I feel like he will support me where he can. He seemed sincere and gave me his cellphone number to follow up. I hope this happens because this is my last hope.”

As spring and summer rains approach, Alarcon fears time is running out. She worries her backyard will disappear within months if immediate action is not taken.

During Friday’s meeting, local resident and renowned architect Brian Howells, known for designing the new world headquarters for J.P. Morgan in New York City, proposed a simple but effective solution: building a retaining wall to preserve the land while officials work on a long-term fix.

After 10 years of fighting the local government to do something to fix the problem, Alarcon knows she doesn’t have years to wait. The mother and business executive admits the ordeal has been traumatic for her family.

“We need action, and we need it now,” she said.

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SUMMIT, NJ – The Summit Board of Education is facing a proposed $88 million budget, which represents a seven percent increase for the upcoming fiscal year, down from $91 million initially projected. The reduction comes after weeks of discussions about how to balance financial responsibility with the needs of students and staff.

The tax levy was rolled back to $76.7 million, down from the original number of $79.7 million. The revised levy is up from last year's actual number of $73.2 million.

The current $88 million proposal includes a 4.72% property tax increase, incorporating the standard 2% cap, an additional 2% for rising healthcare costs, and 0.73% from banked cap. On top of that, the board is requesting a permanent tax increase—known as a supplemental adjustment—of over $3 million, bringing the total proposed tax hike to 8.13%.

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During its meeting on Thursday, Superintendent Scott Hough outlined rising costs impacting the district, including a 10.8% increase in health benefits, a 15% jump in insurance and utilities, and a 3.4% rise in salaries.

"These are largely out of our control," Hough said, adding that previous budgets relied on staff turnover to mitigate expenses, but that approach is no longer sufficient. He noted that recent investments in teachers, STEAM programs and mental health services have strengthened the district but also added to costs.

To ease financial strain, Hough stated that all new staff requests would be deferred, and the district would focus on managing existing resources efficiently. "This year, we need to prioritize mitigating expenses while maintaining our educational standards," he said.

Board member J. Carlos Mahecha further addressed the budget adjustments and the district’s reliance on its fund balance. "The average property tax increase for Summit Public Schools over the last three years was about 2.25%, but for the fiscal year 2026 budget, the administration initially requested a nearly 9% increase—far beyond the state’s 2% cap," he said. "A major challenge this year is a 38% drop in the fund balance compared to last year. It’s important that we explain why that fund balance was used above historical levels and how we can prevent that from happening again."

Business Administrator Derek Jess provided further context, explaining why the district used additional funds last year. "The use of the additional $1.5 million in fund balance last year was due to the operations committee’s goal of keeping the tax increase under 3%. Without those funds, the tax increase would have been closer to 4 percent," Jess said. “By adding that $1.5 million, we kept the increase at 2.96%, but it also meant we couldn't put money into our reserve accounts as we had in previous years.”

During public comment, multiple residents shared their thoughts on the budget.

A Summit resident expressed frustration over the tax increase, saying, "We’re already paying some of the highest taxes in the state. An 8% increase is just too much for families to absorb, especially when we’re not seeing major changes in what’s being offered to students."

Another resident, a parent of two students, worried about the potential impact on teachers and classroom resources if budget cuts were to be made. "We have amazing teachers in Summit, and I don’t want to see larger class sizes or fewer support staff," she said. "I hope the board is doing everything they can to keep the cuts away from the classrooms."

One parent voiced frustration over the financial strain on families. "I understand that the district needs money, but so do we," she said. "A lot of families are struggling, and an increase like this makes it harder to stay in Summit."

In addition to budget concerns, parents also raised the issue of cell phone use in schools. Some advocated for stricter policies, citing distractions and social issues, while others worried about limiting their ability to communicate with their children during the day. The board acknowledged these concerns and indicated that discussions about potential policy adjustments are ongoing.

Board members advised they are still working with the administration to reduce the tax impact, specifically in operational and administrative expenses.

The final budget vote is scheduled for next week. The board encouraged residents to continue providing feedback as they work to finalize the district’s financial plan.

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SUMMIT, NJ – On Friday, March 21, Congressman Tom Kean Jr. will visit the property of Summit resident Adrianna Alarcon to assess the ongoing erosion crisis that has claimed almost 50 feet of her backyard since 2011.

Kean’s visit comes amid mounting concerns over worsening conditions caused by a broken Union County pipe, severe storms, and increased runoff from recent local developments.

For over a decade, Alarcon and her family, who reside at 720-722 Springfield Avenue, have witnessed their property steadily vanish due to extreme weather events, including Hurricane Irene in 2011, Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Ida in 2021. Despite repeated assurances from local officials that the issue was being addressed, the damage has only escalated, leaving the family in a state of distress.

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During her address to the Summit Common Council on Tuesday night, March 18, Alarcon emphasized the urgent need for action. “We have lost two-thirds of our land in the area around the pipe, and adjacent to that, we have lost half of our land,” she stated. “Imagine watching your backyard wash away with every rainfall, with your hands tied behind your back.”

Local and state officials, including Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, Council Members Delia Hamlet and Jamel Boyer, and State Senator Jon Bramnick, have been actively working to mediate the situation. Union County has recently agreed to repair the broken pipe, a significant contributing factor to the damage. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been involved in discussions about potential long-term solutions.

Last summer, Bramnick pointed to a similar situation in Middlesex Borough, where effective measures were taken to mitigate erosion, and he believes those solutions could be applied in Summit. “This exact same thing happened in Middlesex Borough, and they were able to take action,” Bramnick said. “We’re going to try to find out how they solved their problem and apply it here.”

The erosion issue is not limited to Alarcon’s property; it also threatens neighboring homes on Springfield Avenue and Sunset Drive. The shifting course of Salt Brook has raised concerns that the erosion could extend toward Springfield Avenue itself, exacerbating the problem.

Common Council Member Kevin Smallwood voiced frustration over the long-standing issue, urging officials to take decisive action. “This has been going on since 2011,” Smallwood said during the Council meeting. We can’t keep blaming Union County. We need to come up with a solution and work with the right people to fix this before it gets worse.”

Kean’s visit on Friday is expected to be a pivotal moment in the effort to secure federal support for a long-term fix. With local and state officials already engaged in problem-solving efforts, the hope is that federal resources can expedite a solution that ensures the safety and stability of affected properties.

As Summit residents await Kean’s visit, Alarcon remains hopeful.

"I am hoping the Congressman can restore my family’s life, so when I go to bed each night, I don’t have to fear that some rainstorm has eaten our backyard and threatens to take away our home. We need action, and we need it now.”

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Real Estate

With spring in full swing, TAPinto Summit sat down with local realtor, Finn Polisin, sales associate at Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, to get his views on home prices, inventory and mortgage rates.Photo Credit: TAPinto Summit Staff

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By Chris Wightman

Last updated March 20, 2025 at 4:43 PM

SUMMIT, NJ – With spring in full swing, TAPinto Summit sat down with local realtor, Finn Polisin, sales associate at Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, to get his views on home prices, inventory and mortgage rates.

1. What is the state of the town’s spring real estate market?

The state of the market: still hot! Demand remains strong in our town and surrounding areas. Open houses—the best leading indicator of market interest—are drawing large crowds, and multiple-offer situations are still common. In fact, some homes we’ve listed or submitted offers on recently have seen anywhere from 3 to 24 competing bids.

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Supply must meet up with demand, but we are not yet close to that. A seller’s market is defined as having less than a 3-month Absorption Rate. Most towns in Union County, for instance, have absorption rates of under 1–2 months of inventory with Summit at a 1.66 months supply.

On a positive note for inventory, NJ Association of Realtors stats at the end of 2024 and into January 2025 showed a 6% increase in homes available compared to the same period the previous year. Hopefully, this marks the start of a trend toward better inventory levels in 2025 and beyond.

2. The interest rate on 30-year mortgages rose last week to a recent high, extending an upward trend that’s squeezing would-be homebuyers already facing rising house prices and limited supply. What are you seeing?

Mortgage rates have been on a bit of a rollercoaster. After hitting recent highs, rates have pulled back slightly from January peaks, according to MortgageNewsDaily.com. Any dip in rates tends to spark more buying activity, and with 90% of the US workforce employed, there are plenty of buyers eager to enter the market.

Real estate dynamics are hyper-local, like the weather, though. What’s happening in one market may be completely different from in another market area. But in Summit, we are still seeing demand outweigh supply. This brings us back to the packed open houses in Summit—there are still more buyers than available homes! If you’ve been considering selling, now is a great time to make a move while demand remains high.

3. What is the trend of inventory and sales contracts? What about home prices? Will they continue to rise? What do you anticipate this year?

In terms of sales contracts in Summit, they are some of the most competitive bids to win. Many strong, solid offers (pricing and terms) have still been the name of the game. Buyers have been “bringing it”!

Here’s a fun fact: Since Q1 of 2020, home prices in New Jersey have surged 63%, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). If you’re looking to buy, don’t be discouraged! Having an experienced buyer’s agent who knows the local market is essential for navigating winning strategy, multiple offers and securing your dream home.

Looking ahead, home prices in Summit and neighboring areas will likely continue to appreciate, especially if mortgage rates move closer to 6% or below. The Federal Reserve reports that household equity in U.S. real estate is at an all-time high of over $35 trillion, reinforcing the strength of homeownership as an investment.

Likewise, 65.3% of the 88 million homeowners in America have either No Mortgage (35.2%), a mortgage rate under 3% (11.6%) or a mortgage rate under 4% (18.5%). If you’re debating whether to buy or continue renting, consider this: the median net worth of homeowners in 2024

is projected to be $415,000, compared to just $10,000 for renters (Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finance). That’s a staggering 41.5 times the difference—a compelling reason to work toward homeownership!