newsletter, and social media — including Facebook and Instagram — “to provide more frequent updates” on meetings and promote transparency.
FROM PAGE 8
Deer Population Impacts Pollack said he recommends a multifaceted, humane approach focused on nonlethal methods. This includes planting deer-resistant plants, using organic repellents, and community education on deterrents for effective long-term management. Marsh said managing the deer population requires collaboration, noting the borough will continue to work with neighboring towns to explore sustainable solutions. She said managing deer is a “shared responsibility” between towns and must be approached “thoughtfully and collectively.” Development: BMW Headquarters and Former Hilton Site Pollack said the developments proposed at the BMW and Hilton sites reflect a post-COVID shift away from commercial space. He said that “instead of risking wasteful
Woodcliff Parkʼs Opening After the borough purchased the 2.1-acre former Galaxy Gardens site in January 2018 for $1.65 million — following years of delays and additional costs, including
Police promotions Oct. 14
The Borough of Hillsdale will celebrate several promotions within the Police Department during a public ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Beechwood Park bandshell.The Mayor and Council invite residents to join them in recognizing the following officers for their achievements and service to the community: Travis Woods, promoted to chief; Mike Camporeale, promoted to captain; Matt Buesser, promoted to lieutenant; Corey Rooney, promoted to sergeant. The event will include remarks from borough officials and members of the Police Department. Residents are encouraged to attend and show their support for the officers taking on new leadership roles.
FOR THE TROOPS
WESTWOOD
Madeleine Ciocco
Deen J. Meloro, president of GFWC/NJSFWC Woman's Club of Westwood, Michaela Mantz, Skylar Mantz, and club member Joanne Toole at WestwoodFest, Saturday, Sept. 13 at Veterans Memorial Park. “For more than a decade, women’s clubs have been preparing and sending holiday stockings to troops serving overseas. We partner with Operation Jersey Cares, which ensures these stockings reach our military men and women. At our October meeting, club members will be filling stockings with essential items and treats for veterans. During WestwoodFest, the club engaged children in coloring and signing cards for our servicemen and -women, which will also be included in the stockings,” the club says. For information about the club and its activities, call 201-916-1580 or visit westwoodwomansclub.org.
$500,000 in remediation, a $1.5 million settlement of a discrimination lawsuit by Valley Chabad, and $2.75 million in construction costs — the park opened May 3. Pollack said the townʼs first municipal park would have taken much longer to complete had it not been for “a more pragmatic design and expense profile” finalized by the council in 2024, which he led as council president. He said the council made the best of the siteʼs investments, including “significant remediation and construction costs,” and that members are proud of the result. He called the park “a thriving hub of community engagement and programming,” adding that his current
focus is on enhancing pedestrian and vehicular safety at the busy Werimus Road and Woodcliff Avenue intersection. Marsh said the parkʼs creation was a significant undertaking that “placed considerable financial burden” on residents due to remediation costs. Since joining the council in 2022, she said she has served on the Park Committee and helped move the park forward “in a responsible and cost-effective manner.” She said the park still needs improved parking accessibility and safety features such as perimeter fencing. Looking ahead, she said the council must ensure that future projects do not incur such significant costs and delays. She noted that the
park has already become “a cher- 27 ished space that brings our community together.”
Their priorities: Republican Candidates Belgiovine and Pulsonetti provided a joint response to our questions. Belgiovine said that since he left the governing body, local taxes have jumped 50%. (He did not specify how that figure breaks down among county, school, and municipal taxes.) He said his ticket will focus on reducing taxes and addressing overdevelopment by joining the lawsuit filed by Montvale Mayor
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OCTOBER 13, 2025 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS
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litigation, which we would lose,” the borough is proactively collaborating with developers “to find the best solutions.” He said local development is a complex, long-term process that must serve community needs “without placing undue burdens on schools, public safety, or other vital services.” Marsh, a Land Use Board member, said officials worked diligently to determine the most suitable uses for the BMW and Hilton properties as they became vacant. She said declining demand for office space led both sites to be eyed for residential development. She said the new development will help fulfill Fourth Round affordable housing obligations, generate “substantial tax revenue,” add new restaurants and businesses, and help maintain the high standards of public services — DPW, EMS, fire, police, and schools — that give the borough its small-town charm. Minimizing traffic disruption is key too, she said.