Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake
PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 35
WESTWOOD REGIONAL
MORE
HOUSING, MORE CLASSROOMS District, up against developments, mulls school bond in 2022
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
VOLUNTEERS TO CHEER FOR Township girls help power new program
See MORE on page 224
GROWING
PAINS OVER COMMUNITY CENTER Attorney urges cooperation on capital project
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS
Additional classrooms might be needed at schools in the Westwood Regional School District, which serves Westwood and the Township of Washington, as trustees look at new development rising in the township. Trustees at the Oct. 28 board meeting discussed a possible bond referendum or public question for construction of additional elementary school classrooms stemming from anticipated enrollment hikes. The town recently approved the 66-unit Viviano/American Dream project on Van Emburgh Avenue and is hearing an application Franklin Court Management LLCʼs 44-unit rental apartment complex, the first of its kind in the township [see related story, Page 3]. Board members noted other developments are possible on the horizon and requested its June 2020 demographics study be regularly updated. District Business Administrator Keith Rosado prepared a report based on district committee reports and the 2020 study that showed minimum, optimum, and maximum class sizes for kindergarten, grades 1–2, and grades 3–5. He said the finance and facilities committee wanted to know what it would be like with the optimum number of pupils in each grade. Sticking to the optimal number of 18 students for the elementary grades, Rosado said the district needs eight additional class-
HILLSDALE
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The inaugural lineup of Westwood and Washington Township K-1 Mini Cards, backed by seasoned cheer mentors from Washington Township in grades 7–8. BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS
OWNSHIP COUNCIL Vice President Desserie Morgan had the pleasure, Nov. 8, of helping to recognize the outstanding work of some of the townshipʼs most dedicated volunteers: bright young ladies who helped make the townʼs new K-1 Mini Cardinal Cheer Program a soaring success. Receiving framed service
awards from Morgan and Mayor Peter Calamari at that nightʼs meeting of the governing body were seventh-graders Gina Castronova, Alana Lucas, Alexis Morris, Emma-Claire Readie, Isabella Realbuto, Ellorie Roberts, and Jenna Zotolo; and eighth-graders Adrianna DeNobile and Brianna DeNobile. Morgan, a veteran cheer coordinator and cheer mom — and a registered nurse, with a
CHEER PHOTO VIA HEATHER CASTRONOVA
masterʼs degree emphasis on leadership and healthcare — proposed a rec cheer program to her fellow elected officials. And she went further, setting out to “volunteer to coordinate, manage, and assemble a team of mothers who shared her vision, enthusiasm, and willingness to volunteer,” according to an invitation we received on the occasion of the girlsʼ honor.
Continued on page 8
A pair of committees, one appointed by the council and the other by Mayor John Ruocco, both focused on evaluating sites for a community center and artificial turf field, should try to work together — although nothing in applicable law requires it. Thatʼs according to Borough Attorney Mark Madaio on Nov. 9. Madaio told council members and Ruocco that both have the power to create their own committees, and that though the mayor appointed a citizens advisory committee to assist the evaluation process for a community center and turf field, the council was under no obligation to consult with it. One resident has called the project taking shape “a hodgepodge” (Letters, page 2) and said it appears thus far out of scope with what the boroughʼs seniors have been calling for. A council majority and Ruocco have clashed since early this year when the five majority members included approximately $500,000 in the annual budget as a down payment for a possible $10 million bond issue on a future community center and artificial turf field. Also, members clashed over including a “density bonus”
See GROWING on page 394
NEW PLEDGES
B ck in time...
Temple Pledge Group #19 welcomes five new members on Oct. 26, pictured here with members of Temple Assembly #32 Rainbow Girls.
Local high schoolers in 1940 lacked for digital distractions, but nevertheless lived full, rich lives. Kristin Beuscher has this autumnal photo feature. SEE PAGE 4
SEE PAGE 18
