Pascack Press 12.21.20

HOLIDAYS 2020

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake VOLUME 24 ISSUE 40

PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S BEST H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

DECEMBER 21, 2020

PASCACK VALLEY

Holiday Shopping Guide

See page 13

PARK RIDGE

ACCESS ROAD OK?

Variance vote Jan. 19 over housing plan

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Nearly 18 months after the proposalʼs approval by Montvale, the developer of a 185-unit inclusionary development—which will provide 37 affordable units—got preliminary approval for an access road to the development that cuts through a sliver of adjacent property in Park Ridge.

A final vote is scheduled for the boardʼs Jan. 19, 2021 meeting.

Asked their views, most Zoning Board of Adjustment members told us they support a land use variance and three additional variances for road improvements to Sony Drive that will allow Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC, a developer that acquired the Montvale site from Hornrock Properties, to use and improve the existing driveway to reach its not-yetconstructed Montvale apartment complex.

The land use variance is required because the access road in Park Ridgeʼs Office Research Lab (ORL) zone would serve a

See Access on page 364

Valley makes beloved traditions work despite pandemic

CHRISTMAS AND HANNUKAH 2020 are unlike any in memory, with much cancelled and much worked around.

This yearʼs Westwood Home for the Holidays parade was spiked, disappointing thousands who relish the event as the unofficial start of the holiday season in the valley.

Then again, Celebrate Westwood rose to the occasion and delivered a month of merriment to beat the band, promoting familyfriendly frolics and giving businesses a much needed shot in the arm.

Sit-downs with Santa were cancelled, though St. Nick was undeterred, taking local fire departments up on their invitation to delight kids from the road, atop the colorful light show cast by fire engines.

(In Emerson, given the pending norʼeaster Dec. 16, Santa adjusted his flight plan and promised to return to the Soldier Hill section on Friday, Dec. 18.)

Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and River Vale Mayor Glen Jaisonowski had their turns lighting the shammash—the “attendant” candle used to kindle the other lights—at their townsʼ menorah lightings, hosted by Woodcliff Lakeʼs Valley Chabad.

Arroyo posted, “Rabbi Dov Drizin and Rabbi Yosef Orenstein led a beautiful and festive ceremony for residents and visitors, with the entire Westwood governing body in attendance. The

RIDING HIGH: Santa visits Emerson, thanks to the Emerson Volunteer Fire Department. evening began with a festive car “I thought having the win- childrenʼs achievement, which is caravan throughout town, coordi- ners lead the countdown to the worth mentioning again.” nated by Police Chief Michael boroughʼs annual Christmas tree How can we not celebrate Pontillo and escorted by WPD— lighting would be a real treat for the results as well! The most probringing the light of the holiday to them. Iʼd hoped [by now] weʼd be lific readers from each grade: all.” past COVID, and that they might • Kindergarten: Liam Celebrate Westwood orches- receive the ovation that thousands Phayre (210 books); trated a virtual Christmas tree of enthusiastic Home for the Hol• 1st grade: David Barbiero lighting in Veterans Memorial idays revelers would have surely (286 books); Park, and Library Director Martha given them,” Arroyo said.

• 2nd grade: Vihan Goyal Urbiel asked his honor to conHe added that although the (228 books); tribute a Mayorʼs Prize for the pandemic prevented large crowds • 3rd grade: Niya Jitan (79) libraryʼs summer reading contest. this year, “It didnʼt diminish our

PHOTO BY JILL MANELL MCGUIRE

Continued on page 28

DRAGONS CONQUER

B ck in time...

In Washington Township, the Dragons Soccer Club U10 boys and girls turn in fancy footwork and take their respectives championships.

In 1925, Hillsdale’s new police booth “beamed with a most becoming and suitable light on its peak. It is a beautiful ornament to the town.” We agree!

SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 14

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Thank you, WFD, for Santa cheer

To the editor: SANTA WAS ONCE AGAIN escorted through every street in Westwood thanks to the Westwood Volunteer Fire Departmentʼs commitment to uphold this annual tradition. In a year that forced many of our events into a hiatus it is important to keep some

Club News?

Let us help promote your club or organization. Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

traditions alive, and the WFD ensured that happened.

Children and adults alike look forward to hearing the sirens and seeing the lights just a few blocks away in anticipation of the moment Santa will ride past their home spreading holiday cheer. They know he is getting closer when the fire chiefʼs truck announces over the loudspeaker, “Here comes Santa Claus!”

Front doors open and families line up at the edge of the street waiting to welcome the visitor from the North Pole—and those on dead end streets get the chance to see him twice!

Traditions are important. Traditions provide comfort, shape our culture, and create a sense of belonging in our community. Traditions give us something to look forward to and create lasting mem-

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Housing fight was politics, ego

To the editor: THE PARK RIDGE settlement with Hornrock Properties regarding the Sony property was long overdue. The settlement recently agreed to is worse than what the borough could have settled for

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day, the settlement that was reached is worse than what we had negotiated many years ago and several millions of tax dollars have been unnecessarily spent.

Mayor Misciagna sat on the council with me and heard not only from our professionals but also from Special Master Frank Banish, that the Sony property was recommended for this type of development. Mayor Misciagna chose to ignore these recommendations to the detriment of our town. I was part of a negotiating team that presented a plan that would have resulted in less units than the current settlement.

In addition, there would have been the withdrawal of a multiyear tax appeal (saving the borough millions of dollars), a sizable donation back to the borough for parks, and a portion of units set aside for affordable housing, that would have satisfied our affordable housing needs and pro-

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years ago and there were millions of unnecessary dollars spent on legal and professional fees for a fight we knew we were unlikely to win.

While on the council with now-mayor Keith Misciagna, we were told numerous times by former Borough Attorney John Ten Hoeve and Borough Planner Brigette Bogart we needed to settle with Hornrock to get the best possible deal as there was little to no chance of winning should this go to a trial.

We also were told it would be extremely costly to wage this unwinnable fight. While the residents did not like their assessment and took out their anger on them, they both provided factual data on why we needed to settle, based upon the Mount Laurel decision.

As Mayor Misciagna pointed out during my mayoral campaign, I had negotiated with the developers, but he claimed he would fight and never settle. At the end of the

ories. This year, more than ever, our community needs moments like this.

I extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Westwood Volunteer Fire Department for recognizing the importance of this tradition to our Westwood community, and continuing to bring holiday cheer year after year.

Jodi Murphy Westwood councilmember

NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m.

Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper.

Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing.

Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

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HILLSDALE

The Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan, approved by a 5–1 council vote Dec. 8, has roiled the borough, with local officials calling each other out in our pages and elsewhere.

The plan either offers a template to transform the 14-acre industrial area into an enviable residential mixed-use community or else itʼs a high density, high population zone that forever changes Hillsdale for the worst— depending on whom you ask.

Mayor John Ruocco said he was “not pleased” with the planʼs approval. Both he and Council President Zoltán Horváth, the “1” in back-to-back 5-1 votes on the question, reached out to Pascack Press to express reservations.

When asked if he had made a decision to sign or veto the ordinance, as he suggested he was weighing, he said, “Decisions of this sort should be made carefully and with time.”

After his three years on council, Horváth wrote Pascack Press to complain about what he sees as recent council failings, including the planʼs passage, which he called egregious and injudicious.

The vote permitting the

“overdevelopment” of the old Waste Management and industrial site on Patterson Street “blatantly disregard[ed] the experienced advice of the Planning Board, the mayor, the concerned public, and myself,” he said.

He called out members for previously “advocating and authorizing exorbitant pay raises, irresponsibly advocating to raise taxes, declining shared service opportunities, making it untenable to keep efficient and conscientious employees, [and] squandering money on foolish and irresponsible projects when the money could have been more appropriately used.”

Some residents participating in the meeting speculated that a developer deal was behind the redevelopment planʼs approval, and this was a line of thought pursued as well by Ruocco and Horváth.

In a Dec. 14 letter to Pascack Press, Ruocco said the plan had the potential to create a “miniHackensack enclave” in downtown Hillsdale due to its option for height/density bonuses up to 60 dwelling units per acre and five stories high.

“The plan is a pig in a poke because it is not accompanied by any analysis as to how it will affect the average taxpayer, the schools, and municipal services.

Yet Councilman Pizzella spoke in embarrassing and insulting fashion during the meeting, with personal attacks on me after I expressed concerns about the Plan,” Ruocco said.

He added, “Perhaps his comments during the meeting were purely defensive, influenced by fear that others might question his motives.”

Ruocco charged the bonuses, if granted, would allow up to 64foot-high buildings in the redevelopment zone.

“Nothing like that exists in Hillsdale. Building so many rental units in town (up to approximately 561) would increase the boroughʼs population by 10% to 16% and boost the demand for municipal services, thereby reducing any increased property tax revenue that might accrue to the borough,” Ruocco alleged in his letter.

However, on Dec. 8, Pizzella, as well as the four other councilmembers who voted in favor, said no developer was in line for anything and no proposal was ready to be considered.

They stressed the redevelopment plan was just a plan which set parameters and required specific architectural design standards for future developers.

Pizzella said several meetings were held with Waste Management officials earlier this year, but

these were to see whether they were interested in future redevelopment options for their waste

transfer station property, not discuss a proposal.

Happy Holidays

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

‘Not pleased’ vs. ‘genuinely happy’ on Hillsdale redevelopment plan

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Museum curio sale open to members

B ck in time...

PASCACK VALLEY

Due to the governorʼs executive order limiting indoor gatherings to 10 or fewer, the Pascack Historical Society has had to change course for its Holiday Boutique and Curio Sale.

The usual sale is postponed to spring. However, as many donations have come in, the museum is opening up the sale exclusively to its members by appointment in the coming weeks. Slots are available on Wednesday mornings and Sunday afternoons.

If you are a Pascack Historical Society member, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety.org to arrange a time to shop (feel free to bring your immediate family, or a friend).

The thousands of sale items include antiques, collectibles, holiday decor, artwork, books, vintage jewelry, handbags (from 1950s to designer), china, small furniture, brand new toys, and so much more.

For those who arenʼt members, now is the perfect time to join. Annual dues start at $30. If you sign up now, your dues will cover the 2021 year. Membership also entitles you to receive the Societyʼs quarterly newsletter, “RELICS,” which is full of local history features.

The Pascack Historical Society is at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. The museum is open to visitors Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org, call (201) 573-0307, and follow the museum on Facebook.

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‘SPLENDID ORNAMENT’: Hillsdale officers on the job in front of the police booth, with the train station in the background, late 1920s.

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL HISTORY: Police booth was a Christmas gift for Hillsdale

John H. Olley constructed the booth. For the officer standing in the intersection with a stopnext 65 years it stood in the middle of Hills- and-go sign.

When the sole officer on duty was needdale Avenue near Broadway, a relic of an era HILLSDALEʼS ICONIC police booth, the with drastically fewer cars on the road. ed at an emergency, he could switch the traffic earliest police headquarters in the light to automatic. Frequently nearborough, was a Christmas gift from by shopkeepers would help answer the Board of Trade—an organization the police phone during those times. of local businessmen—in 1925.

The 1920s brought major mileA news report of Dec. 29, 1925 stones in Hillsdale police work, even sets the scene: “On Christmas Eve beyond the addition of the first the Hillsdale center glowed with police telephone in 1924, the buildelectric illumination. A huge Christing of the police booth in 1925 and mas tree in the park was bedecked the first traffic light coming to from bottom branch to top-most peak town in 1926. For example, also in with colored lights and on the very 1926, the police department tip-top a huge circle of lights gave a bought its first patrol car, a final brilliant touch. The new police Chevrolet Roadster. In 1928, a borbooth beamed with a most becoming ough ordinance established the and suitable light on its peak. It is a police department as an official beautiful ornament to the town, artismunicipal entity and named the tically made of tapestry bricks and first chief. glass, with tiled roof, and is a splenThe booth was the home of the did testimonial of the public-spiritedHillsdale Police Department until ness of the Board of Trade.”

1931, when a new station was creThe little booth was a huge step ated inside the Hillsdale Borough forward for Hillsdaleʼs early police Hall. Still, the booth remained in force—a main advantage being the place for decades after that. fact that it had a roof.

Some readers might remember Before the booth existed, police when it was badly damaged in officers used an open-air telephone 1985 after a car crashed into it. mounted on a pole at the corner of John J. Olley—the son of the man Park Avenue and Broadway. One HILLSDALE’S POLICE FORCE in 1928: James Holland, Charles who built the police booth in Bulach, Chief Lawrence Foley, William Bulach, and Henry Koelsch.

Hillsdale resident, a Mr. Beck, donat1925—repaired the damage. ed a beach umbrella that was placed next to Around 1990, the police booth was The first traffic light in Hillsdale was the telephone so that officers could use it with- installed at this same intersection in 1926. An moved out of the road and to the sidewalk out being exposed to the weather. officer sitting inside the booth operated the area next to Veterans Park. The local landCommissioned by the Board of Trade, signal manually. This was an improvement mark still stands as a testament to a more Hillsdale building contractor and bricklayer upon the former system, which involved an simple time in the Borough of Hillsdale.

BY KRISTIN BEUSCHER OF PASCACK PRESS

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Serving Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood 201.664.2105 and Woodcliff Lake FAX 201.664.2109 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 335 E-MAIL US AT Westwood, N.J. 07675 pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

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The articles and opinions printed in Pascack Press are not necessarily those of the publisher. Pascack Press is neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. This publication contains material developed independently by Pascack Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part.

Pascack Press is published in Westwood and is distributed to every household in our circulation area.

The Murphy Administration on Dec. 15 announced the award of $5,694,00 to the nonprofit agency Montvale Family Apartments, LLC to build 25 new affordable rental units through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF).

The Fund, which was restored as part of Gov. Murphy's FY2020 budget, is administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and allows for the development of different types of affordable housing projects to support stronger, fairer, and more affordable communities.

“I committed to using Affordable Housing Trust Fund money for its intended use, and these awards in Montvale demonstrate the first fruits of that effort and our continued dedication to affordable housing and to moving New Jerseyʼs economy forward,” Murphy said in a press statement.

He added, “It is my pledge to secure quality, safe affordable housing options for as many families as possible. We will continue to partner with non profits to create innovative housing solutions to address Bergen Countyʼs affordable housing shortages.”

Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as DCA commissioner, said she was excited to see these affordable housing units become a reality.

“They will help strengthen

the Montvale community, creating more diverse neighborhoods, while keeping Bergen County vibrant and prosperous. The rental units will provide 25 families with the opportunity to have an affordable place to call home,” she said.

The Montvale Family Apartments project will receive $5,694,000 for the new construction of two buildings containing a total of 25 affordable rental units located on 159 Summit Ave. The AHTF awards were given statewide to smaller rental and homeownership housing projects sized at 25 or fewer units, which often have difficulty obtaining financing.

These projects will fill the gaps within the existing affordable housing ecosystem, build on current assets and investments, and add value to neighborhoods by addressing housing needs in an equitable way, officials said in the statement.

Project funding was based on several core principles, including advancing equity in addressing housing needs, encouraging leverage of other public and private resources, and allowing a flexible structure for funds to be used to complete projects.

DCA also held multiple listening sessions to hear from stakeholders about the best way the funding could be most equitably spent.

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Mayor Michael Ghassali said in the statement, “Montvale is extremely pleased that DCA has decided to fund this important project. The receipt of this award will help provide needed affordable housing to hard-working families without burdening local residents and taxpayers.”

He added, “This program is a perfect example of a private developer, a State agency and local government working cooperatively for the benefit of New Jersey residents.”

Selected projects demonstrated strong municipal support; participation in other state-funded

community development initiatives; partnerships with private sector investors; sustainability/resilience; walkability; mixed-use; accessibility; and thoughtfulness in addressing gentrification.

The AHTF is allocated through three funds, all focused on creating housing for households earning less than 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), with preferences for providing units with deeper affordability.

This project was funded by the Municipal Settlement Fund, which helps municipalities create smaller-scale projects that fit into

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the landscapes of their neighborhoods and assist them in fulfilling their court-sanctioned affordable housing settlements.

Applicants may be municipalities or developers supported by a municipality. Municipalities are required to provide leverage in the form of funding from their local affordable housing trust fund or, where there is no local fund, in the form of publiclyowned property made available at low or no cost, or some other form of investment.

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Ghassali welcomes DCA’s $5.7M award for affordable apartments

MONTVALE

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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OWNER OF LAND ON PASCACK ROAD CLAIMS ‘FULL FAITH’ IN DEVELOPER

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

One of the family owners of 3.2 acres at 450 Pascack Road, which is among the last wooded undeveloped tracts in town, said that the town has dropped the ball on opportunities to purchase the

property over the years.

He told Pascack Press last week that he has full faith in a developer he is working with to craft a project that benefits him and the community.

Resident Robert Morris said he has mostly friendly relations with neighboring property owners despite their efforts to press the township to either rezone or

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acquire the property to stave off a potential development on the site.

The neighbors had opposed a 48-unit senior complex proposal prepared by Lakos Construction Inc. earlier this summer. Nick Tsapatsaris, principal of Lakos Construction, Inc., has signed a development agreement with Morris to help market and develop the property.

Tsapatsaris recently told Pascack Press that he is working on a new proposal for the site but declined to reveal details.

Tsapatsaris submitted an application in summer but withdrew it in early fall following pushback from nearby homeowners. Several Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners contacted Pascack Press in early July to voice opposition, calling the senior complex plan out of character and a high-density development, citing traffic, safety and stormwater concerns.

Morris said his family has owned the land, adjacent to Memorial Field, since 1949. It includes a small home and barn that fronts Pascack Road. Mostly, the elongated woodland abuts a half-dozen or more homeownersʼ backyards on Ridgewood Boulevard East to its south and Memorial Field and Washington Elementary School, part of Westwood Regional School District, to the north.

Morris told Pascack Press that his family has always been happy to work with the township but that after several prior efforts to acquire the property failed, and the passing of his mother in 2008,

the privately owned property has become more difficult to maintain.

Moreover, Morris said that the township initially was promising to acquire the property but nothing ever came of it.

At the Dec. 7 council meeting, several members and Mayor Peter Calamari told concerned callers, mostly Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners, that the tract was on their radar screens and options would be discussed in closed session.

Borough Attorney Kenneth Poller said a discussion of potential “litigation, negotiation, acquisition” related to 450 Pascack Road would occur in closed session. It was unclear what specific options were, though the boroughʼs planning consultant, T&M Associates, was scheduled for the session.

Meanwhile, with state Green Acres grant funding opening up in early 2021, Township of Washington councilmembers urged its grant consultant, GLD Associates of Summit, to look into possible grants to purchase or acquire the land.

The Green Acres Program serves as the real estate agent for the Department of Environmental Protection. Green Acres works with the DEPʼs divisions of Parks and Forestry, Fish and Wildlife, and the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust to determine which lands should be preserved. Green Acres does not own the land it acquires for management.

On Dec. 8, resident Joseph Scalia noted that the grant writer

was supposed to pursue funding for possible purchase of the tract.

Councilmembers later requested that they be provided at least twice-a-month updates from the grant consultant via the administrator.

We reached out to GLD Associates for comment but did not hear back by press time.

The tract is zoned AA for single family homes on half-acre lots. Tsapatsaris previously told Pascack Press that senior independent living has been permitted in three other such zones in the township.

Both Councilman Michael DeSena and Councilwoman Desiree Morgan voiced concern Dec. 7 about the condition of Morrisʼs home and for his personal welfare. Both said the home was in “deplorable” condition.

DeSena said he knew Morris lived there—although they were told he did not—because of cars in the driveway. He suggested the house is “probably not inhabitable” and that they needed to have a welfare check completed.

Morgan said she was “concerned for the person living there and at minimum think a welfare check is in order.”

She repeated the site was “still very active on my radar.”

While little was made public about council options on the property, several Ridgewood Boulevard East homeowners hired an attorney two months ago to request the council conCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC and its related impacts, including deaths, hospitalizations, business shutdowns, closures, and a recordbreaking vaccine development timeline dominated 2020 headlines worldwide, nationally, and locally.

Its impacts, in terms of lives lost, medical resources marshalled, political forces mobilized, and simply human suffering and resilience in the face of a devastating pandemic, will be unparalleled in our lifetimes. That continues to be the all-encompassing story of 2020.

Much of our own Pascack Valley was shut down from midMarch through mid-May as the coronavirusʼs initial surge hit, and slowly, incrementally, with face coverings and social distancing in

place, people slowly began returning to a “new normal” that included drive-by birthday celebrations and graduations, and where possible, working remotely, or at safe distances from co-workers.

Pascack Press reported in March on one of the first cases of coronavirus diagnosed in New Jersey at Englewood Health: a 32year-old Fort Lee man.

On March 5, we reported, the U.S. CDC reported 100 cases nationwide and 10 deaths across 13 states. It was the beginning of an unprecedented worldwide battle against what President Donald Trump then called “the invisible enemy.”

Looking back over our 2020 coverage of Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake reflects a year that began nearly where it ended: On Jan. 6 we reported that Park Ridgeʼs affordable housing

Ghassali: Award given project financed through the Municipal Settlement is $6 million.

In addition to this award in Bergen County, the Murphy Administration announced the award of more than $19 million to housing organizations throughout the state through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF).

FROM PAGE 5

The DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery and mitigation.

For more information about DCA, visit nj.gov/dca or follow the department on social media.

trial was set for February; on Nov. 30, we reported the long-awaited conclusion of the boroughʼs fiveyear-plus legal battle, “ʻBest We Could Doʼ: Council Takes Deal For 448 Units at Former Sony Site.”

With its settlement, and Englewood Cliffsʼ October settlement, the last two North Jersey affordable housing holdouts have committed to permit hundreds of

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market-rate and affordable units, some in high-density, multifamily developments which they long opposed.

Affordable housing obligations, which begin a fourth round in July 2025, remain a thorn in the side of Pascack Valley public officials, with some vowing to fight future mandates.

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

A look back, a look ahead: A reporter’s 2020 notebook

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Look: Pascack Press reporter on 2020’s top stories Interestingly, we reported in January that developer Waypoint Residential Services was proposing a 170-unit active-adult senior complex on a 28-acre site at 127 Summit Avenue in Montvale.

Montvale has been a magnet for development in recent years including: • New retail outlets opening at Shoppes at DePiero Farm, • A 185-unit apartment complex (with 37 affordable units) approved on the former Sony property, • A mixed-use high-end residential-retail-office complex called North Market on the former Mercedes site, • 80 proposed townhomes on the former A&P site, and • A Sloan-Kettering Cancer treatment center.

The new developments offer easy access via a Garden State Parkway entrance/exit.

(Meanwhile, Montvale Mayor Michael Ghassali has sounded the alarm over proposed development across the parkway in neighboring Village of Chestnut Ridge, in New York, which he says could see a sharp increase in bus traffic affecting our area.)

Following Planning Board comments and delays caused by the pandemic, the 127 Summit Avenue developer reduced its proposal to a 157-unit complex, the subject of several 2020 hearings.

On Dec. 7, we reported the latest wrinkle: a nearby condominium association is questioning whether the proposed development requires a land-use variance due to building height, number of apartments, building length, and

FROM PAGE 7

number of stories. A Jan. 5, 2021 hearing is planned on the challenges.

Our coverage was interrupted mid-March and into May, as our business, like so many others, reduced staff and sharply scaled back operations. We were among the fortunate ones.

Following the May policerelated death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the area witnessed several peaceful protests promoting racial justice in Hillsdale, Westwood and Woodcliff Lake, making front-page news in June and July issues of Pascack Press.

Another contentious issue: the June 22 vote by Pascack Valleyʼs regional school board to “retire” the Indian and Cowboy mascots at Pascack Valley and Pascack Hills high schools.

Four mayors from district towns—River Vale, Hillsdale, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake— penned two public letters requesting the board reconsider its decision but members posted a long explanation on the district website.

In short, the letter said the symbols “offend a significant portion of our school communities [and] cannot be endorsed and continued as a policy of this district.”

Reaction, on social media and elsewhere, was divisive.

Starting in September, following Gov. Phil Murphyʼs executive order requiring a mostly voteby-mail General Election Nov. 3, we began weekly election coverage, profiling candidates for municipal and school boards.

We also offered voters via Pascack Press online breakdowns of town-by-town local party percentages.

Surprisingly, with registered Democrats edging out registered Republicans valley-wide, unaffiliated voters topped either group at nearly 40% of the electorate.

We looked at Pascack Valleyʼs first exclusively mail-in ballot elections in the July primary and leading up the historic presidential election, where Democrats Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris took New Jersey 57% to 41% and won the Electoral College vote.

We covered how county elections officials were preparing for and handling the mail-in ballots, what municipal clerks were saying, what options voters had to cast ballots, such as drop boxes and U.S. mail, and how to properly fill out a mail-in ballot and what mistakes to avoid.

Then we covered the results and final tallies—as provisional votes were only counted 10 days after polls closed—in New Jerseyʼs first vote-by-mail presidential election.

Other major stories in the Press were the September settlement of two religious discrimination lawsuits lodged against Woodcliff Lake, which allows Valley Chabad to expand its synagogue and pays out $1.5 million to the religious organization.

A citizens group opposes the settlement, and a court date is anticipated in early 2021. stories Other evolving include Emersonʼs struggle with its redevelopment partner over the disposition of $500,000 in construction-related services after the borough missed a contractual deadline; a new Park Ridge community center being designed; a proposed $12.5 million River Vale Public Safety Complex; West-

woodʼs first craft brewery due to open in summer 2021; and Washington Townshipʼs progress toward an overhaul of the vital Pascack Road–Washington Avenue intersection.

We thrive on news tips. If you have one to share, please call us during business hours at (201) 664-2105 or write us at pascackpress@thepressgroup.net any time.

Happy holidays!

From the editor…

I LOVE WHAT Michael Olohan wrote, above, about the year that was, from his perspective as one of the most alert and attuned journalists covering the Pascack Valley.

He touched on the highlights; for those and the lowlights we refer you to our pages.

If we had the time and space here we easily could go into more detail: Our coverage of 2020 included stories of heroic activism and parenting, student and scout achievement, nonprofit excellence, and celebrations deferred and invented.

We told stories touching on aching absence—in stark terms, we lost family, friends, jobs, and peace of mind to Covid-19. We lost a way of life we grew up taking for granted, and that our kids did not inherit. Every family has its own sense of this bizarre year.

Itʼs been heartbreaking.

As well, itʼs a challenge that the Pascack Valley family is rising to meet. Those are our favorite kind of stories, and weʼre delighted weʼre here to keep telling them.

This issue, for example, we report that Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood just administered its first dose of Pfizerʼs Covid-19 vaccine, to an intensive care nurse.

“Iʼm ready,” she said of the injection and all it promises.

We are too.

I thank Michael Olohan and Assistant Editor Kristin Beuscher (you might know her best from her weekly Back in Time column or her work with the Pascack Historical Society and its newly renovated John C. Storms Museum).

I thank our readers, advertisers, and staff.

I thank everybody who takes the time to write a letter to the editor. Moreover, I thank everybody who makes the Pascack Valley such a dynamic and rewarding place to write about— to illuminate from within.

Weʼre grateful for your continued trust in Pascack Press, which is your newspaper: here to mourn and celebrate with you, note your achievements and milestones, hold our leaders to account, and connect you with goods and services: the lifeblood of our economy.

All of this is the work of our community, and that wonʼt change. Weʼre happy to be in this business, and we hope it shows.

Hereʼs to a happy, healthy holiday season and safe, prosperous, and resoundingly together 2021.

— John Snyder pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Valley Chabad CTeen celebrates Chanukah

Valley Chabad CTeen youth group gathered under a tent on Sunday, Dec. 13, for their annual teen Chanukah celebration.

This yearʼs event was limited in numbers due to Covid safety, but Chanukah spirit was in full form.

The teens held a donut decorating contest and a Chanukah auction. Rabbi Yosef Orenstein, director of the Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative, shared

an uplifting holiday message with the teens.

Valley Chabad Teen Leadership Initiative offers a variety of social, educational, and community service opportunities to local Jewish teens at no cost. It is open throughout the Pascack Valley and Saddle River communities and no affiliation is necessary.

For more information, visit valleychabadteens.com or call (201) 476-0157.

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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PV BOE LAUDS OUTGOING MEMBERS, HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENTS

BY ILMIE XHAFERI AND ABBY SHAPIRO PVHS STUDENT JOURNALISTS

HILLSDALE

The Pascack Valley Regional Board of Education bid farewell to board members Brian Hallowell, David Steinberg, Arnold Scher, and Kenneth Ralph at the Dec. 14 BOE meeting held in person at Pascack Valley and on Zoom.

Those board members all have terms that expire Dec. 31.

“The thing I discovered to be the biggest asset of the district during my time here was the people: the people in leadership positions, the administration, people in finance and building and grounds, and most especially our teachers,” Ralph said.

Pascack Valley senior Sean Cuffe and Pascack Hills senior Charles Goertz were both awarded the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award by Stephen Kalish, a representative of the West Point

THE PASCACK VALLEY Regional Board of Education met Dec. 14, taking the opportunity to thank outgoing members for their service.

Society of New Jersey. “[The BOE] thanks [Cuffe and Goertz] for how well youʼve represented not just yourselves, but your entire school body. Weʼre very

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proud and thankful for what youʼve done for our district,” District Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen said.

Due to the then-impending

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snowstorm, Gundersen said that he will “probably” make an announcement regarding which day the district will shift to remote learning.

“Instead of having to shut down schools and close instruction for a day, due to inclement weather, [the NJDOE] is allowing [schools] to shift to remote learning because weʼre getting pretty good at [remote learning] now, and weʼre used to shifting to remote learning at the drop of a dime,” Gundersen said.

BOE member James Stankus gave a Curriculum & Instruction, and Technology Committee report

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and announced that parents and students gave positive feedback on the possibility of adding an eighth period for the 2021–2022 school year.

“The possibility of adding the eighth period would give [the district] more flexibility and more course offerings,” Stankus said.

“It wouldnʼt increase the workload of the students because it could also give them a study hall or maybe some [other] options with the eight class, as well.”

Zimmer was Patricia approved as district payroll manager for the 2020–21 school year following the retirement of Payroll Manager Marlimyn Sinisi.

Because Sinisi will retire on Jan. 31, 2021, Zimmerʼs position is effective starting Feb. 1.

Gundersen said that he hopes the district can continue to remain open until winter break, and students help determine whether remote learning continues.

“We all need to modify our behaviors to make sure we are able to keep schools open,” Gundersen said. “It might be messy at times and it might not be what everyone wants to hear, but [the district] is trying to do whatʼs best for our students.”

The BOE also approved the History Club as a probationary club at PV with history teacher Leah Jerome set to be a volunteer for the club.

“Letʼs just focus on celebrating the things that are going well,” BOE President Tammy Molinelli said. “As we enter into 2021, Iʼm optimistic and looking forward to continued learning [and] continued growth.”

Editorʼs note: This piece first appeared Dec. 14 in PV Student Publication, the student news site of Pascack Valley High School, as “BOE bids farewell to retiring members” and is reprinted here with permission. Youʼll find the original article, and much more, at https://pvsmokesignal.com. We look forward to amplifying student voices from our towns in every issue of Pascack Press.

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TAKING A BREAK

Judy Maribo of the Westwood Senior Fellowship writes, “We are thinking of our membership. Unfortunately it is not safe to get together yet. Please keep the faith.”

Before covid, the group enjoyed a full schedule of luncheons, trips, and special events.

For more information, call Judy at (201) 664-3614.

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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‘Top Exceptional’ teacher lives her values

BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

RIVER VALE

Congratulations to resident Katherine Moran-Villone, a Bergenfield fourth grade teacher, who recently was selected as the National Liberty MuseumĘźs grand winner in its Teacher as Hero Awards Program.

Moran-Villone received her “2020 Top Exceptional Teacherâ€? award virtually, in lieu of the Philadelphia-based museumĘźs

“The world belongs to all of us, and the way that we can make it better is for each of us to do our part, using our individiual gifts, talents, and resources to help each other,� she said.

In a video on NLMĘźs website, Moran-Villone, who has more than 20 years of teaching to her credit, cited the poet Maya Angelou as an influence and explained that she is motivated by deeply held values.

annual awards gala.

The award recognizes an educator “who epitomizes the very best qualities one could ask for in a teacher who serves not only as a hero to the school community for their overall excellence but also for being a champion for kids.�

This yearly recognition program, sponsored by State Farm, honors outstanding educators in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

The National Liberty Museum said Moran-Villone, of Franklin Elementary School, was selected from a large pool of nom-

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inees “for dedicated acts of kindness and compassion, and for her ability to mentor and build up every child she meets.�

It added, “During the pandemic, Moran-Villone has continuously focused on her studentsĘź well-being, holding numerous virtual game nights and Zoom calls to keep spirits high. She visited each of her students with birthday surprises and made sure they were doing well, serving as a role model, friend and inspiration at these challenging times.â€?

There were eight winners in the Exceptional Teacher category, but only one teacher—Moran-Villone—was named Top Exceptional Teacher.

Katherine Moran-Villone

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Pascack Valley Town Briefs

EMERSON

Extension on Senior Freeze tax relief applications

The 2019 senior freeze (property tax reimbursement) program has been extended to Dec. 31.

This vital lifeline for many seniors and disabled individuals throughout New Jersey helps keep their property taxes stable so they can remain in their homes well into their golden years. This year the borough has extended the application to ensure as many eligible taxpayers as possible can take advantage of this program.

Check your eligibility at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/index .shtml.

MONTVALE

Downtown holiday decorations in for 2021 refresh

Mayor Michael Ghassali posted on Dec. 1 that heʼd received several comments and calls about the boroughʼs “outdated” downtown decorations.

Thanking the volunteer fire department for taking the time every year to decorate downtown, he said the effort has been a tradition dating to the inception of the department.

“I agree the decorations need

Gift s Certificabte le a il a v A

updating but as I was going This year, with construction through the park today, there is a underway for a new firehouse and nostalgic feeling and a gentle ambulance headquarters, the reminder of the slow pace era, WTFD is selling trees, wreaths, when we we actually walked to school in the snow, and changed the spark plugs on our cars, stopped to pour antifreeze and oil while on the road,” he said.

He added, “But enough of that. The fire chief and the department told me that they will look at updating some of the decorations next year. Enjoy and please stay safe.”

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and other greens at nearby Memorial Field daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tree prices range from $25 to $150. This is the departmentʼs

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DRAGONS ALL THE WAY!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Fire Dept. to escort Santa on Christmas Eve parade

At the Nov. 8 meeting of the mayor and council, during his rundown of Novemberʼs statistics for the fire department, member Tim Lane said that Santa will be coming to town this year. Instead of meeting children in the center of town as in previous years, the Montvale Fire Department will escort Santa on a parade around town. The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. For route information, see the boroughʼs December newsletter.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

Fire Department selling trees at Memorial Field

Warm Wishes

Photo courtesy Dan Severs

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

CONGRATULATIONS TO the the Dragons Soccer Club U10 B Flight Team, which finished its season undefeated, then beat Clarkstown to win the championship. The Dragons finished the season at 9-0-1, scoring 45 goals along the way and allowing only 11 on their way to the championship. Shown at Jesse F. George Elementary School Field on Nov. 22, from left to right and front to back, are Quinn DePiero, Meadow Garcia, Livia Einwohner, Kaitlyn Ko, Sophie Schembari, Angelina Avila, Sophie Xaka, Aubrey Geipel, Lyla DePiero, Sophia Collis, Peyton Severs, Kayla Krenn, Randy Garcia, Anthony Gomez, and James DePiero.

Thank you to our community for your support.

We will get through this together!

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THE DRAGONS SOCCER CLUB U10 Boys team won their flight with a 7–1 record. This season the team scored 34 goals and gave up 11, the division’s fewest. Front to back and left to right: Jackson Levine, Brandon Liggeri, Matthew Gerstmayr, Jackson Morin, Myles Garcia, Randy Garcia, Anthony Liggeri, Pedro Alvizua, Christopher Kurpiel, Kayla Krenn, Devon Frenz, and Andrew Gerstmayr. Inset: Hunter Goldman. Photo courtesy Andrea Gerstmayr

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Fifth would not have been needed to meet our affordable housing obligation, thus adding more unwanted housing to Park Ridge.

While I understood the frustration of the residents at the time, the borough was in an absolutely no-win position based upon Mount Laurel decisions.

Until the Legislature makes changes, this issue will continue.

vided immunity going forward.

What has also gone under the radar is the development that will take place on North Fifth that would not be necessary, if the agreement with Hornrock had been adopted years ago. The pending development on North

FROM PAGE 2

Mayor’s message at the holidays

To the editor: WELL, WE MADE IT to the end of the year, despite pandemic lockdowns, a severe economic recession, tremendous unemployment, school closures, pool closures, restaurant closures, travel restrictions, social distancing, and mask requirements worthy of “The Phantom of the Opera”! My wife Angela and I just want to catch our breath and start humming John Lennonʼs “So This is Christmas!” [Technically “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” ed.].

With Hanukkah ongoing and Christmas still more than a week away, each of us has an opportunity for celebration and contemplation. We need to celebrate the spirit of a new beginning as Christians mark the birth of Jesus and Jews commemorate the cleansing of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after gaining freedom from foreign occupiers.

All of us, regardless of faith, should welcome the New Year with optimism that our nation will successfully address the pandemic

through the efficient distribution of effective vaccines and achieving what health officials call “herd immunity.”

The media is telling us that this holiday season will be “different,” while also advising us on how we can adjust but still engage in the frenzied commercialism of the holiday season. They are urging us to make the best of circumstances in an effort to achieve the perfect holiday. I am sure that merchants and store owners who have suffered much in 2020 heartily agree.

But after the year we have had, I think we should also take time to reflect on what is really important in our lives: family,

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Almost every town in Bergen County chose not to litigate and settled, as they knew they would not win.

While residents such as David OʼSullivan (who has since moved out of town) and others viscously attacked me for negotiating with developers, in hindsight, I hope the residents see that negotiating with Hornrock was in the best interest of Park Ridge.

Now, Park Ridge residents,

friends, the time we can spend together, and how we can extend our generosity in this season of giving to improve the lives of others.

Let us remember too those who did not survive the pandemic.

Their passing is a subtle reminder that years from now, any memory of holiday gifts we received this year will pale in comparison to the good times that we shared with loved ones and the memories of their affection.

The true spirit of the Christmas season is not embodied in “stuff” that we buy as gifts, but in the realization that we are loved by others and by our Creator. Let us resolve to appreciate that love as we enter 2021.

On behalf of the elected officials and municipal employees of the Borough, I wish all our residents a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Mayor John J. Ruocco Hillsdale Note: The mayorʼs Dec. 15 message also invited residents to watch the boroughʼs live-streamed holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 8 in Veterans Memorial Park.

A link to the event is available at the borough website.

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including myself, have faced huge tax increases as the result of the mayorʼs fight and ultimately, settled for more units that in our original negotiations.

While OʼSullivan and others berated the Montvale mayor and council for settling with Hornrock, they saved their residents

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millions of dollars.

Park Ridgeʼs tax increases have far exceeded those of Montvale and Montvaleʼs surplus far exceeds Park Ridgeʼs surplus.

I applaud the Montvale mayor and council for putting the residents of Montvale first

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Letters: H

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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versus our current mayor who, for egotistical reasons, chose to fight a fight that all the experts advised against.

OʼSullivan, as leader of the citizen group and trusted associate of Mayor Misciagna, filed numerous failed court motions, all at the expense of the Park Ridge residents.

While many residents are irate with Special Master Banish for his report, as previously men-

FROM PAGE 15

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tioned when Banish met with the mayor and council years ago, the special master highly recommended the Sony property for this type of development, so his report should not have been a surprise.

Mayor Misciagna chose not to heed the words of Mr. Banish.

If the best interest of Park Ridge was taken into account Park Ridge would be in a better position today. The mayor put politics and ego ahead of our town and it has cost us residents.

I hope, in retrospect, that the residents of Park Ridge see now that I did have the best interest of the town in mind while negotiat-

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ing with Hornrock and that the illadvised fight by Misciagna has cost the town millions with a much worse result. The residents of Park Ridge should be seeking the resignation of Mayor Misciagna for his irresponsible actions.

Richard Bosi Park Ridge

Plan sets Hillsdale on wrong track

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To the editor: I APPRECIATE ALL the residents who spoke out against the adoption of the high-density Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan at the Dec. 8 mayor and council meeting. This plan has several admirable purposes and aspects attached to it.

However, the density and height bonuses that are available to a future developer will dramatically change the nature of Hillsdale. It could create a “mini-Hackensack enclave” in one area of the downtown, rivaling what we see going up in Park Ridge. Those bonuses would allow a developer

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to go up to 64 feet in height, the equivalent of 5 stories, and achieve a density of 60 units to the acre. Nothing like that exists in Hillsdale.

Building so many rental units in town (up to approximately 561) would increase the boroughʼs population by 10% to 16% and boost the demand for municipal services, thereby reducing any increased property tax revenue that might accrue to the borough.

With the exception of one project in Park Ridge, other Pascack Valley towns have kept their CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON

SUSPECT JAILED OVER ASSAULT IN TOWNSHIP

A Woodland Park man was charged with robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault in an incident at a Manhattan Avenue address.

The fracas reportedly centered on illegal drug activity.

According to Police Capt.

John Calamari, on Sunday, Dec. 13 the WTPD responded to a Manhattan Avenue residence in the vicinity of Hoover Avenue that was broken into and where a physical altercation took place between the 60-year-old son of the homeowner and the intruder, identified as Salvatore Navarra, 49, from Woodland Park.

Calamari said the intruder left the scene prior to the officersʼ arrival and that it was reported that the intruder also assaulted the elderly female homeowner.

Officers immediately provided medical treatment to the vic-

tims. The officers then conducted a thorough and complete investigation.

“The suspect allegedly broke into the residence to confront the male victim regarding money he was owed and illegal drug activity they were involved in together,” Skinner told Pascack Press.

Navarra was charged with robbery in the first degree, burglary in the second degree, and aggravated assault in the third degree.

He was arrested and turned over to the custody of the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Department at the Bergen County Jail.

Chief Richard Skinner told Pascack Press, “Incidents such as this are rare in nature and generally not random. They most often occur between parties who are engaged in illegal and criminal activity together.”

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RIVER VALE Last weekend his colleagues said farewell and congratulations to Lt. Pete Martin on his retirement from the River Vale Police Department following a distinguished 25-year career serving all who live and work in the township.

Martin began his service with the River Vale Police Department in 1995 and was assigned to the Detective Bureau in 2010. He was promoted to detective sergeant in 2018 and to lieutenant in January.

He said at the time, “I am excited to begin my new role and

work with the top-notch command staff of the River Vale Police Department.”

He received extensive training in the areas of criminal investigation, domestic violence, evidence management, and received many awards and commendations along the way—including a 2014 PBA Local 206 Meritorious Service Award for an incident in which he and other officers subdued an emotionally disturbed woman who was armed with a knife.

At his final promotion, he

was the departmentʼs domestic violence liaison officer, senior firearms instructor, and property and evidence control officer.

He also served as president and state delegate for Pascack Valley PBA Local 206, representing approximately 180 local police officers of the second-largest PBA local in Bergen County, and was director of the River Vale Police Officers Association.

In sending him off, the department said “Peteʼs dedication to the job and knowledge he passed on to fellow officers will

be surely missed.”

Pascack Press congratulates

Lt. Martin as well, and thanks him for his service.

— Staff report

PETE MARTIN has retired after serving the township for the past 25 years.

IN THE DAYS BEFORE ZOOM: Lt. Pete Martin with the RVPD on the occasion of his final promotion in January, alongside Jared Arcidiacono, who went from detective to sergeant that night. RVPD photo/file

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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LIBRARY CALENDAR : VIRTUAL PROGRAMS THIS WEEK

HOLIDAY

EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Magical Melodies meets on Monday, Dec. 21 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Facebook Live. Features high-energy songs, dance, and instruments, followed by a trombone parade with Mr. Chris.

For children 2–4.

• Baby & Me is on Facebook Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 11:30 a.m. An introduction to songs, dance and finger plays with stuffed animals and rhymes. Newborn to 2.

HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • Maria Elena BaezDominguez leads Virtual Chair

Yoga Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Register on the libraryʼs website. Registered yoga teacher Maria shares strategies to help you relax, avoid burnout, and nourish body and mind.

MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org • Little ones can log on for Frozen Storytime with Princess Elsa on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wear a princess costume or bring your hat and gloves to keep warm as everyone enjoys stories and songs.

Registration is required. Program is best for kids 5 and under.

PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave.

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(201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Miss Renee Reads the Classics for Kids on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Visit the libraryʼs Facebook for the best classic books in kid-friendly versions.

• Kailey Levinson presents a two-part Happy, Healthy Kids live on the libraryʼs Facebook (Park Ridge Public Library-NJ) on Wednesdays, Dec. 23 and 30, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Kailey makes awesome snacks, gets the kids moving with Zumba, and relaxes them with mindfulness exercises.

• Santa Claus is super busy flying around the world getting his presents out to the kids, but heʼs stopping this week at the Park Ridge Library! Storytime with Santa is live on the Park Ridge

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Libraryʼs Facebook page Thursday, Dec. 24 at 10 a.m.

RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • Thereʼs an Adult Graband-Go Craft for the week of Dec. 21. Pick up the supplies to create a winter-themed wall hanging for your home. One craft per household; supplies limited.

• Pick up a Holiday Craft-toGo for your child to complete at home. For the week of Dec. 21 itʼs a gingerbread ornament. One craft per child, for kids in pre-K through fifth grade. Supplies limited; crafts first come, first served.

• Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom Tuesdays at 11 a.m. This gentle form of yoga is designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Visit the libraryʼs website to register.

• River Vale Readers Book Club (grades 2–3) will meet on Zoom Tuesday, Jan. 5 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. to discuss “I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912”

by Lauren Tarshis. Copies avail-

able at the front desk or through Libby as an eBook. Registration required; sign up online.

TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON 144 Woodfield Road (201) 664-4586 twpofwashingtonpl.org • Cartooning Class for tweens and teens (grade 3 and up) will have its final session of 2020 on Monday, Dec. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Have your pencil and paper ready to learn how to draw a step-by-step cartoons on Zoom with John. A video follows on the libraryʼs social media for those who missed class or need a refresher. Register online.

WESTWOOD 49 Park Ave. (201) 664-0583 westwoodpubliclibrary.org • Kids up to age 6 can join Miss Jolie to Move and Groove on Facebook Live Friday, Dec. 23 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Miss Jolie will get them moving, dancing and singing with her energetic and fun performance.

Announcements?

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Send all news to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

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sider rezoning the property or possibly acquire it via eminent domain.

At press time, they had not heard back from the township on their attorneyʼs letter, one of the neighbors told Pascack Press.

Told about the councilʼs discussion related to a maintenance inspection and a welfare check, Morris said that a town inspector

FROM PAGE 6

had found a problem caused by the township and not on his property.

He also said he is well.

“That sounds silly,” he said when told local officials wanted to check on him.

About six weeks ago, a Pascack Press reporter stopped by 450 Pascack Road when he noticed Morris outside his home raking leaves. The amiable owner spoke freely but did not want to speak on the record at the time.

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He did say heʼd fallen out of a tree on his property while attempting to improve its curb appeal a few years ago and had to undergo a hip operation. He said he has been living in the home more since 2000, when he returned from upstate New York to care for his mother.

Morris stressed that he has full faith in Tsapatsaris to come up with a viable plan for development of the wooded parcel. In addition

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Informed of the councilʼs Dec. 7 deliberations, Tsapatsaris said in an email, “Thanks for the update, we listened to the [Dec. 7] dialogue. No one from the town has

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Tsapatsaris told Pascack Press in late October that he had reached out to neighbors with plans “that could have included municipal parking and substantial open space. Despite repeated requests, the neighbors refused to meet and instead moved to retain counsel.”

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HOLIDAY

DINING

Pascack Valley Town Briefs

FROM PAGE 14

WESTWOOD

Outdoor caroling Dec. 21: Sing or, if senior, be sung to!

Senior residents of Westwood interested in receiving a visit from outdoor carolers on Monday, Dec. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. are invited to call Judy Maribo at (201) 6643614. Volunteers interested in spreading holiday cheer should call or text Felicia Brobson at (201) 803-8928. Masks are mandatory; carolers will remain outdoors, six feet from fellow carolers and 15 feet from their audiences. Dress as festive as you wish. Carolers will be in groups smaller than 10 and notified of their locations prior to the event.

WOODCLIFF LAKE

Youths’ sad stunt prompts resolution against hate

Following a Mischief Night incident, Oct. 30, by two juveniles who drew racist and anti-Semitic graffiti in the Woodmont section of town, the Borough Council passed a resolution Dec. 7 condemning racism and committing to become an anti-racist and more inclusive borough.

The youths promptly apologized for what they acknowledged were “stupid” actions, and faced legal consequences.

The resolution reads, “Whereas racism and hate have no place in our society or borough and we must protect the Constitutional rights of every person who lives, works and learns in our community and whereas we cannot be silent, we urgently must act to stop the racial, religious, and gender injustice that harms and anguishes people of different race, ethnicity, color, religious belief, gender or sexual orientation, who are our family, friends, neighbors, students, staff members and fellow community members.”

It adds, “We must actively acknowledge, address, and prevent racial bias.”

It further condemns “racism, racial violence, white supremacy, hate speech, religious intolerance, gender discrimination and bigotry in all forms inside and outside of our schools and community.”

The motion, introduced by

Nancy Gross and seconded by Jacqueline Gadaleta, passed unanimously.

— Michael Olohan

Editorʼs note: Pascack Valley Town Briefs are compiled by our staff.

Pascack Press is looking for news correspondents, particularly in covering public meetings. Experience is preferred but a commitment to accuracy, brevity, and clarity go a long way. To be considered write pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

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24

IS YOUR PORTFOLIO AS EFFICIENT AS IT COULD BE?

Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only.

When you look at a line chart of an ERIC KOHLMEIER i n v e s t m e n t ʼs historical performance, one feature to note is its volatility – how frequent and how extreme the ups and downs have been. This is significant because volatility is the most commonly used measurement of an investmentʼs risk. The greater the

volatility, the riskier the investment is considered to be.

If you viewed a chart comparing the stock marketʼs versus the bond marketʼs performance, youʼd see stocks have been significantly more volatile than bonds. Logically then, a 100% bond portfolio should be less risky than one including both bonds and stocks.

Right?

Not so fast.

In fact, according to a Morningstar study for the years 1970 through 2018, a portfolio comprising 67% bonds (measured by the 20-year U.S. government bond)

and 33% stocks (using the S&P 500 Index) offered less risk and better returns than a 100% bond portfolio. In other words, the former was more “efficient” than the latter, which leads to a concept investors should be aware of: the efficient frontier.

Start with the basics Having a grasp of the efficient frontier begins with understanding: • The relationship between risk and return • How diversification can help manage risk and return

In general, risk and return go hand in hand. As an investmentʼs risk increases, so should its return.

If you buy a Treasury bond, the return will probably be low because the risk of default is low.

If you buy a stock, however, the potential risk can be significant— think back to what happened to stocks during the Great Recession—and you should expect a greater return potential as “compensation” from the market for accepting that additional risk.

Diversification is simply blending different investments in a portfolio in an effort to manage risk and return. The result is your “asset allocation.”

A very simple asset allocation might include stocks, which tend to be risky but offer growth potential, and bonds, which have been more stable and provide income (interest). You can help manage your risk and return by how much you allocate to each type of investment.

For example, if you have a 75% stock/25% bond portfolio, it should offer a greater risk and return potential than one thatʼs 25% stocks and 75% bonds.

Getting to an efficient frontier Of course, there are lots of other investments for you to choose from, and there are an infinite number of portfolios you could construct from the stocks, bonds, and other assets available.

Each of these blends has a unique overall risk and return level.

If you plotted them all on a chart, youʼd likely see whatʼs shown in the hypothetical graph below. The “pies”—representing different asset allocations—farthest to the left and highest up are the ones with the best expected risk/return tradeoffs. If you connected those “dots,” you would have it: the efficient frontier.

Thatʼs what the efficient frontier is, but what does it mean for investors?

It means that if your risk/return tradeoff doesnʼt land along the frontier, your portfolio is not as efficient as it could be.

Youʼre taking on too much risk for

the level of return youʼre getting, and you probably need to make adjustments to decrease risk, improve return, or both.

Finding help Determining whether your portfolio is as efficient as it could be may require help from a professional financial advisor. He or she will likely ask about your goals (what youʼre investing for), time horizon (how long until you need to tap into your investments), and risk tolerance (how comfortable you are with swings in your portfolioʼs value).

Based on your responses, your advisor can help build a portfolio designed to help reach your goals as efficiently as possible. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.

S&P 500 comprises 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-valueweighted index; each stockʼs weight in the index is proportionate to its market value. It is one of the most widely used benchmarks of U.S. equity performance.

The indices are provided for informational purposes only; investors cannot directly purchase an index. Past performance in not indicative of future results.

This article was written for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, Senior Financial Advisor, Managing Director, Investments, in Park Ridge at 201-505-0472.

Investments in securities and insurance products are NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANKGUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2017–2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR #111901948505-0472.

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide ADVERTISER CONTENT

DR. KAPLAN: ‘Brain hacks to reduce anxiety, live healthier’

People have been asking me what they can do for depression and anxiety from all the doom and gloom of the Covid news.

Letʼs first talk DR. ERIC KAPLAN, about anxiety.

KAPLAN BRAIN & Most anxiety is BODY caused by the nervous system being over stimulated. As a result, the best way to help reduce anxiety is to relax the brain.

In my opinion, if you are try-

ing to relax the brain, it is vital to stay away from stimulants, in addition to staying away from the news and social media. The most common stimulants are in beverages like coffee, tea, soda, juice, energy drinks, sports drinks, carbonated drinks, shakes, sugar-free drinks, milk, lemonade, and smoothies.

The only healthy drink is water, but not carbonated water, smart water, or coconut water. A better option is to squeeze some organic lemon, lime, cucumber, or oranges in the water, or even heat it up and flavor it with some gin-

ger, cinnamon, apple slices, or mint leaves.

Lots of foods act as stimulants that will increase your chances of anxiety. Sugar and sugar replacements such as honey, syrup, stevia, high fructose corn syrup, sucralose, maltose, agave, corn syrup, corn fructose, xylitol, rice syrup, and many other sweeteners are all stimulants.

Food dyes, food preservatives, food coloring, artificial sweeteners (aspartame, Splenda, NutraSweet, Equal, SweetʼN Low), natural flavors, and artificial flavors are also stimulants so

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please look at all the labels and avoid these ingredients if you are stressed, suffer from anxiety, or have difficulty with focus.

The easiest way to avoid these products is to only shop on the outside of the supermarket. That is where you will find all your fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, poultry, fish, and meat. Stay away from all the products in the aisles where food is stored in bags, cans, boxes, and containers.

It is also important to stay away from all food after 5 oʼclock in the evening. Eating or drinking at night will stimulate cortisol which is the stress hormone and will increase anxiety and disrupt your sleep.

Another way to reduce cortisol production is to stay away from all electronics, including cell phones, after 5 p.m. The electronics emit a blue light which will increase stress and anxiety, as well as causing difficulty with focus and anger management, which will result in a short temper.

Researchers have found that children being on the computer for long hours contributes to anxiety so one way to combat this problem is with blue light filter glasses.

It is also recommended to turn off all Wi-Fi and power down all electronics to reduce harmful radiation which can also lead to stress and anxiety. Try to unplug as much as possible and keep the electronics at least six feet away from you at night and always at least six inches away during the day.

If you ever have to carry your cell phone, iPad, or computer on you, make sure it is on airplane mode or turned off to reduce electromagnetic radiation exposure. In addition, it is better to use earphones with a wire rather than the wireless Bluetooth devices.

Finally, if your phone has a 5G setting, I recommend turning that off as well.

In addition to reducing electronic exposure and electromagnetic fields, forming good health habits will also drastically decrease your levels of anxiety, as well as depression. Another important tip to reduce depression is taking Vitamin D to avoid seasonal affect disorder where people get depressed in the winter.

To avoid depression, starting a routine that includes exercising everyday, eating healthy, taking

vacations, going in the sun, being in nature, avoiding sugar and alcohol, walking barefoot in the grass, going to bed before 10 p.m., stop watching the news, getting off social media, detaching from your cell phone, writing in a journal, complimenting people, showing love to your family and friends, giving to charities, gardening, writing, telling jokes, volunteering, practicing mindfulness, reading every day, listening to positive podcasts, breathing deeply, meditating, cleaning, praying, and laughing. If you miss one day, it is no big deal.

The greatest thing about life is everyday is a new opportunity.

Performing well today and living in the moment is a better option than worrying about yesterday or worrying about tomorrow.

Hopefully, as a result of this ordeal, people will start to realize that health should always be your No. 1 priority. If youʼre not healthy, youʼre no good to yourself, your family, and the community.

Not only are people realizing they should not take their health for granted, they are getting inspired to get the “Corona Six Pack” instead of gaining the “Covid 19 Pounds.”

Remember that the people that are most prone to being affected by this virus are people with heart disease, diabetes, obesity, compromised immune systems, liver disease, or lung disease. Therefore, if you follow these suggestions you will drastically increase your survival rate when you are exposed to this specific virus.

The best advice is to stay home if you are sick, and if you are in the high risk group, take all necessary precautions like washing your hands, not touching your face, not leaving your house, not accepting visitors, and not going to crowded stores.

If you are over 80, you have to take the most precautions because that is the age group that is affected most by Covid-19. It makes more sense to focus our time, money, efforts, and education on the community that are in the nursing homes, over 80, and suffer from chronic conditions.

The most important factor to CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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Borough to spread Covid-19 budget hit out to 2026

BY MATTHEW WIKFORS SPECIAL TO PASCACK PRESS

MONTVALE

The borough is taking steps to spread out this yearʼs Covid-19related shortfall in revenue across the next several budget cycles.

Measures introduced at the Dec. 8 meeting of the mayor and council note the borough has experienced an approximately $320,000 shortfall during the 2020 budget year, attributed to the pandemic.

Authorization is sought for an emergency appropriation “that shall be provided for in succeeding budgets by inclusion of at least one-fifth of the amount authorized

by this ordinance beginning in the year after the year in which the resulting deferred charge appears in the boroughʼs unaudited financial statements” as provided by law.

“Thus, the deferred charge resulting from the special emergency in 2020 will not be budgeted in 2021, but rather one-fifth of the amount will be budgeted in the 2022 through 2026 annual budgets,” the measures say.

Responding to a question from resident Jarret Schumacher, Ghassali said the fund is not based on revenue but rather on losses.

The fund will be put on reserve with at least $64,000 from the fund going into budgets beginning in 2022.

Kaplan: Brain

reduce stress is to take action and come up with a plan. Set up your daily schedule to include your health.

Every night before bedtime, say three things you are grateful to have in your life right now. Wake up to a “health power hour.” Start with a simple stretching routine.

Wash your face with cold water for 30 seconds. Swish coconut oil in your mouth for 30 seconds to help kill bacteria and viruses and then spit it all out. Drink 12 ounces of warm lemon water. Read positive quotes or inspirational passages.

Meditate for 10 minutes. Exercise—either aerobic or weight resistance—for at least 30 minutes.

Make your bed, clean your closet, wash the dishes, take out the garbage and clean your car before you have to go to work or take care of the kids. If your house is clean and your body is healthy, your brain thinks clearer, you will have less stress and anxiety.

Included in a few other easy

FROM PAGE 26

WESTWOOD

brain hacks to reduce stress and anxiety is gargling intensely for 30 seconds. The tragus part of your ear is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system so getting it pierced or stimulated properly can actually have a neurological benefit on some people.

Swallowing, singing, whistling, blowing air, and rubbing your face can also have a calming effect on you and your children.

For more on reducing stress and anxiety without using pharmaceuticals for you, your parents or your children, call my office at (201) 261-2150 or email me at info@kaplanbrainandbody.com, mention this article and you can sign up for a FREE Zoom teleseminar on reducing anxiety on Jan. 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. or you may have a FREE in-person or telemedicine consult with me at any time to discuss any health concerns.

Everyone deserves to feel better, function better, and live better.

Editorʼs note: Publication is not an endorsement. Check with your primary care physician on health concerns.

Lunches from Thomas J. Riley Senior Center

Thomas J. Riley Senior Center Program Director Marisa Tarateta writes to say the center is offering local seniors lunch for a nominal donation of $3.50.

November menu items include meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies, Parmesan crusted flounder with rice pilaf and string beans, and egg salad on rye with pasta veggie salad.

“Pick-up of meals is avail-

able to everyone from our takeout ʻgoodie window.ʼ Delivery is available to all Westwood House residents! Catering is from La Casa Formoso,” Tarateta says.

The mutli-purpose Thomas J. Riley Senior Center, serving individuals 60 or older and disabled individuals throughout the Pascack Valley, is at 100 Madison Ave. To reserve your meal, call (201) 666-0840.

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Ghassali said that the deficit fund is “a way of preventing the full cost of COVID from hitting reserves all at once.”

The council passed a number of resolutions at the meeting: R192 allows for the boroughʼs

chief financial officer to submit an application to the director of the Division of Local Government Services to qualify for emergency funding and prove that the deficit loss in revenue was a result of COVID-19.

R193 establishes a special emergency deferred charge of $320,000 in the current budget fund.

The council next meets Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

28

Holidays: Valley makes beloved traditions work Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

books; • 4th grade: Sanvi Bakshi (130 books); and • 5th grade: Jay Tamanangoudor (151 books).

Arroyo pointed out with pride that the kids collectively read

FROM PAGE 1

more than 1,000 books this summer. He lauded the local library staff for their great projects.

Arroyo, in a Christmas elf sweater that aimed to rescue holiday cheer all by itself, was that day spotted with Santa at The Iron Horse.

Our pages continue to

include all the Christmas and Hannukah events we can gather from our communities, which are determined—delighted—to celebrate the spirit of the season, in meals, music, contests, and more.

Weʼve also reported, since before Thanksgiving, on the many acts of charity and grace infusing

the Pascack Valley, be it in Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood, or Woodcliff Lake.

As we prepare this issue, snowʼs about to sock us like

nobodyʼs business. How nice to know itʼll be warm inside. Merry Christmas, happy Hannukah, and may the spirit of the season find you and yours safe and sound.

— Pascack Press

THE REINDEER ARE TIED UP OUTSIDE: Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and Santa Claus at The Iron Horse.

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Adopt a Storm Drain program seeks volunteers drain, preferably near their home, workplace, school, or house of worship. They would then fill out an Adopt a Storm Drain form on the Westwood Borough website westwoodnj.gov/forms.aspx?FID=70 noting the nearest street address to the storm drain they have selected.

Storm drains would be cleaned by the volunteer up to four times a month depending on the weather and season. The program runs year-round.

Storm drains can be adopted by individual residents, scout troops, schools, houses of wor-

ship, business organizations, sports teams, and clubs.

Only adults can adopt storm drains, and it will be up to those adults to monitor their minors.

While we ask they adopters make a one year commitment, volunteers my discontinue their participation at anytime. Information on how to clean the storm drain, as well as safety tips, will be shared with volunteers.

Adopting a storm drain is a simple way to make a difference in your neighborhood.

For more information, write

the Westwood Green Team at sustainableww@gmail.com.

— Submitted by Jodi Murphy, Westwood Borough Council

WESTWOOD

Pitch in! Shovel snow for borough’s elderly

While children look forward to those first fluffy flakes of snow that might lead to sledding and snowman building, for many older residents a snow storm can be worrisome.

Westwood For All Ages, a local non-profit dedicated to improving quality of life for local senior citizens, is recruiting volunteers for its program aimed at easing sidewalk snow removal duties for Westwood seniors.

Now in its second year, this program is a continuation of the groupʼs successful leaf raking volunteer program that matched eager teen volunteers with several senior homeowners. Organizers are looking to recruit more volunteers, adults and teens, to help seniors with the more difficult snow removal chore.

This program is a contactless service: No volunteer will enter any home and all arrangements will be made via email or phone. Volunteers will need to provide their own shovels.

While many older residents are able to hire snow removal companies, those on fixed incomes often struggle to keep up with snow removal duties. According to program manager, Lisa Bontemps, “It is our hope that Westwood residents will keep an eye out for their older neighbors and offer assistance with snow removal.”

Bontemps also encourages older Westwood residents who need this type of snow removal assistance to contact Westwood For All Ages to be put on the volunteer matching list. Teen and adult volunteers or seniors (65+) who would like snow shoveling assistance should write ww4allages@gmail.com or call (201) 834-4192.

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The Westwood Green Team has launched its Adopt a Storm Drain program, and you can help.

When it rains, stormwater carries dirt, debris, and trash to our storm drains. These drains can dump polluted water directly into our waterways. Left untreated these drains can get clogged and cause serious flooding issues.

Volunteers are sought to help to beautify the neighborhood, reduce localized flooding, and help stop litter and debris from entering our waterways.

Volunteers select a storm

29

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

30

PASCACK VALLEY

Redevelopment: ‘Not pleased’ vs. ‘geniunely happy’

REAL ESTATE

Several times it was mentioned that an overall plan goal was to enhance the area, add residents who might frequent downtown businesses, and entice Waste Management, which operated a waste transfer station in the zone, to redevelop their site and make them envision other opportunities for the property.

Pizzella, a longtime redevelopment advocate, lashed out at Ruocco following the latterʼs scathing rebuttal of the redevelopment plan, which was put together by a planning consultant and longsought by Pizzella, council members, and Ruocco.

Several times, Pizzella said the mayor was “full of it” Dec. 8, after the mayor criticized the plan in a detailed statement with eight

FROM PAGE 3

points where he claimed the plan failed. His major objections centered on a lack of analysis of future impacts and the height/density bonuses.

Ruocco said the council and the Economic Development Committee could have insisted that plan consultant DMR and the boroughʼs attorney make assumptions and use two scenarios: The first scenario would use reasonable density mixed use and a mix of apartments by number of bedrooms; include an estimate of residents and employees by business.

“Throw in construction costs, possible tax revenue at 100% or at a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) of 50%. DMR would have been able to estimate all this and the school impact. A traffic estimate could have been done as

well. Then let the planner estimate increases in municipal expenses like police, fire, and DPW,” Ruocco said.

“Then repeat the exercise for a high-density scenario. Voila!

You have a range of impacts for the residents,” Ruocco said on Dec. 8.

Most callers Dec. 8 opposed the plan, citing the density bonuses option, its potential for overdevelopment and the lack of local impact studies on traffic, schools and property taxes. Some said the decision appeared rushed, and most were upset about possible height/density bonuses changing the character of small-town Hillsdale.

Existing non-conforming uses are permitted to remain in the area, though they are not permitted to expand, according to the

plan.

Some property owners were not happy, including Scott Raymond, who has spoken out against the plan at multiple meetings.

Raymond attacked the plan for not assessing local impacts, and questioned what council members were involved with prior negotiations with Waste Management, or other developers.

He said he was told Pizzella was involved in discussions with Waste Management a few times to assess their interest in redevelopment, but no other developers were spoken to about the plan.

Raymond also asked how much was spent creating a redevelopment plan, which he requested in late October. He said he was told it would cost $2,187.50 to compile an estimate.

However, Administrator Chris Tietjen estimated an $80,000 to $90,000 cost at the meeting. He said invoices were not coded to facilitate public records requests, but will be in the future.

Reached Dec. 9, Pizzella said he was “genuinely happy” with the planʼs 5-1 council approval but also that he was “very disappointed by those who were completely unwilling to keep an open mind and refused to see anything positive in this plan, which was in fact well done.”

“If one cannot see anything positive, then they have no vision to start with and definitely lack the creativity to get anything done, except more of the same old stuff. ʻThis is the way we do it and it's always been done this way…ʼ That is pathetic,” Pizzella told Pascack Press.

“I am very proud of my [four] fellow councilmembers. They were not familiar with redevelopment, but they maintained an open

mind, asked many questions, remained engaged and actively pursued information to learn about redevelopment,” he said.

He added, “Before long, they were actively participating in the process. I believe they voted for this plan because they have a common vision, understand the variables and risks, and believe this plan provides the foundation necessary to keep the borough in control and negotiate tight and beneficial developer agreements, from a position of strength.”

Bonus densities are not a foregone conclusion in negotiations, Pizzella has said, and the plan ties granting of such bonuses to the developer providing a community benefit such as a community center, park, open space, or municipal improvement.

Ruocco said such capital expenses would be better off financed by a bond issue, where officials may monitor construction.

Special redevelopment counsel Joseph Bauman said it would take at least a year before it was likely any developer would come forward and be approved.

Moreover, he said, for the plan to transform the area into an aesthetically pleasing and mostly residential, mixed-use or congregate living zone with uses such as assisted living, could take up to a decade or more.

The redevelopment ordinance was introduced by a 5–1 vote Nov. 23. Ruocco has long opposed the height/density bonuses and called for impact studies. However, the mayor only votes in case of a tie vote.

Previously, the Planning CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

She added, “I believe that we have to model that love and com-

FROM PAGE 12

passion too ur students so that it becomes part of us.”

Moran-Villone has won other awards over the years. In 2015 she

was New Jerseyʼs first recipient of a National LifeChanger of the Year Award; she won 2020 WE Teacher Award; and now sheʼs a

Bergen County’s Newest Luxury Gated community

nominee for the National Life Group Spotlight Award.

To date, Moran-Villone has received more than 150 comments of support from students, parents, colleagues, and community members for her efforts supporting the community during COVID. Among her many fans posting on the occasion of her National LifeChanger of the Year Award was her daughter Megan Villone: “I am beyond lucky to call Ms. Villone my mom. She is the most selfless and compassionate person I know. During quarantine I was able to witness firsthand her interactions with her students and how dedicated she is to helping them learn and grow,” Megan said She added, “My mom goes above and beyond as a teacher.

She held private zooms to checkin on students, some who werenʼt

even currently hers! We dropped off goody bags and school supplies to her students so they had everything they needed and to make them smile during this difficult time.”

Megan said, “Every night my mom falls asleep with her laptop open, researching different lessons or putting together engaging assignments. My mom thinks of her students and what more she can do for them from the moment she wakes up until the moment she falls asleep.”

Megan said, “Everyone who has had her as a teacher or has had her in their life know that she is special. I love my mom so much and it fills me with such pride and gratitude that she is being recognized for all that she does.”

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DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Teacher: River Vale’s Villone keeps youth in mind REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

31

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

32

Letters:

density below 28 units/acre. They want to keep the suburban character of their communities.

Adopting the plan as currently constituted could set in motion a domino effect that will negatively transform Hillsdale in this decade.

Our Planning Board foresaw this, and advised the council to modify the plan to eliminate the density/height bonuses.

However, the council majority, led by Councilman Pizzella, rejected this sound advice as well as the wishes of most residents, including myself and Councilman Zoltán Horváth.

The plan is a “pig in a poke” because it is not accompanied by any analysis as to how it will affect the average taxpayer, the schools, and municipal services. Yet Councilman Pizzella spoke in embarrassing and insulting fashion during the meeting, with personal attacks on me after I expressed concerns about the plan.

Perhaps his comments during the meeting were purely defensive, influenced by fear that others might question his motives. However, any concern he has will likely be soothed by the realization that he has assembled a majority coalition on the council that, like him, are willing to entertain requests to build

FROM PAGE 16

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Assistant preschool instructor must possess at least one year of experience in a licensed preschool environment.

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a “Hackensack on the Pascack Brook” if the right developer and offer comes along.

Mayor John J. Ruocco Hillsdale

Hold council members to account

To the editor: AT ITS DEC. 8 meeting, the Hillsdale Borough Council approved the redevelopment plan that includes high density buildings, despite objections from the mayor and the majority of those residents who called into the Zoom meeting.

[See “Redevelop Plan a Go,” Page 1, Dec. 14, 2020.]

As disturbing as that is, it was more disturbing to witness Frank Pizzellaʼs unprofessional and unhinged actions at the meeting. He attacked the mayor and the residents who asked valid questions about the plan. The mayor showed grace in how he handled the constant outbursts and personal attacks from Pizzella. You can watch it yourself on YouTube from the borough website.

We donʼt have to agree on actions taken by the council, but they need to be held accountable when they ignore the Planning Board and viciously attack anyone

who questions their poorly documented plan.

Pretty pictures donʼt make a good plan. This council has not done well in negotiations, and they have now documented a willingness to go to a density of as many as 60 units per acre. This will now be the starting point for any developerʼs negotiations. The agreement with Fair Share Housing calls for only 24 units per acre, which is in line with recent developments approved by the Planning Board.

Eagle Scout blood drive huge success

To the editor: TOMMY HUVANE held a blood drive with Covid-19 test in memory of his grandfather Thomas Rooney, who battled cancer for seven years and had passed away in 2008. It was the memories they created together throughout that last year that inspired Tom to take on a blood drive in his memory.

The drive, which was held on Halloween at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, was a great success, with all time slots filled: 42 donors saved 126 lives, and created lasting memories. Even against

I was not surprised when the other members of Pizzellaʼs squad (Lundy, DeRosa, Escobar) were mute and said nothing as Pizzella ranted. I feel that Pizzellaʼs actions rise to the level where he should resign from council, and if he refuses, residents should consider his recall. We cannot have someone with his temperament overseeing such a critical project in Hillsdale.

He has unwittingly given away the store in any future negotiations.

Voters should remember those

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Tommy Huvane would like to thank everyone who donated: “Whether you were able to donate or not, I would like to thank you all individually for the success of my blood drive. It means so much to me and you guys are the ones that made it happen! A lot of you were unsure and pulled through and I could never thank you all enough.

Hopefully you are proud of yourselves because I am! Thanks again!” the obstacle of Covid-19 Tom Aidan Huvane managed to fill the place with Hillsdale donors. The American Red Cross says that the average Bergen Note: Helping Hand Food Pantry, County blood drive is around 20 at Hillsdale United Methodist donations.

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Access: Former resident takes on applicant’s atty. multifamily apartment complex in Montvale, which is not a permitted use.

Members requested that board attorney William Rupp draft a resolution of approval for vote at the Jan. 19 meeting. Specific conditions that must be met will be spelled out, members noted, including ownership/maintenance of the access road, maintenance/widening of sidewalks to

FROM PAGE 1

allow safe pedestrian passage, video inspections of storm runoff pipes, maintenance of runoff detention basins and overall upkeep.

Most members had items to include as conditions of approval but appeared to support the roadʼs usage and upgrades. On Nov. 23, Park Ridge settled its long-contested affordable housing litigation with Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC, Fair Share Housing Center, plus two more inter-

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An ownership disclosure statement filed by Landmark AR Park Ridge revealed that Hornrock Properties, LLC, Lyndhurst, plus Parkvale Developers LLC, Lyndhurst, and Landmark PRM Investors, LLC, Lyndhurst. All three entities show a similar address: 9 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst.

Board Vice Chair Frank Pantaleo said the access point should be clearly delineated and well-lit, but noted based on “whatʼs before us, I donʼt see any problems with whatʼs presented.”

Member Jamie DeMartino said the applicant had done a “good job” with its application.

Gregory Perez said the applicant did a “fine job” presenting its plan and noted, “Where else can they access this property?” in wondering about alternate entrance ways. Member Mike Curran said the plan was “well presented.”

Member Steve Clifford seemed less sure. He said, “There just seems to be a lot of moving parts with what I heard tonight,” including over traffic and safety.

“Thereʼs just a lot of things I have concerns about.”

Member Jeff Rutowski said he preferred to wait and review the approval resolution to make sure all requirements discussed Dec. 15 were included.

If approved, the access road opens the door to Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC to begin construction of its complex at the 7acre site in Montvale.

Applicant planner Paul Phillips, engineer Brett Skapinetz and traffic consultant Nicholas Verderese answered board and public questions Dec. 15 during a nearly three-hour second hearing.

Phillips said a land use variance should be granted because the application passed all tests, positive and negative, that it needed to.

He said the 185-unit inclusionary complex that the needed driveway will access was already approved by Montvale, and that the former Sony property has remained “fallow and unproductive for several years now.”

He said because Park Ridge will soon use the adjacent 30-acre property for a 448-unit inclusionary development, New Jersey courts have found that neighboring municipalities “assist one another” to provide affordable housing.

Phillips said as both Montvale and Park Ridge sites will be used for inclusionary housing (market rate units mixed with affordable units) “actually now itʼs particularly suited in providing access to Montvale's inclusionary housing.”

He said though the 2009 Park Ridge Master Plan calls for retention of office use at the Sony site, much has changed since Sony vacated the property and affordable housing transferred to Superior Courts in 2015.

“Clearly there are changed circumstances since the adoption of the Master Plan,” Phillips said.

Under questioning from former resident David OʼSullivan, calling from Knoxville, Tenn., Phillips said the 2019 Master Plan reexamination did not address affordable housing and said there was no discussion of placing additional affordable units downtown.

Borough Planner Joe Burgis said the 2019 reexamination showed only 4 acres of Sonyʼs 30 acres as developable, with an office building there preventing development.

Burgis noted a ruling by a court-appointed special master recommending 35 dwelling units per acre on most Sony property as “basically what caused the municipality to seek a settlement.”

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SINK ‘PORCH PIRATES’ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

With online shopping expected to be at an all-time high because of the coronavirus pandemic, police all over are gearing up for potentially record-breaking cases of porch pirates.

More than 5.5 million Americans have been victimized by package thefts over the past year, according to Finder, a personal finance comparison website, in a study released in November.

The Township of Washington Police Department shares the following tips with you for making your packages/home less vulnerable this holiday season: • Track your deliveries so you know when packages will arrive.

Many online retailers offer notifications and tracking information to keep you updated;

• Have your package delivered to your workplace if thatʼs possible; • Have your package delivered to the home of a relative/neighbor or friend who you know will be home; • Have your package held at your local post office for pickup; • If you can try to schedule your shipment for when you are home; • Take advantage of the “ship to store” option many stores offer; • Request your package needs signature confirmation upon delivery; and • Consider installing a video doorbell or security system that provides a view of your porch— so you know when items are delivered.

At least twice, OʼSullivanʼs persistent questioning about previous testimony caused sharp exchanges between him and applicant attorney Peter Wolfson, with OʼSullivan upset with Wolfson.

While Wolfson asked OʼSullivan to stick to the current expert testifying and current application, OʼSullivan often asked general questions about affordable units, traffic, and points addressed by the Master Plan and asked for a repeat of previous testimony and data.

As a public commenter, OʼSullivan asked the majority of questions.

He questioned Verderese about whether all existing developments near the 185-unit inclusionary site had been taken into account, which were questions that Verderese had addressed at the Nov. 24 hearing. He said they were.

Following up, OʼSullivan questioned Verderese about whether he had reviewed vehicle crash data before and after Wegmans opened, and he shouted “Yes or no?” several times at Verderese.

Verderese answered no.

After the exchange, Wolfson asked OʼSullivan to stop “badgering and abusing” Verderese. Later, OʼSullivan said he did not like Wolfsonʼs comments “about my relevancy to the Park Ridge application” due to his new Tennessee address.

Landmark AR Park Ridge plans to demolish the former Sony office building as part of its application to use and improve the Sony Drive access road. That eliminated the developer's previous need for a parking variance based on the use of the building.

Eventually, the developer plans to construct a 448-unit inclusionary apartment complex on the Park Ridge site. A Fairness Hearing on Park Ridge's settlement is planned for 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 before Judge Gregg Padovano in Superior Court, Hackensack.

Objectors have until this Dec. 28 to file written objections with the Superior Court.

For more, see “Settlement Critics Have to Dec. 28 To File Objections With Court,” Dec. 14.

After a fairness hearing occurs, Landmark AR Park Ridge may develop its plans for a preliminary and final site plan on the adjacent Park Ridge property.

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vide at least 24 affordable units.

Special Redevelopment Counsel Joseph Bauman said that Fair Share Housing Center agreed not to require set-asides of affordable units for any units above the 28 dwelling units per acre and that it was unknown whether FSHC would begin negotiations in 2025 using the 60 DUA maximum as a baseline.

FROM PAGE 32

Horváth holds forth on council To the editor:

Calamari on negotiations with church

To the editor: I WOULD LIKE to inform, educate and clarify some misconceptions and malicious rumors regarding my administration and my family on the use of OLGC [Our Lady of Good Counsel Church] as a possible temporary location for DPW use.

In times like these, I feel itʼs important for me to defend my sincere dedication to this community for its growth and prosperity are a priority.

OLGC was identified as one of several locations in and out of town with unused space that could possibly serve as a viable location for temporary DPW use.

Other facilities were considered and contacted as well. As a matter of fact, OLGC was the first and only organization to present an agreement. I would have sought council approval to sign any others that came in to keep all our options available.

Negotiations took place at the diocese level with the township attorney [Ken Poller], not at the local level. This was done specifically to avoid any conflict

of interest as my father has proudly served as a trustee of OLGC and on [its] Finance Committee for over 20 years.

It and other sites were

the old Waste Management and industrial site on Paterson Street, blatantly disregarding the experienced advice of the Planning Board, the mayor, the concerned public, and myself.

I have on more than one occasion implored the people of Hillsdale to get involved, go to meetings, voice their opinions, write letters, and ask that they be publicly read into permanent record during mayor and council meetings. Just because council members are voted into office does not bestow upon them wisdom and the authority to heedlessly debase and destroy our town and our treasure. All need to insist on having public meetings on the budget, insist on being part of the process that makes Hillsdale the great town that it is.

I will be starting my next three-year term on the council in January thanks to the confidence and support of all who voted for

ings and bruised egos. I also accept that disagreement and criticism is a part of elected office. I welcome constructive criticism as I believe it helps make us all better and provides opportunities for improvement.

However, the baseless insinuation and accusation of corruption against me, my family and administration is one that I take very seriously. Myself and my family are able to dismiss these ridiculous allegations because we know they are simply not true and based on small mindedness, ignorance of facts, procedures and bruised egos.

But I felt the public and residents needed to hear from me directly on this matter.

Decisions are made by me and all the people in my adminisTOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR Robert Tovo, Mayor Peter tration based on what is best for Calamari, and Town Attorney Ken Poller at the Jan. 6, 2020 the town and its residents. I can fully and without hesitation meeting of the governing body. Screenshot from WCTV-NJ assure the residents of Washingresearched as possible solutions and benefit of the residents. ton Township that no corruption to a temporary town problem and Accusations come with any has taken place, is taking place, nothing more. I firmly believe it elected position. Elections by will ever take place or be toleratis the responsibility of a good and their nature will create hurt feel- ed in my administration in any effective leader to be open to, investigate and explore all possible options presented, and as such, that is exactly what I did.

I was authorized by the majority of the council to contract with OLGC if needed but I have not done so to date. In exploring all options, it appears that the OLGC property will not be needed. This decision, like all others, is being made objectively by all the parties involved for the good

D’Alessandro inspires with her mission

Jigsaw puzzles lock in Westwood

The Friends of the Westwood Public Library and Celebrate Westwood have teamed up to bring you a way to recognize some of your favorite places in town, while also supporting the community.

They are now selling commemorative jigsaw puzzles— each one 100 pieces, approximately 9 inches by 12 inches— perfect for any Westwood lover.

There are five local scenes to choose from: PJ Finneganʼs, The Iron Horse, Westwood Cycle,

observe and understand. My primary observation is that serving on the council is not for the weak hearted, especially in Hillsdale where egotism, cronyism, breach of public faith, and overt disrespect is the standard operating paradigm.

I have firsthand seen the majority of the council undermine what is in the best interest of Hillsdale on many occasions, including advocating and authorizing exorbitant pay raises, irresponsibly advocating to raise taxes, declining shared service opportunities, making it untenable to keep efficient and conscientious employees, squandering money on foolish and irresponsible projects when the money could have been more appropriately used to help the library, emergency services, the Stonybrook pool, etc.

And now, even more egregious, the injudicious recent vote permitting the overdevelopment of

the Westwood Library, and the bandstand in Veterans Park.

They go for $20 each, or, for a limited time, all five for $75.

All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Friends of the Library and Celebrate Westwood, who in turn support local businesses, restaurants and residents in this difficult time.

Visit the libraryʼs website, westwoodpubliclibrary.org, to see the puzzles and for information about purchasing.

To the editor: THIS WAS MY reaction to your front page article, “Grief to Giving,” on the Nov. 23 issue: Thank you, Rosemarie DʼAlessandro, for initiating this major reform called Justice for Victims Law. I want to help spread awareness of this law so that victims can use it, apply it and see justice prevail for victimsʼ families.

Rosemarieʼs daughter Joan was murdered by her neighbor in 1973. Rosemarie advocated persistently for the justice for the victims law, which eliminated the two-year statue of limitation on suing murderers.

Nov. 17 was the 20-year anniversary of the lawʼs signing.

Since then, we know a family that was able to sue their daughterʼs killer and receive a $10 million settlement, all by applying this law.

It took Rosemarie 18 months to get the legislation passed and this justice for victims law is the third of five laws advocated by See also thepressgroup.net

me. I would just like to unequivocally state that my loyalty is to you, the residents of Hillsdale and not to the council, or Hillsdale employees.

I predict that in 2021, you will see much discord and dissension starting with the first council meeting when the majority of the council will seek to disenfranchise and deprive me by fiat, a presence on committee seats.

Now you may ask? Why would they do that?

Zoltán Horváth Hillsdale Council President

Pascack Press

welcomes signed letters on timely local topics. See guidelines, Page 2, and join the conversation

37

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Letters:

AS I COMPLETE my year as council president in Hillsdale, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has transpired during my tenure.

Firstly, I would like to commend Mayor Ruocco for his steadfast and altruistic leadership predicated on what is in the best interest of Hillsdale. With the type of borough government Hillsdale has, the mayor has no power to cast a vote unless there is a tie and has only his strong voice and opinion to try to influence a council who has the overriding power to pass laws and determine Hillsdaleʼs future.

Sadly, some council members have disrespectfully and vociferously chided the mayor, stating that he is too involved.

In the three years as a member of the council, I have seen the inner workings of our government that few have an opportunity to

matters, dealings, issues or in any other capacity.

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify and set the record straight.

Mayor Peter Calamari Township of Washington Editorʼs note: For context, see “Is town deal with church ethical?” in Letters, Page 36, Dec. 14, 2020.

In light of the mayorʼs statement here that “In exploring all options, it appears that the OLGC property will not be needed,” we have asked him what property is now being considered—and for an update on the DPW facilityʼs razing, soil remediation, and permanent relocation.

At the governing bodyʼs reorganization meeting Jan. 6, the mayor said, “We have run out of time and options to find a temporary home in the township for the [Department of Public Works] while the soil is being remediated and a new facility is constructed… We will start exploring outof-town options later this week.” her and inspired by her daughter Joan. Rosemarie works tirelessly through the Joan Angela DʼAlessandro Memorial Foundation to promote child safety, advance victimsʼ rights, and help homeless and neglected children.

She is raising funds for underprivileged children to have an opportunity to enjoy normal things during this pandemic—like order food to go—and to provide gift cards so their parents can purchase new coats for their children.

John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker wrote a book featuring Joanʼs story, “The Killer Across the Table: Unlocking the Secrets of Serial Killers and Predators with the FBIʼs Original Mindhunter,” to share her story and the efforts made to serve justice for victims.

The world is a better place as a direct result of Rosemarie DʼAlessandroʼs humanitarianism.

God bless her. Thank you.

Jacqueline Oliveti Saddle Brook

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

38

Ellen Randall STEVENS

Ellen Randall Stevens passed away at her home in Hillsdale on Dec. 5, 2020.

She was born in Oradell on Jan. 30, 1927 to Harry Randall Sr. and Regina (Flanagan) Randall. She was a 1944 graduate of Westwood High School and earned her bachelor of science from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was proud to have been captain of the cheerleaders and named Lady Oglethorpe for 1948.

After college, Ellen returned to New Jersey, married, and began her family. While raising her four children, Ellen devoted time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the American Cancer Society.

She was an avid golfer and in later years spent countless hours golfing near her home and near her family camp in the Adirondacks.

Many of her favorite afternoons were spent playing bridge with “the girls.”

To her grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and many friends she was lovingly known as Momo. To all who knew her she had boundless energy and an infectious laugh. Always in motion, she enjoyed coordinating

OBITUARIES

social activities and events. Most importantly, her life was always about family and friends. She was truly loved.

In addition to her parents, Ellen is predeceased by husband Kenneth J. Stevens (2003), a World War II veteran.

She is survived by her children Deborah Glenn, Kenneth Stevens Jr., James Stevens and Kathleen Stahr; grandchildren Heather Holl, Christopher Glenn, Allison Komanecky, Hilary Glenn, Sarah Stevens, Emma Stahr and Matthew Stahr; and her eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Rosary Hill Home, 600 Linda Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532 would be appreciated.

worked as a secretary and a mother. She co-owned the Emerson Early Childhood Center for a number of years. She was a cofounder of the Pieceful Valley Quilters and volunteered for the Friends of River Vale Library.

Anne is survived by her children Alida and her husband John Toole, Alan and his wife Debbie, and her grandchildren Alison and her partner Richard Thomas and Sara and her husband Scott Boyadjian. She is predeceased by her husband Freddie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to the Friends of the River Vale Library, 412 Rivervale Road, River Vale, NJ 07675.

Anne PELLEGRINI

Lawrence (Larry) Patrick Campbell, 82, of Hillsdale passed away on Dec. 10, 2020.

Born on June 23, 1938 in Manhattan, he was the son of the late Grace (Gallagher) and James Campbell formerly of County Donegal, Ireland. Larry was the second of five brothers: William and the late James, John and Vincent.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Mary (née

Anne Pellegrini, 93, of River Vale, began her journey to Heaven on Dec. 9, 2020.

A child of the Depression, orphaned at 3, she led a full and interesting life.

Highly creative, she was an artist, seamstress, knitter and in her later years a talented quilter. She traveled widely, read voraciously and made the best roast potatoes ever.

As a young woman she

Lawrence P. CAMPBELL

Kelly) Campbell and his devoted children Lawrence and his wife Linda of Tenafly; Michael of Vail, Colorado; Daniel and his wife Andrea of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Colleen and her husband Jeff Mahan of Dublin, Ohio. He was a loving grandfather of Travis, Taylor, Liam, Campbell, Andrew, Ellie, Ryen, Daniel, James and Bryn.

He grew up in Washington Heights, New York, and attended Incarnation School and Rice High School on a basketball scholarship. He loved remembering all of his friends and good times that he spent in the “Heights” and in East Durham, New York. An avid golfer, Larry was a longtime member of Old Tappan Golf Course and Northwood Golf Club in Rockleigh.

Larry worked in data processing as a computer programmer at General Motors, Scholastic Magazines, EDS, ABS, and CTG and retired from SIAC in 2001.

Larry was a lifelong Yankees fan and often walked to the stadium as a young boy. He was also a great fan of the New York Rangers and unfortunately the New York Jets. Larry had great humility and a keen sense of humor. He was also extremely proud of his Irish heritage and was able to visit Ireland on several occasions. He had a great love of traveling to visit new places and being with family and friends. Larry will be greatly

missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimerʼs Association or Valley Hospice.

John E. SIDLOVSKY JR.

John E. Sidlovsky Jr. of Hillsdale passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59.

John is predeceased by his loving parents John Sr. (2013) and Maybelle (2020).

He is survived by his brother James “Sid”; his sister Anne Monaco and her husband Anthony; his niece Alycia; his nephew Matthew as well as his cousins and dear friends.

John had a lifelong passion for music. A self-taught and talented guitarist, he performed with Tursha and Delirium in clubs in the New York Metro area. He loved going to concerts and creating original music in the recording studio. If you knew John, you knew how inspired he was by guitarist Michael Schenker, and how much he loved the band UFO and countless others! He was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and the New York Yankees.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Board recommended that the density bonuses be eliminated but the bonuses were left in. Council members are not legally required to follow board recommendations.

The boardʼs major role is to ascertain whether the redevelopment plan is “consistent” with the local Master Plan, and most mem-

FROM PAGE 30

bers agreed it was.

Council members voting in favor, and Pizzella, said the bonuses offered flexibility in negotiations with developers.

Pizzella also stressed that the boroughʼs affordable housing settlement already established the areaʼs zoning at 28 dwelling units per acre, which he said equated to a minimum 3 stories high.

OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 38

Livio UDINA

Livio Udina, 73, of the Township of Washington, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020.

Livio is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Dory; sons Livio and Eric and their wives; brother Rino and wife Rina; brother-inlaw Richard and wife Margaret; nieces and nephew; and grandchildren Alessandra, Lincoln and Luca. He is predeceased by his parents Quirino and Anna and brother Guiseppe.

He was a member of Asbestos Workers Local No. 32 for more than 40 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center.

Fahima SAMANI

Fahima Samani, 81, of the Township of Washington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Dec. 11, 2020.

She was the beloved wife of Sami for 61 years.

Devoted mother of Peter, Mark, and Rania, and loving grandmother of Tyler, Matthew, Valerie, Mark, Stephanie and Jason.

Fahima was born in Beirut but lived in Washington Township for 45 years and called it home.

She was a longstanding member of Assyrian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Paramus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimerʼs Association at alz.org.

Irwin PERLMUTTER

Irwin “Sonny” Perlmutter, 94, passed away peacefully on Dec. 12, 2020 with his family by his side.

Beloved husband of 69 years to the late Margaret “Dolly” Perl-

mutter (née Burroughs). Loving father of Heather Dzielinski and husband Greg. Cherished grandfather of Henry.

Sonny was a World War II veteran. He served in the U.S. Navy. He was an audio engineer for NBC for 35 years and a member of NABET. Sonny enjoyed early retirement, betting on horses, smoking cigars, and watching the Mets.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sonny to the Melanoma Research Foundation at melanoma.org.

Philip J. ROESCH

Philip Jeffrey Roesch passed away on Dec. 6, 2020 following a brief unexpected illness.

Born in Hackensack Hospital, Jeff was a lifelong resident of Westwood. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1967 and went on to study at Paul Smithʼs College in Saranac Lake, New York, with an eye to becoming a chef. His cooking career found him in a number of different venues, including numerous restaurants, the Darlington Seminary, and several nursing homes.

Jeff was an avid fan of the Giants and most especially the Mets. He loved nothing more than discussing everything Mets with anyone who would listen.

Jeff retired early and became a full-time caregiver for his father, who was homebound. He continued planning and cooking all meals for his family right up until his death.

Jeff is predeceased by his parents, Philip King Roesch and Roberta Fleming Roesch, whom he loved fiercely. He is survived by his two sisters, Bonnie Roesch and Meredith Roesch.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be on hold until the dangers of the Covid-19 pandemic have passed. In the meantime, donations to your local food bank or pantry are most appreciated.

Elaine M. DEPIERO

Elaine Muriel DePiero, 85, of Montvale passed on Dec. 10, 2020 at home with loving family at her bedside along with the compassionate care of Valley Hospice.

Having an option to grant future density or height upgrades would be helpful in enticing a developer and controlling what gets built, he said.

“Again, this is only a plan that sets parameters, time will tell and hopefully everyone will appreciate how the redevelopment area turned out,” Pizzella told Pascack Press after the planʼs approval.

Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband, Edward John DePiero. Also predeceased by her parents, John and Catherine Sampson of River Vale, and her elder siblings, Doris Barber of Paramus, Leonard Sampson of Bunell, Florida, and John Sampson of Cocoa, Florida.

Elaine is survived by her beloved children: sons Terry De Piero and wife Ellen of Kerhonksen, New York; Glen DePiero and wife Linda of Park Ridge; and daughters Tammy Palmieri and husband Bruce of Montvale; Bonnie Aurichio and husband Dave of Ocean View; and son Craig DePiero and wife Donna of Park Ridge.

Loving grandmother to Alison, Colleen, Stacy, TJ, William, Catherine, Lily, GlenJohn, Cory, Kate, Beth, Lindsey, David, Tahrin, Taylor, Kyle, Devon, Kendahl, Danelle, Brittni, Courtney, Kaley, Andrew, Brad as well as her treasured 34 wonderful greatgrandchildren. She also was a loving cousin and aunt, and friend to many.

In 1951, Elaine and Edward married, started a familym and built their home in Montvale. It was here that Elaine and Ed began their lifelong (nearly 70 years)

Diversity Committee seeks members

The Borough of Park Ridge is establishing a Diversity Committee to advise the administration. Volunteers willing to meet regularly and make recommenda-

tions related to diversity and inclusion in Park Ridge are welcome. Anyone interested should send their contact information to jfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY IN THE PASCACK PRESS. devotion to the farm and family. It was with her love and care for this family that it grew so and we will all carry her loving memory in our hearts.

Frederick W. WERNER JR.

Frederick W. Werner Jr., 55, of North Arlington, formerly of River Vale, passed away on Dec. 10, 2020.

Born in Teaneck, he served in the Army National Guard in the 50th MP Division. He was a corrections officer with the Bergen County Sheriffʼs Office from 1991 until he retired Dec. 1, 2017.

Beloved husband of KathyAnn (née Misukonis) Werner. Loving father of Veronica Noel Werner and Emily Pearl Werner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to American Cancer Society, 20 Mercer St., Hackensack, NJ 07601.

Theresa FANUELE

Theresa Fanuele, 100, of Park Ridge, formerly of Westwood, passed away on Dec. 13, 2020.

Tess is survived by her dear

sister Joan as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. She is predeceased by her siblings Mildred Greco, Daniel Jr. and Elvira Cirola.

Tess loved spending her free time reading and doing needlepoint.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, on Sunday, Dec. 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. A mass celebrating Theresaʼs life and faith will be held at R.C. Church of The Assumption in Emerson on Monday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. with interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus to follow.

Joseph J. MATESICH

Joseph J. Matesich, 84, of Woodcliff Lake, passed away on Dec. 10, 2020.

He is survived by his daughter Karen Nicholson and her husband Glen, and his grandchild, Christine. Joseph loved spending his free time reading and going for walks, and he loved animals dearly.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Redevelopment: ‘Not pleased…’

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PARK RIDGE

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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