Action Center
Neighbors Say Storm Drains Mean Relief From Rains
Wednesday August 20, 2008
WEST PATERSON—For nearly four decades, Martin Walsh has tolerated continuous flooding on Hillcrest Avenue because the street lacked storm drains. To address the issue, he had to come up with a plan to stop water from cascading down his driveway.
“I have 16 garbage cans in my driveway catching water,” Martin Walsh said Wednesday. “Every time there is a hard rain, I have to empty out each one of the cans.”
Walsh, who has lived on Hillcrest Avenue for 38 years, said his home has flooded more times than he can remember. Because of the moisture, there are cracks in his garage walls and decay in his basement’s wood molding, Walsh said.
When Walsh learned that the borough had received a $200,000 grant last year from the state Department of Transportation to repave and re-curb the street, he and his neighbors asked the Borough Council to also install storm drains and catch basins. read more...
Despite Reservation, Boro OKs Salt Shed Contract
Tuesday August 5, 2008
by Tom Boud
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is getting a state mandated salt shed at its headquarters. Local officials have something to say about footing the cost, given today’s tough financial times.
D. Gencarelli Building and Equipment of Nutley is constructing an impermeable salt shed under a $289,000 contract. The town is financing the deal through two bond ordinances. The facility’s planned footage dimensions are 40 feet wide by 48 feet deep by 29 feet high.
On July 31, borough officials held a pre-construction meeting with the contractor and work began thereafter. Borough Administrator Kevin Galland said the shed is expected to be completed before winter.
Councilman Keith Kazmark said he feels the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shed mandate is illogical. read more...
Rose Place Park Play Area Recently Upgraded
Monday July 21, 2008
by Tina Pappas
Children of the borough will continue to be smiling all summer long with upgrades made to another favorite spot of theirs. Two new play areas were installed at Rose Place Park to replace unsafe concrete fixtures and playground structures.
“The play area that was redone at Rose Place Park resembles the one recently done at Zaccaria Park but on a smaller scale,” said Francie Joseph-Keating, recreation clerk. “It’s one play area with two new ‘Playscapes,’ one for 2 to 5 year olds and the other one for ages 5 and up.”
The project was part of a larger upgrading of the park’s facilities funded through a $100,000 grant from the Passaic County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. read more...
WPPD Welcomes Two New Officers
Monday July 21, 2008
by Tom Boud
Two new faces are now on the borough police force.
At the July 16 Borough Council meeting, Michael Boudaher, 22, and Joseph Domicolo, 21, both of West Paterson, were sworn in as local police officers in council chambers, before a gallery of more than 75. The audience included family members, fellow first responders, and citizens.
Both newcomers will start the Passaic County Police academy on July 28, and finish in mid-January.
Lepore spoke about Boudaher and Domicolo. He said Boudaher has demonstrated his suitability for police work as a former Passaic County Juvenile Detention Officer.
“Mike has an outstanding work ethic. If you ever talk to him, you see those values come out. You see the sincerity in the words that come out of his mouth.” read more...
Borough Budget Adopted with Four Point Hike
Monday July 21, 2008
by Tom Boud
At its July 16 meeting, the Borough Council adopted the 2008 municipal budget, with a four-point increase. The average borough homestead – assessed at about $190,000 – will be charged about $75 more for the town levy. The governing body was able to approve the spending plan after state aid figures were ironed out. With a meager restoration, the borough lost about $150,000 from Trenton, equaling two tax points.
Following budget ratification, Councilman Keith Kazmark said he was disappointed in the assistance cutback. He said the state’s $6,700 aid reinstatement was “a drop in the bucket.” He said the net six-digit dollar trimming falls on the local taxpayer’s backs.
“This is as classic as a back-door increase you can find.” read more...
West Paterson Plans Two Community Events
Monday July 21, 2008
by Tom Boud
A chance to enjoy two nights out on the town, for free, are coming up.
On Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m., West Paterson’s Night Out will be held at Memorial Field, in conjunction with the 25th annual National Night Out.
The occasion brings together citizens, first responders, and civic organizations to foster solidarity against crime, according to borough officials.
Night Out offers a variety of opportunities. The public can meet local leaders, civic groups, and the town’s emergency services. There will be first responder vehicles on display, children’s rides, and other activities.
Night Out is sponsored by the West Paterson Municipal Alliance Against Drugs and Alcohol. It is being held simultaneously with numerous ones across the country. read more...
Officials complain West Paterson Salt Shed is Waste
Monday July 21, 2008
Project required to comply with pollution rules
WEST PATERSON—The borough will fulfill a federal environmental mandate by spending more than $280,000 on a salt shed that local officials say they don’t need.
“I’m not happy about it,” Mayor Pat Lepore said Friday. “I think that what we have in place was fine and it’s another mandate by the state which is forcing the town to increase taxes for something I don’t believe is necessary.”
In 2004, in an effort to comply with the Federal Clean Water Act, the state Department of Environmental Protection mandated that all municipalities store road salt in sheds. The federal act regulates and proposes ways to eliminate water pollution and ensures that surface waters meet quality standards. read more...
Funding Secured for Morris Canal Walkway
Monday July 14, 2008
by Tom Boud – July 14, 2008
The borough was presented with a $147,000 ceremonial check for the Morris Canal bikeway and walking trail by Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th) on July 7.
The morning press conference took place in Thomas May Park at Mount Pleasant and Overmount Avenues. The congressman joined Mayor Pat Lepore, some local councilpersons, and Passaic River Coalition officials.
The money will help launch the first phase of the recreational path. The trail will start at Thomas May and head towards Brophy Lane, as far as money allows. Besides the $147,000, the borough has secured a $250,000 Passaic County Open Space grant. A $200,000 New Jersey Historic Trust Fund application has also been filed.
Eventually, West Paterson, in future grant funded stages, will extend the walkway to Brophy Lane. read more...
Rose Place Resurfacing Planned
Monday July 14, 2008
by Tina Pappas – July 14, 2008
Rose Place will seem a lot more ‘rosier’ to drive on so-to-speak, thanks to its planned resurfacing during the summer.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has awarded the borough $165,000 toward the costs of resurfacing the road from it trust fund. The project will also include replacement of concrete curbs with granite blocks, said Kevin Galland, municipal clerk.
“Besides the need to resurface the road, there will be curb work done to the section of the road where there is presently curb deterioration and the addition of curb where there isn’t any,” he said. “The contract bids are presently out and due back to the borough by Tuesday, July 15. If we could analyze these bids in a timely fashion, Mayor Lepore and council can award a contract during their regular council session on Wednesday, July 16.” read more...
West Paterson's Zaccaria Park Improvements a Hit
Friday July 11, 2008
WEST PATERSON—Nine-year-old Miles Cobb said he is happy about the new playground equipment in Frank D. Zaccaria Memorial Park and pronounced it a drastic improvement over the more than decade-old-equipment standing elsewhere in the 23-acre-park.
“It was dirty and rusty,” Miles said Thursday after borough officials unveiled equipment that included swings, slides, and a climbing wall.
Miles joined 135 other children who were attending day camp as they slid down green twisting slides, climbed chain ropes, and tried out the new swing set. Camp counselors kept a watchful eye on the children, who are enrolled in the West Paterson Summer Day Camp.
Thumping pop music provided the soundtrack for a fun-filled sunny day in the park. The mayor showed off two sets of playground equipment worth $100,000, one for children ages 2-5 and the other for children up to 12 years old. read more...
New Zaccaria Park Playground Open
Wednesday July 9, 2008
Children of the borough are sure to be happy campers at Zaccaria Park’s camp program this summer.
Installation of the new playground nears completion and upgrades to the restrooms are finished. The Department of Public Works (DPW) and summer camp counselors made last minute touches to the area when the summer camp program opened on June 30, according to Tom Minnella, mayoral secretary. Campers were using the equipment late last week.
Spreading ground cover and other final touches will continue this week, said Minnella. The new equipment and installation was purchased with money provided by West Paterson’s Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
According to Council President Keith Kazmark only local money directly from the fund was used for the upgrades. read more...
State Aid Helps Keep Tax Bite at 4 Points
Wednesday July 9, 2008
The end of the state aid question is not making it easier to make ends meet.
Councilman Keith Kazmark said Trenton restored about $6,700 of the borough’s $160,000 state aid cut. According to Kazmark, the news was recently posted on the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Web site, shortly following state budget passage last week. The town will adopt its spending plan at the originally forecast four points at the July 16 Borough Council meeting.
Kazmark said the token reinstitution amounted to far less than initially expected.
“Not only was I surprised, but I’ll say on the record, I was disappointed.”
The councilman said the assistance decrease, although saving Trenton money, falls on taxpayer’s shoulders. read more...
HUD Funds Plant Seed to Preserve Canal Towpath
Wednesday July 9, 2008
BY VIRGIL DICKSON
STAFF WRITER
WEST PATERSON – Enhancing the 3,300-foot-long towpath along the Morris Canal with a $147,000 federal grant, borough officials say, will help preserve the historic 19th-century trail.
The grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development helped kick off the first phase in a mile-long bike path that stretches from Thomas May Park to Borough Hall, which is part of an overall municipal open space initiative, officials said Monday.
“This is the beginning, and the beginning is a wonderful thing to be at,” said Ella Filippone, executive director of the Passaic River Coalition.
The proposed bike path, when completed, will be 8 feet wide and consist of a crushed blue aggregate. Native vegetation will be planted along the canal banks, stabilizing the water flow. Access points will be created, as will period-style wooden benches to connect the pathway with the street. Work on the bike path is expected to begin in the next three to four months, borough officials said. read more...
West Paterson Canal Path Project Rolls Forward
Tuesday July 8, 2008
West Paterson receives $147,000 grant
WEST PATERSON—Enhancing the 3,300-foot towpath along the Morris Canal through a $147,000 Department of Housing and Urban Development grant will help preserve the historic 19th-century trail, borough officials say.
The HUD grant helped kick off the first phase in the mile-long bike path that stretches from Thomas May Park to Borough Hall, which is part of an overall municipal open space initiative, officials said Monday.
“This is the beginning, and the beginning is a wonderful thing to be at,” said Ella Filippone, executive director of the Passaic River Coalition.
Once complete, the proposed bike path will be 8 feet wide and made of a crushed blue aggregate. Native vegetation will be planted along the canal banks, which will stabilize the water flow. Access points will be created, and there will be period-style wooden benches. Work on the bike path is expected to begin in the next three to four months, borough officials said. read more...
Boro Pursues Open Space Funds for Zaccaria Park
Wednesday June 25, 2008
At its June 18 meeting, the Borough Council approved appling for a $1 million Zaccaria Park improvement grant from the Passaic County Open Space Trust Fund.
At the session, Kazmark noted that West Paterson has proven proficient at getting preserved space money. He said last year alone, the borough received $450,000 for continuing the Dowling Botanical Gardens project and launching the Morris Canal park initiative.
In a follow-up interview, Kazmark said the $1 million endowment would enable park pavilion and parking lot upgrades. He said a third building is wanted for recreational programs, such as summer camp. He said a modernized parking lot is needed, since the current one “presents a safety hazard.”
The councilman said the results of the grant application should be known before the end of the year. read more...
Student Conduct Business of Running the Borough
Wednesday June 25, 2008
It was an opportunity to give some eighth grade students the chance to run their own town.
A tradition at West Paterson’s Memorial Middle School, the “Youth Month” program lets students learn the official workings of their town and the business of running the borough. The 20 students who held positions in their own makeshift municipality put their knowledge to good use by taking part in an actual council meeting on May 21.
Each student that held a council seat was assigned to an actual council member and had the chance to operate the entire meeting inside borough chambers at the municipal building, according to Keith McElroy, social studies teacher. The students had the opportunity to discuss the agenda with council members prior to the meeting. They spoke for and represented each of their council members and conducted business on each of the agenda items. read more...
Pensions, Lack of State Aid Hurts Boro's Budget
Tuesday June 10, 2008
West Paterson home owners will see a total tax increase for the next fiscal year of 14 points, according to Steve Wielkotz, West Paterson’s auditor.
Residents with a house assessed at $189,000 will see their tax bill rise $265. Mayor Pat Lepore said this “is the best we’ve done in eight years.”
“My long-term plan is starting to fall into place,” the mayor said. “Barring any surprises from Trenton, you will see stability in the future.”
“If not for the loss in state aid, and the $200,000 increase in pension contributions,” he said, about the state mandated retirement fund, “we would be flat this year,” Wielkotz said, about the municipal tax spurt. “There would have been no tax increase.” read more...
Volunteers Spruce Up Local Parks
Tuesday June 10, 2008
On Saturday, volunteer residents and local leaders spent the morning participating in the West Paterson Park Cleanup Day, sponsored by the local recreation department.
It was the first citizen volunteer park cleanup campaign in a number of years. By forming a core group, the town hopes the event will become a recurring.
At 9 a.m., about a dozen adults and children gathered at town hall for the schedule. Councilman Keith Kazmark outlined the principal focus was on Grimes, Rose Place, and Zaccaria Parks.
Councilman Joseph Spinelli thought the event was great.
“The more support we get, the better it is. You can never do enough to keep our open space clean and livable for everybody.”
Spinelli said the cleanup day is much needed. read more...
School Resource Officer Will be Added in the Fall
Tuesday June 10, 2008
The West Paterson school district will get a school resource officer (SRO).
According to Scott Rixford, West Paterson’s superintendent of schools, the school district will pay $72,900 for an in-school police officer who will work at all three borough schools.
Rixford said no educational programs will be cut to staff the SRO program. He said the district already had earmarked $20,000 for the position, and that the rest came from various line item cuts in the school budget.
Rixford said the SRO will not only educate pupils about safety, but will also enhance school security. Moreover, Kazmark said the officer will address school traffic concerns at Memorial and Charles Olbon schools and oversee the district’s security network.
A West Paterson police officer will hold the position.
read more...
Students Conduct Business of Running the Borough
Tuesday June 10, 2008
It was an opportunity to give some eighth grade students the chance to run their own town.
A tradition at West Paterson’s Memorial Middle School, the “Youth Month” program lets students learn the official workings of their town and the business of running the borough. The 20 students who held positions in their own makeshift municipality put their knowledge to good use by taking part in an actual council meeting on May 21.
Each student that held a council seat was assigned to an actual council member and had the chance to operate the entire meeting inside borough chambers at the municipal building, according to Keith McElroy, social studies teacher. The students had the opportunity to discuss the agenda with council members prior to the meeting. They spoke for and represented each of their council members and conducted business on each of the agenda items. read more...
Walkers Show Support for Chief Reda
Thursday June 5, 2008
A bunch of true blue altruists raised funds for Police Chief Robert Reda’s fight against cancer.
On June 1, at least 100 people, many with dogs, came to Garret Mountain Reservation for the “Walkathon For Bobby” even, sponsored by The Pooky Professor Positive Puppy Training of Little Falls. Lynne Petermann, Pooky Professor proprietor and Reda’s close friend, organized the fundraiser.
The benefit raised thousands of dollars for Reda’s alternative cancer treatments for lung cancer. No exact figure was available as of press time. After submitting a $20 donation, each walker joined Petermann in strolling the 2.8 mile park circuit, or a portion of it. People were invited to bring leashed dogs, which were seen in force. read more...
Town: Recycle, or You'll be Fined
Tuesday May 27, 2008
Little Falls is implementing an aggressive recycling plan in response to a new $3-per-ton tax on garbage that was passed by state lawmakers earlier this year. The more the township recycles, officials say, the less financial impact the tax will have.
The new recycling program, enacted May 1, includes additional pick-up times and stricter penalties for those who do not adhere to the recycling regulations.
Municipal officials say they hope the changes will offset the new tipping fees that went into effect on April 1.
“We make money on the recyclables,” Little Falls Councilman William Liess said last week. “That’s why we are doing this.”
The Passaic County communities of Little Falls, Totowa and West Paterson will be paying up to an additional $18,000 annually to state waste management agencies in trash disposal charges. read more...
Letter to Editor: WP Library Success
Thursday May 8, 2008
Dear Editor,
Please let me take this opportunity to thank Virgil Dickson of the Herald News for the excellent coverage of the increased services provided by West Paterson’s Alfred Baumann Library.
Through the efforts of our Library Director Robert Lindsley, the Library Board Trustees and the dedicated library staff, the Library has seen expanded hours, additional use and has truly become a center of community participation.
The 42% increase in circulation is only half of the success the Baumann Library has achieved. New computer education programs, added children and parent programs and senior citizen education services have all been added to the library calendar in the past 18 months. I encourage the residents of West Paterson to use the library and participate in the great opportunities the Library offers. read more...
WP DEMOCRATIC COUNTY COMMITTEE NOMINATES LEPORE FOR 4TH TERM
Thursday March 13, 2008
West Paterson – The West Paterson Democratic County Committee members selected Pat Lepore as their party’s candidate for Mayor during a two-hour meeting on Saturday morning
“I hate to be cliché, but as the old saying goes, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it,” said West Paterson Democratic Chairman Michael Kazmark said of the meeting.
“Pat Lepore has done a great job as Mayor. He retired early from a good job to be a full-time elected official. He deserves to complete the work his administration has started,” said Councilman Joseph Spinelli, who is also a District 1 County Committee Member.
Lepore was first elected as Mayor in 1996, chose not to seek re-election in 1999, because of personal issues and was tapped by local Democrats to run again in 2002. He was re-elected in 2005. read more...
West Paterson Mayor says Borough is 'Fiscally Sound'
Friday February 15, 2008
WEST PATERSON—Mayor Pat Lepore reported the borough is in good shape financially, thanks to new infrastructure developments and grant funds from the state.
“The borough is fiscally sound, improving on past years,” Lepore said last week in his annual State of the Borough speech. “There is more infrastructure activity now than there has been in the past 25 years, with little or no cost to taxpayers.”
The mayor, speaking at the Municipal Building, went into detail about the numerous pipe and sewer projects taking place as well as road projects. He said the borough would continue pushing for a prudent budget.
He also spoke about the numerous grants the borough has received, which he said will ensure that residents will pay as little in taxes as possible. read more...