HILLSDALE, N.J.—The Borough Council on June 17 unanimously approved approximately $5 million in bond financing for upgrades at Memorial Field, including a $500,000 bond down payment, according to Borough Administrator Michael Ghassali.
Officials said the bond ordinance would not increase local property taxes.
Ghassali said the $5.1 million total—including $4.6 million in bonds and a $500,000 down payment from Fields Committee funds—brings the borough close to the $5.8 million spending cap the council set earlier this year for Memorial Park improvements.
That cap is expected to be covered through existing resources, including a $500,000 annual tax allocation created about five years ago to fund field upgrades.
One cost still under consideration is the type of synthetic turf to be used. Ghassali said the Fields Committee is “strongly leaning” toward Pivot turf, a newer product without crumb rubber infill, citing environmental benefits. He noted Pivot could add $100,000 or more to the final project cost, and that a final decision may be made at the next council meeting.
Pivot turf offers a 12-year warranty, compared to eight years for traditional turf, and uses styrofoam shock pads instead of crumb rubber. “The main concern with traditional turf is the rubber pellets—they get in shoes, uniforms, and pants, and athletes track them everywhere,” Ghassali said.
Several residents earlier this year voiced concerns over crumb rubber infill, citing potential health risks and disposal costs.
Geotechnical testing of Memorial Field was recently completed by Colliers Engineering, Ghassali said, and a report is forthcoming with design constraints and recommendations.
On March 11, the council approved Resolution 25-102, authorizing the improvement plan and setting the $5.8 million cap. Council members Robert Colletti Jr., Justin Fox, Melissa Mazza-Chiong, and Clemente Osso voted in favor. John Ruocco and Janetta Trochimiuk voted no.
In a separate vote, the council voted 5–1 to install synthetic turf over natural grass. Ruocco cast the lone vote against, citing health, safety, and environmental concerns.
Colletti noted Pivot turf includes a shock-absorbing pad and may carry a lower risk of PFAS exposure—so-called “forever chemicals.”
Ghassali said the $5.8 million project will be funded without raising taxes, using $1.2 million from the field reserve account and $4.6 million in bonding.
In mid-March, the council split 3–3 on whether to include field lighting in the initial bid specs. Fox, Mazza-Chiong, and Trochimiuk voted yes; Colletti, Osso, and Ruocco voted no. Mayor Michael Sheinfield broke the tie, voting against lighting but in favor of laying underground conduit for possible future installation.
Borough Engineer Nick Chelius estimated the cost of conduit installation for future lighting at $50,000 to $100,000. He said bollard lights around the walking path would also require conduit and electricity.