MONTVALE, N.J.—The Borough Council has introduced an ordinance that would designate certain areas in and around municipal facilities as “restricted access areas,” citing the need to safeguard records and protect public safety.
The proposal, Ordinance No. 2025-1577, was introduced at the June 24 council meeting. A public hearing is scheduled for July 22.
The ordinance outlines limits on public access to offices, facilities, and records storage areas at Borough Hall and other sites.
Officials say the goal is to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive documents or areas that could pose safety risks.
“Municipal offices may contain personal information, phone numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth and other confidential information,” the ordinance states. It adds that “creating secure areas with clear signage will help deter persons from collecting records which they are not entitled to receive without following the process required by the Open Public Records Act.”
In addition to record security, the ordinance notes the need to restrict access to locations with heavy machinery, emergency vehicles, or other potential hazards.
The locations proposed as restricted areas include:
- Montvale Borough Hall
- Montvale Police Department
- Montvale Public Library
- Montvale Municipal Court
- Montvale Fire Department
- Department of Public Works Garage
- La Trenta Fieldhouse
- Montvale Senior/Community Center
- Any other location designated by signage
Suggested signage includes warnings such as:
- “Restricted Access Area”
- “Authorized Employees Only”
- “Recording or Photography is Strictly Prohibited”
- “Violators are Subject to Criminal Prosecution”
Under the ordinance, anyone entering a restricted area without authorization may be escorted out by police.
Pascack Press has requested more information from the mayor and borough administrator about the reasoning behind the ordinance, how it will be implemented, and what prompted its introduction. We also have questions about how this change may affect residents conducting routine business at Borough Hall, and whether any public concerns have been raised. We will report further as we learn more.