HILLSDALE, N.J.—Residents might get an unexpected gift by year’s end as a new 5,000-square-foot community center — part of the Patterson Street’s 256-unit mixed-use redevelopment — may be ready for residents’ use and enjoyment, said the borough administrator.
“We are ahead of schedule with the development overall,” Borough Administrator Mike Ghassali told councilors at the April 1 meeting. He said the 5,000 square feet of space features one large room divisible into two rooms for conferences, plus an office, storage space, a warming kitchen, and a room that holds between 50 to 75 people.
Officials had estimated completion in late 2026 as of last summer.
Ghassali said the larger room is planned to have a big-screen television and also be available for activities such as card playing. He showed photos of the community center’s front and inside spaces under construction. He said the next step in community center design is to pick the paint colors and where the electrical outlets will be.
“They’re moving a lot faster than they thought, which is good,” Ghassali noted. He said that onsite parking includes 18 reserved spaces, and recreation director Daniel Conte will have a scheduling system for the center. He said that residents can enter the facility directly without going through the apartment complex.
Ghassali said officials will pick paint colors in June and completion is currently anticipated in February 2026, though he expects construction will finish sooner. He said the developer must receive a certificate of occupancy before the new center can be used by residents and local organizations.
“This is so exciting. I’m so happy to see this,” remarked councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk. Ghassali said the recreation director will have a “satellite office” at the facility.
Mayor Michael Sheinfield said, “I was in there. It is a very large space. We’re going to be in good shape with that,” he added. Councilor John Ruocco said during big events or occasions at the center, the developer promised to make parking spaces available in the adjacent parking deck. Ghassali said that was still the case.