BY HILLARY VIDERS
SPECIAL TO NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. –– On Oct. 22, Englewood City Council President Wayne Hamer spoke to The Woman’s Club of Englewood about the future of the city. His presentation drew some two dozen club members and guests, all of whom were eager to hear his remarks. Many of them were longtime residents, as is Hamer, who has lived in Englewood for 29 years.
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Hamer was introduced by Aleta Frezzell, chair of The Woman’s Club of Englewood’s Public Issues Committee.
“Wayne has a deeply-seeded belief in being an active participant in one’s community,” said Frezzell, citing his long list of community service roles and positions.
Hamer began his presentation by praising the work that The Woman’s Club of Englewood has done for many years, such as their scholarship program.
Hamer had such an abundance of important material to cover that he smiled and said, “I realize that each of these topics needs a two-hour speech, but I will be glad to speak with you about any of them at length afterward.”
Hamer began by his talk with praise and promise.
“Englewood is a bedroom community of about 30,000 people,” he said. “We are diverse across racial and religious lines. We occupy every step on the socio-economic ladder. We have great resources, such as an excellent hospital, a wonderful entertainment center and many fine restaurants, all within a 5-mile area. So, what can we do to make it better?”
He proceeded to discuss just that, i.e., ways in which Englewood could be better. Some main topics were city services, neighborhood preservation, education, public safety and improved information flow.
• City services: Hamer stated that, “By and large, we get it right, but there is always room for improvement. By sticking to the calendar, citizens can alleviate problems.”
• Neighborhood preservation: On this point, Hamer advised that some of the city’s properties are not as well maintained as they should be. “Since residents are more transient than ever, the city needs to provide resources about home and property care.”
• Building and development: On another note, Hamer mentioned that the Liberty School is the last large piece of property that the city owns, and that a number of knowledgeable residents are currently discussing how to determine its “highest and best use,” including the possibility of a developing it into a cultural center.
Hamer also advised against overcrowding downtown Englewood with too many residential units. On the other hand, he said, “The industrial area next to Route 4 is a good location for these buildings because it has a lot more available space.”
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that all new residential buildings have affordable housing. He praised Englewood as having more affordable housing than any other community in Bergen County.
• Public safety: On this topic, Hamer said, “Everyone who lives and visits Englewood should feel safe. We have a police department with over 80 officers and I think they do a very good job. But, I would like to see an increase in neighborhood patrols and have police interact with merchants, residents and visitors on a daily basis, not just when something happens.”
Hamer recited the police non-emergency line, (201) 568-2711, and told the group that they should feel free to call anytime they had any concerns. He also encouraged The Woman’s Club of Englewood to have Police Chief Lawrence Suffern and Patrol Captain Gregory Halstead visit, so that members can learn more about what these officials do.
• Education: Here, Hamer emphasized that the city council does not have a say in public education, and that it is autonomous. “But, if everyone focuses on seeing that every child coming out of the school system is a successful and contributing adult, it would solve every problem that we have.”
• Information flow: Attendees seemed pleased to hear Hamer say that the city is planning to have a financial oversight committee and a new economic management company (to replace the recently disbanded Englewood Economic Development Corporation). The council is also working with building owners to help select new businesses that are viable and a good fit for Englewood. And, as always, the council welcomes input from residents.
“In summary,” he said, “We are all in this together, and everyone should attend public meetings of the city’s various departments … We need to work harder and smarter. We need to see what’s important to you and how to spend your dollars and our dollars to make this work. Englewood is way too small for it not to work.”
Following Hamer’s presentation, there was an animated question and answer session in which he addressed a number of issues ranging from parking and traffic problems to the financial stability of downtown Englewood’s brick and mortar stores.
Hamer’s presentation left the group with an optimistic attitude about the future of Englewood and the knowledge that residents are valued stakeholders in the city’s development and wellbeing.
After the meeting, attendees enjoyed a buffet lunch of sandwiches, salad, deviled eggs and platters of homemade brownies and cookies.
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“This was a really informative and pleasant meeting,” said Sumi Kim, a new member of The Woman’s Club of Englewood. Kim, the president of the Grace & Mercy Foundation, said she is looking forward to more special events and presentations. She will not have to wait long, because every month, one of the committee chairs of The Woman’s Club of Englewood invites a guest speaker such as Hamer. So, these bright and busy club members always have “food for thought.”
Photos by Hillary Viders