TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON — The Township Council will meet Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. with a full agenda headlined by the public hearing and second-reading vote on Ordinance 25-25, which would authorize an 18-month lease with Bethany Church for temporary Department of Public Works operations during construction of the new DPW facility.
The proposal has generated significant and sustained public opposition, particularly from Woodfield Road-area residents who cite pedestrian safety, environmental concerns, transparency issues, and the cost of the arrangement. Nearly two dozen residents spoke against the plan at a Nov. 17 special meeting, where the ordinance was reintroduced after officials determined the earlier Nov. 10 adoption was invalid under the Faulkner Act due to lack of quorum.
If adopted, the lease would cost $104,400 over 18 months. Ahead of the vote, the Township has already installed a driveway, security gate, fencing, and privacy screening at the Bethany property—improvements totaling $57,700—despite the absence of a finalized agreement. Residents have questioned the legality and oversight of that work, and the Township Attorney has said she will address the issue at the Dec. 2 hearing.
Related DPW Construction Item: Valley National Bank License (Resolution 25-356)
In addition to the Bethany lease vote, the council will also consider Resolution 25-356, which authorizes a non-exclusive, revocable license with Valley National Bank (via Ormon LLC) for temporary parking of Township and contractor vehicles during DPW facility construction. The parking area is adjacent to the municipal building site and is needed during the demolition and build-out phases of the new facility.
The license carries no fee unless the Township holds over beyond the agreed-upon period, in which case the monthly cost would be $3,000. The Township Attorney has reviewed the agreement and deemed it in proper form.
Traffic access remains a key issue
Residents continue to press officials to route DPW vehicles via Pascack Road rather than Woodfield Road, citing child safety, pedestrian traffic, and neighborhood quality-of-life concerns. Mayor Peter Calamari has said he had renewed discussions with church officials about using the Bethany Community Center’s Pascack Road driveway. The church tells is that option as “non-negotiable.”
The temporary DPW move is required before work begins on the Township’s new $4.9 million, three-bay DPW facility, awarded in September to Premier Building & Construction Management. Construction is expected to take 12–18 months.
Financial business and other contract actions
The council is scheduled to consider Resolution 25-349, authorizing payment of bills from Nov. 7–25, and Resolution 25-351, approving a $74,223.20 transfer of appropriations as the Township closes its 2025 budget year.
Library ADA Improvements — Resolution 25-355
Resolution 25-355 authorizes a 2026–2027 Bergen County Community Development Block Grant application for $19,600 to fund ADA upgrades at the Township Public Library. The resolution clarifies that the filing does not obligate municipal funds.
Environmental Work at 450 Pascack Road — Resolution 25-357
Resolution 25-357 would award a non-fair and open contract to Renova Environmental Company, not to exceed $28,960.04, for excavation, soil disposal, backfilling, and asphalt disposal at the Township-owned property at 450 Pascack Road. Funding comes from escrow established at the time of the property’s acquisition.
Refunds and escrow releases
The consent agenda includes:
- Resolution 25-352: Tax overpayment refunds to CoreLogic (NTE $15,550.69).
- Resolution 25-353: Release of performance guaranty and engineering escrow for Block 3404/Lot 4 (NTE $7,776).
- Resolution 25-354: Fourth-quarter tax refund for 785 Washington Avenue (NTE $3,565.65).
Other business
According to the meeting agenda, the council will also discuss:
- A follow-up on towing regulations
- Updates to recreation fees for the Men’s Softball program
- Setting the date for the year-end Sine Die session and 2026 Reorganization Meeting
Closed session
A closed executive session is scheduled for affordable housing litigation and Police Department personnel matters.
Public participation
General public comment opens the meeting before the Bethany ordinance hearing. A large turnout is anticipated given recent resident engagement.
The meeting begins Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Residents unable to attend may email the full council via the Township website under the “Contact Us” tab.