Back! Montvale… Next! River Vale…
In PARK RIDGE, the mayor strongly advocated for the dredging of Mill Pond throughout the year, noting the well-known lake was suffering due to siltation and pollution. On Nov. 7, a non-binding public question on a $15.5 million referendum to dredge Mill Pond (Electric Lake) went down by a decisive 59% to 41%, or 1,619 votes to 1,112 votes, with over 42% of voters casting ballots. The average countywide turnout was 30 percent.
Local officials noted then they had received a grant for $1.5 million for infrastructure improvement that could be used to help finance the dredging project. Another state grant for $12 million was submitted in June but not successful. More discussion on what steps should be taken short-term is likely to be before the mayor and council in 2024.
Surprisingly, a minor rat infestation in a two-block area of the borough made Page One in July but an exterminator quickly eradicated the problem. The exterminator said no definitive cause for the minor rat situation could be identified, and within weeks no rats were being seen or found in traps.
Good news for the police department’s first female officer and newest police academy graduate, Julia Manning, who graced Page One in December. Manning’s long association with the police department and leadership in its DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program was recognized by police officials and the public upon her graduation.
Also, Mayor Keith Misciagna told us that renewed efforts to construct a community center—scuttled due to post-Covid price increases—were likely to begin anew in 2024.