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In WOODCLIFF LAKE, 2024 may finally be the year of Galaxy Gardens Passive Park, at press time an empty lot at the busy Werimus Road and Woodcliff Avenue crossing. As a footnote, we reported in early 2023 that Mayor Carlos Rendo was calling for quicker action so that no grant funding or donors got discouraged after prior delays in getting construction started.
In a June 2022 Page One story, we reported the unveiling of the new design for the park, with an anticipated opening in 2023. The mayor then noted that most park costs, then estimated at $3.5 million, had been underwritten by grants, municipal Open Space funds, and donors.
Later In October 2022, another Page One story reported that park costs had dropped to $2.9 million, according to DMR architect Frances Reiner.
In September 2023, we reported “Galaxy Gardens Park eyed for 2024,” noting that the consulting engineer was working with state environmental officials for land use permits required to build due to issues with wetlands and a nearby Category One waterway. In addition, concerns about parking and park access had delayed park progress.
Another 2024 story will be the upcoming development of a 46-unit rental complex at 188 Broadway, including 37 apartment rental units and nine townhomes, and the future of Broadway Corridor. Moreover, the development of 24 nearby affordable housing units on a North Broadway site will likely occur this year.
On top of these issues, some larger stories we’ll continue to report on in 2024 include the ever-increasing flooding in towns; jet airplane noise; the mayors’ call for an affordable housing “pause” until July 2028; coverage of upcoming primary and general election candidates/races; and how our county elections officials are preparing for November 2024 presidential elections.