HILLSDALE—Plans for Memorial Field include installing a new Pivot synthetic turf through a statewide buying cooperative, likely at a lower cost than if the project were publicly bid, Borough Administrator Mike Ghassali said Aug. 12.
He told the Recreation Commission that Pivot turf was their preferred choice, noting it does not use crumb-rubber infill and avoids the pellet spread common with traditional synthetic turf. He previously estimated its cost at about $100,000 more than traditional turf, though potential savings from cooperative purchasing were not yet clear.
Ghassali also announced a “very generous donor” will underwrite a 6,500-square-foot accessible playground. Three playground designs are under review. The field house, which stores football equipment, will be renovated during field construction.
The council approved $5 million in bond financing for the project June 19, with the total cost estimated at $5.8 million. Officials said no property tax increases will result. A final design plan is expected at a September council meeting.
Community Center Donation
Ghassali said Patterson Street redeveloper Claremont March will donate a new kitchen valued at about $15,000 for the under-construction, 5,000-square-foot Community Center. The borough expects custody of the space in early 2026, with an official opening in April or May.
Two conference rooms will be furnished with tables, chairs, and lighting. A new Community Center committee, led by Councilwoman Melissa Mazza-Chiong, will add local touches to customize the space for Hillsdale residents.
Beechwood Park Trail Work
The council approved consent resolution 25211, awarding an $82,879 contract to Cipriano Enterprises Inc. (dba RFC Excavating and Landscape Construction, Hawthorne) for improvements at the Beechwood Park Nature Trail. Ghassali said seven bids ranged from approximately $83,000 to $300,000. “Same specs. Different companies have different ways and different margins,” he observed.
Landscaping improvements are also planned for Borough Hall grounds.
Ordinances Introduced
The council introduced two ordinances for public hearing and possible adoption Sept. 9:
- Ordinance 25-22 amends borough code to require inspections for lead-based paint hazards in residential and rental dwellings at tenant turnover, in line with state law.
- Ordinance 25-23 appropriates $50,000 from the Swim Pool Utility Capital Fund balance for improvements at Stonybrook Swim Club. Specific improvements were not detailed.