HILLSDALE—Borough Administrator Michael Ghassali says the DPW’s advance work to clear and prepare the fields at Memorial Park for upgrades tied to the $5.8 million field construction project likely saved the town approximately $60,000.
Speaking at the Borough Council meeting Dec. 2, Ghassali thanked the DPW staff for their efforts in getting work underway. He added that officials are reviewing the design of a planned coaches’ box, noting that revising it could save up to an additional $80,000.
Those savings, he said, could be directed toward adding a logo to the artificial turf. Officials held a groundbreaking for Memorial Field’s improvements on Oct. 20.
Ghassali previously noted that, following a 2021 budget increase, the borough has allocated $500,000 annually to a field improvement account. About $1.2 million from that fund, combined with $4.6 million in bonding, will finance the upgrades. He emphasized that no annual tax increase is expected as long as costs remain within the approved $5.8 million cap.
Planned amenities include two basketball courts, an ADA-accessible playground, picnic area, Pivot artificial-turf field, dugouts, an upgraded field house, a coaches’ box, 40 additional parking spaces, and a walking path.
For a recent report, see “Shovels in, kids on the go, as borough breaks ground on $5.8M Memorial Field improvement,” by Michael Olohan, Oct. 25, 2025, thepressgroup.net.
Community Center; promoting local business
Ghassali also said furniture will be ordered for the Hillsdale Community Center at The Piermont, the 256-unit luxury apartment complex under construction in the Patterson Street redevelopment zone. He said the approximately $82,000 cost should be covered through a state grant and available capital funds, with no additional tax impact.
Councilwoman Melissa Mazza-Chiong said the Economic Development Committee hopes to produce a promotional video highlighting downtown restaurants for new residents to view at the Community Center once The Piermont opens next year.
She added that other local businesses and services could be featured as well, and that such a video could help spur broader economic activity, including the possibility of a “Taste of Hillsdale” event showcasing local eateries.
Related reporting out of the Dec. 2 council meeting: “Hillsdale backs Community Development projects; opposes affordable-housing zoning bill.“