PARK RIDGE—Mayor Keith Misciagna posted a glowing update on business investment in Park Ridge, and noted lively events were on the calendar for the rest of the year.
“We are finally going to celebrate the Borough of Park Ridge’s 125th anniversary, which has been delayed a few times by the pandemic. Our gala is now scheduled for Nov. 19; please watch your email and the borough website for details and information on how to get tickets,” he told residents — “my Park Ridge family” — on June 17.
Misciagna said the rec department is sponsoring an expanded 2021 Summer Concert Series on Thursdays in July and August at the Veterans Park gazebo. For the remaining schedule visit parkridgeboro.com.
On Aug. 7, resident Troy Taber is holding a charity softball and cornhole tournament at Memorial Field to honor his father, Michael, who passed away earlier this year.
“Michael contributed his time and talents in many ways to Park Ridge and would be proud that his son is carrying on the tradition of giving back. If you are interested in participating or contributing to the Green Monster, project visit extrainnings1624.com for more information,” the mayor said. (See also “Sign up for Extra Innings Tournament,” Pascack Press, June 21, 2021.)
He said the recreation department is hosting fireworks on Saturday, Sept. 4 (with a rain date of Sept. 5) at the high school football field. Music begins at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show begin at approximately 8.
Businesses in gear
Misciagna said, “I want to take a moment this week to celebrate all the new businesses that have opened in Park Ridge in the past year. I am proud of our entire Park Ridge team that works hard to be welcoming to businesses big and small. We made it our goal to support our existing businesses as well as help new ones get started.”
He noted he’d issued executive orders “to relax some zoning regulations to assist our restaurants and other small businesses through the shutdowns, and our entire borough staff worked hard to expedite anything we could to help so many new businesses get off the ground.”
Misciagna said, “We had socially distanced ribbon cuttings for Paper Street Play on Park Avenue, and our new supermarket, Lidl. And we enjoyed sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s, which immediately contributed to our community by holding fundraisers to help our American Legion.”
And, he said, “Park Ridge Pharmacy also opened in 2020 and came to the aid of our residents during difficult times by providing quick and easy Covid testing and walk-in appointments for vaccines. They went the extra mile and delivered vaccines to some of our seniors who weren’t able to leave home.”
Misciagna said, “All of these extraordinary businesses opened just in 2020.”
To date in 2021, he said, “We already have two new restaurants, El Tajin authentic Mexican restaurant on Kinderkamack Road — near Pesto’s, which, incidentally, added a wood pizza oven to innovate during the pandemic — and Bubbakoo’s Burritos in the Ridgemont Shopping Center.”
The mayor said, “I am looking forward to the Empanada Cafe headed for Hawthorne Avenue as well as the exciting new prospects for The James.”
He added, “Hopefully we will be able to make some official announcements on those new businesses soon.”
Finally, he said, the borough officially welcomed PIM Brands, which has already made a $25 million investment in its half of the old Hertz Building on Brae Boulevard and plans to take even more space as it expands its new corporate headquarters. “We are proud to be their new home.”
Borough updates
Open space fund. Misciagna also encouraged voters to note the November ballot question on renewing the municipal Open Space fund.
“This fund is vital to keeping our parks, recreation facilities, trails and green spaces in the borough safe and accessible to our residents. Each taxpayer pays into the Bergen County Open Space fund, but only those municipalities with a local fund can use the county funds,” he said.
He explained, “Our new field, our playground, our basketball court, our flowers around town, irrigation for our flowers are just a few things paid for with our municipal open space fund and County open space monies. Please follow on Facebook for pictures and more info. Facebook.com/Park-Ridge-Open-Space-Fund-Referendum.
PSE&G work. PSE&G was scheduled to continue work on the East side of town this week. “PSE&G should have contacted all residents that need appointments for their service upgrades,” said Misciagna. “Our Police Department has been in touch with PSE&G to address any safety issues. If you have a question for PSE&G regarding the work, the hotline is (833) 661-6100.”
The TriBoro Food Pantry. The food pantry continues to see an increased need. If you are able to donate, please visit the Pantry on Tuesday or Thursday between 9 and 11 a.m. You can also drop off donations at Borough Hall, in the donation box in the lobby, during normal business hours. If you need to make special arrangements for a drop off time, call (201) 573-9083.
American Legion Post 153. Misciagna thanked residents who already have donated to American Legion Post 153. “As you know, the post’s ability to fundraise was greatly affected by the pandemic. If you haven’t had the opportunity yet but would like to help, tax-deductible donations can be sent to American Legion Post 153, 118 Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Tickets are on sale for the Legion’s 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 each and the winner will be drawn on Sept. 13. Tickets are available directly from the post or by contacting Lori Woods at Borough Hall: (201) 822-3101 or lwoods@parkridgeboro.com.
Covid-19 info. For Covid information, visit covid19.nj.gov.