PARK RIDGE—The mayor and council will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 53 Park Ave.
The session will serve as a town hall on the upcoming non-binding referendum regarding dredging Mill Pond, also known as Electric Lake, which appears on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Officials said formal action may be taken at the meeting, which will also be attended by the borough auditor and engineer.
Mayor Keith Misciagna has described the dredging project as both an environmental and public health priority.
“Mill Pond has long been a central part of our community’s history, character and charm, but over the decades, it has experienced significant sediment buildup which is now estimated at approximately 16 feet in depth,” Misciagna said. “This accumulation has reduced the pond’s stormwater storage capacity, increasing the risk of flooding in our borough and placing added strain on our stormwater infrastructure.”
He added that stagnant water has led to “increased mosquito activity, a decline in overall water quality, and a deterioration of the pond’s ecosystem and appearance,” with consequences extending beyond aesthetics.
The borough has not bonded for dredging, but Misciagna said officials are pursuing outside funding. “We have received a $1.5 million grant from the State of New Jersey through the support of Sen. Holly Schepisi so far,” he said. “This is a significant achievement and a strong foundation to move this project forward without placing the full financial burden on our taxpayers.”
According to Misciagna, the borough engineer has been contracted to prepare detailed plans, bidding documents, and permitting applications, including an update of a 2012 soil characterization study by Leggette, Brashears & Graham Inc. to determine how much sediment must be removed and whether any requires specialized disposal.
He said the design and permitting process is about 75% complete, with the goal of making the project “shovel-ready” using grant funds already secured.
The referendum question will gauge public opinion, though the mayor stressed it will not be binding. “While the result of the referendum will not dictate the final decision, it will provide valuable insight into the views of our residents,” Misciagna said.
The mayor added that he has long supported dredging. “Regardless of the referendum’s outcome, I believe this project is critical to protecting our infrastructure, improving public health conditions, and restoring the ecological balance of the pond,” he said.
Misciagna noted that even dredging shallower areas would improve stormwater capacity, water flow, and oxygen levels, while reducing mosquito breeding and supporting a healthier aquatic ecosystem.
“Ultimately,” he said, “this project is about more than just removing sediment. It’s about protecting Park Ridge from future flooding, improving quality of life for our residents, and preserving one of our community’s most valued natural features for generations to come.”