MONTVALE—Mayor Michael Ghassali appointed a 16-member planning committee representing local stakeholders and interest groups at the July 26 council meeting to begin planning for a community center and town pool estimated to cost upward of $20 million.
That committee’s first meeting is Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m., leading into the regularly scheduled mayor and council meeting at 7:30.
Ghassali said he would appoint a committee chair Aug. 9 and that meetings would be open to the public “after the first few meetings.”
Ghassali told Pascack Press on July 27 that the cost, “will be maybe $15 [million] to $20 million … we want to do it right. Something that fits everyone is going to cost more.” He said he hopes the committee has an architect on board before the end of this year.
Ghassali’s initial cost estimate to Pascack Press was approximately $15 million, including $11 million for a new community center and $4 million for a new town pool.
Ghassali previously said the existing senior/community center on Memorial Drive was in need of extensive maintenance for roof repairs and ongoing maintenance.
He said every year the borough asks Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake to allow its residents into their pools, but that residents would prefer to have their own pool. He said the previous town pool, run by a not-for-profit organization, closed in 2017.
At the July 12 session, where borough engineer Andy Hipolit unveiled concept plans for a community center/pool complex, he said amenities could include an indoor walking track, basketball courts, weight room, meeting rooms, senior activities space, and an outdoor pool.
Approximately 50 residents attended the July 12 meeting, with the majority appearing to favor the community center/pool concept.
However, residents questioned the budget for the large project and what spending was likely.
Other questions focused on senior activities to be accommodated, the status of the existing senior/community center as a new facility is built, how summer camp will function, traffic impacts, and whether the town would include a traffic study.
Other concerns included whether sidewalks were needed, whether the pool could be open year-round, and property tax impacts.
Ghassali previously said a timetable of committee meetings would be posted.
He noted the town would have to submit its site plan application to the Joint Planning Board for consistency with the Master Plan, review and approval before construction begins.
The committee empaneled July 26 includes Montvale resident representative Thomas Dolan (of Bayberry Drive); for the borough administration, Maureen Iarossi-Alwan and Nevene Gayed; Boy Scouts, David Hill; Girl Scouts, Jennifer Longo; Montvale Board of Education, John Carvelli; Montvale Borough Council, Annmarie Russo-Vogelsang and Chris Roche; Montvale Police Department, Capt. Doug McDowell; Montvale Athletic League, Neil Tuli; Planning Board, John Depinto/Lorraine Hutter; Recreation Department, Lisa Loranger and Frank DiPalma; and Seniors Club John Rotante and George Boothby.