1/3/2018 - State of the Borough
NEW INITIATIVES AND PLANS WILL MAKE 2018 ANOTHER GREAT YEAR —
First, I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year!
I would also like to, once again, thank the residents of this great community for providing me the opportunity to serve as your Mayor for a third term. It is both a personal and professional honor, and a privilege to sit in this chair, at this dais.
I want to congratulate Councilman DeCesare on being selected as Council President, and I wish him well in his new role.
As you know, this Council strives every day to ensure our taxpayers receive the services they need at the least possible cost.
We have all worked hard during the past year, and, together, we have seen great improvements in town:
• The grand opening of the newly-renovated Rose Place and Zaccaria Parks, which was funded through the Local Open Space Trust Fund, was held last spring.
• The completion of first phase of our McBride Avenue Streetscape project, which is being completely funded through a series of State and County grants.
• And, after many drafts and reviews, we adopted the new zoning ordinances in conjunction with our Master Plan.
• The Grand Openings of AndThat! By Christmas Tree Shop and Cost Plus World Market took place at the former A&P location.
• Our newly re-designed Borough website launched.
• Completion of improvements to Memorial Field, included renovations to the snack stand and press box.
• Installation of two new playgrounds at Charles Olbon School, one with specialized equipment for special needs children. This project will also be funded through the local Open Space Trust Fund.
• A re-design of the memorial trees and plaques at Memorial Middle School were dedicated to residents who were Killed In Action while serving in the military.
• The installation of new street signs honoring those who gave their lives in service to our Country.
• The Borough entered into shared service agreements with Passaic County for Health Department services and with the Township of Wayne for animal control services.
And, as we begin 2018, we already have a plan in place to continue to get things done here in Woodland Park:
• We will conclude our 15-year Road Re-Surfacing Program with the re-paving of Briarwood Court, Van Winkle Court, and Mt. Pleasant Avenue.
• Under the leadership of Councilwoman Kallert, we will completely update our Open Space and Recreation Master Plan.
• We are in the final stages of settling our Council on Affordable Housing obligation, which should be completed in the next 60 days.
• The Police Department will finish their accreditation program – updating their operating policies, procedures and regulations, which will save on insurance costs.
• The Council will continue to advocate for sound barriers along Interstate 80, for a full build-out of Verizon FiOS in the Borough, and to save our reservoirs along Rifle Camp Road.
• We will finally break ground for the Elizabeth Lane, Old Orchard Road and Oak Ridge Road sewer and water project.
These are just a few of the initiatives and plans for the coming year.
But the best thing yet, is that the 2018 Borough Calendars have already arrived. Refer to the Calendar often. They provide a wealth of information.
Finally, I want to thank our Borough employees, volunteers and our business communities who help ensure our citizens are properly served and kept safe; that our children have recreational, social and educational opportunities; and that we have a vibrant local economy that gives back to our town.
The Council and I look forward to working with all our residents to make 2018 another great year for Woodland Park. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or ideas for our town never hesitate to contact us!