Twenty years ago, candidates running for office in town talked about streescaping McBride Avenue. Since 2012, the Borough started a quest to secure grant funds from the State and County to finally make it a reality – from Rt. 46 at the Little Falls border to Glover Avenue border with Paterson.

"I could not be more proud to report that we have received over $3.1 million in grants to get this done and broke ground about two weeks ago on Phase 8 - the final section," Mayor Kazmark said on at the Aug. 18 council meeting. "The Council and I were committed to funding this through grants as to not further burden our taxpayers – and, we achieved that goal."

Thanks went out to the Woodland Park Range and to The Stro Cos., who both agreed to cover the streetscape amenities in front of their properties, at their cost.

"It’s been a long road (a little pun intended) but by spring, the entire project will be closed out and McBride will have never looked better," the Mayor said, referring to when the redevelopment of the Kearfott property is expected to have contributed to the streetscape in 2022.

The streetscape project broke ground in March 2017 and work has been completed in eight phases. 

The goal of the streetscape project is to make the thoroughfare safer, smoother, more business friendly, and pedestrian friendly. Improvements include Americans With Disabilities Act compliant barrier-free curb ramps, detectable warning surfaces, decorative brick pavers, decorative lighting, new street signs, new driveway aprons, trash and recycling receptacles and planters.

The Stro Cos., redeveloper of the Kearfott property, and the Woodland Park Range will be funding and building the streetscape along their property lines.