Full Notification

LEONIA FLOODING EMERGENCY;
 
The day after I wrote my last update, we were hit by a substantial storm dumping approximately 5.5 inches of rain on Leonia in about two hours. The following weekend we experienced another similar downpour.  Many of us had minor to moderate water infiltration into our basements.  Some of our friends and neighbors, however, particularly those located at the bottom of Wood Terrace and on parts of Lakeview Avenue, suffered tremendously with a deluge of water flooding their homes–sometimes up to 4 or more feet in their basements causing considerable damage. These same homes fell victim to even worse flooding during Ida and another storm after that. 
 
I used to think in terms of “100 or 50 year storms” to describe events of this magnitude.  However, we must now all appreciate given the increasing frequency of these storms, that they are no longer extraordinary events but more like intermittent regular occurrences. And we must be better prepared than we are currently to effectively deal with them. 
 
We now have to figure out how to effectively guard ourselves against the runoff from increased development in Fort Lee which causes substantially more water to cascade down our hill now than ever before.  When you combine this with the fact that Leonia’s storm water drainage system was never designed to handle storms of this intensity and given Leonia’s natural sloped topography, we have a real problem.  
 
Make no mistake, this is an emergency situation which has emotional and/or financial implications for all of us. Some of our neighbors are suffering severe consequences today.
 
The Mayor and Council are discussing all options and you can see the short and long term approaches we are considering HERE.  My sincere thanks to the Methodist Church for their willingness to allow us to deploy measures on their property to help the Wood Terrace residents and to Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes and the City of Englewood for their cooperation and consideration as it relates to Crystal Lake operations which affect Lakeview Avenue.  My conversations with the President of the Methodist Church Board of Trustees and with Mayor Wildes and others reinforced my sense of community and appreciation for neighbors to be willing to help neighbors.  Finally, thank you to Councilman Jordan Zeigler for helping us with our overall flood response. 
 
You are likely, consistent with the presentation link above, to see some steps being taken in town very soon.  One of the most visible will appear on Broad Avenue by the Methodist Church driveway which is intended to mitigate the potential of Wood Terrace flooding.  As these are decided on and implemented, we will speak more about them at governing body meetings and future status updates. 
 
One word of warning… We are more focused on functionality than appearance in the short term, especially with the next two months being part of the higher risk ‘hurricane season’.   We ask everyone’s indulgence as we seek to better the circumstances for our friends and neighbors who have been most affected by the flooding without spending too much money on short term solutions. In other words, we know some of these short term solutions may not look all that great.  The long term infrastructure improvements which should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, will take more time to sort out and, to minimize our local costs, we are already investigating/pursuing State and Federal grants to help us best manage through our budgetary constraints.
 
We should all be incredibly grateful to our Department of Public Works, our Leonia Volunteer Fire Department and the Leonia Police Department for their help and professionalism in assisting our residents who were most affected by the storms.  It never ceases to amaze me how good we have it in terms of our municipal services and these three departments have again outdone themselves by, in this case, providing emergency service and input afterwards concerning longer term solutions on behalf of the Leonia families in dire need of help.
 
FORT LEE ROAD AND PAULIN BLVD COLUMN RESTORATION:
 
As you may be aware, one of the two old columns flanking either side of Paulin Blvd at Fort Lee Road was toppled over – the victim of a “hit and run”.  Our Police Department continues its investigation and has checked with all residents living in the immediate area to see if any doorbell cameras or other security cameras might have recorded the incident.  As that investigation continues, I want to reassure Leonians we will be restoring the column.  Borough staff are calling reputable masons who are able to do this kind of historic restoration work.
 
If we find the guilty party, they will be prosecuted and their insurance will be charged for the expense.  If we don’t, it will be restored with the money we receive from our own Joint Insurance Fund.  Of course, I prefer the former.  If you have any information which might be helpful to the police in solving this case, please contact them directly at the non-emergency number 201-944-0800 and ask to speak with the detective bureau.
 
BUSINESS CHANGES:
 
Palisades Optometrics on Broad Avenue is closing.  The group which bought Palisades Optometrics from Dr. Ronald Luxembourg decided to close shop in Leonia.  As a customer, I will personally miss this service.   There is no indication just yet what business may move into this storefront once it is vacated.  The Buildings Department will let me know when they receive the requisite permit applications, and I will share any information in a future update.
 
Cafe Mignon has new owners and has already re-opened as Cafe Leo (named after Leonia, of course).  In fact, the new owners have a strong connection to Leonia through family/friends.  Let’s all support their new business.  I went there the other day before my meeting with Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich here in Leonia and got some specialty coffee and tea to go. It was very good.   I hope to see you there soon and thank the former owners for their commitment to Leonia’s thriving art community.   
 
Kitchens of Stone in Leonia (at Grand Avenue just south of Fort Lee Road) has closed due to a death in the family.  I understand there are several potential businesses interested in locating there but no formal agreements just yet. 
 
LIBRARY FUNDRAISER:
 
Sunday, September 22nd we will be hosting a memorable fundraiser to benefit our wonderful library which will include an art show, a concert featuring Broadway musicians, a renowned opera singer and a full dinner.  The event will be split between the library and the new municipal center building.  Sign up now.  You won’t want to miss out on being part of this very special community event featuring some of the best of Leonia.
 
An art show will kick things off, with a very nice dinner at 5:00 pm made possible by donations from Fontana Tritone, Dante’s, Sedona Taphouse with goodies from Cafe Leo and Palisades Park Bakery.  Other potential sponsors will be shared shortly.  Dinner is followed by a musical concert in the Courtroom featuring a Leonia opera singer and Broadway musicians.  Given Leonia’s rich cultural history it seems only natural we would plan a fundraiser around some of the special talents Leonians have in the arts. 
 
This past year, because of municipal budget cuts I endorsed, the library’s funding was cut by $60,000.  This was a meaningful hit to their operating budget.  Fundraising is now a necessity to help replenish some of what was lost.  The library’s September 22nd fundraiser will be a great community galvanizing event while raising necessary funds for our library’s continued exceptional operations.  You can purchase tickets HERE and see the flier for more information HERE. Given our library’s fine reputation for service and the value it consistently adds to our community, I am hopeful we will have a tremendous turnout.
 
Don’t miss out!  Please mark your calendar now for September 22nd and get your tickets early so as not to be shut out of this very special Leonia event. 
 
REDEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION:
 
Our next Town Hall meeting featuring Revitalization and Redevelopment will be in mid to late October.  At that time, we will update all Leonians on what has happened since the May Town Hall.  As you know, change is inevitable–even here in Leonia!  You need only look at the photos on this year’s municipal calendar to see the extent of change which has already occurred in Leonia over the past 100 years. 
 
In looking to the future, we want to ensure we ease the current disproportionately high tax burden on our residential homeowners, diversify the load with more commercial and retail operations below Grand Avenue on Fort Lee Road, Willow Tree Road and simultaneously satisfy our affordable housing obligations.  We want to accomplish this while preserving, enhancing and protecting the characteristics which make Leonia unique today. 
 
It is a huge challenge but, with your help and continued input/support, not impossible.  That’s one big reason our Town Halls remain incredibly important for our collective future as they afford everyone the chance to weigh in on the current thinking and influence future direction. 
 
With the more likely prospect of light rail along this corridor, it is clear developers are evaluating their options and potential investments.  We’ve set up a proactive effort that engages all developers and property owners to communicate our vision for the area and to better inform what is acceptable and not acceptable.  These discussions have been very helpful over the past several months. 
 
To validate what we’ve been saying about the potential value of Willow Tree Road in particular and Leonia real estate values overall, please consider this…
 
A warehouse property on Willow Tree Road assessed at approximately $8 million for building and land was recently purchased for $30 million by BlackStone Realty–a highly regarded international real estate firm.  With all the sophisticated tools and experience at BlackStone’s disposal, I doubt they would have made this $30 million investment, considering the current valuation, without being convinced it was a good deal.
 
Given our proactive commitment to working with new owners and developers in the Willow Tree Road area as part of the overall Redevelopment and Revitalization efforts, we have already engaged BlackStone Realty management in discussions about their investment and how they want to use this property.  I urge anyone who is interested in staying completely up to date to attend the next Town Hall meeting on Revitalization and Redevelopment in October.  There we will be presenting more information about what we are thinking and get your input.  We will also debrief everyone on what we have learned coming out of these developer discussions. 
 
BUDGET UPDATE:
 
At the midpoint of the year (through June 30th), I am happy to report that our operational spending is where it should be at 50% of the total for halfway through the year.  My hat is off to all of our departments for their tight management of our finances and your tax dollars.  A chart with the details is HERE.  The only exceptions to this (as seen on the chart) are one year contractual payments made in the first half of the year for an entire year of service/coverage. 
 
GRANT SUCCESS:
 
Given the obvious constraints on our municipal finances and the continuing challenges associated with running our operations while still keeping tax increases to a bare minimum, I have put much more emphasis on securing grants from outside sources to help us with our budget concerns. Clawing back funds we’ve already paid in taxes to the State and Federal government is a real bonus to Leonia.  I’m pleased to report this increased focus and the tireless efforts of Congressman Josh Gottheimer and our borough staff led by Borough Administrator Marisa Mesropian has produced a very encouraging positive trend line. 
 
Last year from January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023, the Borough of Leonia received a total of  $440 thousand dollars in grants.  For the same time period this year January 1, 2024 through July 31, 2024, the Borough of Leonia received $900 thousand in grants, more than double what was received previously. Our intent of course, is to keep this upward trajectory going. The more money we can recover or get from various grant programs, the less we have to raise locally for these necessary expenses.  To see a summary page of grant progress please look HERE.  To see a detailed report of the  grants we’ve received so far this year, please click HERE.   
 
PRELIMINARY AUDIT REPORT:
 
Also in the good news category, our auditor has informed the borough that our books are in the best shape since he has been conducting our annual audits over the past 5 years.  For the first time, we have reconciled the cash accounts and are up to date in posting the same.  It might not sound like a big deal, but it was a long time coming.  A big thank you to CFO Issa Abbasi, Borough Administrator Mesropian and Council President Hesterbrink and the rest of our Finance Committee. 
 
MEMORIAL BRICKS
 
I’m sure you remember Eagle Scout Christian Choi (who incidentally has also just joined the Leonia Volunteer Fire Department).  Christian was responsible for the initiative to place veteran’s banners all along Broad Avenue and in Wood Park for this year’s Memorial Day celebration.  This summer he volunteered to work as an intern in the Mayor’s office.  His project was to create a website which allowed any family member who purchased a Memorial Garden brick to complete a bio on their friend/loved one which would be posted for all to see and serve as an historical reference going forward.  I’m really impressed with what Christian has been able to accomplish and am hopeful we will be able to offer another opportunity to buy more memorial bricks when one of the next Eagle Scout candidates can take this ordering process on as part of their Eagle project. 
 
You may also recall it was my son, Justin Ziegler, who designed, fundraised, built the garden and accepted the orders for the initial purchase of bricks which he installed.  Justin made Eagle Scout in 2012.  While time certainly flies and, as his Dad, I can hardly believe 12 years have gone by in what seems like a flash, the garden remains a beautiful and lasting tribute for all the Leonians who are recognized there. 
 
If you did not have the chance to provide a biography with your brick and would like to do so, please see the attached submission form HERE. The submission form can also be found at www.leoniamemorialbricks.com.  Please email all completed submission forms to [email protected].
 
ROAD WORK UPDATE;
 
Based on what the Borough Engineer has said, we are expecting the final phase of Broad Avenue repaving from Hillside to Lakeview Avenue to be done this Fall. 
 
Grand Avenue roadwork by the NJDOT to apply the slurry seal which I wrote about in the last update is imminent now that the prep work has been largely completed.   The state decided to do the work at night in order to minimize the disruption to heavy traffic during the day.  One lane will be done at a time.  Because there is no milling being done (as would take place with a normal repaving effort not a slurry seal like this), we are being told the noise will be kept to a minimum.  As someone who lives adjacent to Grand Avenue, I realize night work isn’t ideal but, I suppose, it could be a lot worse. 
 
A Nixle message will be sent out as soon as the state tells us which date(s) the work will be done in Leonia.
 
I hope everyone has had a great summer and Labor Day holiday.
 
Kind regards,
 
Bill Ziegler
Leonia Mayor