Full Notification

Redevelopment/Affordable Housing
 
On October 30th, we hosted our fourth Town Hall of the year;  the first was focused on our Budget challenges, the second on Redevelopment/Affordable Housing, and the third Town Hall was about Traffic.  This fourth Town Hall was also on Redevelopment/Affordable Housing.  The session at the new Municipal Center building was incredibly well attended with a large virtual participation.  It is clear testimony to how important Leonians regard redevelopment and appreciate the future implications. 
 
We shared an update from the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Redevelopment and Revitalization (MACORR)  as it relates to the work that has been done since our last Redevelopment Town Hall in May.  We discussed the phased approach to redevelopment which we have in mind, the reasons we must accept change, the opportunity these changes represent to all of us in the context of our continuing budget challenges and our affordable housing obligations. 
 
Most importantly, we used the Town Hall to collect input and capture opinions and preferences from all Leonians for the official record. Don’t worry if you weren’t there either in person or virtually.  There is still plenty of time to weigh in with your views.  As the people who attended know, we document everything that is said and the committee uses that as they proceed in putting together the proposals.  Any comments can be mailed to [email protected].  
 
We stressed the importance of why we are being proactive and intelligent about the choices we need to make and how that approach has already paid dividends, especially as it relates to affordable housing. 
 
Here is the link to the Recording of the Town Hall HERE.  The future of Leonia, our collective future as a community, is important to all of us.  I urge you to watch the Town Hall at your convenience to learn more.  It is worth 90 minutes or so of your time. 
 
If you watch the recording, I think you will be struck by the good news that was communicated.  This included the very achievable immediate affordable housing numbers we received from the State of NJ and a NJ Judge granting Leonia temporary immunity from future builder’s remedy lawsuits.  We are now doubly committed to our strategy of being proactive and playing by all the rules and regulations as we achieve our affordable housing obligations.  This approach has already started to pay dividends. 
 
Leonia will approve affordable housing obligation numbers for Rounds 3 and 4 combined following additional analysis concerning developable land, the inventory of existing affordable housing deed restricted units and other information we will be providing NJ authorities as part of the ongoing discussions.  We must by January 31st approve our affordable housing obligation numbers.  Therefore, you can expect another Town Hall to discuss this again early next year.  In June, we will adopt our plan for how we intend to satisfy our obligation over the next 10 years. 
 
Budget 2025
 
We are already starting to formulate next year’s municipal budget.  Now that we are in better shape as it relates to our affordable housing concerns, I can start to lose sleep instead over how we are going to make this next budget cycle as reasonable as possible.  As I explained at the Town Hall, we won’t see the fruits of our redevelopment efforts in terms of additional ratables positively affecting our revenue stream for another 2-3 years minimum.  In the meantime, we still have to pull together a spending plan to provide for the municipal services we all appreciate.
 
My message to you right now is that we won’t be able to make the same draconian cuts we made last year to help us come in at a tax increase below inflation without chipping away at the very quality of life which makes Leonia special.  We won’t be able to cut the library, the Rec Center and the DPW the way we did in 2024.  So, this is going to leave us with some hard choices. 
 
To draft a reasonable budget, we have three and only three levers to utilize in some combination.  We can increase revenues through new ratables but, again, we can’t expect these new revenues to come on line for another 2-3+ years.  We can also decrease services by not funding some things we all like and have become accustomed to receiving.  These past few years, we have successfully trimmed a lot of the fat out the budget, going line by line to accomplish that.  Our last lever to pull, of course, is to raise taxes. 
 
What we do will most likely be a combination of all three options in a manner that keeps our tax increase for municipal services reasonable while preserving services to the extent we can and leveraging any albeit limited new revenues (tv and movie production activity among them).   Last year we hosted a Budget Town Hall meeting to inform everyone of the budget situation and tell you how we were tackling the challenges at hand.  Right now, the plan is to do the same thing or have a special presentation at a regular Mayor and Council meeting. 
 
TV and Movie Productions in Leonia
 
Leonia hosted our very first movie production since we went through the Film Ready certification process last month.  Our town’s proximity to NYC and the diversity of beautiful homes along lovely tree lined streets coupled with an old-fashioned commercial center has apparently caught the attention of movie producers and film location scouts.  This is a very good thing.  TV and movie productions in town helps our local merchants sell more goods and services, can pay huge fees to homeowners whose property is selected as a film site, enhances Leonia’s overall reputation, and serves as a local source of pride.
 
Everyone will have the option once we get formally certified by New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority to submit a profile of their home/property to a database that will be available to all film location scouts.  More to come on this in a future update.
 
In the meantime, please take a look at this clip sent to me by a neighbor on Westview Avenue.  CLICK HERE.  This is from a movie, tentatively titled “Witches Brew” scheduled for release in the Fall of 2025.  In this clip Susan Sarandon is “flying” over Westview Avenue near Glenwood Avenue.  The complexity of the shoot, the number of production people who were involved, the equipment necessary, the talented actors/actresses who were in the film were all eye openers to adults and children alike who had the chance to witness this firsthand.  Co-starring with Susan Sarandon is Aubrey Plaza.  I don’t know the name of the little girl who was “flying” in the clip with Susan Sarandon. 
 
As this was our first real experience with a motion picture of this size, we took notes on how we can better our process in the future.  All tv and movie productions have to be an effective partnership between the borough and the production company for this to work well.  The borough has to issue the requisite permits, ensure public safety, impose the fees per ordinance, enforce all the rules etc.  One example of a “lesson learned” had to do with better resident notification of any filming events.  We are committed to doing that.
 
Trunk or Treat
 
This year’s event on Broad Avenue did not disappoint.  Estimates are that more than 1,000 children availed themselves (plus their parents) of this fun Recreation Commission sponsored event.  Various town organizations including your Police and Fire Departments generously gave out candy as did all the stores lining both sides of Broad Avenue.  Your governing body also handed out treats while dressed as characters from Harry Potter and it was great fun.  HERE IS A PHOTO OF THE GOVERNING BODY IN COSTUME.  My thanks to the Recreation Department and outstanding DPW for all their work in pulling this successful community event together. 
 
NJ Senate Bill 756
 
Also known as the SAFER App is sponsored by our very own NJ State Senator Gordon Johnson.  Senator Johnson introduced this measure to help Leonia and other surrounding communities better ensure public safety when traffic snarls create bottlenecks at the George Washington Bridge and elsewhere.  This bill will require traffic apps to keep traffic away from Leonia by not diverting traffic into town when the NJ Attorney General declares a traffic emergency. 
 
As I’ve personally shared with the Senator, I applaud his initiative.  However, there are some amendments I believe that are necessary to further perfect the legislative intent.  I’ve shared my suggestions with Senator Johnson personally and all members of the Council at a recent public meeting.  Please take a look at the attached letter which I sent the Senator and the members of the legislative committee considering the measure.  I attach it HERE for your convenience.
 
Broad Avenue Planters
 
As part of our overall Broad Avenue beautification effort, Leonia volunteers who refer to themselves as Leonia Garden Guerrillas) planted several hundred flower bulbs into the Broad Avenue planters this past weekend. 
 
The backbone of Leonia has and will continue to be our selfless volunteers.  Believe me when I say there is something for everyone. And, frankly, I also believe that everyone should do something for their community.  Here’s a link HERE to the volunteer opportunities page on the website.   If you don’t have the time to make a big commitment (like being on the governing body, or a member of the Leonia Volunteer Fire Department or a Recreation Commission youth league coach), there are innumerable other ways you can give back to your community with a part day effort here and there.  If you have time to volunteer for any projects large or small, please drop us an email at [email protected] with your name and address as well as a little bit about yourself.  We will take it from there. 
 
In the meantime, check out the happy volunteers in this photo who planted hundreds of bulbs on Broad Avenue this past weekend.  My thanks to all!  VOLUNTEERS
 
Leonia’s Fall Foliage
 
If you’re like me, you couldn’t help being struck by the beauty of this year’s fall foliage in Leonia.  It was a magnificent display of colors and reminds me why Leonia is special.  The contrast as you move north into Leonia from Palisades Park or west from Fort Lee at the top of the hill is extraordinary.  More people are taking notice now of Leonia’s tree lined streets including, as mentioned previously, film producers and directors interested in their next movie locations.  Your Mayor and Council remain committed to protecting our tree canopy and, in so doing, enhancing your property values because we are a community that works hard to remain green in the midst of substantial urbanization pressures.
 
We all owe an enormous thank you to all the volunteer members of our Shade Tree Commission for their continued support of our tree canopy.  This year’s Fall Planting season will take place shortly with another 35 new trees being planted throughout town. 
 
Girl Scout Pedestrian Flags
 
Kudos to our Girl Scouts as their pedestrian flag idea has now been introduced at several Leonia intersections.  Based on our experience, we will consider expanding the program to more intersections soon.  So far, I have received rave reviews from residents. 
 
Thank you to our Girl Scouts Charley Platis-Moore and Yena Lee for their efforts on our behalf.  Anyone who wishes to make a suggestion as to which intersection(s) could benefit from one of these pedestrian flag arrangements, please send your comments/suggestions to [email protected].
 
Fontana Tritone
 
One of my personal favorite Leonia eateries has closed and may be a cautionary tale.  Fontana Tritone was a staple of our commercial district.  Many memorable family meals were enjoyed over the past few years, and I will miss them very much. I don't know the exact circumstances of the closure but, in general, if we want to have more good restaurants and good businesses, we must all do our part and frequent these Leonia establishments when we can.  Leonians serve as a much-needed anchor to their success. 
 
Political Lawn Signs
 
Now that the polls have closed, per our local Leonia ordinance, please remove any political lawn signs from your property.  For the future,  if you had more than one lawn sign, you should know our local Leonia ordinance allows only one lawn sign per property.   Thanks for your cooperation. 
 
Veteran’s Day
 
Let’s never forget the services and sacrifices of our veterans.  In Leonia, we had 42 veterans who made the supreme sacrifice–their names all listed in honored glory on the memorial behind the library.  We enjoy liberty and freedoms today because of what our veterans achieved and what they fought for and against.   
 
As part of Leonia’s Veterans Day recognition, we placed the veterans banners back on Broad Avenue and Wood Park.  Please take a moment to look at these banners and learn more about the men and women who gave their all for a cause much greater than themselves. 
 
Closing Comment
 
The Presidential election has come to a close and my commitment to serving all Leonians remains resolute.  Regardless of party affiliation–Democrat, Republican or Independent – I am here to work for and with you.  My focus has always been, and will continue to be, making our wonderful little borough one of the best places to live.  There are many ways to make a positive difference.  Let’s set aside any divisiveness of national politics and remain united as Leonians to build a brighter, stronger future for our town. 
 
Bill Ziegler
Leonia Mayor