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Borough of Leonia
Friday January 3rd, 2025 :: 02:00 p.m. EST

Community

Mayor Ziegler's Leonia Update - January 3, 2025

Mayor Bill Ziegler’s Leonia Status Report: January 2025
 
Affordable Housing Plan 
Leonia will adopt our affordable housing plan by the end of this month in keeping with NJ deadlines.  We will publish the plan for your review on the borough website as soon as it's ready, and it will be considered at a special meeting of the Planning Board on January 16th and subsequently by the full Mayor and Council on January 22nd. 
 
Earlier this year, I raised the alarm over the affordable housing bill which, in my opinion, was lacking all the typical safeguards of a responsible piece of legislation–the committee process was abbreviated and the opportunities for meaningful public comment were absent.   I am grateful to our own state Senator Gordon Johnson who recognized the severe negative implications imposed on municipalities like Leonia and, after reading the fine print, voted against his party and the bill. 
 
Like many of you, I do not object to affordable housing.  In fact, I think it is essential.  What I object to is the State railroading this bill, written largely by and for developers, through the legislative process in record time while turning a blind eye to the realities of the municipalities tasked with executing it. 
 
I let you know our only and best opportunity to weather this particular storm successfully would be to understand all the rules at a detailed level and use that deep understanding to our advantage.  By virtue of the fact Leonia took the time to understand all the rules and was proactive and intelligent about our approach to the challenges we faced, we were rewarded because our numbers are more reasonable than we initially thought possible.  In the process of playing by all the rules and being smart about how we proceeded, we have also been granted immunity as a borough against any new builder’s remedy lawsuits.  This, by itself, is a big deal.  Here is a link to our current obligations. AFFORDABLE HOUSING OBLIGATIONS
 
We will also dovetail these affordable housing plans with our overall redevelopment plans and make sure the two work together seamlessly.
 
I will be hosting the next Town Hall on Redevelopment and Affordable Housing with the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Redevelopment and Revitalization (MACORR) in February (date to be announced).   At this meeting, we will be reviewing the affordable housing numbers, our plan for fulfilling all our requirements and how all of this needs to effectively come together.  I hope you will be able to attend either in person or virtually.  If not, the recording will be made available on the borough’s website.
  
January 6th Reorganization and our incredible volunteers 
Each year at the first meeting of the Mayor and Council in January, we dedicate the meeting to re-organizing local government.  As Mayor, I appoint volunteers to various boards, commissions and committees and appoint our professionals, with the advice and consent of the Council, to serve us.   I also divide the Council people into their respective committees, designating the committee chairs with the advice and consent of the Council. 
 
One word about volunteerism in Leonia.  As you know, your entire governing body from myself on down is volunteering their time.  There are no stipends for any members of the governing body nor are we seeking any.  Also volunteering time are the residents who serve on all of our boards and commissions as well as our fire department which is a 24/7 365 day a year operation.  My hat is off to all of these fantastic people.  Without their good efforts, Leonia would not be Leonia.  We owe them all a lot.  And what makes me even more pleased is the simple fact that Leonia volunteerism is up – way up.  This is also incredibly gratifying. 
 
I attach here the link to our volunteer page on the website.  Even if you don’t have the time to be part of a regular commission or committee, if you have specific skills and a few hours each week, we will put you to work to better our town (and, I daresay, you are very likely to enjoy the experience).  Please consider signing up today.  CLICK HERE.
 
In last month’s update, I included how we are forming an Enforcement Committee to review all our enforceable ordinances, review what is a priority for the Borough, review frequency, review fines and make recommendations to the governing body as to resources and schedules.  As a result of my call for volunteers last month, we have selected eight very qualified Leonia volunteers on this committee already.  Thank you all!
 
Councilman Scott Fisher, “Hometown Hero”
Too often, volunteer contributions go unrecognized. However, every once in a while, it’s important for us to pause and celebrate a Leonian who has truly distinguished themselves. I’m thrilled to share that our very own Scott Fisher was recently honored with the “Hometown Hero” award, presented by Congressman Josh Gottheimer.

For those who may not know Scott, let me start by saying he is the last person who seeks recognition. He prefers to quietly, yet effectively, help others without any desire for accolades.  Despite Scott’s modesty, I felt compelled to nominate him for one of Congressman Gottheimer’s “Hometown Hero” awards. (Incidentally, my previous nominee, Richard Palka, was also a well-deserving recipient last year.)

Scott Fisher’s achievements speak for themselves. He is a longtime member of the Leonia Volunteer Fire Department and a Major in the U.S. Army, having bravely served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia earning him a Bronze Star.   In addition, Scott is a college professor and a former television personality in Korea, where he lived for over 15 years and became fluent in Korean. This unique skill has proven invaluable in his roles as both an elected Councilman and a volunteer firefighter here in Leonia.

While Scott often operates quietly behind the scenes, there’s no mistaking his passion when it comes to cheering for his alma mater, the University of Michigan football team.  He will be among the first to remind you they were last year’s NCAA champions.

This past year, Scott served ably as Leonia’s Police Commissioner, and I am proud to announce that I plan to appoint him to this important post once again at our January 6th reorganization meeting.
Scott exemplifies the quiet competence and dedication that define so many of our volunteers. This recognition from Congressman Gottheimer is a well-deserved honor. If you see Councilman Fisher, please take a moment to congratulate him on this accomplishment. Knowing Scott, he probably hasn’t told many people about the award—that’s just the kind of person he is.

Finally, here’s a photo from the award ceremony at Ramapo College to honor Scott. PHOTO.  In the photo are myself, Congressman Gottheimer, Councilman Fisher and Borough Administrator Marisa Mesropian.  Also attending and representing Leonia were Council President Christoph Hesterbrink and Councilman Jordan Zeigler. 

Sign Ordinance
At first blush, it might not seem that important, but a good sign ordinance regulating the appearance and types of signs allowed, particularly in your business district, can make the difference between a classic/traditional look in town or a garish hodgepodge of poorly coordinated colors and sign types.  Both in a very real way affect how our business district is perceived and, by extension, can easily affect your property values.  I’d argue a classic look helps business and your property values where an uncoordinated “anything goes” approach has a negative impact.  Think about the difference between Ridgewood/Tenafly vs. West New York/Palisades Park.  I’m not casting aspersions against West New York or Palisades Park but it is certainly a very different look, and not one I prefer for Leonia.
 
Along these lines, the Planning Board drafted a sign ordinance (thank you to all of our Planning Board members but, in particular, Chair Mike DeGidio and Pat Botten), that was recently considered by the Mayor and Council.  The governing body discussion focussed on the use of LED signs, the time period before a summons could be issued, and the number of colors that would be permitted.   This is an ongoing discussion and will be taken up again at another M&C meeting in the near future. 
 
Southwest corner of Broad Avenue and Fort Lee Road 
A few updates back, I let you know the new owner of the building housing Snack Stop and the former restaurant Fontana Tritone was embarking on an exterior renovation.  That was the good news.  The bad news was that the new owner (based in Queens, NY) was originally going to make the entire building a yellow stucco.  After I spoke to him and the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Arts wrote him a nice note about the historic character of the building and the desirability of using some earth tone colors on the exterior to better blend with the neighborhood, you can see the results to date for yourself. 
 
While we don’t have any formal authority over exterior colors (it is an owner’s 100% prerogative to do what they want), I called him again this week to say how pleased I was that he took our preferences into consideration.  As you can see, they have removed the scaffolding and I’d say the results are coming together better than I originally thought.  
 
I also learned, the bakery at the corner which will most likely be named Patisserie Seoul  (next door to Snack Stop) has been unable to open because PSE&G is dragging their feet in connecting the electric volumes needed. I’m sure that is a big surprise to everyone who has dealt with our utility company over the years.  
 
It wasn’t that long ago when PSE&G took 5 months longer than expected to connect the electric lines for the new Municipal Center.  The result was a 5 month delay in allowing the Police Department to occupy their new headquarters. 
 
For what it is worth, I have called our new PSE&G liaison (who I have high hopes for) to see if we can get them to move a little faster to help the bakery open. 
 
The building owner also told me he has been speaking to several potential restaurants to take the space formerly occupied by Fontana.  But, so far, no serious interest.  This underscores the importance of Leonians frequenting our Leonia businesses to make it easier for all of us to be successful, which for Leonians, means more services, better downtown reputation and enhanced property values. For businesses it means steady, sustaining revenue.  And for this new property owner in our central business district, it means an easier rental experience. 

Liquor License Auction Decision
Last update, I shared with you that a well established, long-time Leonia restaurant on Broad Avenue approached the Mayor and Council with a request to lower the minimum bid fee for one of the three liquor licenses allocated to Leonia by the State of NJ.  Even if we lowered the minimum bid, there was no guarantee the restaurant would necessarily wind up with the license as everything is done through a public auction with the highest bidder winning. 

However, all of that became a moot point.  After a lengthy discussion on December 16th which you can watch HERE, the decision was made to NOT offer a license today for public auction at a discounted price and, instead, wait for the redevelopment opportunities below Grand on Fort Lee Road and along Willow Tree Road.  We are confident all three licenses can be sold in a few years at public auction for at least the current minimum price of $325,000 each.  We felt this was a better deal in the long run for Leonia taxpayers and that was a big factor in the ultimate decision not to sell a license at a discount today. 

Still, I have to admit this was a tough call.  On one hand we had the financial benefits and on the other a request from a longstanding restaurant and an urgent need by the borough to have more funds today for our operating budget (which represents 31% of your taxes).   Ultimately, we decided that even with our current budget concerns, and the request from one of our anchor restaurants, the best and most financially responsible decision for Leonia was to hold our three licenses for an optimal price later.

Sump Pump Ordinance
Don’t get caught with a fine for violating the new sump pump ordinance which, among other things, requires every homeowner to make sure their sump pump’s water discharge is not onto a sidewalk or street in such a way that causes an icy slick during cold weather. 
Please report any violations to the building department at 201-592-5780 during regular work hours.  Outside of regular work hours including at night and on the weekends, you should call the non-emergency police number at 201-944-0800 to report any ice conditions from sump pump discharges that pose a potential safety hazard. 

Broad Avenue Security Cameras
I am hopeful we will find some money in this year’s budget to install Broad Avenue security cameras.  Like the cameras you see in NYC and elsewhere these will function as a deterrent to crime and will be a valuable investigative tool for our police department.  In addition to the feeds being accessed by our police officials, I am considering recommending these same feeds be made publicly accessible so that if you decide to watch sometime and see something bad/suspicious you ‘can say something’.  To manage expectations, we aren’t talking here about calling in traffic infractions.  I’ve also asked our Police Chief for his recommendations on which cameras to buy, if we can manage to find the funds.

Here is a link to the budget update recently provided by Finance Chair and Council President Christoph Hesterbrink.  BUDGET PRESENTATION.  This year will be another very difficult budget formulation effort.  

Broad Avenue Repaving/Restriping Update
Now that the cold weather has descended and paving operations are inadvisable, we are holding off on further Broad Avenue repaving/restriping work (this is the section from Hillside Avenue north to Lakeview Avenue) until the weather warms.  We are working with our contractor to schedule the milling and paving during the school break in April to minimize school disruptions from noise and dust. 

You’ll remember this is part of the $1 million federal grant we received and, while we are grateful for the money, we also know the federal government process, like most grant processes, can be a long haul.  This is one of my learnings as your Mayor.  Rest assured, the work will be done.  But to proceed in cold weather would likely compromise the integrity and longevity of the repaving job so we will be prudent and wait for Spring. 

Longtime Leonian Doris Feirer
Doris was a Leonian for 65 years, raised her family here and passed away peacefully on December 13th.  Doris will be missed.  She dedicated her professional career to the education of young children, helping kids discover the joys of reading.  She attended Bucknell University, William Paterson and received her MBA from Columbia University. 

Her love of reading and children affected so many children’s lives.  Her own children and family members have asked that any donations in her memory be directed to the Leonia Public Library at 227 Fort Lee Road.  Please designate the Children's Room and that your gift is to honor Doris Feirer.  You can find her obituary here.  OBITUARY OF DORIS FEIRER.

2025
This next year dawns with a lot of hope and promise for Leonia.  Volunteerism as I mentioned is way up, we are pursuing all sorts of wonderful new initiatives which will benefit our town and we are managing the short term budget challenges as best we can while looking to a bright future with the redevelopment opportunities west of Grand Avenue.  I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s engagement and look forward to a bright 2025. 

Hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday season and wishing you a Happy New Year. 

Bill Ziegler
January 3, 2025
Leonia Mayor
 

Address/Location
Borough of Leonia
312 Broad Avenue
Leonia, NJ 07605

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 201-592-5780

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