Full Notification

Affordable Housing Milestone
 
In one of my first mayoral updates back in February 2024, I shared serious concerns about the proposed affordable housing legislation and the challenges it posed for Leonia. At the time, I had real doubts about our ability to meet the anticipated requirements and viewed the legislation as a significant threat to our borough. I also expressed my frustration that it was pushed through the New Jersey Legislature without the benefit of traditional public hearings or, in my opinion, adequate committee review.
 
Following a Bergen County Mayors’ meeting, I invited Jeff Surenian—one of New Jersey’s leading legal experts on affordable housing—to brief our community on what to expect. That initial discussion ultimately led us to hire Jeff as Leonia’s affordable housing counsel.
 
Thanks to Jeff’s guidance and the dedicated work of our Borough team over the past 15 months, I’m pleased to report we’ve been granted immunity from developer lawsuits and have developed a carefully crafted affordable housing plan that fully complies with New Jersey’s requirements—while preserving the quality of life we all value in Leonia.
 
I want to give special thanks to the Planning Board, the entire Borough Council, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Redevelopment and especially our Borough Administrator, Marisa Mesropian, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in getting us to this point. Additional thanks go to Kendra Lelie, our professional planner, and of course, Jeff Surenian, for helping achieve this favorable outcome.
 
Frankly, I didn’t think this was possible. But we’ve avoided breaking our budget, worked collaboratively with state officials to craft a reasonable and achievable plan, and identified the right densities and redevelopment strategies to align with our obligations. We’re now taking the next steps to meet our immediate requirements and are actively exploring partnerships with responsible organizations—like the United Way, with whom we’ve already begun discussions.
 
There’s still much work to be done, and we shouldn’t take anything for granted. But we’re in a much stronger position than I could have imagined. Our approach—getting deeply familiar with the regulations, conducting a detailed developable land analysis, applying best practices, and engaging our community—has paid off.
 
Just this past Wednesday, ahead of the State’s June 30 deadline, both the Planning Board and the Mayor and Council adopted Leonia’s amended third and fourth round obligations and Housing Element & Fair Share Plan.
 
Click HERE if you’d like to read more details. Submitting this plan by June 30 was a critical milestone—and one that cannot be overstated.
 
Protecting Our Children From Sexual Predators
 
At our most recent Mayor and Council meeting, three members of the public stood and courageously identified themselves as having been sexually abused by former teacher John Anagnosti while they were in elementary school. I deeply respect each of these men for their strength and honesty in sharing such painful experiences in a public forum.
 
This renewed focus on Mr. Anagnosti’s crimes—the sexual abuse of young Leonia students—has brought long-buried trauma back into the light. It also presents an opportunity for our community to finally confront this dark chapter in our history. As difficult as this subject is, it is a necessary step toward ensuring that nothing like this ever happens again.
 
For 50 years, Leonia has struggled to fully acknowledge what occurred. At the time, as a community, we failed—rallying around the wrong person and turning our backs on those who suffered. I know there are individuals who now deeply regret the positions they took, believing then that they were doing what was right. But history and truth have made painfully clear how wrong that collective judgment was.
 
Personally, I can think of few acts more vile than the one for which John Anagnosti was convicted. If I may speak plainly, I hope his name lives on in perpetual shame and he is held accountable for his actions beyond this life. I have no sympathy for those who prey on the most innocent and vulnerable among us—our children.
 
Because Leonia kept this bottled up for so long, this renewed attention is both a blessing and a burden. A blessing, because it gives us a long-overdue opportunity to acknowledge past failures and recommit ourselves to the protection of children. A burden, because it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and reconcile past behaviors with the clarity we now have. But I believe the opportunity for healing through reconciliation outweighs the discomfort—and the chance to implement lasting protections for our children is worth every effort.
 
[HERE] is a link to the relevant segment from the Mayor and Council meeting.
 
It includes deeply moving and often heartbreaking testimony from Leonia neighbors who were victimized, as well as a presentation of the first steps your municipal government is taking to safeguard children from predators like John Anagnosti.
 
As we move forward, I am giving careful thought to how our borough can best come to terms with what happened—and how we can strengthen our collective commitment to protecting children. The Human Resources Committee is already reviewing how we might adopt best practices, including those from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, to further refine our own policies and enhance protections for children.
 
One additional comment: under New Jersey law, Boards of Education must operate independently from municipal governments. I respect that independence. Decisions regarding school policies are outside the authority of the Mayor and Council, though we remain committed, just as I know the Board of Education is committed, to doing all we can to protect our children from sexual predators. 
 
Defining Leonia’s Diverse Character
 
I believe diversity is one of our community’s greatest strengths. For generations, Leonia has been a home to people of every race, culture, and creed—each drawn here in pursuit of the American Dream. Yet we must acknowledge that this dream has not always been equally accessible.
 
I grew up in Leonia.  From an early age, I embraced my neighbors—regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.  My friendships at ACS and LHS taught me that while people may appear different or observe different cultural traditions or preferences, what we share in common always outweighs those surface differences. More importantly, I came to understand—both as a child and later in my professional life—that our differences in thought and perspective make us stronger. They lead to better decisions, better outcomes, and a better future.
 
I believe the true measure of a community lies in how it treats people from diverse backgrounds. When you experience kindness and belonging in a small town like Leonia, it feels like a security blanket—you know this is where you’re meant to be.
 
This belief has deep roots in Leonia’s history. In the 1940s, when Lesser’s Drugs on Broad Avenue refused to serve Black children at its soda fountain, Leonians organized a peaceful protest. The community stood together, sending a clear message: discrimination has no place in our town.
 
We must continue to hold ourselves to that standard today. When any community withholds acceptance, it robs all its residents of the full benefits that diversity offers. It may be easier to notice polarization elsewhere, but the real work begins by turning a critical eye inward. Leonia must not only believe in diversity—we must actively nurture it.
 
Public symbols of inclusion are not meant to elevate one group over another, but rather to affirm that all people—regardless of background—are part of the fabric of our community.  In that spirit, I remain committed to ensuring that Leonia continues to be a place where kindness, fairness, and understanding guide our actions. 
 
That’s why I proudly support—and will continue to support—many diversity and inclusion initiatives. In past years, I was honored to participate in the Muslim Cultural Recognition ceremonies to mark the start of Ramadan. I hope this becomes an annual tradition. I also endorse the display of Pride flags along Broad Avenue as a public gesture of support for our LGBTQ community.
 
I recognize that not everyone agrees with all expressions of inclusion.  However, I believe that when a town chooses to celebrate its diversity in visible ways, we send a message—to residents and visitors alike—that everyone belongs and is treated with dignity and respect.
 
It’s not always easy to grow beyond long-standing sentiments, but I am confident that, together, we can. We must continue to make Leonia a model of community, diversity, and mutual respect—and in doing so, help “bend the arc of the moral universe,” in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “towards justice.”
 
The Leonia that stands in solidarity against racism and for the rights of all its residents—while also honoring the right of each person to voice their beliefs with civility—is the one I am most proud to serve.
 
Leonia Fire Department Request for a New Aerial truck
 
Earlier (VIEW HERE), I outlined the Leonia Fire Department’s request for a new aerial truck and the steps we were taking to evaluate our best options. The estimated cost—between $1.6 and $2 million, plus long-term interest charges—requires a careful and transparent review, particularly in light of our challenging fiscal environment.
 
Since then, the business case we commissioned has largely been completed. Earlier this month, I met with the full Fire Department during their Company #1 monthly meeting to discuss our progress and answer questions. It was a candid, spirited and, at times, difficult conversation. Understandably, the majority of our volunteer firefighters support the purchase of a new aerial truck. Their commitment is clear, and I respect and appreciate their perspective.
 
At the same time, as your Mayor, I have a responsibility to all Leonia residents to explore every viable option. With rising costs and many in our community—particularly seniors—feeling the tax pinch, every budget decision, whether operating or capital, must be weighed carefully.
 
And no matter what, public safety will always be the top priority. That is non-negotiable. However, if there is a way to provide the same aerial ladder coverage more efficiently— in terms of speed, reliability, or cost—we are obligated to consider it. If no better alternative emerges, then we will do what Leonia has always done: invest in what we need to keep our residents safe.
 
Our analysis has narrowed the options to three (not listed in any order of preference):

1. Purchase a new truck
2. Lease a new truck
3. Establish a shared service coverage agreement for an aerial truck with a neighboring municipality

Options 1 and 2 are consistent with our past practices. They would give Leonia full control over an aerial truck based at our headquarters, available whenever needed.
 
Option 3—partnering with a neighboring municipality—is also under serious consideration. There are currently 6–7 aerial trucks within the four municipalities surrounding Leonia. Bergen County has one of the highest concentrations of fire apparatus in the country due to our tradition of home rule. In this context, a shared service model may be a practical and cost-effective solution.
 
To explore this further, I recently met with Englewood’s Fire Chief, Business Manager, Council President, and Mayor to discuss the potential for Englewood to provide aerial support to Leonia. Based on past service call data, we estimate such a partnership would require approximately three aerial responses per week. Importantly, not every one of Leonia’s roughly 300 annual fire calls requires an aerial truck.
 
While these conversations are still in early stages, Englewood has expressed interest to explore the opportunity. With a career fire department that is staffed 24/7 and in relatively close proximity, Englewood could potentially match or even improve upon response times. This, along with other considerations—such as cost-sharing, operational logistics, and service agreements—will continue to be evaluated.
 
In the meantime, I ask for your continued patience and open-mindedness as we move through this process. Our goal is to reach the most balanced and responsible decision possible—one that reflects both our commitment to public safety and our obligation to fiscal stewardship. 
 
In general, it is clear to me that a way of minimizing costs (and therefore your tax dollar) is by partnering with neighboring municipalities to share resources in a cost-effective manner while increasing value, not sacrificing service levels and keeping Quality of Life intact.  I’m committed to investigating these possibilities whenever they present themselves.  Whether we are able to apply that approach here is to be determined. 
 
Leonia Composting Program
 
Since launching our volunteer municipal composting program last year, Leonia has grown to 50 participating families. Now, let’s aim even higher—our next goal is 100 families in the coming months!
 
Together, our first 50 families have already diverted an impressive 12,589 pounds of food scraps from landfills. Instead of being sent to tax-funded waste facilities, these scraps have been repurposed to feed farm animals and create nutrient-rich compost for New Jersey’s farmers. With 100 families, we could reach approximately 25,000 pounds of food waste diverted—a truly remarkable impact!
 
Throwing away food waste is just an old habit—and one we can break. When food ends up in landfills, it decomposes without oxygen, generating methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By composting instead, we reduce emissions, cut municipal costs, support local agriculture, and contribute to healthier soil.
 
So, let’s keep the positive momentum going. If you haven’t signed up yet and can afford the modest monthly fee while we scale the program, we encourage you to join us.
 
Composting is easier than you think. Food waste breaks down naturally, reducing pollution and turning into compost that helps plants grow.
 
Click HERE to learn more and sign up now to help Leonia hit the 100 mark! 
 
Traffic Request
 
The expression “See something, say something” can apply to traffic gridlock too.
 
I'm asking all Leonians: if you see a gridlock situation at key intersections like Broad & Fort Lee Road or Fort Lee Road & Glenwood, and no officers are on site, please call the Leonia Police Department’s non-emergency number at 201-944-0800 to report it.
 
Our officers do a great job, but they can’t be everywhere at once. When major intersections are blocked and no one is directing traffic, a quick heads-up can make a big difference.
 
Just recently, on a Saturday afternoon, I received texts from residents about a serious gridlock situation. I called it in myself—turns out our officers were tied up processing an arrest at the station. Thankfully, through our strong partnership with the County, Bergen County officers were quickly dispatched to assist.
 
You can and should do the same. Don’t hesitate to call. Until we’re able to install the additional security cameras I’ve been advocating for on Broad Avenue (currently delayed due to budget constraints), we need Leonians to be our extra eyes on the street.
 
Most of the time, our officers are already aware of traffic issues and will either cover the intersection themselves or request County support. But occasionally, as in this recent instance, they may not know right away—and your call could be what gets help there faster.
 
Don’t assume someone else has already called. If you see a dangerous traffic situation, pick up the phone, dial 201-944-0800 and report it. It’s a simple action that helps keep our roads safer and traffic flowing.
 
Narcan Emergency Access
 
In a significant step toward enhancing community safety, the Leonia Board of Health has announced the installation of Naloxone (Narcan) Public Access Boxes next to all publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units throughout the Borough.   Click HERE for additional details. 
 
This public health initiative ensures that lifesaving opioid overdose treatment is available and accessible in high-traffic areas of the Leonia Community. Naloxone (Narcan), can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and its availability in emergency situations has proven to save lives. 
 
The Naloxone Public Access Boxes are clearly labeled and designed for easy use by community members in an emergency.  Each unit includes:

• Six doses of Naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray
• Brief instructions for administration and signage to contact 911 in English, Korean and Spanish

Leonia joins a growing number of municipalities across New Jersey and the country in treating Naloxone (Narcan) as an essential public health tool—no different from AEDs or fire extinguishers.
 
We have located these boxes in the Recreation Center, Senior Center, both floors of the Municipal Center, Borough Hall, Library, Wood Park and Sylvan Park. 
 
Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the locations of both AEDs and Naloxone (Narcan) boxes, to consider participating in training on how to administer Naloxone (Narcan), and obtaining a free dose of Naloxone (Narcan) to keep at home for emergencies.
 
Close but no cigar…
 
Late last week, we were informed that A24 Films has decided not to use our former police station this summer for an upcoming production.   While it's disappointing not to have been selected—especially considering the potential rental revenue and budget relief it would have provided—there’s still good news to share.
 
A24 Films location scouts were impressed with what they saw in Leonia and appreciated the efforts of our team, who took the time to showcase the facility and thoughtfully respond to their questions. These location scouts assured us that Leonia remains on their radar, particularly now that we’ve earned all the necessary state certifications to be designated a NJ Film Ready Community.
 
Meanwhile, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on TV and Movie Productions—capably led by Graham Alston—is actively developing marketing materials aimed at attracting other production teams. Our town’s unique advantages, including its proximity to New York City and location within a union geographic zone, positions us well for future opportunities in film and television.   Stay tuned…
 
This year’s Palisades Rotary Paul Harris Awards go to…
 
…Leonia Fire Chief John (Barney) Dunn and Fire Marshall David Haenelt for their tireless efforts on behalf of Leonia.  Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition.  I had the privilege of presenting the awards to these gentlemen as a member of the Rotary of the Palisades at their annual dinner last Thursday June 26th.  Your local Rotary Club has been doing yeoman’s work to support various service causes locally, nationally and internationally.  To learn more, click HERE.  And please don’t forget to come out for the Oktoberfest this Fall, proceeds of which support the nutritional food snack program for food insecure children in Leonia, Pal Park and Edgewater schools. 
 
Last but not Least
 
–For the keen-eyed among you, you may have noticed two cameras recently installed near the Methodist Church. These were placed by NJIT as part of the hydrological study aimed at helping our neighbors on Wood Terrace who have been impacted by stormwater flooding. One camera is located on Broad Avenue near the downward-sloping driveway; the other sits in the backyard of the Methodist Church. By tracking water flow during storms, we’ll be better equipped to evaluate and implement long-term flood mitigation strategies. In the meantime, we continue to rely on the pump we purchased and the sandbag barrier along Broad Avenue for short-term relief.
 
–As we celebrate Independence Day, it’s worth remembering Leonia stood at the very “Crossroads of the Revolution.” Our Borough was graced by the presence of George Washington, General Nathanael Greene, the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Paine during the Revolutionary War. Their legacy reminds us that even small towns can play a meaningful role in the story of our nation.  Next year will be the 250th anniversary of the retreat by George Washington’s troops down Fort Lee Road and additional events in commemoration. 
 
–On Friday, July 4th courtesy of our County government, you can go down to Overpeck Park South for what I’ve been told will be a spectacular Independence Day fireworks display and a concert by the NJ Symphony Orchestra.  Both Leonia Police Department and the Leonia Volunteer Fire Department are assisting in the effort.   It promises to be a great event.  Festivities begin at 2:30 pm and the fireworks are expected to start  at 9:30 pm. 
 
Hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th holiday!
 
Bill Ziegler
Leonia Mayor