Full Notification

Budget Introduction:

At last the 2026 Municipal Budget has been introduced.  I say at last because we have been working on it since August.  And there is some good news: Despite the NJ state imposed increase of 37% in healthcare costs for municipal employees and despite the other increases we do not control in utility costs, tipping fees and increasing pension costs, we introduced a budget with a 4.76% increase – even though I was expecting closer to 6%. Based on a recent meeting of mayors, 4.76% is likely in the bottom third to one half of municipal budget increases in the county.

We accomplished this by carefully managing the costs we DO control and modestly increasing our revenues.  If not for the costs we do not control, your governing body would have very likely brought in an annual increase this year less than inflation, just like we did two years ago.  

Attached HERE is a three minute video reviewing our 2026 budget highlights.  

Special thanks to all governing body members and our Borough Administrator, but especially to Councilman Christoph Hesterbrink the Chair of our Finance Committee.  For those of you who missed the Town Hall where we presented our budget proposal to the public prior to introduction, you can watch this short YouTube video for the basics.

Best of all, I believe we have held true to our mantra “Value for Every Tax Dollar”.  The municipal services you receive are top notch and the departments and their teams continue to work efficiently and effectively to serve Leonia and Leonians.  

Our attention now turns to the 5-Year Capital Budget which we also reviewed during the recent Budget Town Hall HERE which we are likely to introduce shortly.

Former Mayor John DeSimone’s passing:

For those of you who may not have heard this sad news, former Mayor John DeSimone passed away in March.  

John was what I would call a true “Legacy Leonian.” His family owned and operated Moore’s Hardware on Broad Avenue since the 1950s, and through that business, John became a daily presence in the lives of so many in our community. He was a kind, approachable person, always ready with a smile and willing to help however he could. That is how I—and I suspect many of you—will remember him.

Over the years, John shared countless stories from behind the counter at Moore’s, and I’m sure many of those stories will continue to be told for years to come. One of my favorites, which he shared at a Historic Preservation Commission meeting, involved author Robert Ludlum, who lived on Crescent Avenue for many years. John recalled how Ludlum once asked his father at Moore’s whether he should leave his current career to pursue writing full time. His father, known for offering advice freely and candidly, told him he would be crazy to do so—that there was absolutely no money in writing. Of course, Robert Ludlum went on to become a wildly successful and very rich bestselling international author and the creator of Jason Bourne–whose movies many of us have seen. It’s a classic story, and very much a “Moore’s Hardware moment.”

John will be deeply missed.

In recognition of his service to our community, we observed a moment of silence at a recent Mayor and Council meeting, lowered the Borough flags to half-staff, and shared a tribute on the digital board in front of the library. These gestures, while meaningful, can never fully capture the impact he had on the town—but they are offered with sincere appreciation for a life well lived.

May he rest in peace.

Recreation Commission Championship Basketball Games:

On Saturday morning, March 21st, Leonia had its own version of March Madness at the Recreation Center. As Mayor, I had the pleasure of addressing our athletes and their families before the first game featuring our 3rd and 4th grade teams. The day continued with championship matchups for the 5th and 6th graders, followed by our 7th and 8th grade finals. It was a wonderful community event, marked by outstanding athletic performances and, most importantly, a great time for all.

Our Recreation Department continues to do a terrific job organizing programs like this. My thanks to Sean Krakower, Superintendent of Recreation, and Destiney Sampson, our Program Director, for their leadership. I also want to recognize our Basketball Program Lead, Frank Cirillo, for his hard work and tireless dedication to Leonia sports.

Thank you, as always, to the sponsors who stepped forward and generously supported this year’s teams. Congratulations to our champions:

• 3rd–4th Grade: Team Happy Market Tigers

• 5th–6th Grade: Team Tyler Daniel Bruins

• 7th–8th Grade: Team Johnny’s Haircuts and Shave Black Knights

HERE is a link to some representative photos from the competition.

E-Scooter Battery Fire:

On Sunday March 22nd the residents at 313 Woodland Place dodged a bullet.  All of us should consider what happened as a cautionary tale and take obvious precautions to make sure we protect our property and loved ones from something like this happening in and around our own homes.  You know the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” well, in this case, a video.  Take a look HERE.    

This is a video of an e-scooter on the third floor at 313 Woodland Place.  First you see the choking smoke and then about 30 seconds in the flames.  Spontaneous combustion of lithium batteries is, unfortunately, much too common along with the heavy smoke that accompanies a battery fire.    

Usually, I’m told this particular scooter was stored underneath a bed in the bedroom.  Had that happened, we would likely have had a much more serious situation on our hands.  Instead, the scooter was leaning against a non-flammable metal door in the hallway which made a big difference in the fire not spreading as quickly as it otherwise might.  

Our Leonia volunteer firefighters arrived on scene and began immediate evacuations of everyone in the building amidst thick, choking black smoke and they quickly and efficiently extinguished the blaze.  Everyone got out ok and no one was injured.  A huge thank you to our volunteer firefighters who disrupted their Sunday afternoon to immediately respond to their neighbors in distress.

Looking at this video makes me think there is no way these scooters and bikes should be stored inside any homes, let alone multiple unit residential developments.  As a governing body, we will shortly take up the question of what we think should be done to make the storage of these devices safer for everyone.   

New e-bike laws in NJ:

While we are on the topic of lithium batteries and ebikes, you may recall my segment last year HERE where I expressed my concerns about how dangerous these e-bikes can be especially after seeing some children zipping along on sidewalks without a helmet.  Ultimately, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their children but it is still a good idea to put some guardrails around a problem to also ensure safety.  

Going into effect on July 19, 2026, the following new laws apply in NJ for e-bikes: 

–The driver of an e-bike must possess a valid driver’s license if they are 17 or older.  Age 15 and Age 16 e-bike operators need to have a Motorized Bicycle license.  No one below the age of 15 can drive an e-bike. 
–All e-bikes must be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission
–The new law applies to all e-bike classes (pedal assist, throttle, and high-powered)  
–Online e-bike sales are banned for one year.  Modification kits to increase bike speeds will now be illegal (effective 7/19/26).

For further details and to register any e-bikes you possess, please visit www.njmvc.gov.  Please note the Leonia Police Department will strictly enforce these new requirements.  

Fraudsters on Parade:

Unfortunately, there was another attempt by a scammer to collect money from a Planning Board applicant.  Our Leonia Police Department detectives traced the internet based scam to a far away country where, not surprisingly, the trail goes cold.  The good news is that the intended victim did not fall for the bait.  But the bad news is these unscrupulous scammers will stop at nothing to make a quick buck.  So you must be extra vigilant and extremely careful.  Not just with borough affairs but pretty much all of your financial transactions.  

When it comes to Borough of Leonia matters, we do not accept nor do we ever request a wire transfer of funds.  So if someone asks for money to pay a Borough of Leonia bill that way, you should immediately be suspicious.  Call Borough Hall or write to [email protected] if you have any doubts or concerns.  Please be wary.  Don’t fall for the con.

In more uplifting news… 

Leonia’s Traffic Data Subcommittee led by Dr. Scott Fisher recently won a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A, https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A) Planning Grant from the Department of Transportation that represents about $65,000 from the federal government.  Leonia’s contribution will be entirely an in-kind donation of volunteer time—no local tax dollars—so we need your help!  A key part of the grant is analyzing traffic and survey data to develop a safety action plan, so we are especially looking for those comfortable with data analysis to help us answer questions like: 

• How many drivers get off the turnpike, cut through Leonia, then get right back on the turnpike in Fort Lee? 

• What effects, if any, have the new traffic calming measures (like speed humps/bumps) generated?

• How busy—and how fast—are the roads around our schools? 

• Has NYC’s congestion pricing affected our traffic?  

Interested in helping answer these and other traffic safety questions? Willing to volunteer your time and data skills to serve on Leonia’s new data committee? Please contact Scott Fisher at [email protected].

Lack data skills but willing to learn? Dr. Fisher, the head of the committee and winner of the grant, teaches data analysis and is willing to help you get up to speed. 

Remember, the backbone of Leonia has been and will continue to be our volunteers.  More volunteers have stepped up to serve on various boards, commissions, committees etc than ever before.  And that is a very good thing for our little town.  We need a few more people now to help us with one of our biggest challenges – traffic.  This committee effort and the associated grant monies will make a big difference in Leonia’s traffic future so please think how you might be able to help and don’t hesitate to raise your hand.  The work does not pay money but the personal rewards and satisfaction are real.   You might also make a few new Leonia friends.  One can never have enough friends, right?  Thank you for your consideration.  

Promise Church application update:

Your Leonia friends and neighbors on the Planning Board have heard extensive testimony related to the Promise Church expansion application over the course of at least seven meetings, totaling more than 25 hours. My previous updates on this topic can be accessed HERE. At our most recent Planning Board meeting on March 25th, the applicant’s traffic expert presented, followed by a thorough discussion of the findings.

At this point, I believe the bulk of the testimony has been completed and is now part of the official record, including presentations from the landscape architect, the engineer addressing water runoff and drainage, the project architect, Church leadership, and traffic experts.

At the next Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30 pm, members of the public will have their opportunity to offer comments, which will then become part of the official record. Up to now, both the public and Planning Board members have been limited to asking questions related to the testimony presented. If you wish to share your views—either in support of or in opposition to the proposal—this will be your opportunity to do so.

During the March 25th meeting, as part of the traffic expert’s testimony, we learned that the New Jersey Department of Transportation no longer requires the use of the pool driveway for exiting Church patrons, as had been indicated several years ago. This means the project can proceed using the existing driveway onto Grand Avenue without involving the signalized intersection at Moore and Grand. This was a surprising development to many, myself included.

Our Planning Board’s decision, therefore, is focused on two specific items: a modification to signage on Grand Avenue near the driveway, and a request to reduce parking stall dimensions to allow for one additional vehicle per row in the Church lot.  I expect a formal Planning Board vote either at the next meeting or in May.

The Planning Board’s decision is limited to these two relatively minor variances.  Aside from these variances, the remainder of the project is permitted to proceed under existing law.

It is likely that the April 22nd Planning Board meeting will be the final meeting at which this application is considered. Please note that New Jersey law does not permit virtual public comment at Planning Board meetings, so you must attend in person if you wish to speak for the record. 

Leonia’s Community Chest:

Many may not be aware of the important work carried out by our very own Community Chest of Leonia. For more than 81 years, the Community Chest has supported local organizations that provide vital services to those in need—the young, the elderly, the hungry, and those facing physical or emotional challenges.

Each year, I make a point of attending the Community Chest’s annual Agency Night, where local organizations present their work and funding needs to the Board’s dedicated volunteers. This year’s presentations were, once again, a powerful reminder of the impact this organization has on our community.

Just last year, the Community Chest partnered with me and the Borough Council to raise $45,000 in support of the 36 Leonia residents who lost everything in a devastating fire. It was an extraordinary example of our community coming together in a time of need.

Through its annual campaigns, the Community Chest raises funds that support many of the services our residents rely on, including the Leonia Public Library, Leonia Chamber Musicians, Leonia Arts, and the Center for Food Action.

To learn more about the Community Chest—or to make a donation by credit card—please visit their Donate Page HERE. Donations may also be sent by mail to Leonia Community Chest, P.O. Box 68, Leonia, NJ. Every dollar contributed goes directly to support local organizations serving our community.

Emergency Ambulance Service in Leonia:

Leonia has an arrangement with Englewood Hospital whereby EMTs and ambulances are stationed in the center of town—operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—from the basement of the Senior Center adjacent to the Sculpture Garden. Their constant presence is a significant advantage. Unless they are already on another call, they are able to reach you extremely quickly in an emergency.

Many residents will remember that Leonia once had a volunteer ambulance service that did not charge for transport. That free service was built on neighbors helping neighbors, with volunteers responding from their homes at all hours. Over time, however, the increasing requirements to become and remain EMT-certified made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain volunteers. There were also concerns—particularly overnight—about response times, as volunteers first had to travel from home to headquarters before heading to the scene. As we all know, in a life-threatening emergency, minutes—and even seconds—matter.

Having professionally staffed EMTs based in town dramatically reduces response times, and that is a very good thing. Today, if you call for an ambulance in Leonia, you can expect an arrival at your home in approximately six minutes—and in most cases, our Police Department will arrive much sooner.

Unlike the former volunteer service, Englewood Hospital’s service is not free. They bill your insurance company directly for any services or transport, and depending on your coverage, you may be responsible for a portion of the cost. That arrangement is between you and your insurer.

I wish I could tell you there is no fee but this is no longer a volunteer service.  What we now have is a system that delivers faster, highly professional emergency care when it matters most. Speaking personally, I would much rather have that level of immediate response for a loved one in a medical crisis—and deal with the insurance afterward—than any alternative.   In medical emergencies, we don’t measure value in dollars—we measure it in seconds, in readiness, and in the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is there when you need it most.

Age-Friendly Survey Results:

I wasn’t surprised to learn that more than twice the number of Leonians needed to statistically validate our Age-Friendly community needs assessment took the time to complete the survey. Over 500 residents shared their perspectives on what matters most when it comes to Age-Friendly initiatives. These results will help inform an Age-Friendly Leonia Action Plan aimed at improving quality of life for residents of all ages. Importantly, these initiatives will be supported through grant funding—not local tax dollars.

In reviewing the results, I learned quite a bit I did not previously know about our community. Notably, Leonia’s population of residents aged 55 and over has doubled since 2010. That’s right—it has doubled. The implications are clear: more residents are directly impacted by programs and services that support aging in place and continued engagement in our community.

The survey also provided valuable insights into Leonia’s demographic, racial, and ethnic composition, as well as residents’ views on public spaces—where feedback was generally very positive. Additional input covered transportation, traffic, public lighting, pedestrian safety, communication, housing, and social inclusion. It is all HERE for your review.

Importantly, the survey did not just provide data—it pointed to actionable steps. One example is the clear request for more public benches throughout town. That is a practical improvement you can count on the Borough to pursue.

My continued thanks to the members of the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Advisory Committee, and in particular Ellen Healy and Mary Gendron. Leonia owes you a debt of gratitude for your dedication and hard work.

Snackstop is #1 in NJ:

An online site rated our very own Snackstop as the #1 “Best Spot for Budget-Friendly Eats” based on price and Yelp ratings.  A rating of 4.86 is extraordinarily high and well deserved from my own personal experience.

Snackstop on the southwest corner of Broad Avenue and Fort Lee Road, is adjacent to Cafe Lyon (another successful new business on the avenue).  If you haven’t already checked it out, please give it a try.  You won't be disappointed.  It is a cozy spot for breakfast, homemade sandwiches and fresh coffee/tea with a bright ambiance.  

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That’s it for this month…I hope everyone has an enjoyable Spring (finally it feels like it really is Spring!) 

Please encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up to receive these email updates if they aren’t already.  Nothing makes better social conversation than sharing with your friends and neighbors your knowledge of the latest Leonia news!  

Of course, I’m kidding but it is still good to know and these updates facilitate more informed participation in your local affairs.  

My best to you and your family,

Bill Ziegler
Leonia Mayor