A 73-year-old Englewood woman died after being struck by a car in the Closter Plaza parking lot on Saturday evening Police responded to the scene near HomeGoods around 6:13 p.m struck the pedestrian while navigating the parking lot The unidentified victim was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center and died Saturday The incident remains under investigation by the Closter Police Department No charges have been announced as of Monday Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates Charges have been filed against an 89-year-old driver in a crash that killed a 73-year-old woman outside HomeGoods in a Bergen County shopping center last week was loading groceries into her car while facing east when she was struck by a vehicle driven by Julianna Simor of Allendale Simor had been backing south out of a handicapped parking space in front of HomeGoods when she continued reversing through the travel lane and across a parking island before striking Miller Miller was seriously injured and taken to Hackensack Hospital Simor was issued four summonses: improper backing All charges are returnable to Closter Municipal Court on May 20 The start of a multimillion-dollar renovation of a popular Salinas park was celebrated at a community groundbreaking bringing out locals of all ages who use the facilities for sporting events and recreational activities neighbors—all were there to ring in the next phase of Closter Park on Tuesday "This side of town needs new parks," said local parent Jesse Garcia "This is a big thing for the soccer league." which is expected to take 18 months to complete The nearly $10 million project includes park improvements that were identified by the community New amenities include two new restrooms, concession facilities, a new fitness loop with exercise stations and lighting, skating area and plaza with built-in corn hole and ping pong, according to an overview of the project There will also be a farmer's market/event space gazebo picnic area with outdoor kitchen and barbeque small picnic area and an area with amphitheater-style seating four basketball courts and the tree of life commemoration area will also be renovated Renovation of the park will begin in the coming days with fencing being installed around the perimeter The park's grand re-opening is estimated for late 2026 Council Member Tony Barrera invited all the young ball players and boxing club members in attendance to join him at the front of the audience as the kids who use the park everyday crowded onto the gazebo overhead who has been a champion of the improvement project over many years thanked a whole roster of community members for their unwavering support—current and previous council members Danish dairy farmers who donated the land that would become Closter Park "They wanted to donate seven acres with the intention of building a park and you are sitting and standing on it right now," Barrera said Mayor Dennis Donohue said the renovated Closter Park will be a crown jewel for the city and one we're all going to enjoy," Donohue said "The park really represents the collective vision of residents You're going to be pleased with what you're going to get." former City Council member Orlando Osornio and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo along with city staff representatives from the offices of State Senator John Laird and Speaker of the Assembly Robet Rivas and stakeholders welcomed members of the community to the groundbreaking of the multimillion-dollar renovation of Closter Park on April 7 The roof of a movie theater collapsed Wednesday evening prompting an evacuation and major emergency response Police and fire crews were called to the Cranford Movie Theater at 25 North Avenue West around 7:30 p.m. where responders arrived to find an “active ceiling collapse” inside the theater Crews quickly began search and rescue efforts and all occupants were able to evacuate safely “No injuries to any occupants of the building or to first responders were reported,” Durkin said Emergency personnel remained on scene to shut down utilities and make sure the building was secure the theater remained closed and uninhabitable The cause of the collapse is under investigation A full press release may be issued Thursday Two people are at large after stealing more than $4,000 in merchandise from Lululemon in Closter on Monday officers responded to the Lululemon at Closter Plaza on a report of a shoplifting The store manager said two men wearing black hoodies went to separate areas of the store pretending to browse around Once store employees turned their back toward them they grabbed multiple men's clothing items displayed on the table closest to the entrance of the store and ran out with the items The men fled the area in a Black Audi Q5 bearing a Minnesota registration license plate The vehicle was last seen going over the George Washington Bridge into New York City at 3:20 pm Bergen County saw one of its youngest school board members ever sworn in Thursday night amid the inauguration season for newly elected board of education members in New Jersey inaugurated 19-year-old Christina Argenziano told NorthJersey.com that she feels she is ready to make an impact as a young person studying politics and use her experience as a recent graduate of Northern Valley/Demarest High School "My campaign talked about giving back to the community and a new young perspective when we have a lot of older voices in politics," she said She thinks she will go to law school but is interested in politics as a career Argenziano said she would focus on student mental health and wellness, on fiscal responsibility and on encouraging "innovative approaches to education that reflect the evolving needs of our students and society," her campaign literature said. With a 400-vote lead over the second-place candidate and a 600-vote lead over the third in November Argenziano finished at the top of a four-candidate race for three seats ahead of fellow trustees Marilyn Estrems and Cathy Lee Argenziano's inspiration to run for the board did not come out of the blue is a longtime president of the Northern Valley Regional High School Board of Education serving in one of two seats representing Closter Joe Argenziano is serving his ninth year as board president and his 10th year as a board member "My dad's been involved with the school board for as long as I can remember," Christina Argenziano said he's probably at the high school's athletic events He also helped his daughter make lawn signs during her two-week campaign in Closter Christina spent two weeks putting mail-in ballots and notes introducing herself into neighbors' mailboxes She is a full-time student but wasn't worried about juggling school and the commute from the NYU campus back to Closter to make it to the board and committee meetings The Northern Valley Regional district has about 2,200 students from seven towns including Closter enrolled in two high schools, in Demarest and Old Tappan, and a school in Norwood for students with disabilities. The high school district ranked No. 1 in New Jersey on Niche.com's 2025 listing, above Princeton and Millburn high schools Closter's K-8 district is upper-middle-class with each group making up about 40% of the local school population "I like to think that here's a 19-year-old woman who enjoyed her education enough to come back and help," said her father who studied engineering at Columbia University and is on the Closter Recreation Commission and the Closter Coaches Association NJBIZ ICON Honors Awards Program Kimberly Redmond//February 7 Disbarred Closter attorney gets 54 months in prison The attorney discusses what prompted her to set out on her own the challenges she faced and what the future m[...] The firm believes expanding into New Jersey will not only grow the practice but deepen its experience in a num[...] has been sentenced to 11 years following an indictment that allege[...] is coordinating an online bootcamp to help attorneys master the skills need[...] The leadership transition comes as the firm mourns the loss of one of its name partners the entities will team up for a series of initiatives designed to advance thought lea[...] Sign up for your daily digest of New Jersey News New Jersey business owners can now apply for assistance to explore Employee Stock Ownership Plans The workforce reductions impacting Mercer County positions come amid a broader cost-cutting plan from the pharma giant that t[...] The site is looking toward a major revitalization with Gensler's Morristown office recently hosting a design charrette with [...] Backed by $1.25 million in public funding KSS Architects offered project design for the revamped space The new Middlesex County hub offers multidisciplinary oncology services as well as expanded patient support The founder of the solar-powered sign manufacturer describes how he started the company and designed its [...] provides 24/7 business news coverage and events honoring top business professionals Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions A routine patrol in Bergen County ended with the arrest of two women and the discovery of a wide range of illegal drugs after Closter police officers stopped two vehicles involved in what authorities described as suspicious activity according to Chief James Buccola and Captain Vincent Aiello officers discovered multiple types of illegal narcotics Both women were charged with multiple narcotics distribution offenses including possession with intent to distribute Reyes and Souffront were remanded to the Bergen County Jail made their first appearances in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack and were ordered released pending further court action The arrests were the result of what police called "diligent Police have released details in a crash that left two pedestrians injured The two pedestrians were struck while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk on Homans Avenue in Closter around 545 p.m. when a vehicle traveling west failed to yield to them both The pedestrians were walking south in the crosswalk near the intersection of Trautwein Crescent One pedestrian suffered swelling to the face and left brow area and was taken to Hackensack Meridian Health's University Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries The second pedestrian suffered an abrasion to the left side of the face and was also transported to Hackensack Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries was released from the scene with a pending motor vehicle summons The Closter Police Department is reminding drivers that they are required by law to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks “Failure to observe the law may subject you to one or more of the following: 2 Points; $200 FINE (plus court costs); 15 days Community Service; Insurance Surcharges,” the release said The department encourages all drivers to stay alert especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic A Queens-based attorney who resides in Closter has been sentenced to 4½ years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud in December 2023 A statement from the Eastern District of New York's U.S Chen for defrauding his real estate clients and their counterparts will have to pay the government $3.27 million in forfeiture and $3.29 million in restitution to the victims "The defendant was disbarred from the practice of law for reprehensible misconduct but that severe penalty did not deter him from continuing to abuse the trust of clients so it is my hope that he will get the message after serving a term of imprisonment for his crimes," United States Attorney John Durham said Durham said Lee pushed himself as a "trusted lawyer" within Queens' Korean American community "where many immigrants have little experience with the legal system and place an enormous amount of trust in the hands of individuals like the defendant who profess to represent their interests in legal proceedings." Lee was admitted to practice in New York state and maintained an office in Flushing He was disbarred in March 2020 after the Grievance Committee brought charges that he "engaged in a pattern and practice of misappropriating client and third-party funds." Lee convinced clients and counterparts to give him funds for purchasing real estate "based on misrepresentations that he would release the fund deposited into his escrow accounts." Lee instead used the money for himself including gambling at casinos and paying expenses at a restaurant where he was part-owner "Lee misled clients about the status of funds held in his escrow account by fabricating documents leading them to believe their funds were secure," Durham said Clients were led to believe the escrow account had almost $3 million in it attorney said he didn't release funds from the escrow account and falsely told them he was "in the process of working out an equitable distribution of funds" that remained in the account Potential victims of Lee or other lawyers who engage in misconduct could receive compensation by filing a claim with the Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection call 800-442-3863 or email info@nylawfund.org NJ after police linked him to a string of commercial burglaries burglarized three commercial properties from the roof in Closter overnight on Aug Stewart removed a large safe and threw it out of a second-floor window and into the borough parking lot Stewart was identified as a suspect in these burglaries It was not immediately clear where else he had been wanted Closter detectives found Stewart in the Bronx on Tuesday where he was arrested with help from the NYPD and Mount Vernon detectives He was extradited from New York to New Jersey and lodged in the Bergen County Jail The Mount Vernon Police Department Detective Bureau Westchester County Police Department Detective Bureau Darien Connecticut Police Department Detective Bureau Bergen County Prosecutors Office – Intel Unit and Rockland County Sheriff’s Department – Intel Unit assisted in the investigation Note to readers: This story and its headlines were updated to add new information and to add a photo Salinas Police are asking the community for help in identifying the person responsible for a fatal stabbing earlier this week near Closter Park paramedics responded to the intersection of Beech Street and Dewey Avenue for a 20-year-old man later identified as Juan Carlos Diaz-Cruz suffering from abdominal pain First responders determined the patient suffered from a serious stab wound to the abdomen The man was rushed to Natividad Medical Center The victim died from his wound around 10:45 p.m The investigation revealed Diaz-Cruz was in an altercation with another male when he was stabbed While no arrests have been made at this time Salinas Police Department Detectives have located a video depicting the suspect in this homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating the adult male in the photograph Salinas shelter in place: Man accused of killing 81 animals Anyone with information regarding this incident or with information regarding the identity of the person in the photograph is encouraged to call Detective Robbie Miller at (831) 758-7945 please call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222 A 21-year-old Cresskill man has been arrested for selling LSD and opioid pills in Bergen County April 3 in Tenafly following a month-long undercover investigation Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said Detectives from the prosecutor’s Narcotic Task Force and the Paramus Police Department identified Kishinevskiy as a drug dealer after an investigation that began in March 2025 Kishinevskiy was suspected of selling LSD and opioids in Bergen County Kishinevskiy was tracked down in Tenafly and arrested with help from the U.S Postal Inspection Service and police in Tenafly and Cresskill A court-authorized search was also carried out on Kishinevskiy’s car and home Kishinevskiy was held at the Bergen County Jail before being released following his first court appearance in Hackensack Anyone with information is asked to call the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at (201) 226-5532 A burglar whose co-conspirators bailed from the vehicle after a high-speed pursuit in New Jersey ended in a New York crash was arrested after he became trapped in the mangled BMW Christian Ochoa Moreno was behind the wheel of a gray BMW X5 with a Pennsylvania registration that nearly hit a Closter police car head-on as the officer was responding to reports of a burglary in progress at 21 Kennedy Circle around 8:40 p.m Officers tried stopping the car but Morena continued speeding over the state line into Sparkill crashing into a tree on Route 340 and Oak Tree Road The Sparkill Fire Department extricated Moreno He was lodged in the Rockland County Jail awaking extradition to Bergen County Police were trying to identify the other suspects Authorities have identified the 70-year-old man who was killed in a Moonachie shed fire that left his wife injured Ida Kaba was pronounced dead at the scene following the 4:30 p.m suffered non-life-threatening injuries while trying to save him She was treated on scene by Moonachie EMS and firefighters Moonachie police requested help from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Arson Squad which launched a joint investigation with the Moonachie Fire Department Investigators determined the fire was not suspicious The prosecutor thanked all the emergency responders who assisted New Jersey's top-seeded 126-pound wrestler has broken his silence after being disqualified from the state tournament following a weekend brawl calling the situation “unfortunate” but vowing to move forward a three-time state champ and senior at Saint John Vianney was disqualified after an investigation into a Saturday according to NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire “I have determined that the disqualified student-athlete violated both the Association’s sportsmanship policy and its disqualification rule for leaving the bench area during an altercation,” Maguire said in a statement Tuesday Knox: ‘My Only Concern Was Protecting My Family’ who had already secured his spot in the Region 7 tournament addressed the situation for the first time in an Instagram post Tuesday evening expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support he’s received I have been disqualified from my next two matches due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the stands at Collingswood HS well after I had finished competing at the district tournament," Knox wrote my only concern at that time was protecting the safety of my family my family and I are currently reviewing our options to determine the best course of action moving forward." any player who leaves the bench area during an altercation—whether or not they engage—must be disqualified and serve a two-match suspension Maguire said the decision to disqualify Knox was made in line with that policy “I did not make this decision lightly," she said "I am fully aware of the consequences to the student-athlete He is a senior and this disqualification effectively ends his high school career." The Region 7 tournament bracket for the 126-pound weight class is expected to be reseeded accordingly Knox — a Cornell commit — remains focused on his future "I am disappointed in this outcome but remain happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had," he wrote noting he is more motivated than ever as he looks ahead to the next chapter of his wrestling career and push myself to be the best wrestler and person I can be," he wrote "I’m excited to prove to everyone what I already know—that I’m the best there is." Founder and president of Luxembourg Air Rescue (LAR) René Closter was recently honoured by Vertical Aviation International the helicopter industry's largest trade association His career and investment in improving air rescue services earned him the Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award Founded in 1988 as a non-profit association at the instigation of the Luxembourg Air Rescue is recognised as being of public interest by a grand ducal decree Closter--who became chairman after serving as managing director until 2022--is still very much involved with Luxembourg Air Rescue His unfailing investment in the service of rescue and health in Luxembourg and the Greater Region recently earned him an award from Vertical Aviation International the world’s largest helicopter industry trade association the LAR has grown to become one of the leading organisations in the field of air rescue and medical repatriation in Europe,” the foundation wrote in a statement “Thanks to his tireless efforts and dedication the only air rescue organisation in Luxembourg and the Greater Region has become an indispensable institution that saves thousands of lives every year.” The career of this former firefighter and pilot is inextricably linked with the destiny of the Luxembourg Air Rescue Closter had already been awarded the Foundation prize for the promotion of Luxembourg-German cooperation in the field of science by Deutsche Bank He was also appointed Knight of the Order of Nassau with Crown in June 2021 and Officer in the Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolphe de Nassau by Grand Duke Henri His commitment has also been recognised in Belgium Closter was awarded the title of Officer in the Order of the Crown by King Albert II of Belgium “This award is a great honour and recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Luxembourg Air Rescue I am proud of what we have achieved and delighted that our efforts are being recognised internationally,” Closter said at the awards ceremony held at the Verticon World Conference The LAR now operates a fleet of six rescue helicopters and five air ambulances and carries out an average of more than 3,000 missions a year the LAR was awarded the Benelux Prize for its response to the fire at the Kennedy Tower in Liège in June 2024 The LAR was also by the International Travel & Health Insurance Journal The Record, NorthJersey.com, the Daily Record and the New Jersey Herald want to keep you up to date on all the newest shops, restaurants and service providers moving into your towns Below is a roundup of businesses that recently opened or are coming soon Are you opening a business in North Jersey Get the word out to your neighbors as soon as possible Send us your information and photos and we will try to add them to our next new-business roundup We're also interested in reporting business closings. Have a tip? Contact Business Reporter Daniel Munoz at munozd@northjersey.com More: Craving eclairs? Need a facial? Computer repair? These new NJ businesses can help One-on-one assisted stretching studio dedicated to improving flexibility WHEN: Grand opening and ribbon-cutting were Friday FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 551-236-3599 or visit https://www.stretchlab.com/location/closter A Japanese culinary center in the heart of downtown Closter which owner John Kin describes as "very small and cozy." FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 201-784-3345 or visit https://hanamosushi.com/ New 20,000-square-foot play center for children ages 3 to 9 the company behind such brands as Transformers FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit https://www.planetplayskool.com/ labor and the economy for NorthJersey.com and The Record Email: munozd@northjersey.com; Twitter:@danielmunoz100 and Facebook A small earthquake struck western New Jersey early Friday morning according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1.8-magnitude earthquake in Central Jersey The 1.8-magnitude tremor was recorded at 8:23 a.m., with an epicenter about seven kilometers southwest of Gladstone, the USGS reported.  The quake appears to have happened along the Ramapo Fault Line, near where the 4.8-magnitude quake happened last April. Closter’s annual town celebration will not take place on Labor Day The longest-running municipal celebration in Bergen County historically held on the Monday holiday since 1960 will be moved to the Saturday after Labor Day this year The decision to move the event comes in response to changes in the community including earlier school openings and extended family vacations which have made it increasingly difficult for residents to attend the event on Labor Day said Closter Recreation Commission Director Jim Oettinger heavy rain on Labor Day forced the event to be rescheduled to the following Saturday and the turnout was the largest the town had seen in years attendance on Labor Day has continued to decline prompting borough officials to consider a permanent change "This year the event has been moved to the following Saturday to accommodate the many families who are out of town during the Labor Day weekend,” said Mayor John Glidden “It became clear that the best thing for the changing times was to move the Labor Day Town Celebration to the first Saturday after Labor Day Monday,” Oettinger said “When you throw a party and no one attends was started by the borough's beloved Coach George Potterton the event has become a staple of Closter’s identity bringing together generations of families for a day of remembrance Traditional activities such as the annual adult egg toss and a fireworks display have remained unchanged since the event’s inception The community has been notified of the change and officials are optimistic that the new date will attract a large turnout but we believe it’s the right move for the future of this tradition,” Glidden added Despite the practical reasons for the change some longtime residents feel a sense of loss feel like this was part of growing up in Closter,” Oettinger said "While there has been some lamentation on Closter’s social media pages many of those expressing disappointment no longer live in the town." it was just called ‘Labor Day in Closter,’” he explained “Calling it ‘Closter’s Town Day’ or ‘Town Celebration’ doesn’t seem right as this was the first of its kind in Bergen County All of the surrounding towns copied our event and refer to theirs as ‘Town Day Celebrations.’ We are thinking that we should stay unique and label ours ‘Closter’s Non-Labor Day’ or something that will recognize the great legacy that Coach George Potterton started in 1960.” The Closter borough celebration will now be held on Saturday This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.