.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Dylan McCoy | For NJ Advance MediaRajan Luciano had a three-hit three-RBI performance to lead 34-seed Teaneck to a 6-4 road victory over 31-seed Paramus in the preliminary round of the Bergen County Invitational Teaneck (7-11) scored the first six runs of the ballgame heading into the bottom of the seventh up 6-0 Paramus (6-12) rallied late with four runs spending 6 2/3 innings on the mound and recording seven strikeouts Teaneck will host its first-round matchup on Wednesday awaiting the results of the Bergen County tournament to find out its opponent Paramus will travel to face River Dell on Monday Dylan McCoy can be reached at hssports@njadvancemedia.com The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! 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All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices 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 Construction has officially begun on a brand-new $6 million clubhouse at Bergen County’s Overpeck Golf Course Construction is under way on a $6 million clubhouse at the Overpeck County Park golf course clubhouse County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Bergen County Board of Commissioners broke ground on the project Thursday at the course’s location on East Cedar Lane in Teaneck The $5.97 million investment includes a 2,774-square-foot clubhouse with a pro shop A separate garage will also be built with electric charging stations for up to 60 golf carts “After a record-breaking year with over 343,000 rounds played countywide,” Tedesco said “Bergen County is proud to offer golfers a premium experience at a public course price.” Renderings show two color and finish options for both the interior and exterior of the facility Officials have not announced a completion date A fresh new Tel Avivian-style kosher restaurant is set to open in Teaneck following Pesach bringing modern Israeli fusion to Bergen County Teaneck is about to get a new addition to its kosher dining scene with the launch of Sheinkin a casual but modern kosher Israeli-Mediterranean spot Sheinkin aims to introduce a fresh take on Tel Avivian street-style cuisine with fusion elements in a relaxed we now know a few key facts about what to expect at Sheinkin The restaurant’s cuisine will be rooted in modern Israeli and Mediterranean flavors blending traditional ingredients and recipes with global culinary influences Expect it to lean into fusion-style dishes inspired by the bustling food scene in Tel Aviv and its multicultural flavors The concept isn’t going to be fancy or upscale—this is not aiming for white tablecloth dining laid-back atmosphere where the food shines through fresh flavorful ingredients and unique combinations Kosher diners in the Teaneck area can look forward to an innovative addition that shakes up the local options with something a little different and more urban-influenced Think Israeli favorites with a twist—possibly shakshuka with fusion toppings shawarma-style proteins with globally inspired sauces and shareable mezze boards that pair well with casual dining Sheinkin will be under the kosher supervision of the RCBC (Rabbinical Council of Bergen County) and will be located at: 1415 Palisade Avenue NJ.The restaurant will be opening just after Pesach on April 23 Dani Klein founded YeahThatsKosher in 2008 as a global kosher restaurant & travel resource for the Jewish community He is passionate about traveling the world and spending time with his friends & family We use ads & sponsored posts to support the creation of new content © YeahThatsKosher 2024 – Reproduction without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. | Privacy Policy • Download our kosher restaurant directory app Teaneck has has been awarded $1.125 million in grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to enhance two of its recreational spaces “These grants are a major investment in Teaneck’s parks and in the quality of life for our residents,” Mayor Mark Schwartz said “We are especially excited about the improvements to Votee Park which will provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment for children with disabilities." The upgrades at Argonne Park will also make it "a more enjoyable and accessible space for families throughout the summer months," Schwartz said The two parks are among 22 in the township The 40-acre Milton Votee Parkis at 250 Colonial Court The Votee Park project includes installation of new ADA-compliant play equipment surfacing and other accessibility enhancements The 54-acre Argonne Park is in the northeast quadrant of the township and Loraine Avenue border the park to the north and east It is bordered to the south and west by the neighborhoods of East Forest Avenue The Argonne Park improvements include updated restrooms and a revitalized splash pad area Township Engineer Farah Gilani said a detailed needs assessment was "shared with our community" and used to develop designs for both parks "Our goal was to create a proposal that demonstrates long-term benefits of investing in Teaneck’s parks,” Gilani said "These projects reflect Teaneck’s continued commitment to creating a more accessible Above: Gottheimer with Teaneck Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) administered the oath of office for Teaneck’s new Mayor “Karen Organ and Mark Schwartz have both been longtime friends and raise a family,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I look forward to working with both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to lower taxes and costs for Jersey families Below: Gottheimer with Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz and Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen 2025PressRELEASE: Gottheimer Hosts Fifth District Service Academy Ceremony Celebrates Accepted StudentsAbove: Gottheimer with this year’s Fifth District students accepted into U.S Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a ceremony at the Bergenfield VFW Hall to celebrate the 19 Fifth District high school students he nominated and who were accepted to one of the four U.S PressRELEASE: Gottheimer Joins Passaic County Central Labor Council’s Future Leaders Forum Breakfast Celebrates Men and Women of LaborAbove: Gottheimer with Passaic County labor leaders PATERSON Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined hardworking men and women of labor from across Passaic County at the Central Labor Council’s 11th Annual Future Labor Leaders Forum Breakfast The breakfast honors emerging labor leaders who have completed continuing education programs and policymakers who have a track […] PressPHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Speaks with Students at Rutgers Hillel and Rutgers University Chabad to Discuss Combatting Antisemitism on CampusAbove: Gottheimer speaks at Rutgers University Hillel Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Rutgers Hillel and Rutgers University Chabad House on campus to speak with students about the alarming rise in antisemitism on college campuses across the country Rutgers University is home to more than 6,400 Jewish […] (202) 225-4465 (201) 389-1100 (973) 940-1117 (973) 814-4076 Every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thurs, 9:30am–12pm Proudly representing the Fifth District of New Jersey. Accessibility TEANECK — A controversial "special event" ordinance intended to provide more protections for protesters and observers won Township Council approval Its Jewish and Muslim populations have made the township a magnet for area protests since the October 2023 Hamas attacks on southern Israel and Israel's responding devastation of the Gaza Strip council members have struggled to reach agreement on how to strengthen protections for both sides without infringing on First Amendment free speech rights The resulting ordinance has been batted back and forth since February A draft was referred to an outside legal consultant in March The resulting changes were introduced April 8 and voted on April 22 The six-page blue-lined ordinance appears on pages 19 to 24 of the April 22 Council Agenda Packet Although the blue-lined sections suggest two pages of additions Township Attorney Scott Salmon reduced them to "four specific discreet" changes during his explanation that evening: 31 B-1: Definition of "special event" now includes events on "public property." Not mentioned but also added to the list of special events are "parades."Sec 31 B-4: Time for the township to respond to permit applications was increased from two to three days.Sec 31 B-4: Time span during which events could take place was increased from 8 a.m 31 B-9h: Distance that protesters must maintain from religious establishment property lines was reduced from 200 to 100 feet.Not included in Salmon's list is the addition of Sec 31 B-8 requiring event permits for protests and that they be submitted seven business days in advance The time limit can be waived "if the special event is held in response to breaking news." In such cases exceptions can be made by the township manager consulting with the police chief and township attorney Councilwoman Danielle Gee expressed reservations that leaving such choices to "just a few Teaneck officials" could "lead to unintended bias and potential subjectivity." "I'm just really concerned that we haven't thought this through," said Gee who would go on to vote against the ordinance with Deputy Mayor Denise Belcher ATTORNEY CONSULTED Teaneck's 'protest' ordinance fails to pass, heads for constitutional attorney review Members of the public present at the meeting were split on the ordinance with 27 speakers over 72 minutes including 11 in favor nine against and another five speaking on the importance of free speech Some residents protested the inadequate posting of revised ordinance language which appeared in the public April 22 agenda only on April 18 Salmon said the changes had been read into the record at the April 8 meeting Residents contended that the consultant attorney should be present to personally explain his closed-session council recommendations to the public But Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen countered that the consultant "is there to answer our questions not to answer the questions of the public." "We are here to answer your questions if you have them," Orgen said "I'm very comfortable with this the way it is I would hate to table this and have to sit through more conversations like this." who unsuccessfully tried to introduce an earlier version of the ordinance in February by three months and those same people are going to not be in favor," Schwartz said After a brief run, Mojos in Teaneck has officially shut its doors quietly served its final meal last Thursday But in its place comes exciting news for fans of upscale kosher dining: the return of Nobo Wine & Grill Nobo was widely acclaimed as one of the top kosher fine dining destinations in the U.S. known for pushing boundaries with elevated technique and bold the return of Nobo brings with it a refreshed take on the upscale kosher dining experience that made the original so popular Diners can expect a mix of Nobo’s greatest hits from years past elevated creations that reflect Chef Massin’s continued evolution in the kitchen Among the dishes already confirmed for the upcoming menu: the kitchen is already in prep mode—fermenting and aging various meats and other vegetable ferments that can take weeks or months to develop properly These long-lead preparations are being timed precisely for the restaurant’s target opening date ensuring that every flavor is matured and ready to impress come late spring Fans of Massin’s former project, Narruto Bowl can also look forward to a handful of familiar flavors—some of its signature dishes will be upscaled and folded into the new Nobo menu Nobo Wine & Grill will reopen at 1400 Palisade Avenue It will be under the kosher certification of the RCBC Stay tuned for official opening announcements you're considering making the move to Teaneck Located in the eastern portion of Bergen County some may consider Teaneck to be a congested and boring bedroom community with overpriced housing a lack of entertainment and a distant community of residents But with its blend of tranquil suburban living and urban conveniences abundance of local businesses and variety of housing options — most of which are single-family properties — Teaneck might just be misunderstood but those in other North Jersey towns Is the perception of Teaneck — an overcrowded and overdeveloped town with expensive housing and little entertainment — the reality Here's your guide to deciding whether Teaneck is right for you Perception: Because Teaneck has so many residents it probably doesn't have much to offer besides overpriced housing and public transportation it's probably hard getting to know other people in the community Teaneck is a down-to-earth suburb with urban conveniences a diverse population of residents and an abundance of ways to get involved in the local community Located about 14 miles from Midtown Manhattan Teaneck is a dense but down-to-earth Bergen County suburb Despite being the county's second most populous town — home to more than 40,000 people — Teaneck is known for fostering a strong sense of community amongst its highly diverse population of residents "One of the major benefits of Teaneck is it really is suburban living It's not the city kind of development like they're doing in other nearby towns where you're really getting a lot more high density development," said Jennifer Glass vice president of the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce "Teaneck is doing a little bit of high density development A lot of focus has been put on making sure that kind of character does not disappear." spans across 6.24 square miles and borders eight other Bergen County towns While Teaneck is considered to be a North Jersey suburb — and offers the tranquil and laid back living that typically comes with them — Zeevyah Benoff of V&N Realty Group said she'd describe Teaneck as being more of a town because it offers more urban features "I would say it's more of a town than suburb being that there's sidewalks and people walk whether it's on Cedar Lane or Queen Anne Road Kids will be walking around and my kids walk around all the time," said Benoff that was the reason my parents picked Teaneck where we were used to walking around and being independent as children." who has also lived in Teaneck since she was a child and is heavily involved in the community through advocacy She said Teaneck has a group called Safe Streets which is focused on improving the town's walkability by ensuring that the lighting and functionality of public walkways is at its best Glass said that one of Teaneck's biggest claims to fame is how it prides itself on welcoming people from a diverse range of backgrounds religion and economic aspect of the town's residents "I feel like there are a lot of towns that are very homogeneous where all the houses cost the same and everybody has a similar type of background and jobs And Teaneck is not like that at all," Benoff said With this, Teaneck is also known to have played a key role in events like the Civil Rights Movement. The town became the first in the nation to voluntarily desegregate its schools in 1964 marking a significant milestone across the country and in Teaneck's dedication to diversity and inclusivity Young said that Teaneck is also dedicated to ensuring that the town offers a community-oriented atmosphere for all who live there While it is known to be primarily a bedroom community — with many residents commuting to New York City or other North Jersey towns for work — residents are devoted to getting involved and getting to know their neighbors which is something that really has a stronghold for me," she said You walk down the street or you walk around the corner and you see someone you know." as well as specialized food markets like Cedar Market There are also different shopping centers in Teaneck like T-State Plaza and Glenpointe Centre Teaneck also houses the Metropolitan Campus for Fairleigh Dickinson University — a private four-year institution known for having strong academic programs and a global-oriented campus life — and Holy Name Medical Center Perception: Teaneck is just another Bergen County town with expensive housing due to new construction properties and luxury rental buildings Reality: While Teaneck can be just as expensive as any other North Jersey town it still has housing available at a variety of price points The town is also primarily home to single-family properties but does have a selection of rentals available The generally high cost of housing in Teaneck is consistent with what can be seen throughout much of the region but the town does have an array of more affordable options available Teaneck is primarily broken up into five sections: Country Club These areas — which all predominantly offer single-family properties — typically have a mix of housing available rather than there being certain styles and prices in certain sections "Pricing for single-family homes could start around $500,000 and then you can go up to $5 million," she said "Teaneck is unique in that you can have a $500,000 house next to a $1 million house It's not really that you're just going to be on a street with all million dollar homes There's obviously sections that are more expensive but there's no area that has just one type of house." While there is newer construction homes available throughout the town Teaneck is known for its vast selection of well-preserved historic homes This consists mostly of Tudor and Dutch Colonial properties While Benoff said that Teaneck is more of a homebuyer town there is still a good selection of apartment buildings available for renters And she said that a bulk of those apartments are located off of Queen Anne Road a 248-unit rental development on Windsor Road; One500 a 228-unit apartment complex on Teaneck Road; and River Commons which recently opened its first building on Alfred Avenue with 256 rentals and is set to include a second adjacent building with 248 additional units Other rental communities in Teaneck are Teaneck Square There are also occasionally opportunities to rent single-family homes in Teaneck At the beginning of March, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,795 per month for a one-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on State Street to $6,500 per month for a five-bedroom, three-bathroom single-family home on Hickory Street Perception: While Teaneck is a fairly large town there doesn't seem like there's a lot of attractions for residents Reality: Teaneck might not be booming with major attractions but it is still home to beloved local businesses entertainment options and community events dining at a highly-rated restaurant or attending a community event Teaneck has a variety of things for residents to do you can explore the Teaneck Historic Burial Ground on Pomander Walk Road near the Hackensack River The site was originally a burial plot for Native Americans but later became part of the Zabriskie Farm — as seen through the historic Zabriskie Kipp Camus house nearby — and served as a burial plot for slaves in the area Teaneck is one of the few remaining North Jersey towns with a downtown movie theater Teaneck Cinemas was originally opened as a single-screen movie house in 1937 known as Teaneck Theatres Teaneck Cinemas offers showings of new film releases in an art-deco-inspired venue Teaneck is also home to more than 20 different parks and green spaces This includes Votee Park — a 40-acre property with walking trails an amphitheater and a public pool — as well as the Teaneck Creek Conservancy which features miles of walking trails and art installations across its 46 acres Teaneck is also home to a portion of Overpeck County Park the Teaneck Public Library is expected to reopen in late 2025 and soon offer its long list of public resources The library — which first opened in 1927 with 650 books — is now home to more than 100,000 items including books It also typically hosts a a variety of clubs workshops and special events for both children and adults Teaneck is known for its selection of small local businesses rather than for having an abundance of chain stores Glass said the town has six business districts that each off their own style of businesses meaning there's something available for everyone Cedar Lane, which acts as Teaneck's main downtown area, is the busiest of them all. This 125-year old shopping district is home to about 175 businesses — many of which are family owned — and is currently the focus of revitalization efforts by the Cedar Lane Management Group "There's definitely the value of having smaller businesses and having the ability to find those unique things while keeping the shopping local in Teaneck," Glass said "We all go to the mall and we all shop on Amazon but we really encourage everyone to shop local and support the local businesses." Among these local businesses are spots like A&S Comics There are also several beloved specialty bakeries like Butterflake Bakeshop And to match its diverse population of residents Teaneck is also home to a booming dining scene with an array from different cultures You can dine at places like Amarone Ristorante To highlight these and the town's many other restaurants the Rotary Club of Teaneck hosts their annual Taste of Teaneck event each spring residents and non-residents of Teaneck are invited to try items the town's eateries and bakeries enjoy music from live performers and participate in a Tricky Tray "We have some of the best restaurants in the area located in Teaneck," Glass said "It is a huge draw for the restaurants and the community in general and people get to come out and experience our restaurants They get to see what the food is all about." there's the Teaneck International Film Festival — an event that has presented feature-length films documentaries and shorts from a variety of cultures since 2006 — and Race Amity Day an annual community gathering to celebrate the community's diversity through special programming Glass said there's also the Meet the Township which is held each year by the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce offers residents the opportunity to meet the town's department heads and get to know how the town's departments operate Other public events held in Teaneck throughout the year include visits from Santa on a firetruck Teaneck Day and the town's annual Fourth of July fireworks display it must be difficult to commute to New York City and other North Jersey towns from Teaneck unless you're going to drive Reality: There are several NJ Transit bus routes that run throughout Teaneck on a regular basis that offers a convenient commute to those traveling to New York City and other North Jersey towns Unfortunately for those that prefer to travel by train Teaneck does not have a train station available for commuters — the closest options for train service are the two stations at Anderson Street and Essex Street in Hackensack But there are multiple bus routes that run throughout the town that all still provide a convenient commute for Teaneck residents NJ Transit bus routes 157, 165R, 167, 167Q, 167T, 168, 171, 175, 177 and 178 all run through Teaneck and travel to Port Authority in Manhattan 167T and 177 are all express buses that run during peak commuting hours on weekdays while the other routes operate regularly on weekdays and weekends The commute on these bus routes to Midtown Manhattan can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day and what route you take and the monthly commuting cost will total $170 when purchasing an unlimited monthly pass "The proximity to New York City and the ease of the commute is a big thing," Young said "It can take anywhere between 30 to 40 minutes I commuted to New York when I used to work in New York so I do appreciate that ease of a commute." Route 80 and the New Jersey Turnpike all run directly through a portion of Teaneck Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway are all also within a 10 to 20 minute drive of the town Teaneck schoolsPerception: Because Bergen County is typically considered to have some of the best public school systems in New Jersey Teaneck must have a highly-rated school system Reality: Teaneck Public Schools often receives mixed reviews in terms of its quality but it is generally considered to be a decent school system in North Jersey There are two schools in the district that provide preschool programs for children ages three and four: Theodora Smiley Lacey School — which also hosts kindergarten students — and Bryant Elementary School Teaneck Public School also partners with Teaneck Early Learning Center and Bergen Day School for their preschool program Other preschool programs in Teaneck outside of the school district are available at Rhymes & Reasons Teaneck Chabad Preschool and Montessori Learning Center Teaneck Public Schools also has three K-4 schools Hawthorne Elementary School and Lowell Elementary School There is also Benjamin Franklin Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School for students in fifth through eighth grade and Teaneck High School for ninth through 12th grade students "I was involved in the Parent Teacher Organization and I've been president of many of our schools so I do have a sense of what is being offered," Young said "We have strong academic programs and we have lots of extracurricular activities Perception: There isn't much people to do in Teaneck besides exploring its green spaces and shopping at local businesses Reality: While Teaneck doesn't have tons of nightlife options recreational clubs and places of worship where residents can go to be social there's still plenty of options available to be social Teaneck doesn't necessarily have a ton of spots to choose from But there are still beloved locations like Brvsh Cul7ur3 — a 49-seat jazz club serving up music drinks and dinner on Cedar Lane — and Pub 178 a cozy Irish bar with a selection of beers an intimate live music venue with a large craft beer menu and a variety of upscale finger foods And for community organizations and programs, you can start with the Richard Rodda Center This nearly 51,000-square-foot facility — which is home to Teaneck's Recreation Department — opened in 1998 and features two full-sized basketball gyms It offers youth programs like arts and crafts as well as adult programs like watercolor painting The Richard Rodda Center is also home to the Sunshine Garden Learning Center, a full-day Montessori-based program for children ages 3 and 4, and a six-week summer camp program known as Camp Kookooskoos Other community organizations in Teaneck include the Teaneck Community Chorus Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County and Teaneck Women United Young said there is also the Teaneck Race Amity group where she said residents of all backgrounds come together to talk about what's going on in the world and work to promote unity between different races and cultures Young also highlighted the Garden Club of Teaneck which has programs available all throughout the week "There's so many organizations in Teaneck that you can find something that resonates with you," Young said "Whether you want to get involved civically whether you want to volunteer and help with the food pantries — depending on the level of involvement that you want There are also many different places of worship in Teaneck This includes St Anastasia Roman Catholic Church So move right in to Teaneck: A diverse and down-to-earth suburb that offers urban conveniences a strong sense of community and an array of beloved local businesses Big news for Teaneck’s kosher food scene—La Cucina is relocating to a larger and upgraded space on Cedar Lane The new location was previously home to The Bridge a Turkish restaurant that originally launched in Highland Park La Cucina is stepping in to revitalize the space bringing its signature Italian flavors to an even bigger and better venue is currently under renovation and will feature: ✅ Expanded menu & seating✅ A large party room for private events✅ More parking for easy access✅ A fresh Fans of La Cucina’s authentic Italian cuisine can still visit their current location (192A W Englewood Ave) until the grand reopening offers a menu thoughtfully curated to provide guests with an exceptional culinary experience Signature dishes include Mozzarella Fritta—panko-breaded mozzarella wedges served with house sugo—and the Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka featuring rigatoni pasta tossed in a house-made vodka sauce with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano the Napoli offers a classic Italian cheese pizza topped with house red sugo and shredded mozzarella La Cucina Di Nava provides catering services and accommodates private events making it an ideal venue for special occasions The restaurant operates under the kosher supervision of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County (RCBC) TEANECK — An unauthorized man entered the township's high school during the March 12 school board meeting and remained there overnight despite setting off two alarms The Teaneck Police Department on Thursday said burglary and theft charges have been filed against the man identified as Ryon Reid who is "believed to be homeless" with a last known address in the township Police said they have not apprehended Reid School Superintendent Andre Spencer advised parents on Wednesday that a man entered the building at 8:45 p.m on March 12 and triggered an alarm at an unspecified time prompting a response from the Teaneck Police Department Spencer said "there were no signs of vandalism," and that there was "a safety officer monitoring the premises during the board meeting," which began at 7 p.m "At no time was there any threat or harm to anyone in the building," Spencer said What appears to be a school surveillance video shared by former Councilman Keith Kaplan shows the man a cap and a long overcoat and possibly carrying multiple bags or backpacks entering the school and wandering its hallways One camera angle shows the man leaving the school with his bags at 5:42 a.m Kaplan declined to say how he obtained the security video and said his source told him that several rooms in the school had been vandalized The police report stated staff members the following day reported "belongings had been moved" and at least one reusable shopping bag was missing The surveillance video does not show the man vandalizing the school or signs of vandalization The Teaneck Police Department said two "perimeter" alarms were set off at the building at 12:42 a.m but "the building's exterior doors were secure and did not observe any signs of forced entry." The news of the unauthorized entry into the school comes days after the school's Safety Director Paul Morgan filed suit against Spencer and the school district on March 14 claiming he was subjected to retaliation when he expressed concerns about the superintendent's financial cuts to his department. Spencer significantly undermined the department and the school district's safety by cutting the safety department budget without consulting or informing [Morgan]," the suit states Spencer eliminated multiple positions from the department reduced officers' working hours and withdrew safety officers from all elementary schools Morgan's suit contends he experienced a $26,000 loss in pay when Spencer reduced his salary and eliminated his tuition reimbursement "in retaliation" for his concerns about student and public safety Police asked any information on the whereabouts of Reid be reported to the department at 201-837-2600, 844-466-6789 or bergencrimestoppers.org The safety director at Teaneck Public Schools says he was subjected to retaliation when he expressed concerns that the superintendent's financial cuts to the department compromised safety Spencer did not immediately respond to an email for comment Morgan said he was hired as a school safety officer for the 2020-2021 school year and that in 2021 he was made the COVID responder team member After being recommended by the interim superintendent he replaced Cameron Cox as the coordinator of district safety and residence A salary adjustment was made from $96,000 to $114,980 he took over the Community Oriented Policing Services grant but the suit says he petitioned the Department of Justice to reallocate the funds for safety equipment needed by the school Morgan said he and the district knew they had to abide by the terms of the "grant unless otherwise amended by petition." Local: Teaneck to kick off neighborhood compost pilot program. See how to get on waitlist Spencer was appointed as the superintendent in December 2022 and Morgan says he was "subjected to a hostile work environment" because he would speak up regarding what he thought were violations of the law or written school policy The lawsuit says Spencer made "inappropriate remarks" and false allegations Morgan said he pushed for more security officers to be hired when hours and compensation were cut by Spencer Spencer significantly undermined the department and the school district's safety by cutting the safety department budget without consulting or informing [Morgan] eliminating multiple positions from the department reducing officers' working hours and withdrawing safety officers from all elementary schools," the suit says Morgan accused Spencer of reducing his salary and eliminating his tuition reimbursement in retaliation for his concerns about student and public safety actions he said caused a $26,000 loss in pay The suit also alleges Spencer wouldn't allow Morgan to have an evacuation/reunification drill at Teaneck High School in October 2023 even though an elementary school did one the year before He said it was because there were not enough safety officers to cover the game "At least 30 officers from neighboring towns responded to control the situation," the lawsuit says The suit says he was not allowed to contact the Teaneck police after the discovery of a written threat to "shoot up the school," which "led to an outcry from the public as a result of Dr Spencer's actions and several meetings were held." Morgan said Spencer "berated" him in those meetings even though he was not responsible for the decision The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office investigated because of the safety issues and a violation of the memorandum of agreement between the district and the Police Department The suit details other instances between Morgan and Spencer that Morgan believed to be violations and retaliation The suit says Morgan "has been stripped of his dignity Spencer" and has faced constant threats of termination because of his concerns TEANECK — A ribbon cutting ceremony has formalized the opening of the controversial 256-unit six-story The Marq Teaneck apartment complex has become a symbol for pro- and anti-development factions in the township during the last election and hearings over changes to its master plan The first phase of the project includes 38 affordable units and offers studios one- and two-bedroom units with top-floor loft residences with 19-foot tall ceilings just off Route 4 west Malas Development estimates nearly 100 leases have already been signed and residents are moving in Affordable units are being reserved for a housing lottery process underway 248-unit building with 37 affordable units is "set to rise adjacent to the initial offering" at 359 Alfred Ave according to Malas Development Managing Member Mark Malas “This is an exciting moment as we celebrate the successful opening of The Marq Teaneck,” said Malas “We are grateful to Mayor Mark Schwartz and township officials for their support in bringing this project to life This signature residential community is quickly attracting renters seeking sophisticated homes exceptional amenities and an ultra-convenient location.” said “the realization of this property is a testament to Malas Development and I thank them for their dedication.” The site was designated an "Area in Need of Redevelopment" with a commercial building vacant since 2002 and approved for construction by the Township Planning Board and Council after nine hearings Residents opposed to development continued to bring up the building as an example of what they don't want during master plan hearings last summer. "You have created a nightmare," Margaret Baker of Decatur Avenue testified during a master plan hearing in August One hundred cars coming out onto Decatur are going to be a living hell." "Building is not a four-letter word," Schwartz said "The council was able to pass eight years of zero tax increases because we built times have changed over the last few years since COVID and we need to get back to the business of building." ordinances were approved to allow for a six-story self-storage building at 100 State St and a seven-story 67-unit apartment building with 11 affordable units underground parking and first-floor retail at 140 State St The township was assigned 431 new affordable housing units in the fourth round quotas issued by the state's Department of Community Affairs in October a number the Township Council voted to accept by the Jan New Jersey law requires a central location for all affordable housing to be advertised. All units are listed on the New Jersey Housing Resource Center’s website at nj.gov/njhrc which previously was used to advertise only affordable housing units financed by the HMFA TEANECK — Citing his "disappointment" with her votes against two State Street redevelopment ordinances Mayor Mark Schwartz rescinded his appointment of Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg as his representative on the township Planning Board Schwartz told Goldberg in an email Monday that he was replacing her with Darryl Greene Goldberg and Schwartz shared the private email with Northjersey.com typically they are done at reorganization meetings in January and seldom with a statement criticizing the departing member's voting record The mayor may appoint non-council members to the post The switch followed the March 11 Township Council's votes approving two ordinances authorizing redevelopment plans for a six-story self-storage building at 100 State St 67-unit apartment building with 11 affordable units at 140 State St Goldberg and Councilman Michael Pagan voted against the two ordinances without explanation at the council meeting Goldberg had previously voted to approve the ordinances as a Planning Board member as it complied with the township's master plan outlined the reasons for rescinding her appointment "You gave no indication you were ever against this project in any way shape or form," his email reads the public has no idea why you voted no," Schwartz wrote "It is sadly clear that your assumed stances … are not in line with mine and the rest of the council." Goldberg responded by writing that Schwartz dismissed "the only Jewish woman from the Planning Board" as "punishment for her council vote" when "the council ignored the Planning Board's recommendations Goldberg also said her dismissal was the result of her "supposed betrayal" when she voted against a protest ordinance proposed by Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen last month without a legal review of its constitutionality which proposed new regulations for "special events," failed to secure enough votes but the council voted to have an independent constitutional attorney review the draft for its legality several residents continued their objections to the two developments Resident Chuck Powers said the Planning Board may have approved the developments but with the proviso that the Township Council address some concerns it had on various issues Township Clerk Doug Ruccione said the approval process for the projects is not over and that the concerns would be dealt with "at the site plan level." Goldberg and Pagan did not discuss any concerns as the reason for their votes against the developments The ordinances were approved 5-2 by Schwartz deputy mayors Orgen and Denise Belcher and council members Danielle Gee and Elie Katz PROTEST ORDINANCE REVIEWED Teaneck's 'protest' ordinance fails to pass, heads for constitutional attorney review Schwartz responded to residents' objections and concerns to the developments before the vote at the March 11 meeting He said "the time for no-no-no has to stop." Schwartz said the sites were vacant for decades "in a town that needs housing "Some of the speakers tonight fought against having housing development as it relates to the self-storage," Schwartz said "People wanted presentations to the council and public Every single one of those steps were taken Pagan said Schwartz's dismissal of Goldberg "illustrates his unwillingness to embrace diversity of thought or promote transparent governance in Teaneck." "Decisions should reflect what's best for all residents not political retaliation," Pagan said in an emailed statement Two women remain on the Planning Board: Belcher and Lucria Ortiz TEANECK — The man who entered Teaneck High School during the March 12 school board meeting and stayed the night has been arrested The officer observed a man who matched the description of the man who entered the high school walking on Cedar Lane near the municipal building was wearing the same outer clothing he wore when captured on school surveillance cameras Reid was placed under arrest without incident Reid had in his possession several United States Savings Bonds valued at approximately $500,000 in the names of a deceased couple from Brooklyn Reid was also in possession of the death certificates of the individuals named on those savings bonds Reid was served with burglary and theft charges stemming from the March 12 incident as well as with receiving stolen property Detectives are investigating why Reid had the bonds and are trying to identify and speak with the owner’s family members Reid was remanded to the Bergen County Rehabilitation and Correctional Facility School Superintendent Andre Spencer informed parents of the incident on Wednesday He told the school community that a "safety officer " was monitoring the premises on the night of March 12 when Reid was observed on security video entering the building unchallenged at 8:52 p.m. and wandering the building until he exited at 5:42 a.m TEANECK — The Board of Education selected a new president and vice president at Tuesday's reorganization meeting returning member Nadia Hosein and newcomer Jennifer Levy were sworn in to three-year terms as the top vote-getters on the nine-member board in November's election Incumbents Victoria Fisher and Dennis Klein did not seek reelection Hosein was appointed to the board in January 2023 but lost her bid for a full term that fall Edward Ha was named president of the board with a 5-4 vote last year's president and his 2022 running mate Kassandra Reyes was reelected vice president with a 5-4 vote running against Kirshenbaum with her vote and those of Ha Ha was born in France and moved to the U.S He earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder He later earned a master's in finance from New York University Stern School of Business and their children have attended public schools He has served as treasurer of the Ben Franklin Middle School PTO and president of the Teaneck PTA Council He lists his occupation on LinkedIn as director of Alpha AI Product Management There was no resolution to a Nov. 4, 2024, ruling by Judge Carol Novey Catuogno giving the board an additional 50 days to comply with a complaint filed by five residents in September accusing the board of insufficient print newspaper notices for the meetings of Dec The complaint was filed against 11 current and previous board members It leaves in question the legality of actions taken at those meetings including the removal of high school Principal Pedro Valdes III from his post in December 2023 Valdes has filed two complaints regarding his transfer to principal of the 27-student One complaint was filed in December with the state Superior Court in Bergen County after a similar complaint filed in May with the Public Employment Relations Commission Rain wasn't going to stop seniors at Arbor Terrace in Teaneck and Bristol House in Hackensack from doing their part to become involved with the national "Hands Off" movement events Saturday The nationwide protests, officially known as the "Hands Off! National Day of Action," aimed to take a stand against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's recent policy actions including the shuttering of Social Security offices and firing of federal workers “I’m concerned for my children and my grandchildren,” said Herb Guston an Arbor Terrace resident who grew up in Paterson “I want to them to grow up in an America that I knew.” About 60 seniors from the two senior living centers gathered at Teaneck's Arbor Terrace on Saturday morning with handmade signs saying “hands off the Constitution the free press and Social Security.” Walking to the front of the senior living center “I think everybody has to be involved today,” said Hildy Dillon of Teaneck “I think we have to rise up and use our voices What’s going on is not acceptable and does not represent the United States of America.” Loretta Weinberg said several of her neighbors at Arbor Terrace kept saying to her that they had to do something to speak up about what has been happening at the federal government which led them to organize to join the protests happening across the country since most of us don’t have that long a future but we’re fighting for the future of our democracy for our neighbors “The voices of this generation are ready to stand up Josh Gottheimer and Assemblywoman Shama Haider visited the seniors during the protest and listened to their concerns “Yesterday I got more calls from seniors than anybody else saying ‘he’s literally destroying my savings,’” Gottheimer said this is one of the most important places to go because this is where he’s directly going after people’s savings Haider said it was “really inspiring” to see the seniors out protesting and that “we should all be doing this.” everybody should be coming out< since that’s their future that’s going to be affected,” Haider said was unanimously named to a two-year term as mayor by his colleagues on the council at Thursday's reorganization meeting Schwartz was first sworn to a new term with fellow council members Karen Orgen and Michael Pagan. Pagan defeated Schwartz two years ago in a bid for mayor, to become the first Latino resident to hold the position. The three survived anti-development and anti-cannabis challenges for their seats in November's election from Duane Harley Under the township's council-manager form of government the public elects its seven council members to four-year terms in shifts every two years elect one of the members to serve as mayor for a two-year term at a reorganization session in January Orgen was selected as deputy mayor 1 and Denise Belcher as deputy mayor 2 Belcher was also selected as a Class III member of the township Planning Board Schwartz declared himself a "Get Stuff Done person" in his acceptance speech "Building is not a four-letter word," Schwartz told the audience at the Richard Rodda Center Schwartz cited the need for affordable housing but also as an economic necessity to generate dollars to keep tax increases under control but they also want to be able to afford to stay here," Schwartz said "We have got to keep an eye on the budget." The township's 40% Jewish population is one of the largest in the state the township and its schools have become protest centers surrounding the Oct FIRST LATINO MAYOR Teaneck names first Latino mayor, bypasses three-term councilman We have to learn to live with each other and respect each other every single day." grew up in Rockland and moved to Teaneck at age 19 He attended Torah Academy in the township and earned an associate degree from SUNY Rockland Schwartz is the founder and president of New York Water Management Inc. a New York City real estate management consulting firm specializing in the reduction of water and sewer tax bills He also began investing in multifamily real estate in 1999 purchasing distressed apartment buildings and executing affordable housing agreements with the New York City Housing Department He is a 22-year member of the township’s Volunteer Ambulance Corps He served on the Planning Board from 2006 to 2012 when he was elected to his first term on the Township Council He served as deputy mayor from 2018 to 2022 Schwartz has also served as a volunteer firefighter for the River Edge Fire Department for over 25 years INCUMBENTS WIN Teaneck voters stick with incumbents for municipal, schools posts He is a founding member of Congregation Shaare Tefillah and has served as president for 11 of its 22 years He is the co-founder and co-publisher of The Jewish Link of Bergen County He previously served as vice president of Yavneh Academy in Paramus and is a past board member of Teaneck’s Torah Academy of Bergen County TEANECK — Comparing their first restaurant ownership experience to "jumping out a window," barber Dre Perrin and his partner Driven by a love of southern cooking, Perrin and Houston are opening a Teaneck edition of their Montclair restaurant, Sweet T's Southern Eatery after a year of experimental "ghost kitchen" takeout service Perrin is already something of a household name as owner of Bespoke Men's Grooming and Spa The township's oldest Black-owned business at 1395 Queen Anne is a diagonal 250-foot-walk north from the restaurant For Perrin's contributions to the community the Walraven Drive corner near his barber shop was renamed "Bespoke/Dre Perrin Way" in October 2020 A year after that honor, Perrin, 50, opened Sweet T's in Montclair with Houston "We were two foodies tired of going to Newark or New Brunswick to get good southern cooking," said Houston We were like rock stars without a tour manager." They are both Teaneck High School graduates they passed through school without connecting until a chance encounter at a bar after following different career paths Perrin's family hailed from South Carolina where years of traditional soul food contributed to his grandfather's two heart attacks and triple bypass surgery Perrin vowed to search for a healthier food lifestyle "Many soul food recipes are based on the heavy use of pork fat a cheap food source often fed to slaves who had to make do," Perrin said but one that allowed her enthusiasm for soul food to flourish as she pursued a 30-year career in the textile industry citing family recipes like Georgian Style Okra Brenda's Signature Deviled Eggs and Grandma Sarah Boobie's' Crispy Deep-Fried Chicken Guidance came from Perrin's childhood friend, Carlos Swepson, now chef and owner of BLVD Bistro in Harlem "He explained the ways to achieve the authentic taste without all the preservatives and unhealthy ingredients The couple admits their backgrounds had not prepared them for the challenges of the 24/7 restaurant business "It's a different kind of psyche," Perrin said "There's probably one in a 100 employees for which this is their professional goal people earning a living on their way to other careers More: Teaneck honors barber whose diverse customer base includes rabbis and rap artists Houston and Perrin say they are better prepared for the Teaneck opening having learned to split supervision duties decoration) while Perrin runs the "back" (food orders They hope a year spent establishing clientele through the takeout service has helped generate customers for the restaurant authentic soul food to the suburbs in a chic and inviting atmosphere," Perrin said For more information, visit their website, sweettseatery.com TEANECK — After the Planning Board's unanimous approval of a new master plan on Jan the Township Council will consider passage of an ordinance quantifying the rules for one of its most controversial sections is a self-contained apartment with separate kitchen and bath facilities within a single-family dwelling or on its property security and a companionship for the owner The seven-page ordinance, posted in full on Pages 177 to 183 of the Jan. 30 Planning Board agenda would enact a new section regulating ADU's intended to address an "unmet need for affordable housing" by "increasing the use of existing housing resources — namely single family dwellings." Participants in a resident workshop conducted before changes were made to the master plan designated large swaths of the township that would be appropriate for introduction of ADU's The ordinance would allow ADU's in R-S single-family residential R-S multifamily residential and B-R business residential zones 85.7% of the workshop participants indicated that they "would allow ADU's in their neighborhood and/or were in favor of ADU's .. conditioned upon neighborhood character being maintained." neither the master plan nor the ordinance provides any "neighborhood character" criteria against which such an application can be judged 30 that the ADU ordinance is consistent with the master plan the Township Council must still approve the ordinance Little wording about ADU's was changed in the township's Master Plan revisions Redline amendments proposed for Page 46 of the plan only added that such units would allow "current residents the ability to stay within their properties," but "conditioned on neighborhood character being maintained." The ordinance provides restrictions for creating ADU's: The ordinance is being considered as the township faces a fourth-round affordable housing quota of 431 new units from the state Department of Community Affairs downwardly projecting the number from 431 to 384 due to errors in the open developable space inventories," Mayor Mark Schwartz said in an email statement It is unclear how ADU's would be applied to the township's affordable housing quota TEANECK — A six-page "protest" ordinance proposing new regulations for "special events" failed to secure enough votes at Tuesday's Township Council meeting voted to have an independent constitutional attorney review the ordinance draft for its legality The ordinance, listed in full on Pages 22 to 27 of the Feb. 25 agenda Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen and Councilman Elie Katz they were the only three who voted in favor of its introduction Deputy Mayor Denise Belcher and Councilwomen Danielle Gee and Hillary Goldberg abstained "It's meant to protect the First Amendment rights but also the right to exercise freedom of speech," Orgen said Council members expressed concern that the draft should be reviewed for its constitutionality before a vote King's statement about the only weapon that we have in our hands this evening is the weapon of protest," Belcher said "So we want to be sure that whatever we do The ordinance would require that a permit be issued for any "special event," including parades and that the permit be requested at least 10 days in advance of the event Rules and regulations include a prohibition against carrying weapons and against use of sound equipment from 7 p.m Special events would not be held in police in front of private residences or within 300 feet of a religious establishment Bergen County news: State of Bergen County address 2025: Maintain quality of life, make county more affordable Town officials are specifically prohibited from interfering with "peaceful marches demonstrations or other expressive activity." Persons not participating in special events are to be allowed "unimpeded access to buildings and businesses within the vicinity of the event" and must be given enough space to travel on sidewalks without being "maliciously obstructed or detained." "I'm actually super optimistic about this," Schwartz said "I think when that constitutional lawyer comes back and gives a blessing that we will have a 7-0 unanimous vote." The pizza chain with its origins in the Catskills and now with locations throughout New York and Florida has opened up its namesake pizzeria in the heart of Teaneck NJ’s kosher scene by merging with Poppy’s Bagels (and TCBY) According to the owner: “It’s Fialkoffs but we kept Poppy’s menu for all the other items besides the pizza menus.” This ensures that most of the non-pizza items from Poppy’s that were beloved by locals have been retained at the kosher eatery The Teaneck location can be found at 204 W Englewood Ave, Teaneck, NJ and is kosher-certified by the RCBC. Online orders can be made here Fialkoff’s now has 11 locations and is not done Here’s the listof Fialkoff’s Kosher Pizza’s current locations: TEANECK — The township's Planning Board has unanimously approved an application to open a retail micro-cannabis retail and cultivation operation in the light industrial zone Planner David Novak completed three hearings of testimony for the application by Nutra Leaf LLC retailers and T-Verde LLC cultivation to open a joint facility at 455 Alfred Ave Members repeatedly cited a Township Council decision to approve cannabis operations as a conditional use in the light industrial zone as the guiding factor in approving the operation "Based on the mandate we've been given by the council and what's in our purview I would absolutely support it," board member Duane Harley said Thursday Harley said he thought assigning cannabis operations to a light industrial zone near a residential neighborhood made up predominantly of Black residents was "bias in a lot of ways," and that such operations were better located in a business district such as Cedar Lane HEARINGS TO BEGIN Hearings for marijuana dispensary, cultivation facility begin in Teaneck "I believe there is substantial reason that this application should be approved," Harley said "I just think it shouldn't be on Alfred Avenue because there's a racial component behind that." Residents continued to object to the project because of traffic and the absence of federal approval for cannabis operations regardless of New Jersey's legalization of recreational marijuana after a 2020 referendum board member Yehuda Kohn cited recently adopted legislation that changed the definition of controlled dangerous substances in the Comprehensive Drug Reform Act to preclude legalized marijuana NO TRAFFIC IMPACT Teaneck marijuana businesses won't significantly increase traffic, says expert "This change means that a licensed and authorized cannabis facility may operate within the 1,000-foot drug-free zone," Kohn said Attorney Jason Tuvel did not discuss steps that remain to be taken before the business may open Realtor Rosemary Hernandez Carroll joined a challenge against two incumbent Democrats Small business owner Rosemary Hernandez Carroll will join former Teaneck Deputy Mayor Emil “Yitz” Stern in seeking the Democratic nomination for Assembly 37th legislative district The pair are in a crowded Democratic primary that includes two incumbents Assemblywomen Shama Haider (D-Tenafly) and Ellen Park (D-Englewood Cliffs) the pair said their platform includes housing affordability infrastructure and public safety improvements “We need leaders in Trenton who truly understand the daily challenges of Bergen County families—from the cost of living to housing affordability and robust schools,” Stern said in a release “Coming out of retirement was not a decision I took lightly but I believe it’s necessary to help meet our community’s needs There’s no better partner than Rosemary as we stand ‘Together for Bergen 37.’” This year’s Assembly primaries will be the first without the county line in decades. The ballot system, which gave party-endorsed candidates an advantageous spot on ballots, was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge last year a plethora of primary challengers are signing up to take on party-aligned candidates across the state Stern currently works as a fiscal officer for the Bergen County Department of Public Safety and his time as a commissioner on the NJ State Commission on Holocaust Education and the New Jersey-Israel Commission I see firsthand how families are impacted by rising housing costs and shrinking opportunities,” Carroll said in the release sé lo que significa luchar por oportunidades justas y viviendas asequibles We’re running to ensure our district has strong responsive leadership rooted in fairness and opportunity we can make Bergen County thrive for every resident.” Also in the primary are Tenafly Councilman Dan Park and Tamar Warburg a Teaneck Democratic leader and general counsel of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ The pair are backed by Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop who is supporting Assembly primary challengers across the state Stern and Carroll’s announcement comes with the endorsements of Teaneck Mayor Mark “Mendy” Schwartz and five current or former municipal officials from within the district The winners of the June primary will be expected to win the general election in November An off-duty Bergen County firefighter is being lauded for stepping up to save a child stuck in frigid water earlier this week Capt. Christopher Connolly of the Teaneck Fire Department was walking to his daughter's school Wednesday when he heard "the sound of someone falling through ice," the department said in a Facebook post He saw a child "almost fully submerged" hanging onto ice with friends unsuccessfully attempting to pull the child out Connolly secured the scene to ensure there were no additional victims and removed the child from the water He then called 911 and provided first aid while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive "Chief (Joseph) Berchtold and the department are proud of Captain Connolly for his quick actions in helping this child," the post read Teaneck Battalion Chief Paul O'Connor told NorthJersey.com on Friday that the rescue happened in a creek elsewhere in Bergen County he could not provide any information on the age or condition of the child Connolly's effort came in the same month that he was promoted from lieutenant to captain to start the new year, O'Connor said. He and eight other Teaneck firefighters were officially recognized for their promotions in a special ceremony Jan A lifelong Teaneck resident charged earlier this month with fleeing after authorities said his vehicle struck and killed a 70-year-old woman in November was released from jail on Friday who attended Teaneck High School and resides with family in the township surrendered his driver's license and passport during the Dec 20 hearing by order of Superior Court Judge Kevin Kelly and Bryant must check in with the courts each week New details of the Nov. 21 accident which led to the death of Bernardita Garcia of Englewood came to light during the Friday detention hearing to the area of Cedar Lane and Lincoln Place in Teaneck and found a woman Authorities determined that a white Honda Accord had struck the victim after investigators found a driver's-side mirror cover at the scene but they were unable to find the vehicle immediately said Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Bollenbach Bryant was identified as the suspect and arrested several weeks later Teaneck officers responded to a home — about 2 miles from where the crash occurred — after Bryant's girlfriend called to report that he "allegedly became physical with her" during a verbal interaction Bryant had not been considered a suspect at the time the woman told them Bryant had been drinking heavily over several weeks he revealed to her that he "may have been involved in a hit-and-run that killed someone." As she told officers the story Bryant told his girlfriend to "shut her mouth," Bollenbach said investigators observed a white Honda Accord in the driveway with damage to the mirror matching the debris found at the scene of the accident police found that Bryant allegedly changed the car's registration to avoid prosecution strongly contended prosecutors' arguments to keep his client in jail saying he believed there were several missing pieces to prosecutors' arguments and expressed reservations about what was stated in police reports It was rainy and windy the night of the accident referring to surveillance video obtained by prosecutors Garcia had just left a business and was walking in the street Bryant did not realize he had struck a human and instead believed he had hit a tree branch Bollenbach said Bryant "had to have known that something struck his vehicle," stating that it was something that couldn't go unnoticed and happened so close to the mirror where Bryant was seated in the car Bryant saw media reports and realized he might have been involved in the accident and sought Roe's legal counsel Bryant was making the financial arrangements to secure Roe's representation and was planning on turning himself in before his arrest Roe said during the hearing that Bryant has no criminal history attended Teaneck schools and played football in high school and had always been employed when he had been seeking a new job in the field of mechanical construction The judge released Bryant on the strictest monitoring requirements heavily weighing the actions Bryant allegedly took to avoid detection Bryant is barred from having firearms or weapons must refrain from excessive alcohol or use of drugs without a prescription and must have no contact with the victim's family Prosecutors did not request a no-contact order between Bryant and his girlfriend Email: lcomstock@njherald.com; Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH or on Facebook A Teaneck man will spend 12 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to killing his two passengers in a drunken crash in October 2023 Teddy Mejia sat before state Superior Court Judge James Sattely in Bergen County on March 14 and expressed regret and deepest condolences to the victims' families "I made a huge mistake in getting in that car that night A decision that I regret for the rest of my life," Mejia told the court He said he hoped their families could one day forgive him and mentioned that his 2-year-old daughter would be affected by this because she wouldn't understand why he isn't there to play with or care for her The crash on Teaneck Road killed 40-year-old Hasbrouck Heights resident Rudy Rosales Escobar and 29-year-old Englewood resident Alexander Cosme Curruchich in the early-morning hours of Oct The pair were passengers in Mejia's 2021 BMW M850i Sattely sentenced Mejia to 12 years in state prison Several family members gave victim impact statements during the sentencing expressing devastation at their losses and that a piece of their hearts will always be missing Mejia admitted to consuming eight drinks within two hours including five double Jamesons and three Coronas His blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit "The facts of the case shock the conscience," Chief Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Talarico said Talarico noted that Mejia was going 106 mph when the crash occurred on Teaneck Road In addition to pleading guilty to driving while under the influence Mejia pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter said Mejia never intended for the crash to happen but it still didn't diminish the suffering of the victims' families who was asking for 10 years instead of the recommended 12 said his client has remorse and understands he must go to jail for his actions "He understands that no matter what happens Talarico said that while Mejia admits he made a mistake getting in the car that night He was in the courtroom before everyone because of "his reckless conduct with an extreme indifference to the value of human life." He said Mejia was impaired during the small hours of Oct 21 when a slight bend in the road caused him to veer off the roadway roll the car and kill Escobar and Curruchich TEANECK — Glenna Crockett was hired in 1984 to serve as superintendent of the township's Recreation Department The move made her the state's first Black woman to serve in that capacity having increased the township's recreational programs and turned a staff of six into 14 full-timers 80 part-timers and more than 150 seasonal employees She took on the job of superintendent when Richard Rodda left the post she took the last bow at the township's reorganization session where outgoing Mayor Michael Pagan presented her with a certificate of recognition "Your tireless efforts made the Recreation Department the crown jewel of Teaneck and the envy of many other communities," Pagan told her "Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement." The Rutherford native had a bachelor's degree in health and physical education when she joined the department as a supervisor in 1980 She later became a certified park and recreation professional and a certified recreation administrator "I would say getting additional staff was the most challenging thing," Crockett said during a phone interview before we had the Rodda Center we were kind of all over the place which was the foundation for the Rodda Center We had programs at the Townshouse and at the rec center the senior program went from 15 registered participants to more than 800 with expanded transportation services for seniors and disabled residents Crockett's first project was to add an inground pool at Votee Park RODDA CENTER Richard Rodda Community Center was named for its founder and have been trying to upgrade all the wading pools that were in a lot of the parks to splash pads something a little bit more attractive and appealing to children," Crockett said she is "most proud of the Rodda Center." She oversaw the $4.5 million 51,000-square-foot expansion of what previously was one gym at the southern end of Votee Park It now offers programming for residents from 18 months to 90 and older It was great," Crockett said of the township's first recreation superintendent the township has installed hybrid courts to accommodate tennis and pickleball as well as four pickleball courts in Andreas Park "There's always something new and exciting out there," Crockett said "I was always trying to be on the cutting edge Crockett has received several Excellence in Programming and three Excellence in Design awards from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association Berman Award for Administrative Excellence the most prestigious award given by the state recreation association her immediate plans are to concentrate on organizing the affairs of a recently deceased sister and parents and keep up her bowling She was inducted into the Bergen County and State Halls of Fame for superior performance in bowling Crockett attributes her success to her "incredible" staff overseeing 25 parks for 42,000 residents within the township's 6.2 square miles "I couldn't do what I did without the wonderful staff I've had and the support of the managers and council," Crockett said Malas Development has taken the wraps off a 256-unit luxury apartment building in Teaneck with plans for a second phase next door as it transforms what was a large industrial site The firm welcomed Mayor Mark Schwartz and other local leaders last week to unveil the project at 329 Alfred Ave. which it noted is less than five miles from the George Washington Bridge the property is already seeing strong demand with nearly 100 leases signed and its first residents on site while helping the township provide affordable housing with 38 units reserved for low- and moderate-income renters The second building is set to rise on adjacent parcel and will bring another 248 units Malas Development cleared a former industrial building to create the first phase and will do the same for the newest phase replacing outdated structures and transforming an entire block “This is an exciting moment as we celebrate the successful opening of The Marq Teaneck,” said Mark Malas “We are grateful to Mayor Schwartz and township officials for their support in bringing this project to life the six-story building has floorplans ranging from studios to two-bedroom units including select top-floor loft residences with 19-foot ceilings Residents of the high-end homes also have use of amenities such as a landscaped courtyard private kitchens and grilling and dining areas private storage rooms and garage parking with electric vehicle charging stations “The Marq Teaneck represents the next evolution of Bergen County living — modern residences upscale amenities and a location that easily connects residents to everything the region has to offer,” said Zack Malas “This community reflects our commitment to delivering homes that combine thoughtful design with everyday convenience and we’re excited to see residents embracing and enjoying their new lifestyle here.” Malas Development — which has built residential and commercial properties in Edgewater Cresskill and Saddle Brook — said monthly rents at The Marq Teaneck start from the $2,300s “The realization of this property is a testament to Malas Development and I thank them for their dedication,” Schwartz said Malas noted that The Marq is minutes from Teaneck’s Cedar Lane shopping district and downtown Englewood which is home to a host of restaurants and retailers Also nearby are The Shops at Riverside and Bergen PAC while commuters have easy access to highways such as Route 4 and nearby NJ Transit bus service has been covering New Jersey commercial real estate for 13 years Many industry leaders view him as the go-to real estate reporter in the state a role he is eager to continue as the editor of Real Estate NJ He is a lifelong New Jersey resident who has spent a decade covering the great Garden State Greek Real Estate Partners has gained a seal of approval for one of its key divisions thanks to a new accreditation from the Institute of Real Estate Management All RIGHTS RESERVED Copyright 2023 Real Estate NJ 101 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy Incumbents win Ridgewood; GOP holds Paramus Oakland; Dems gain in Palisades Park; close race in Woodcliff Lake Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan holds a narrow 200-vote lead in his bid for re-election in the non-partisan race for three seats on the Teaneck Township Council Karen Orgen (8,417) and Mark Schwartz (8,392) with Reshma Khan (6,395) running a close fifth Ardie Walser (5,865) and Chondra Young (3,812) Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki easily secured a second term as mayor David Way (6,745) and Michelle Paz (5,673) Former Councilman George Erwin (6,545) won the third seat In Ridgewood, incumbents Paul Vagianos (8,475) and Pamela Perron (7,254) were easily returned to their council seats in a non-partisan race.  Frank Mortimer, Jr., known locally as “Frank the Beeman” because of his work as a beekeeper won the open seat of retiring Councilwoman Lorraine Reynolds; he defeated school board member Hyunju Kwak Republicans Ace Antonio and Robert Kaiser won re-election to the Paramus Borough Council easily fending off a challenge from a pair of Democrats Oakland Republicans fended off a comeback bid by Democrat Linda Schwager who sought a council seat one year after losing re-election as mayor Council President Steven Saliani (4,132) will be joined by Carol Ann Rose (3,795) on the council Rose finished about 400 votes and three percentage points ahead of Schwager The race for two council seats currently held by Democrats in Woodcliff Lake remains too close to call Republican Chris Bonnano (1,815) and incumbent Jennifer Margolis (1,810) are ahead with Republican Morgan Mazor (1,788) trailing Margolis by just 22 votes    The current council is split 3-3 with GOP mayor Carlos Rendo breaking the tie Councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta is not seeking re-election Bogota: Bogota Council President Consuelo Carpenter and fire lieutenant Bill Hordern They defeated Republicans Marco Navarro and Jonathan Escalante Unofficial results showed the Democrats leading about 28%-22% East Rutherford: Council President Michael Lorusso and Councilman Daniel Alvarez won reelection to East Rutherford’s council who ran about 7 percentage points behind Alvarez Democrat Antonio Segalini will also be joining the council — he ran unopposed for an unexpired two-year term Dumont: A pair of Dumont Republicans narrowly won city council seats Tuesday Council President Tom Kelly and Gidget Petry defeated Andrew Warta and Nicola Attanasio by about 400 votes Petry defeated the Democrats by about 2 percentage points Garfield: Five council seats were up for grabs in Garfield: Unofficial results show Mayor Richard “Riggs” Rigoglioso Hasbrouck Heights: Chris Blum will be joining Bobby Bing on Hasbrouck Heights’ council The pair of Republicans beat Democrats Kim Sealy and Mary Blanusa by a margin of about 28%-22% Oradell: Oradell residents elected a Democrat and a Republican to the council Tuesday Democrat Kimberly Kyasky finished less than 100 votes behind Tashjian and Republican Ori Katzin finished about 300 votes behind the field Rutherford: Rutherford Councilman Raymond Guzmán and John Errico TEANECK — Voters favored the status quo in the township on Tuesday reelecting three council incumbents to new terms and two of three incumbent school board members Voters also approved continued support for Teaneck's Open Space Trust Fund Despite anti-development and anti-cannabis pitches voters approved new terms for Mayor Michael Pagan and council members Karen Orgen and Mark Schwartz one of four Rise4Teaneck candidates in 2022 former Board of Education President Ardie Walser and One Town One Vote activist Reshma Khan The unofficial results for the Teaneck Council as of Wednesday morning are: incumbent Jonathan Rodriguez won reelection with "Focused on Students" running mate Nadia Hosein who was appointed to the board in January 2023 but failed to win her first full term last fall Newcomer Jennifer Levy topped the school board candidate vote under the "Kids She argued Wednesday that her election signals a "clear mandate for change," but did not say for what Incumbents Victoria Fisher and Dennis Klein were eligible to run but did not seek new terms The board found itself the center of national attention last fall when 75 high school students staged a pro-Palestinian walkout in a municipality with 40% Jewish residents eight weeks after the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct The students were confronted with Jewish protestors before and during their march School Superintendent Andre Spencer and high school principal Pedro Valdes III disagreed over the demonstration and Valdes was removed from his post that December The U.S. Department of Education opened a federal civil rights investigation of Teaneck schools in January in response The legality of public notices for the December 2023 meeting at which Valdes was removed and two others has also been challenged The notices are the subject of an ethics complaint now pending against 11 current and former board members ETHICS COMPLAINT Ethics complaint filed against current, former Teaneck school board members The unofficial results for the Teaneck Board of Education as of Wednesday morning are: TEANECK — Funeral services will be held Wednesday for former township Councilman Adam Gussen Gussen served on the Township Council from 2008 to 2014, including as deputy mayor from 2010 to 2014. He was the 2012 Democratic candidate for the U.S. House seat in the 5th Congressional District who embodied the spirit of our town," said Mayor Mark Schwartz "Those who knew him remember a larger-than-life personality Whether he was running for Congress to better serve our community or launching pumpkins to record-breaking distances He leaves a lasting impact on Teaneck and will be deeply missed by his family Gussen was one of five residents who filed an ethics complaint against 11 current and former school board members in September 2024, accusing trustees of irregular practices in providing public print meeting notices Gussen posted on his Facebook page in April 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer that had spread to his pelvis "I'm grateful for the kind words and offers of help that many of you have already extended," Gussen wrote on his Facebook page "It means more to me than words can express." Gussen played football for Teaneck High School He received a degree in economics in 1995 from Rutgers University Gussen most recently listed himself as senior vice president of sales for Bond-Pro providing surety automation and management software for the insurance and broker industries The funeral will take place Wednesday at 12:30 p.m Hours for shiva at the Gussens' home are forthcoming Vitale's Restaurant & Catering in Teaneck will be closing The restaurant announced on its Facebook page on Tuesday that its last day will be Saturday "We are sad to announce the closing of Vitale's," the restaurant posted "Come in and have your favorite meal & reminisce with us we couldn't have done this for 46 years without our loyal customers so thank you to each and every one of you." Fans of Vitale's were sorry to see the restaurant shuttering with over 240 people commenting on the Facebook post Thank you for all the wonderful years of great food and fun!" one patron responded I have so many memories growing up with my Dad and my brother there You will be very much missed," wrote another patron A Teaneck man has been arrested and charged with sexual assault after allegedly assaulting a customer during a massage at an Allendale spa according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office On Saturday, the Allendale Police Department contacted the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office about an alleged sexual assault that took place that day at the Hand and Stone Spa in Allendale of Teaneck sexually assaulted an adult female customer while performing a massage at the spa Cedeno was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree sexual contact Cedeno has been detained to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance at the Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack Hand and Stone Spa of Allendale declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday Anyone with information can contact the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office tips line at 201-226-5532 Karen Orgen take sides in Democratic primary Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz and Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen have endorsed Rep Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) for the Democratic nomination for governor Teaneck represented 11.7% of all votes cast in the Democratic primary in Bergen County and makes up 7% of the county’s total number of registered Democrats “From expanding the Child Tax Credit and supporting small businesses to clawing back millions in federal dollars for infrastructure investments and our first responders I’ve seen up close how Josh has delivered for Teaneck and all of New Jersey’s 5th District,” Schwartz stated “Josh has been a fierce supporter of the U.S.–Israel relationship and has been a leading voice in combating the alarming rise of antisemitism in Teaneck I firmly believe Josh is the right leader to reboot our economy and protect our Jersey Values.” Gottheimer already has the support of a third township council member Councilwomen Danielle Gee and Denise Belcher have endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Councilman Michael Pagan supports Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop That leaves Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg as the last local elected official remaining uncommitted in the governor’s race Orgen praised Gottheimer’s tax cut plan and suggested he’s best equipped to make New Jersey more affordable “His vision for a more affordable and tolerant New Jersey is one that I fully support and I am proud to stand with him in this race,” she said Gottheimer represented part of Teaneck from 2017 to 2023; after the last round of redistricting the entire township was placed in New Jersey’s 5th district Facing a Democratic primary challenge from a progressive councilwoman from Glen Ridge in 2020 Gottheimer received 71% of the vote in his portion of the township Gottheimer outpolled Joe Biden by 686 votes in Teaneck TEANECK — The township's school board has been instructed to correct 12 of its current accounting practices Six of the 12 practices were also cited by an auditor for the fiscal year ending June 30 Five of the six repeated practices cited in the audit ending June 30 Accounting and Reporting section of the audit The report names current Business Administrator Victor Anaya as the person responsible for correcting the errors who was the business administrator from March 2023 to August 2024 The repeated recommendations range from the need to implement an Excel reconciliation of payroll activity to the need for the district's balance sheet accounts to be reviewed and reconciled with the various subsidiary ledgers and reports There were 12 overall practices cited for improvements last year "The following recommendations have been resolved that are mentioned in the 2024 audit: Findings 3 and 11," Schools Superintendent Andre Spencer said in an email statement and the remaining of the audit recommendations will be completed by year-end between June and August."  REORGANIZATION MEETING Teaneck Board of Education swears in new leadership Neither Spencer nor board President Edward Ha responded to questions about why six of last year's 12 cited recommendations were not corrected Last year's budget for the township's eight-school 3,805-student district totaled $124 million Public schools constitute the largest share of the municipal property tax dollar according to Chief Financial Officer Issa Abbasi Emil “Yitz” Stern will officially launch his campaign later this month Former Teaneck Deputy Mayor Emil “Yitz” Stern launched a campaign for Assembly joining the growing Democratic primary field in the 37th legislative district Stern said he hopes to improve housing affordability including his current work as a fiscal officer for the Bergen County Department of Public Safety and his time as a commissioner on the NJ State Commission on Holocaust Education and the New Jersey-Israel Commission “I’ve spent much of my life working to uplift the people of this district whether as a local official or through my leadership roles in Bergen County,” Stern said in a release someone who understands our communities and knows how to deliver real solutions on housing costs Stern spent 12 years as a Teaneck councilman before losing reelection in 2014 one year after he endorsed former Republican Gov Stern is challenging Assemblywomen Ellen Park (D-Englewood Cliffs) and Shama Haider (D-Tenafly) who are both seeking a third term in the lower chamber Also in the fray are Tenafly Councilman Dan Park and Tamar Warburg The latter two are backed by Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop who is backing Assembly primary challengers across the state Stern’s launch comes with the endorsement of Teaneck Mayor Mark “Mendy” Schwartz and former Teaneck Mayors Elie Y Also endorsing Stern is prominent Teaneck Rabbi Daniel Fridman and the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee “Emil ‘Yitz’ Stern is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience endowed with a rare combination of profound humility and exceptional competence,” Fridman said in the release “At a time when the Jewish community faces unprecedented antisemitism the relationship between New Jersey and Israel is under attack and our state lags behind many others in providing financial support to families with children in private and parochial schools Emil ‘Yitz’ Stern is exactly the representative we need in the State Assembly.” Stern plans to officially launch the campaign later this month TEANECK — A student 'Walkout for Palestine' is planned at Teaneck High School at 1:30 p.m An email distributed by Teaneck School Superintendent Andre Spencer on Tuesday to families and staff advised them the walkout was "not student led." However handbills for the walkout read: "Teaneck High School Student Led Walkout for Palestine." a sophomore at the school who asked her last name not be used said she was called to Principal Piero LoGiudice's office Tuesday morning to receive his assurance that the walkout group would receive police protection or in touch with them," Rayan said on Tuesday The proposed walkout was called "appalling" by Jason Shames CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey on Tuesday "The whole event is specifically geared towards making Jews feel uncomfortable and unwelcome president of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Teaneck said the walkout is "an affront to the Jewish community." "Supporting Hamas and using genocidal chants against the Jewish nation should never be allowed least of all on school time," Fox said in an emailed statement "If the Teaneck school system continues to allow this kind of hate protest perhaps they should be defunded."  Council on American Islamic Relations-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said “By exercising their First Amendment right to peacefully protest the students of Teaneck High School are standing up for human rights and justice.” "This walkout not only highlights the importance of free speech and civic engagement but it also demonstrates the students' commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of Palestinians and everyone around the world,” Maksut said who participated in a counterprotest before last year's walkout did not immediately respond to a request for comment A representative of the Office of Civil Rights declined to comment on the status of pending investigations Last year's walkout created a rift between Spencer and then-principal Pedro Valdes III over how the student protestors should be handled Valdes was moved to another position in December a move that remains in question following the filing of ethics charges against the Board of Education for notification irregularities in advance of that meeting More: Father of hostage Edan Alexander calls Hamas propaganda video 'encouraging but disturbing' Spencer's email repeats his philosophy following last year's walkout Students who participate will be marked "unexcused" for the missed period given a zero for missed classwork and their parents will be notified Rayan said the walkout was not intended as an annual event but to inform participants of ongoing developments in Gaza "There are students in our building who have no idea what is going on and have told me they are glad to find out," Rayan said Rayan said this year's walkout will be different from last year's in that students would proceed directly to Township Hall and will not begin with a march around the school's track "We will meet at the flagpole and go to town hall from there," Rayan said A YEAR LATER Grief and suffering persist a year after Israel-Hamas war. How NJ heroes make a difference Spencer and municipal authorities confirm they are aware of the proposed walkout "I am working with both the Teaneck Police Department and the Board of Education to ensure all safety measures are in place," said Township Manager Jaclyn Hashmat "The Teaneck Police Department is aware of the flier that is posted." Israel's response demolished nearly all the Gaza Strip Editor's note: The story was updated on Dec to include a comment from the Council on American Islamic Relations-NJ TEANECK — The township will kick off a six-month pilot composting program for 75 households starting April 27 The joint effort by the township and its Environmental Commission is being coordinated through Neighborhood Compost which is overseeing similar programs in Tenafly The 75 household sign-up has already been completed "Compost bins and eco-liners for our 75 pilot household participants will be distributed at the launch as well as the compost guide and instructions on how to access the compost trash bins," said Hildy Dillon chair of the township's Environmental Commission "Once the organic materials are processed into usable compost in October it will be offered to Teaneck pilot participants on a give-back basis." Participants will bring refuse to the Rodda Center Overflow Lot for recycling in specified collection totes Dillon said that based on the experience of the 75 pilot composter households the township "will make any necessary changes with the goal to offer the program to all Teaneck residents."  Neighborhood Compost describes itself as a "women-owned organics hauling service and family farm" based in Bergen and Hudson counties Residents' scraps are fed to its livestock and combined with manure to create compost The material is then used to cultivate the company's organic crops Residents who missed the chance to participate in the pilot program can email envcomm@teanecknj.gov with name address and phone number to be added to the waitlist for the next phase of the Teaneck Compost Program For more information on the program, visit teanecknj.gov Amanda Lee Announces Run for NJ Assembly in District 37 Seasoned Public Servant Pledges to Champion Housing Affordability a longtime community advocate and former Deputy Mayor of Teaneck today announced his candidacy for the New Jersey Assembly representing District 37 Known for bringing people together to tackle pressing local issues Stern aims to expand housing affordability and ensure every student in Bergen County has access to a strong education whether as a local official or through my leadership roles in Bergen County,” said Emil “Yitz” Stern I’m prepared to take that fight to the State Assembly.” Stern’s public service includes serving as Deputy Mayor and Council Member in Teaneck He has also been a Commissioner on the NJ State Commission on Holocaust Education and the New Jersey-Israel Commission reflecting his commitment to cultural understanding and civic engagement Currently serving as a Fiscal Officer in the Bergen County Department of Public Safety Stern oversees a range of fiscal operations for eight divisions bringing a wealth of administrative and budgeting experience to his legislative platform serving on its Board of Directors and committees for over a decade He is also a longtime Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University teaching a range of business and economics courses Local leaders who have worked closely with Stern emphasize his collaborative spirit and track record of delivering results: At a time when the Jewish community faces unprecedented antisemitism “I’ve seen Emil ‘Yitz’ solve tough challenges by listening to every perspective and finding consensus He will be a proactive voice for Bergen County families in Trenton.” “Emil ‘Yitz’ brings unmatched expertise in local governance His leadership will help District 37 thrive for years to come.” “Emil ‘Yitz’ Stern’s decades of service to Teaneck and Bergen County demonstrate a true commitment to community intelligence and vision we need in the State Assembly.” Bergen County Jewish Action Committee (BCJAC) “Emil ‘Yitz’ Stern is a seasoned public servant with years of experience in advocacy and government He has been a pillar of the Jewish community involved in many local causes and charities We wholeheartedly support his candidacy and know he will represent our district honorably and with the integrity the office deserves Housing Affordability – Championing policies that help working families and seniors stay in their communities Infrastructure Improvements – Modernizing roads and public transportation to enhance safety Fair Funding for Schools – Fighting for equitable resources so every child has access to a quality education “I believe Bergen County can be a place where all residents flourish and I’m running to ensure our concerns are heard in Trenton,” Stern added “I look forward to building on my public service experience to deliver practical solutions for District 37.” Emil “Yitz” Stern’s official campaign kickoff event is set for the end of January (details forthcoming) and the media are invited to attend and learn more about his vision for District 37 For more information, or to get involved, please contact YitzforAssembly@gmail.com Emil “Yitz” Stern is a former Teaneck Deputy Mayor with decades of experience in public administration He has additionally served as a Council Member and Commissioner on key state commissions As Fiscal Officer in the Bergen County Department of Public Safety and a co-founder of Cross River Bank he has developed an extensive background in budgeting Stern is also an Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University he is bringing his proven leadership to the race for New Jersey Assembly promising bold and inclusive solutions for Bergen County I would like to receive emails from Insider NJ Congressman William Walter Phelps did something that today would seem unfathomable Phelps threw open the doors of his beloved Teaneck estate known across Bergen County for its striking architecture and prized art collection had just been completed after years of renovation friends and even distant acquaintances to experience the grandeur firsthand at Christmastime transformed by architects into a series of rooms that each showcased Phelps’ interests Every corner of the estate was filled with objects collected from his travels European bronzes and carpets from distant markets a newly completed space at the far end of the mansion was built to display paintings by renowned artists of the day Guests could dance or marvel at the walls lined with pieces such as Frederic Edwin Church’s “Damascus” and a striking portrait of President James A which had been gifted to Phelps by Garfield’s widow The holiday open house was the talk of Bergen County mingling in the large halls and reception rooms They wandered through rooms lined with oak-panel bookshelves and stared up at vaulted ceilings as they warmed themselves near massive fireplaces that Phelps had installed to reflect the home’s rustic origins moving through the crowd with ease and making sure that each guest — from local farmers to business leaders from New York — felt at home More: North Jersey home of President Obama's economic recovery board chair listed for $3.5M The success of the open house inspired Phelps to host a similar event the following year according to The Montclair Times — crowding the hallways and filling every room His daughter Marian hosted in his wife Eleanor’s place Guests took in views of Teaneck’s rolling lawns admired the library’s immense collection of books and enjoyed refreshments served by the spacious dining room's grand bay window The 1888 event was memorable not only for its scale but also for an L (possibly Lewis L.) Fosdick poem published in the aftermath which captured the magic of the day that in part read: The challenge to rays of sun—for hospitality Held high in the esteem of a favored people May the New Year bring him his heart's desire;  May his cup o'erflow with health and honor;  his staff at Teaneck detected a strong smell of gas coming from the art gallery When a window was opened to ventilate the room causing an explosion that quickly spread through the gallery and into the rest of the house By the time help arrived from nearby Hackensack and Englewood finding only a few items salvaged from the fire by neighbors and his daughter who had helped during the blaze along with nearly all other paintings in the gallery the remaining stables and outbuildings also burned Phelps quipped that he had been pursued by the "fire fiend." Only the stone walls and a few tall chimneys remained they became a vine-covered curiosity that invited locals to reminisce or at least imagine Phelps moved his family to an adjoining property from which he continued to sow the property with white pines Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run after a pedestrian was struck and killed in Teaneck on Thursday evening the Teaneck Police Department responded to several 911 calls reporting a pedestrian laying in the road on Cedar Lane near the intersection with Lincoln Place in Teaneck officers determined that the person had been struck by a vehicle The pedestrian was taken to Holy Name Hospital and pronounced dead Their identity is being withheld pending notification to next of kin "This is a sad day for Teaneck and for Englewood and our hearts and prayers are with the victim and her family," said Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan in an emailed statement "Police are going to find out who did this we continue to improve safety on our county and local roads in Teaneck." The fatality comes months after a January crash at the intersection of Sherman and Palmer avenues left one person dead In 2015, a fatal hit-and-run occurred just down the road at the intersection of Cedar Lane and Garrison Avenue "I ask that everyone please be careful when crossing streets at night and in the rain and that drivers please drive like your kids live here and stay alert for pedestrians," said Pagan The incident is currently under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit and the Teaneck Police Department 2025 at 2:50 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A man having a crisis in Teaneck was removed from his residence and taken to get treatment NJ — A SWAT Team assisted police in getting a Teaneck man to safety on Monday morning after they got a call that he was having a mental health crisis The Teaneck police said that just after 7:30 a.m. they responded to the area of Ayers Court on a report of "an adult male experienc[ing] a mental health crisis." He refused to let them in and remained "barricaded" inside "Officers determined the man was in need of a mental health intervention the Bergen County Regional Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) was requested to respond," police said A SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiators arrived They evacuated nearby apartments and established a safe perimeter around the scene Crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with the man "to de-escalate the situation and resolve the incident peacefully," police said but this was still unsuccessful and the man remained inside police made forced entry and took the man into custody without incident "where he is receiving appropriate medical and mental health care," police said no charges are being filed against the man "The Teaneck Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our community and individuals in mental health crisis," they said "Our priority is always to resolve these incidents peacefully and to connect individuals with the mental health resources they need." Chief Andrew McGurr thanked the Bergen County Regional SWAT Team for their assistance The issue of how police respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis has been in the news. Read more about that here. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.