Message from the Mayor of Saddle River

Saddle River has passed its 2019 budget and I am happy to report that the Borough continues to be fiscally sound.  In addition to decreasing our debt while enjoying a healthy surplus, our residents will once again, for the sixth year in a row, enjoy a lower municipal tax rate.  Saddle River has the enviable distinction of having a municipal tax rate that is less than half of any adjoining town, while also having one of the lowest overall tax rates in all of Bergen County.  Among other good news to report, our Police Department received the New Jersey State Police Chiefs Association Re-accreditation recognition.  Simply put, our Police Department has been recognized by state officials as a Department operating within the standards of the top 25th percentile of all the Departments in the state.  Congratulations to our Police Department, for a job well done!

We also say farewell to Chief Tim McWilliams, who served our Police Department with honor and distinction for 34 years, and served as Chief for 17 years.  Chief McWilliams has been replaced by former Captain, and now new Police Chief, Jason Cosgriff. Chief Cosgriff is not only recognized as an exceptional Police Officer, highly qualified to lead our Department, but also has the unique distinction of having lived in Saddle River since he was only ten years old.  Growing up in Saddle River gives him the exceptional experience of knowing every nook and cranny of this amazing town, with an intimate familiarity with its people and its history. We all look forward to his leadership of the Department and we wish him well in his new position as our Police Chief.

Construction will be underway this summer to complete our Historic District Streetscape Program.  This will include an extension of our paver walkways, historic lighting fixtures, and renovation of the Allendale Avenue Bridge over the Saddle River.  Additionally, the Council has hired an historical architect, Gus Murpurgo, to develop construction drawings for the long overdue renovation of the Bishop House.  In addition to being an important historic visual landmark in our downtown historic district, the Borough will finally have a long awaited Community Center. The Bishop House Community Center will provide a location for various community groups to meet, as well as being available for all our residents personal use as a venue for small social or business events.  This venue can also be made available to groups outside of our community which can help to potentially generate revenue to offset the costs of maintaining the property. Anyone wishing to be more involved with the Bishop House Committee, whose members oversee the use of the house, should inquire at Borough Hall.

We have recently been denied a permit for a Non-lethal Deer Management Solution by the State of New Jersey.  This now leaves us with only one option to control our ever expanding deer population. Members of the Environmental Commission as well as members of the Town Council will be evaluating alternative ways of reducing the deer population and will bring forth their proposal to our entire community, for feedback, before its final implementation.  Residents should notice a decrease in our deer population by the end of 2018, which will result in less destruction of our vegetation and, hopefully, fewer deer-related auto accidents throughout the municipality.

I have tried three times, unsuccessfully, to get the speed limit on our county roads reduced.  However, I have not given up. I will continue to lobby our County Executive, for a fourth time, to reduce the speed limit on our county roads from 40 mph to 35 mph.  None of the surrounding towns have such high speed limits through their residential areas, and it is simply not fair or safe for our joggers, cyclists and children as drivers speed through our town.  But now I need your help in this effort by having all of you sign a petition to request a speed limit reduction by the county. This petition will be located in the Borough Hall and I urge everyone to stop in and be part of the list of Saddle River residents who insist action be taken to make our roads safer.

Finally, I want to give a special recognition to former Mayor Frederic Thompson, who recently passed away at age 102 years.  Fred served our community as Mayor with distinction and dedication from 1987-1991. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, who still reside in Saddle River.

I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy summer.

Mayor Al Kurpis

[Note: This has been re-published with the permission of Mayor Kurpis from his Personal Newsletter]