Ridgefield Park, NJ

Land Use Board

The Ridgefield Park Land Use Board is holding a regular meeting to consider two applications: interior renovations to a two-family home at 151 Fourth Street and converting an attic into habitable space at 27 E. Winant Avenue. The agenda also includes routine items such as minutes approval, public comments, and reports.

• Public hearing: 151 Fourth Street (Block 8/Lot 18) interior renovations to existing two-family
• Public hearing: 27 E. Winant Avenue (Block 133.01/Lot 5) convert attic into habitable space
• Acceptance of minutes from 7/21/2026
• Communications and bills
• Comments from the public

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission met on July 23, 2026, to conduct procedural business including roll call, approval of previous minutes, and public comments. No new business was submitted, and old business regarding a laundry facility at 264 Main Street remained unresolved due to lack of applicant follow-up.

The Ridgefield Park Historic Preservation Commission met on July 23, 2026, and approved the minutes from the June 25, 2026 meeting. No new business was submitted, and no public comments were made. The only old business item, Family Laundry at 264 Main Street, remains unresolved as the applicant has not provided additional information. The meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

• Approved June 25, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• No new business submitted
• No public comments received
• Family Laundry (23-08-01) remains pending; applicant has not returned with additional work information

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to conduct regular business. The body is reviewing an old business item regarding Family Laundry at 264 Main Street, where the applicant has not yet provided required information on additional work.

• Review of application 23-08-01 for Family Laundry at 264 Main Street

The commission approved the minutes from the June 25, 2026, meeting. No new business was submitted, and no substantive decisions were made regarding pending applications.

• Approved June 25, 2026 meeting minutes

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss pending items, including follow‑up on the Family Laundry application at 264 Main Street, which has not provided required additional information. The commission will also review Lexington Equities, LLC’s application to demolish an existing restaurant and four residential structures and construct a mixed‑use building with 52 residential units, retail space, parking, and sidewalk improvements at 36-50 Mt. Vernon Street. No new business was submitted, and routine procedural matters such as approval of the April 23, 2026 minutes will be addressed.

• Approval of previous minutes from the April 23, 2026 meeting
• Family Laundry, 264 Main Street – applicant has not returned required additional information
• Lexington Equities, LLC application to demolish existing structures and build a mixed‑use project (52 units, retail, parking) at 36-50 Mt. Vernon Street
• Signage policy reminder: backlit, internally lit, and neon signs are not permitted; LED signs must be installed 2 ft inside the window and cannot flash or scroll
• No new business submitted

The commission unanimously adopted the minutes from the May 28, 2026 meeting. A vote on the Lexington Equities application for 36‑50 Mt. Vernon Street was taken, with all six voting members recording a yes vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous motion.

• Adopted May 28, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Voted on Lexington Equities mixed‑use project (6‑0 yes)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sustainable Ridgefield Park

The Sustainable Ridgefield Park committee will review previous minutes and financials, receive updates on health surveys, upcoming health fair, Swap & Shop, and hard plastics collection, and discuss membership recruitment. New business includes a discussion of possible marketing and promotional efforts to earn points in the “Skip the Stuff” category. The meeting also notes venue unavailability for the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign from June 22 to July 22, 2026.

• Adjusted budget of $14,500.00; $1,690.59 paid, leaving $13,190.59 balance
• Swap & Shop event scheduled for 9/19/26 at the Civic Center with volunteer needs
• Hard Plastics Collection planned for 10/24/26
• Health Fair/Blood Drive rescheduled to 04/03/27
• New Business discussion of marketing and promotional efforts for the “Skip the Stuff” category

The board approved the minutes from the May 28, 2026 meeting on a motion by Harry Menta, seconded by Nicole Terrarosa, with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn the June 25, 2026 meeting was made by Veronica Leone, seconded by Nicole Terrarosa, and passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved May 28, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:55 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the amended 2026 municipal budget (Resolution 2026-70) after a public hearing with no citizen comments. The board also approved a consent agenda including a road improvement contract, liquor license renewals, and bid authorization, and introduced an ordinance setting 2026 officer and employee compensation.

• Adopted 2026 municipal budget as amended (Resolution 2026-70) (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Park Street road improvements contract, liquor license renewals, and Emerson Street bid authorization (4-0)
• Introduced ordinance fixing 2026 officer and employee compensation; public hearing set for July 14, 2026 (4-0)
• Accepted Juan Silva as new volunteer fire department member, subject to state approval (4-0)

Board of Recreation

The Board of Recreation unanimously approved the minutes of the May 21, 2026 meeting. They also approved the financial report for the period ending May 31, 2026 with all members in favor. No new program proposals were approved; the flag‑football and fall girls volleyball leagues remain pending. The Board will follow up on vendor background checks and will contact the Elks about a possible dart league.

• Approved May 21, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report for 5/1/26–5/31/26 (unanimous)
• Motion to accept financial report passed (all in favor)
• Board will follow up on vendor background‑check list (action planned)
• Board will email the Elks to explore hosting a dart league (action planned)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and adopted the CY2026 budget of $28,482,987, with the municipal portion increasing 2.2% (about $100 on the average assessed home). The board also approved a budget amendment (Resolution 2026-66), rejected bids for the police department renovation project (2026-67), and authorized the library board to reinstate two individuals for the History Room (2026-68). No citizens spoke at the hearing.

• Adopted CY2026 budget of $28,482,987 (4-0, Mirza absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-66 amending the 2026 municipal budget (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-67 rejecting bids for police department renovation project (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-68 authorizing library board to reinstate two History Room individuals (4-0)
• Approved minutes of May 21, 2026 caucus and closed session meetings (4-0)
• Opened and closed public hearing on CY2026 budget with no citizens present (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved three ordinances on final reading: selling a 1999 fire truck to the Morris County Fire Academy, amending rent control regulations, and prohibiting data centers in all zones. They also approved a $3.98 million payment of bills and a liquor license resolution. Residents raised concerns about a collapsed retaining wall on Overlook Avenue and road closure, but no formal action was taken on that issue.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $3,976,079.89 (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-65 authorizing a liquor license (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-11 authorizing private sale of 1999 Seagrave fire truck to Morris County Fire Academy (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-12 amending Chapter 297 rent control regulations (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-13 prohibiting data centers in all zones (4-0)
• Approved minutes of May 26, 2026 meeting (3-0, 1 abstention)

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission will review its 2026 financial reports, discuss updates from Earth Day and recent grant awards, and plan upcoming nature preserve activities. Key agenda items include signing the Veolia Grant contract, installing new bird signage, and organizing guided walks such as the Bat Walk on June 7. The commission also considers routine maintenance, volunteer coordination, and future event logistics.

• Bat Walk scheduled for Sunday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets closed at 80
• Veolia Grant awarded; contract to be signed and project due by July 1, 2027
• Financial report: EC Account balance $5,934.96 (budget $12,000.00); Nature Preserve balance $10,902.66 (budget $15,000.00)
• Purchase orders: $2,491.50 to Schifano Landscaping for NP maintenance; $1,250.00 to Grand Falloons Family Theater for Earth Day entertainers
• New bird signage for the nature preserve is completed and ready for installation

The commission unanimously approved the May 5, 2026 meeting minutes and voted to cancel the trail‑camera subscription. It confirmed scheduled events including a Bat Walk on June 7 and a nature‑preserve clean‑up on June 27. Several pending payments were recorded in the financial report.

• Approved May 5, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Cancelled trail‑camera subscription (no vote recorded)
• Scheduled Bat Walk for June 7, 2026 (ticket limit 80)
• Scheduled Nature Preserve clean‑up for June 27, 2026 at 9 a.m.
• Approved PO#26 1765 payment $173.65 to Barbara DeLuca (Lens on the Preserve Prizes)
• Approved PO#261899 payment $1,250.00 to Grand Falloons Family Theater (Earth Day Entertainers)
• Approved PO#261766 payment $2,491.50 to Schifano Landscaping (first 1/3 NP maintenance)
• Approved PO#261900 payment $250.00 to Bergen County Audubon Society (NP bird sign assistance)

Sustainable Ridgefield Park

The Sustainable Ridgefield Park committee will review updates on composting, health surveys, and upcoming community events, and discuss marketing for the Skip the Stuff program, Waste Management’s role in gold certification, and possible arts points. No formal resolutions are recorded in the agenda.

• Earth Day Celebration on May 30, 2026 (10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) with reusable utensil kits and 33 salad prize certificates
• Swap & Shop event scheduled for September 19, 2026 at the Civic Center
• Hard Plastics Collection planned for October 24, 2026
• Plastic Bag Pickup Process instructions sent to volunteers; no responses received
• No Mow May enforcement: 40 summonses issued to unregistered participants

The council approved the minutes from the April 23, 2026 meeting with all members in favor. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. with unanimous support.

• Approved April 23, 2026 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 p.m. (all in favor)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider an application from Lexington Equities, LLC to demolish an existing restaurant and four residential structures and construct a mixed‑use building with 52 residential units and retail space at 36-50 Mt. Vernon Street. No applicant representative was present, and the commission has asked for written confirmation that materials, finishes, and colors match the previously approved drawings before a vote can be taken. The meeting also includes routine agenda items such as approval of prior minutes and review of sign‑approval guidelines.

• Approval of previous minutes from the April 23, 2026 meeting
• Review of sign‑approval guidelines: no backlit, neon, flashing or scrolling signs; LED signs must be installed 2 ft inside the window
• Old Business: Lexington Equities application to demolish and rebuild a mixed‑use project at 36-50 Mt. Vernon Street
• Old Business: Contractor information for Family Laundry at 264 Main Street
• Public comments (not pertaining to applications)

The commission approved the minutes from the April 23, 2026 meeting by unanimous consent. No new applications were approved or denied; the Family Laundry and Lexington Equities proposals remain pending awaiting applicant responses. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved April 23, 2026 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda with three resolutions, including tax lien redemptions and a resolution urging state health benefit reforms. Two ordinances were introduced on first reading: one amending rent control rules and another prohibiting data centers in all zones. Public hearings for both ordinances are set for June 9, 2026. No citizens spoke during the hearing.

• Approved consent agenda with Resolutions 2026-62, 2026-63, 2026-64 (3-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-12 amending rent control chapter (3-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 2026-13 prohibiting data centers in all zones (3-0)
• Approved minutes of May 12, 2026 meeting (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will introduce two ordinances: one to amend rent control regulations and another to prohibit data centers in all village zones. They will also vote on resolutions authorizing tax lien redemptions at 82 Euclid Avenue and 89-93 Teaneck Road, and a resolution urging state leaders to address rising health benefit premiums for public employees. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes, commissioner reports, a hearing of citizens, and a possible closed session.

• Introduction of Ordinance 2026-12 amending rent control regulations under Chapter 297
• Introduction of Ordinance 2026-13 to prohibit data centers in all zones
• Resolution 2026-64 urging state leaders to reform health benefit premiums, citing a 36.25% rate increase
• Resolution 2026-62 authorizing tax lien redemption of $57,273.13 plus $17,000 premium for 82 Euclid Avenue
• Resolution 2026-63 authorizing tax lien redemption of $980.38 for 89-93 Teaneck Road G6

Board of Commissioners

The Ridgefield Park Board of Commissioners will discuss two draft ordinances: one to prohibit data centers and another to amend rent control. The board also authorized the receipt of bids for Park Street improvements ($165,000), appointed Kyheon Park as Deputy Court Administrator, introduced an ordinance to sell a fire truck, and will hold a public hearing on a grant application for the John B. Davis Municipal Pool renovation.

• Draft ordinance to prohibit data centers in Ridgefield Park
• Draft ordinance to amend rent control regulations
• Resolution 2026-59 authorizing receipt of bids for Park Street milling and resurfacing from Main Street to Euclid Avenue ($165,000)
• Resolution 2026-60 appointing Kyheon Park as Deputy Court Administrator through December 31, 2026
• Public hearing on 2026 Bergen County Municipal Park Improvements Program grant application for the John B. Davis Municipal Pool renovation

The Board of Commissioners introduced two draft ordinances—a rent control amendment allowing increases up to 5.5% or CPI, whichever is greater, and a prohibition on data centers—both to be formally introduced on May 26, 2026. The board also approved a consent agenda (resolutions 2026-59 and 2026-60), gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing the private sale of a 1995 fire truck to the Morris County Fire Academy, and confirmed a public hearing for a pool renovation grant application. No citizens spoke during the public hearing or citizens' hearing.

• Introduced rent control amendment allowing up to 5.5% or CPI increase (unanimous)
• Introduced ordinance prohibiting data centers (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda: bid authorization for Park Street Improvements and appointment of Deputy Court Administrator (unanimous)
• Gave first reading to ordinance for private sale of 1995 Seagrave fire truck to Morris County Fire Academy (unanimous)
• Confirmed public hearing for Bergen County pool renovation grant application (no citizens present)
• Approved closed session for legal and personnel matters (unanimous)

Board of Recreation

The Board approved the minutes from the April 16 meeting with all members in favor. A motion to accept the financial report for the period ending April 1 was also passed unanimously. The Board adopted a no‑cell‑phone rule for scorer/timer tables during games. The Board will contact Commissioner Portorreal about obtaining an engineer’s report for the archery longer‑range area.

• Approved April 16 minutes (all in favor)
• Accepted financial report for 4/1/26 (all in favor)
• Adopted no‑cell‑phone rule at scorer/timer tables
• Will contact Commissioner Portorreal regarding engineer’s report for archery longer range

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance to exceed the state-mandated budget cap by 3.5%, allowing an additional $332,370 in appropriations. Resolutions include authorizing a redevelopment investigation of properties on Challenger Road without eminent domain, applying for a $97,000 county matching grant for the John B. Davis Municipal Pool renovation, and selling four surplus police vehicles via online auction. Also up for approval are payment of bills, minutes, and a closed session.

• Public hearing and adoption of Ordinance 2026-10 to exceed budget appropriation limits by 3.5% ($332,370) and establish a cap bank
• Resolution 2026-54 authorizes Land Use Board to investigate 14 parcels on Challenger Road as a non-condemnation redevelopment area
• Resolution 2026-55 authorizes application for $97,000 Bergen County matching grant for municipal pool renovations
• Resolution 2026-56 authorizes online auction sale of four surplus Ford Police Interceptor SUVs
• Resolutions 2026-57 and 2026-58 authorize tax lien redemptions

The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-10, which establishes a cap bank allowing the municipality to exceed state budget appropriation limits. The board also approved a consent agenda containing five resolutions, including authorizing a land use board investigation for redevelopment areas, applying for a county open space grant for pool renovations, selling municipal vehicles via online auction, and two tax lien redemptions. Bills totaling $4,639,301.02 were approved for payment. The meeting was brief, adjourning at 7:10 p.m.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-10 to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a cap bank (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $4,639,301.02 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda with Resolutions 2026-54 through 2026-58 (5-0)
• Authorized Land Use Board to investigate properties for redevelopment designation (Resolution 2026-54)
• Authorized application for Bergen County Open Space grant for municipal pool renovations (Resolution 2026-55)
• Authorized sale of municipal vehicles via Municibid online auction (Resolution 2026-56)
• Authorized two tax lien redemptions (Resolutions 2026-57 and 2026-58)
• Approved minutes of April 28, 2026 meeting (4-0, with one abstention)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included adopting the Bergen County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorizing the purchase of two police vehicles. The board also discussed adding the Ridgefield Park Soccer Association and Fourth of July Citizen Committee to the village's insurance coverage, but no formal action was taken on this item. No citizens were present for public comment.

• Approved consent agenda including Resolution 2026-52 (Hazard Mitigation Plan) and 2026-53 (two police vehicles) (5-0)
• Approved minutes of April 23, 2026 caucus meeting (4-0, Mirza absent)

Environmental Commission

The Environmental Commission is finalizing the schedule and vendor payments for its Earth Day event. The body is also discussing Nature Preserve maintenance, new bird signage, and potential volunteer partnerships.

• Earth Day 5/30/26 vendor payments including $700 for Mark Rust Entertainment and $540 for Mad Science of Northeast NJ
• Proposed $250 payment to Bergen County Audubon Society for bird sign graphics
• Proposed $100 gift card to Wild Birds Unlimited for the Common Birds sign
• Nature Preserve account balance of $14,176.16 and EC account balance of $7,358.61
• Installation of new bird signage at the Nature Preserve

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 7, 2026 meeting. It also approved a $250 grant to the Bergen County Audubon Society for new bird‑sign graphics and a $100 gift card to Wild Birds Unlimited for the Common Birds sign. The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

• Approved minutes from April 7, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved $250 grant to Bergen County Audubon Society (unanimous)
• Approved $100 gift card to Wild Birds Unlimited (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:18 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider an emergency contract to replace a well pump at the Municipal Pool for $14,764.07 to ensure the pool can open within five weeks. The agenda also includes a routine renewal of dozens of handicapped parking spaces across the village and appointments to the Board of Recreation.

• Emergency contract with Rapid Pump and Meter Services Co. not to exceed $14,764.07 for replacing the Municipal Pool well pump (Resolution 2026-49)
• Annual renewal of 40+ handicapped parking spaces at specific addresses throughout Ridgefield Park (Resolution 2026-48)
• Appointment of Howard Jacobs and Matthew Florio as regular members (three-year terms) and five associate members (one-year terms) to the Board of Recreation (Resolution 2026-50)
• Authorization for a closed session (Resolution 2026-51)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will approve the March 26, 2026 minutes, hear public comments, and consider a mixed-use development application from Lexington Equities for 36-50 Mt Vernon Street. The proposal calls for demolition of an existing restaurant and four residential structures and construction of 52 residential units, retail space (3,956 sf) and parking, but the applicant has not yet confirmed that materials, finishes, and colors match previously approved drawings, so a vote cannot be taken at this meeting. The commission also reviewed the approved fence and sign modifications for Family Laundry at 264 Main Street and reiterated sign regulations for the town.

• Approval of March 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comments (non‑application related)
• Lexington Equities application to demolish existing restaurant and four residences and build a mixed‑use building with 52 units, 3,956 sf retail space and parking at 36-50 Mt Vernon Street, Block 65, Lots 19‑23
• Review of Family Laundry fence and sign compromise at 264 Main Street (black higher fence with panels and modified logo sign)
• Reminder: backlit, neon signs prohibited; lighted/LED signs only permitted 2' inside windows, no flashing or scrolling

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 26, 2026 meeting. In the old‑business item, the applicant for Family Laundry at 264 Main Street was approved to install a black higher fence with black panels, with the requirement to paint the portion above the fence. The request to add a large bubble‑face sign was denied, while a revised sign with a small bubble logo was approved. No decision was made on the Lexington Equities mixed‑use project pending further information from the applicant.

• Approved March 26, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved installation of black higher fence with black panels at 264 Main Street, with condition to paint top (unanimous)
• Denied large bubble‑face sign for Family Laundry (unanimous)
• Approved revised sign with small bubble logo for Family Laundry (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will introduce the calendar year 2026 municipal budget and schedule a public hearing for June 18, 2026. The board also considers an emergency contract to repair the Municipal Building elevator for up to $45,000 and authorizes an application for a Bergen County matching grant to renovate the John B. Davis Municipal Pool.

• Introduction of CY2026 Municipal Budget (Resolution 2026-45) with public hearing set for June 18, 2026
• Emergency contract award to Morris County Elevator for up to $45,000 to repair the elevator at 234 Main Street (Resolution 2026-46)
• Application for a $130,000 Bergen County matching grant for John B. Davis Municipal Pool renovations (Resolution 2026-47)

Sustainable Ridgefield Park

The Sustainable Ridgefield Park board reviewed the March 28 health fair and blood drive results, noting 30 units of blood collected and full vendor participation. Members discussed upcoming wellness and environmental programs, including Earth Day, Swap & Shop, and the Mayor's Wellness Campaign. The board considered actions to recruit new members, secure a storage container funded in the 2025 budget, and advance green‑business and recycling initiatives.

• Health Fair/Blood Drive (3/28/26): 30 blood units collected; 51 vendor spots filled
• Earth Day Celebration scheduled for May 30, 2026 with reusable utensil kits for compost participants
• Swap & Shop event planned for 9/19/26 at the Civic Center
• Funding encumbered for a new storage container (2025 budget) pending DPW space allocation
• Plastic Bag Pickup Process sent to volunteers; no responses received

The board approved the minutes from the March 26, 2026 meeting after a motion by Harry Menta and a second by Veronica Leone, with all members in favor. A motion by Dennise Santana, seconded by Harry Menta, adjourned the April 23 meeting at 8:12 p.m., also unanimously approved. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved March 26, 2026 minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:12 p.m. (all in favor)

Board of Recreation

The Board of Recreation unanimously approved the minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting. A motion was also passed to accept the February and March 2026 financial reports. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

• Approved Jan 15 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Feb 1 and Mar 1 2026 financial reports (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:15 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider approving Resolution 2026-37, a Corrective Action Plan to address three recommendations from the 2024 independent financial audit, including improvements to cash receipt procedures and timely deposit of receipts. The board will also discuss the Chamber of Commerce Art Crawl and receive various correspondence items. A closed session is authorized. The agenda is largely procedural with one main action item.

• Resolution 2026-37: Approve 2025 Corrective Action Plan for 2024 audit findings
• Authorize closed session meeting (Resolution 2026-38)
• Discussion of Chamber of Commerce Art Crawl
• Correspondence includes items on crime insurance, Birch Street flooding, and 85 Challenger Road

Environmental Commission

The Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission approved a landscaping contract for the Nature Preserve and discussed a grant application for nature preserve enhancements. The body also reviewed correspondence and old business regarding Earth Day events and volunteer coordination.

• Awarded landscaping contract to Schifano Landscaping for $7,550.00
• Discussed submitting a $1,500 grant for nature preserve enhancements by April 13, 2026
• Approved purchase of bird identification signs for the Nature Preserve
• Scheduled Spring Clean Up for April 18, 2026
• Discussed artificial turf installation at Veteran's Park

The commission approved the March 3 minutes unanimously. All members voted to award the nature preserve landscaping contract to Schifano Landscaping for $7,550. Upcoming clean‑up events were scheduled for April 18 and April 22, and the commission noted eligibility for a $1,500 environmental grant.

• Approved March 3, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Awarded nature preserve landscaping contract to Schifano Landscaping for $7,550 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Spring Clean‑up on 4/18 with Key Club, EC, and National Honor Society
• Scheduled Senior Citizens clean‑up on 4/22 at NP entrance trail
• Confirmed eligibility for $1,500 grant; Tammy to discuss filing with Lisa
• Prepared new bird identification signs for NP (ready for installation)
• Created QR‑code sign for pollinator garden kiosk (QR code ready)
• Planned Earth Day celebration on 5/30

Sustainable Ridgefield Park

The Sustainable Ridgefield Park committee will review old business including a health fair and recycling depot, and discuss new initiatives like a wellness campaign and Styrofoam collection.

• Health Fair/Blood Drive scheduled for March 28 at K of C
• Paper Shredding and Hard Plastic Collection scheduled for April 4
• Earth Day Celebration scheduled for May 30
• Swap & Shop scheduled for September 19
• Paper Shredding/Hard Plastics Collection scheduled for October 24

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing an application for a mixed-use building at 36-50 Mt. Vernon Street and discussing sign and screening compliance for 264 Main Street. The commission is awaiting written confirmation of materials for the Mt. Vernon Street project and coordinating with the Planning Board regarding the Main Street application.

• Application (26-02-01) for 36-50 Mt. Vernon Street: demolish restaurant and four residential structures for a mixed-use building with 52 residential units and 3,956 sf of retail space
• Application (23-08-01) for Family Laundry at 264 Main Street regarding sign approvals and vent screening compliance
• Review of Planning Board requirements for 264 Main Street regarding additional signage

The commission approved the minutes from the February 26, 2026 meeting by unanimous vote (motion by Tim Arata, seconded by John Antola). In old business, the commission approved the installation of a black higher fence with black panels at Family Laundry, 264 Main Street, requiring the top of the fence to be painted, and approved a modified sign with a small bubble logo while rejecting the large bubble face sign. No decision was made on the Lexington Equities mixed‑use project at 36‑50 Mt. Vernon Street because the applicant was not present and further information was requested.

• Approved February 26, 2026 minutes (motion by Tim Arata, seconded by John Antola, unanimous)
• Approved black higher fence with black panels for Family Laundry, 264 Main Street, with condition to paint top above fence
• Approved modified sign with small bubble logo for Family Laundry; rejected large bubble face sign
• No vote on Lexington Equities mixed‑use project at 36‑50 Mt. Vernon Street; applicant not present, written confirmation requested

Environmental Commission

The Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission will vote to install two bird signs and wooden frames in the nature preserve at an estimated cost of $500. The commission also reviewed eligibility for a $1,500 environmental grant that must be submitted by April 13, 2026. Plans were discussed for an Earth Day clean‑up with the senior center on April 22 and for monthly clean‑up events beginning April 11 with the Key Club and National Honor Society. Upcoming community events include the Snakes N Scales animal show on March 20 at the civic center.

• Approve two bird signs and wooden frames for the nature preserve – estimated cost $500
• Eligibility for a $1,500 environmental grant – submission deadline April 13, 2026
• Discuss Earth Day (April 22) clean‑up partnership with the senior center
• Schedule monthly nature preserve clean‑ups starting April 11 with Key Club and NHS
• Snakes N Scales live animal show scheduled for March 20 at the civic center

Sustainable Ridgefield Park

The Sustainable Ridgefield Park committee will review past minutes, discuss upcoming recycling events, and plan a health fair and wellness programs. The group also noted that funds for a new storage container are encumbered but not yet ordered.

• Review of January 22, 2026 minutes
• Paper Shredding and Hard Plastic Collection on April 4, 2026
• Health Fair/Blood Drive scheduled for March 28, 2026 at K of C
• Swap & Shop event planned for Civic Center on September 19, 2026
• Mayor's Wellness Campaign programs continuing through 2026

The Sustainable Ridgefield Park board approved the minutes from the January 22, 2026 meeting with all members in favor. The board also approved using the Civic Center on September 18‑19, 2026 for the Swap & Shop event. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. with unanimous support.

• Approved January 22, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved use of Civic Center on 9/18‑19/26 for Swap & Shop
• Adjourned meeting at 7:55 p.m. (unanimous)