Westwood, NJ

Borough Council

Planning Board

Borough Council

The Westwood Borough Council is meeting to approve minutes, receive reports from the mayor, council committees, and officials, and hold a public forum. The agenda includes a closed session for litigation and personnel matters, including police department issues.

• Resolution #26-241: Executive Closed Session for litigation and personnel matters
• Approval of July 28, 2026 meeting minutes
• Engineer's biweekly report
• Resident Services Pop-Up Events report
• Committee reports from Finance, Fire, Health, Land Use, Police, and Public Works

Shade Tree Advisory Committee

The Westwood Shade Tree Committee is meeting to discuss routine business including approval of past minutes, July 2026 tree work, and correspondence. They will also review updates on the compost pilot program, the Kissing Tree, and plans for Arbor Fest 2026 memorial tree plantings.

• Approval of minutes from May 12 and July 7, 2026
• Review of July 2026 tree work
• Compost pilot program update
• Kissing Tree updates
• Arbor Fest 2026 memorial tree plantings

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board will hold public hearings to consider variance requests for garages and commercial expansions. The board will also review a request for an amended site plan for a brewery. Some previously scheduled items have been carried over to September.

• ZB-26-0108: Bulk and height variances for a new detached garage at 15 Bogert Avenue
• ZB-26-0109: Bulk variances and site plan for a second floor on a commercial structure at 75 Carver Avenue
• ZB-25-0111: Amended site plan approval for a brewery at 247 Westwood Avenue
• ZB26-0110: Bulk variances for a 1.5 story detached garage at 105 Center
• ZB-26-0103: Dismissal of appeal regarding a summons for 178 Bergenline Avenue

Borough Council

The Mayor and Council will hold a closed session for litigation, then a public session to introduce and adopt several ordinances, including the 2026 salary schedule, bond ordinances for stormwater study ($80,000) and fire department portable radios ($130,000), and parking regulation amendments. A consent agenda with numerous resolutions covering fee changes, contracts, and appointments will also be considered.

• Ordinance to vacate a portion of Gladys Place
• Ordinance authorizing sale of lands without public auction
• Bond ordinance for stormwater management study ($80,000)
• Bond ordinance for fire department portable radios ($130,000)
• Ordinance for LED lighting at Meadowbrook Park ($24,193)

The Westwood Borough Council held a regular meeting on July 28, 2026, and took several final actions. It adopted the 2026 salary ordinance (26-22) and five bond ordinances, including a $80,000 stormwater study, $130,000 for fire department portable radios, and $24,193 for LED lighting at Meadowbrook Park. The council also introduced two ordinances to vacate a portion of Gladys Place and authorize the sale of lands without public auction, with hearings set for August 18, 2026. A consent agenda of 33 resolutions was approved, covering items such as salary increases, parking fees, and contracts, with one resolution (authorizing an agreement with the Borough Administrator) removed for separate consideration.

• Adopted 2026 salary ordinance (26-22) (6-0)
• Adopted $80,000 stormwater study bond ordinance (26-23) (6-0)
• Adopted $130,000 fire department portable radios bond ordinance (26-24) (6-0)
• Adopted $24,193 LED lighting at Meadowbrook Park ordinance (26-25) (6-0)
• Adopted parking amendments (26-26, 26-27, 26-28) (6-0 each)
• Introduced ordinance to vacate portion of Gladys Place (26-29) (6-0)
• Introduced ordinance to authorize sale of lands without public auction (26-30) (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda resolutions #26-208 through #26-240 (6-0, with recusals on certain POs)

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission will review a submission for 63 Jefferson Ave and discuss the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding. The body is also managing a list of sites for future historic designation and reviewing budget items.

• Review of 63 Jefferson Ave submission
• Proposal for social media services: $1,050 for 7 months
• Encumbered funds from 2025 budget: $1,200 for Veteran's Park
• Discussion of Revolution NJ Initiative/Bergen 250th
• Review of designation projects including Westwood Trust Building and Pascack Movie Theater

Planning Board

The Westwood Planning Board will hold a public hearing on two major applications: a site plan with parking variance for Nexgen Sports at 10 Charles Street, and a subdivision of a previously subdivided property at 80 Sand Road into two undersized lots. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comment on non-agenda items.

• PB-26-0501: Nexgen Sports – site plan and parking variance at 10 Charles Street, unit 4
• PB-25-0502: Adam Nowak – subdivision of 80 Sand Road into two undersized lots (50' x 110' each)
• Approval of minutes from June 11 and June 24 meetings
• Public comment period for non-agenda items

Shade Tree Advisory Committee

The Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee will review the foliar test results for the Kissing Tree and consider a memorial tree for Serenity Lynn. They will also approve past minutes and discuss tree work from May and June 2026.

• Kissing Tree foliar test results summary
• Memorial tree dedication for Serenity Lynn
• Approval of minutes from May 12, 2026
• Review of May and June 2026 tree work

The Westwood Shade Tree Committee decided to plant a pink Star Magnolia in memory of Serenity Lynn at Brookside Park during the Autumn ArborFest on October 17, pending arborist approval of the site. The committee also reviewed tree work statistics, approved a $375 invoice for CEU training, and discussed various resident tree requests and PSE&G line clearing concerns.

• Approved $375 CEU training invoice from Liz Stewart
• Decided to plant memorial tree for Serenity Lynn at ArborFest (pending arborist site approval)
• Noted 32 trees removed, 40 trimmed, 25 planted, 14 stumps ground year-to-date
• Discussed PSE&G line clearing; will file complaint with NJ Board of Tree Experts if poor pruning continues
• Proposed planting 25 additional trees at Autumn ArborFest on October 17
• Reviewed Kissing Tree foliar test results; ordered decorative fence (installation date pending)

Parking Utility

This meeting of the Westwood Parking Utility Advisory Board is largely procedural. The board will hear committee reports, discuss employee parking under old business, and vote on the minutes from the May 26, 2026 meeting. A public forum allows residents to address the board. No major decisions, contracts, or fee changes appear on the agenda.

• Committee reports from Administrative (Carol Knubel), Police (Chief Michael Pontillo), and Council Liaison (Cheryl Hodges)
• Old business discussion on employee parking
• Approval of minutes from May 26, 2026
• Public forum for resident comments
• Any other business that may properly come before the board

Zoning Board

The Westwood Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on July 6, 2026, to decide several variance requests and appeals. The most significant item is a use variance for a three-family structure at 78-84 Washington Avenue. Other items include garage setbacks, pool variances, and a brewery site plan amendment continued to August.

• ZB-25-0110: CJA Ventures LLC – use variance for 3-family structure at 78-84 Washington Ave
• ZB-26-0103: Alia Jaludi – appeal of zoning official's decision dismissed with prejudice
• ZB-26-0100: Michael & Suzanne Horton – detached garage location at 52 8th Avenue
• ZB-26-0106: Marshall Okeefe – above-ground pool setback variance at 56 Kaufman
• ZB-25-0111: CJA Ventures LLC – amended site plan for brewery at 247 Westwood Ave (carried to Aug 3)

The Westwood Zoning Board approved four resolutions for variances and site plan approvals, including a detached garage, side yard setback and lot coverage variances, and an above-ground pool installation. Several applications were carried to future meetings at the request of applicants, and one appeal was dismissed with prejudice. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved resolution ZB-26-0100 for detached garage at 52 8th Avenue (4-0)
• Approved resolution ZB-26-0105 for side yard setback and lot coverage variances at 110 Wheeler Avenue (4-0)
• Approved resolution ZB-26-0106 for above-ground pool variances at 56 Kaufman (4-0)
• Approved resolution ZB-26-0108 for new detached garage at 15 Bogert Avenue with conditions (6-0)
• Approved resolution ZB-26-0109 for bulk variances and site plan at 75 Carver Avenue with conditions (6-0)
• Dismissed with prejudice appeal ZB-26-0103 regarding 178 Bergenline Avenue
• Carried ZB-25-0110 (78-84 Washington Avenue) to 9/14/26
• Carried ZB-25-0111 (Five and Dimes Brewery) to 8/3/26

Planning Board

The Westwood Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider two applications: a parking variance for Nexgen Sports at 10 Charles Street, unit 4, and a subdivision by Adam Nowak to create two undersized lots at 80 Sand Road, which was carried from a previous meeting to July 8, 2026. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as approval of minutes and public comment.

• Parking variance application for Nexgen Sports at 10 Charles Street, unit 4
• Subdivision application by Adam Nowak at 80 Sand Road to create two 50'x110' lots (continued to 7/8/26)
• Approval of minutes from June 11
• Public comment on non-agenda items

The board carried the Nexgen Sports site plan and parking variance application, along with a Sand Road subdivision request, to the July 8 meeting. The board requested additional floor plans and parking space confirmations before proceeding. No final approvals or denials were issued at this session.

• Carried Nexgen Sports site plan and parking variance to July 8
• Carried Sand Road subdivision application to July 8
• Tabled June 11 meeting minutes to next session

Borough Council

The Westwood Borough Council will review several ordinances, including a $400,000 bond to fund new information technology equipment for the borough. Other items include bonds for a stormwater study ($80,000), fire department radios ($130,000), and sewer repairs ($80,000), as well as ordinances for LED lighting at Meadowbrook Park and changes to parking regulations. A series of resolutions covering tax refunds, flag policy, police IDs, snow‑plow agreements, and grant applications will also be considered.

• Bond ordinance to appropriate $400,000 for new information technology equipment
• Bond ordinance to appropriate $130,000 for portable fire department radios
• Bond ordinance to appropriate $80,000 for a stormwater management study
• Ordinance providing $24,193 for LED lighting at Meadowbrook Park (CDA grant)
• Ordinances amending parking regulations (Chapter 375 and Chapter 237 changes)

The Council adopted three ordinances for IT equipment, decorative lanterns, and sewer repairs. Several other ordinances regarding salaries, stormwater studies, and parking were introduced on first reading. A consent agenda of 13 resolutions was also approved.

• Adopted Ordinance #26-19 for $400,000 IT equipment (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #26-20 for $50,000 decorative lanterns (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #26-21 for $80,000 sewer/catch basin repairs (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance #26-22 for 2026 salary schedule (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance #26-23 for $80,000 stormwater study (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance #26-24 for $130,000 fire department radios (6-0)
• Introduced Ordinance #26-25 for $24,193 Meadowbrook Park LED lighting (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda Resolutions #26-194 through #26-206 (6-0)

Historic Preservation Commission

At its June 18 meeting, the Westwood Historic Preservation Commission will consider a proposal to continue social media services for seven months at a cost of $1,050. The commission will also review pending 2026 budget items, including $1,200 earmarked for Veteran’s Park, and discuss recognition of property owners who preserve historic structures. Ongoing historic designation projects such as the Westwood Trust Building and a list of future sites will be presented.

• Proposal of continued social media services – 7 months – $1,050
• Encumbered funds from 2025 budget: $1,200 for Veteran’s Park (earmarked 5/16/2025)
• Designation project: Westwood Trust Building/Old Bank of America Building (corner of Westwood Ave + Broadway)
• List of sites for future designation, e.g., Conrad’s Confectionery, Fireman’s Memorial Park, Westwood Library (49 Park Ave)
• Discussion of ways to acknowledge homeowners preserving historic structures (example: 224 3rd Ave)

The Westwood Historic Preservation Commission approved its 2026 budget of $5,000 and the May 2026 meeting minutes. Members discussed ongoing projects, including the 63 Jefferson Ave exterior work, and will review siding samples before the next meeting. No new business was introduced.

• Approved 2026 budget of $5,000
• Approved May 2026 meeting minutes with noted change
• Discussed 63 Jefferson Ave exterior work; siding samples to be reviewed
• No new business; meeting adjourned at 7:31 pm

Environmental Advisory Committee

The Westwood Environmental Advisory Committee will discuss several ongoing projects at its June 15, 2026 meeting. Old business includes Trex recycling logistics with the Department of Public Works, community garden water supply issues and coordinator transition, bee hive honey purchase, and a solar panel inventory update. New business features an open forum for project ideas.

• Recruitment for 2 standing committee members and student members for 2026-27
• Follow-up on DPW taking over collection of Trex recyclables and placement of earned benches
• Discussion of water supply issues and low DPW priority for the community garden
• Purchase of honey from the July harvest from bee hives
• Update on the solar panel inventory project

Planning Board

The Westwood Planning Board will hold public hearings on two applications: a subdivision of 80 Sand Road into two undersized lots by Adam Nowak (PB-25-0502) and a site plan with parking variance for Nexgen Sports at 10 Charles Street, unit 4 (PB-26-0501). The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, resolutions, and an open public comment period for non-agenda items.

• PB-26-0501: Nexgen Sports – site plan and parking variance at 10 Charles Street, unit 4
• PB-25-0502: Adam Nowak – subdivision of 80 Sand Road into two undersized lots (50' x 110' each)
• Public comment on non-agenda items

The Westwood Planning Board held a public hearing on a request to subdivide properties at 78 and 80 Sand Road into two undersized lots. The proposed subdivision would create two new residential parcels, affecting local zoning standards, property boundaries, and neighborhood character. After reviewing applicant testimony, engineer comments, and neighbor objections regarding privacy and variances, the Board determined it needs revised site plans and further analysis before voting. No final approval or denial was issued; the matter was continued to June 24 or July 8, 2026, for public review of updated documents.

• Approved May 14, 2026 minutes unanimously on roll call vote
• Continued Sand Road subdivision hearing to June 24 or July 8, 2026 for revised plans and public review
• Scheduled Nexgen Sports site plan application (PB-26-0501) for June 24 meeting

Board of Health

The Westwood Board of Health will hold a regular meeting on June 10, 2026, featuring final reading and adoption of Ordinance #26-01 (Fees). The meeting also includes routine reports from the Health Officer, High School Advisory, and Town Council Liaison, as well as a recap of the Arts Walk and Wellness Fair and a search for a new board member.

• Ordinance #26-01 (Fees) final reading and adoption
• Public forum for resident comments
• High School Advisory update
• Health Department Director and Health Officer reports
• Search for Board of Health Member Candidate

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a work meeting with a closed session for personnel and litigation matters. Public action includes introduction of bond ordinances for IT equipment ($400,000) and sewer repairs ($80,000), a $50,000 decorative lanterns ordinance, and a 2026 salary schedule. Adoption is scheduled for ordinances funding bleacher renovations ($18,000) and code codification ($20,000). The council also will vote on resolutions opposing state bills that would mandate EMS services as essential and preempt local planning for mixed-use conversions.

• Introduce $400,000 bond for public improvement and new IT equipment
• Introduce $80,000 bond for sewer and catch basin repairs at various locations
• Introduce ordinance establishing 2026 salary schedule for Borough employees
• Adopt $18,000 ordinance for additional funding for bleacher renovation at Community Center
• Resolutions opposing NJ Senate Bill S1421 (EMS essential service) and legislation to preempt local planning for mixed-use conversions

The Borough Council passed multiple ordinances regarding information technology, decorative lanterns, sewer repairs, and community center bleachers. The Council also approved Resolution #26-174 during a closed session and moved forward with the sale of 69 James Street.

• Approved Resolution #26-174 in closed session (6-0)
• Approved May 19, 2026 minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Introduced $400,000 IT equipment bond ordinance #26-19 (5-0)
• Introduced $50,000 decorative lantern ordinance #26-20 (5-0)
• Introduced $80,000 sewer/catch basin repair ordinance #26-21 (5-0)
• Introduced 2026 salary and compensation ordinance #26-22 (5-0)
• Adopted $18,000 community center bleacher renovation ordinance #26-17 (5-0)
• Adopted $20,000 code codification ordinance #26-18 (5-0)

Recreation Advisory Board

The Westwood Recreation Advisory Board will receive updates on spring programs, capital projects including park cameras and playground renovations, and summer program planning. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting focuses on reports and discussion of ongoing initiatives.

• Brookside Park and Westvale Park security camera installations
• McKinley Park Playground renovation
• Pascack Brook Park pickleball/tennis courts
• New bleachers at Community Center gym and LED lights at Meadowbrook
• Westvale Park Master Plan update

Zoning Board

The Westwood Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on several variance applications, including a use variance to permit a three-family structure at 78-84 Washington Avenue and a request for amended site plan approval for a brewery at 247 Westwood Avenue based on changes in state ABC law. Other items include lot coverage, setback, and pool placement variances. The board will also consider an appeal of a zoning official's decision not to issue a summons.

• Use variance, subdivision, and site plan for 3-family structure at 78-84 Washington Ave (CJA Ventures LLC)
• Amended site plan for brewery at 247 Westwood Ave due to state ABC law changes
• Lot coverage variance for 45% (40% permitted) at 137 Second Ave
• Side yard setback and lot coverage variances at 110 Wheeler Ave
• Above-ground pool setback variances at 56 Kaufman (12' from side line vs 15' required)

The board voted unanimously to dismiss an appeal challenging the zoning officer's refusal to issue a summons, ruling it lacked jurisdiction. It approved variance requests for lot coverage, a detached garage, side-yard setbacks, and an above-ground pool, all with conditions. Several applications were carried to the July 6 meeting pending documentation.

• Dismissed appeal ZB-26-0103 with prejudice over zoning officer summons (unanimous, 1 recused)
• Approved ZB-26-0104 lot coverage variance for 137 Second Ave (unanimous)
• Approved ZB-26-0100 detached garage variance at 52 8th Ave with stormwater conditions (unanimous)
• Approved ZB-26-0105 side yard and lot coverage variances for 110 Wheeler Ave with rain barrel condition (unanimous)
• Approved ZB-26-0106 above-ground pool variances at 56 Kaufman with screening condition (unanimous)
• Carried ZB-26-0108 (garage at 15 Bogert Ave) to July 6
• Carried ZB-25-0110 (use variance for 78-84 Washington Ave) pending deed of easement finalization
• Carried ZB-25-0111 (amended site plan for brewery) to July 6

Parking Utility

The Westwood Parking Utility Advisory Board will meet to discuss the status and condition of parking meters and pay-stations, as well as non-resident parking options. The board will also consider approving minutes from the previous meeting and discuss employee hangtag renewals. No votes on ordinances or contracts are scheduled; the agenda is largely discussion-based.

• Discuss status and condition of meters and pay-stations
• Discuss non-resident parking options
• Approve minutes of April 28, 2026
• Discuss employee hangtag renewals

The Westwood Parking Utility Advisory Board approved the minutes from the April 28, 2026 meeting. It also approved the set of recommendations to be presented to the Mayor and Council. Motions to open the meeting to the public, then close it, and to adjourn were unanimously passed. No other policy actions were decided.

• Approved April 28, 2026 minutes (all in favor, 1 absent)
• Approved recommendations to the Mayor and Council (all in favor, 1 absent)
• Opened the meeting to the public (unanimously approved)
• Closed the meeting to the public (unanimously approved)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimously approved)

Historic Preservation Commission

The commission is reviewing several active designation projects including the Westwood Trust Building and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Members are also discussing a list of potential sites for future historic designation throughout the borough.

• Exterior work correspondence for 63 Jefferson Ave
• Designation project: Westwood Trust Building/Old Bank of America Building
• Designation project: Veteran’s Memorial Park + Bandstand/Structures + landscape
• Designation project: Pascack Movie Theater
• Designation project: Fireman’s Park

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a new date of 10/24/26 for the rescheduled Trolley Tour (2.0) with three tours offered, and approved preparation of a designation report for the Pascack Movie Theater. The commission also approved 6 social media posts by Camille Sena for $1,050 for the period 6/1/26-12/31/26. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved rescheduling Trolley Tour (2.0) to 10/24/26 with 3 tours (12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm) (unanimous)
• Approved preparation of designation report for Pascack Movie Theater by T. Adriance (unanimous)
• Approved 6 social media posts by Camille Sena for $1,050, 6/1/26-12/31/26 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 2026 meeting with noted change (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Westwood Board of Health will hold its regular meeting on May 14, 2025. The agenda includes a public forum, approval of the April 9, 2025 meeting minutes, updates from the health department manager and health officer, special event inspections, a town council liaison report, an update on the Wellness Fair and Art in the Park, and a discussion of health department fees and fines. No decisions are recorded as already made; the fees and fines item may result in changes.

• Public Forum for resident input
• Approval of April 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Health Department Manager and Health Officer reports
• Special Event inspections
• Fees and fines discussion

The Board approved the minutes of the April 8 regular meeting. In closed session, the Board voted to appoint Stacy Gravina as Registrar in the Health Department, though the exact vote tally is ambiguous from the minutes. The Board also received updates on a mental health facility at Parkside Community Church, rising tick-borne illness rates, school immunization records, and the upcoming Arts and Wellness Fair.

• Approved minutes of April 8, 2026 regular meeting
• Appointed Stacy Gravina as Registrar in the Health Department (closed session)
• Deferred swearing-in of Board Member Alexandra Lewis due to absence
• Opened and closed public forum with no public comments

Borough Council

The Westwood Borough Council will hold a closed session, approve the May 5 minutes, and receive reports from the mayor, committees and officials. In the public session the council will consider four ordinances, including a bond ordinance to appropriate $1,040,000 for public improvements, $18,000 for community‑center bleacher renovations, and $20,000 for code codification. Several resolutions will be presented as a consent agenda, covering topics such as the national opioid settlement, audit corrective actions, health benefit premium reforms, and a tax refund for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Ordinance 26-16: Bond ordinance to appropriate $1,040,000 for public improvements
• Ordinance 26-17: Appropriation of $18,000 for community‑center bleacher renovation
• Ordinance 26-18: Appropriation of $20,000 for general code codification
• Resolution: Chapter 159 – National Opioid Settlement
• Resolution: Refund of taxes to Department of Veterans Affairs (Block 1508 Lot 11)

The Westwood Borough Council adopted a $1.04 million bond ordinance for various public improvements and a payment-in-lieu-of-parking ordinance. It introduced ordinances to fund bleacher renovation at the Community Center ($18,000) and general code codification ($20,000). Residents voiced concerns about tree-root damage, and the council agreed to a tree-measurement matrix.

• Adopted $1,040,000 bond ordinance for public improvements (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-15 (payment in lieu of parking) (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-17 (bleacher renovation, $18,000) (5-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 26-18 (code codification, $20,000) (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #26-162 for executive closed session (4-0)
• Approved May 5, 2026 closed and work minutes (4-0-1 abstain)
• Council agreed to move July 21 meeting to July 28 (voice consensus)
• Council agreed to add resolutions opposing state land-use legislation (consensus)

Environmental Advisory Committee

The Environmental Advisory Committee will hold a regular meeting to discuss follow-up on the April 25 townwide clean-up, progress on a Trex recycling bench at Meadowbrook Park, and maintenance of the community garden. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled beyond discussion items.

• Follow-up on April 25 townwide clean-up and recommendations for future clean-ups
• Progress on Trex recycling bench installation at Meadowbrook Park
• Community garden season open; maintenance recommendations
• Committee project ideas to be discussed
• Council liaison report and public forum with Unitarian Church members

Planning Board

The Westwood Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a subdivision application by Adam Nowak for 80 Sand Road, proposing to create two undersized lots (50' x 110' each). The board will also discuss new NJ State regulations on Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL). Other business includes approval of minutes and resolutions.

• PB-25-0502: Adam Nowak subdivision of 80 Sand Road into two undersized lots
• Discussion of new NJ State REAL (Resilient Environments and Landscapes) regulations
• Approval of minutes from April 9 meeting
• Open public hearing for non-agenda items
• Swearing in of board professionals

The Planning Board held a regular meeting to discuss proposed New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stormwater management rules and a study on adjusting Floor Area Ratio (FAR) zoning for the Central Business District. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes from the April 9, 2026 meeting (unanimous)
• Opened meeting to public on non-agenda items
• Discussed NJDEP Inland Flood Protection Rules (2023) and REAL Rules (2026)
• Discussed FAR zoning adjustment study for CBD and CBD/SPE zones

Shade Tree Advisory Committee

The Westwood Shade Tree Committee will review the Arbor Fest 2026 event on Harding Ave, discuss tree work completed in April (3 removals, 2 trims, 30 Leyland cypress replacements), and consider 2026 tree planting requests. A presentation on butterflies is also scheduled.

• Arbor Fest 2026 – Harding Ave recap
• Columbia Bank tree planting at Girl Scout Park recap
• 2026 tree planting requests to be considered
• April tree work: 3 trees removed, 2 trimmed, 30 Leyland cypress replaced
• Butterflies presentation

Recreation Advisory Board

The Recreation Advisory Board will hold a regular meeting with reports from the council liaison and director. Updates will cover spring programs, capital projects including cameras at Brookside and Westvale parks, playground renovation at McKinnley Park, and new pickleball/tennis courts at Pascack Brook Park. The board will also discuss a new lighting detection resolution and ongoing committee assignments for senior programs, teen center, and facility improvements.

• Capital projects: Brookside Park cameras, Westvale Park cameras, McKinnley Park playground renovation, Pascack Brook Park pickleball/tennis courts
• New lightning detection resolution
• Spring Program update and summer playground program
• Westvale Park Master Plan discussion
• Committee assignments for Over 55 Programs, Teen Center, Youth/Preschool Programs, Facility Improvement, and Sponsorship

Borough Council

The Westwood Borough Council will hold a public hearing and adopt the 2026 municipal budget. They will introduce ordinances including a $1,040,000 bond for public improvements and a parking-in-lieu-of-parking amendment to land-use rules, and adopt a $10,000 ordinance for fencing around the historic Copper Beech Tree. A consent agenda includes numerous resolutions on shared services, hiring, liquor license transfers, and a housing rehabilitation program.

• Public hearing and adoption of 2026 Municipal Budget (Resolutions #26-142, 143, 144)
• Introduction of Bond Ordinance #26-16 authorizing $1,040,000 for various public improvements
• Introduction of Ordinance #26-15 adding Payment In Lieu Of Parking (PILOP) to Chapter 195 Land Use and Development
• Adoption of Ordinance #26-14 appropriating $10,000 from Capital Surplus for fencing around historic Copper Beech Tree
• Consent agenda includes shared-services agreements with Hillsdale (fire inspection, vehicle maintenance), hiring of a full-time fire inspector, police administrative assistant, and summer DPW employee, and liquor-license transfer to Focus Hospitality Group

The Borough Council approved the 2026 municipal budget (Resolution #26‑144) after a voice vote. It also certified compliance with EEOC guidance (Resolution #26‑142) and completed a self‑examination of the budget (Resolution #26‑143). An ordinance to fence the historic Copper Beech Tree and appropriate $10,000 was passed on final reading, and the council gave the Girl Scouts’ park project the go‑ahead. Additional actions included moving forward with a fence for the tree, a youth work experience program, and a shared vehicle‑maintenance agreement with Hillsdale.

• Adopted 2026 municipal budget (Resolution #26‑144) – voice vote affirmative
• Certified compliance with EEOC guidance (Resolution #26‑142) – all Yes on roll call
• Approved self‑examination of municipal budget (Resolution #26‑143) – all Yes on roll call
• Passed Ordinance #26‑14 to fence historic Copper Beech Tree and appropriate $10,000 – voice vote affirmative
• Approved Girl Scouts “Cardinal Pathway” park project – council gave go‑ahead
• Agreed to install fence protecting historic Copper Beech Tree – council moved forward
• Agreed to participate in Bergen County Youth Work Experience Program – council moved forward
• Agreed to shared vehicle‑maintenance service agreement with Hillsdale – council moved forward

Zoning Board

The Westwood Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on multiple variance applications, including a use variance to permit a three-family structure, subdivision, and site plan at 78-84 Washington Avenue. Other items include appeals of zoning decisions, time extensions, and setback/coverage variances for residential properties. The board will also consider minutes from April 6 and resolutions for prior applications.

• Use variance for three-family structure at 78-84 Washington Ave (CJA Ventures LLC)
• Appeal of zoning official's decision regarding 178 Bergenline Avenue (Alia Jaludi)
• Amended site plan for brewery at 247 Westwood Avenue per state ABC law changes
• Garage setback variance at 57 Beech Street (Gregory Morrison)
• Lot coverage variance for 45% coverage at 137 Second Avenue (Reggie Deljanin)

The board adopted resolutions granting garage setback and coverage variances at 57 Beech Street (unanimous) and extending approvals for 96 Sand Road until October 6, 2027 (unanimous). It also approved a lot coverage variance for a new detached garage at 137 Second Avenue (unanimous). The board continued to its June 1 meeting a use variance proposal to convert the historic Samuel P. Cole house (78-84 Washington Avenue) into three residential units, along with several other pending applications.

• Approved resolution granting garage setbacks and coverage variances at 57 Beech Street (unanimous)
• Approved resolution extending approvals for 96 Sand Road to October 6, 2027 (unanimous)
• Approved lot coverage variance for new garage at 137 Second Avenue (unanimous)
• Continued use variance for historic house at 78-84 Washington Avenue to June 1, 2026
• Continued appeal of zoning official's decision at 185 Bergenline Avenue to June 1, 2026
• Continued amended site plan for brewery at 247 Westwood Avenue to June 1, 2026
• Continued garage location variance at 52 8th Avenue to June 1, 2026
• Continued use variance at 665 Broadway and side-yard variance at 110 Wheeler Avenue to June 1, 2026

Parking Utility

The Westwood Parking Utility Advisory Board holds a regular meeting with committee reports, closed session to discuss parking matters, and approval of prior minutes. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific new proposals or votes on ordinances or contracts.

• Closed session to discuss parking matters
• Administrative committee report by Carol Knubel
• Police committee report by Chief Michael Pontillo or Sgt. Dean McCarroll
• Approval of minutes from March 24, 2026
• Public forum for resident comments