[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6454263,"mediaKeyId","5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5","parentId",5861635,"title","Residents press council on blighted strip mall, train horn noise and other neighborhood concerns","audioSeconds",678,"startMs",4875000,"endMs",5553000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5&start=4875&end=5553","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5/thumbnail_4875000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454263/Fair-Lawn/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Residents-press-council-on-blighted-strip-mall-train-horn-noise-and-other-neighborhood-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454263-fb8d9ef82347d9e3d8b17074f8db864c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670201&Signature=d~2FZYkJsHgNAafgNxfxQswoZ6PgEoFYa9~u~3bTV00m6xfqzxTbpKiNLbe9hd2kWL71QWmZEyCFz3YxrLroep7b7jQ~D3a9F6em24MW43voAUSnPyu3EdzjQcQABtW0fI8TtfW6zS2xlXJK7wvGiqSUTCQg7XqV7ZAaLkd3SbXPqvOflME9Yolc6-trbKaqq0fbnitTlIUJWEbPrZ26-JTVKFwRM4RwT49xDwR1788r2jAjqWjI-wyzobwI59atbPOnggqfbD1IA4cxX72BmBxwWdkcZxO~zw0M0ptixeBVno3Ew2C3KvqrQEGsL0eGqsGEQXeMuk-8s375nmY-iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fair Lawn, NJ","date","2025-09-30T00:00:00Z","article","During the Sept. 30 public-comment period several residents brought neighborhood issues to the Fair Lawn Mayor and Council.

John Bennett described a burned strip-mall property near the municipal area that has been fenced but left with debris and a deep pit; he called it a public-safety hazard and urged stronger enforcement or barricading similar to other local sites. Borough officials said the property has been the subject of ongoing staff review and that options — including declaring the area in need of redevelopment or using municipal code enforcement tools — are under consideration.

Several residents raised tree-removal concerns at length. Michael Spader and neighbor Karen Curlin said multiple large, mature trees on adjoining properties have been cut down recently; they argued the borough’s current mitigation (requiring replacement plantings or payment to a tree fund) does not adequately replace long-standing canopy trees and urged stricter enforcement and penalties for failure to replant. Deputy Mayor and councilmembers acknowledged the public frustration, noted a revised tree ordinance had been adopted earlier in the year to tighten oversight, and said the borough has contracted an arborist and will review planting plans and enforcement timelines.

A resident also urged the council to pursue remedies for repeated train horn noise. The speaker said horns are blown many times outside of the federally required minimum and that a ‘‘quiet zone’’ carries municipal liability if an accident occurs. Council members and the borough’s risk manager explained that establishing a quiet zone can shift liability to the municipality and that insurance coverage and risk considerations have limited the borough’s ability to unilaterally designate a quiet zone; council members said they will contact New Jersey Transit and state representatives about horn use and study feasible mitigation.

Council members thanked residents for raising these issues and said staff will continue to coordinate building, legal and public-works resources to address dangerous sites, tree-planting compliance, and noise complaints. The borough manager noted administrative and legal steps are under review and that redevelopment designation, fines, or compelled corrective work are among the enforcement tools being explored.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council of Fair Lawn, NJ - Borough Council Meeting Archived","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents raised public-safety and quality-of-life issues during public comment, including a burned, fenced strip-mall site they said is hazardous, repeated train horn noise early mornings, and concern over removal of mature street trees. Council and staff said they are pursuing enforcement and remediation options.","taxTitle","Fair Lawn, Bergen County, New Jersey","taxId",58045,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454268,"Votes at a glance: Fair Lawn council introduces several ordinances and approves grants, development amendment and other resolutions",1376,3411000,4787000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5&start=3411&end=4787","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5/thumbnail_3411000.jpg","/articles/6454268/Fair-Lawn/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Votes-at-a-glance-Fair-Lawn-council-introduces-several-ordinances-and-approves-grants-development-amendment-and-other-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454268-39530c56c6665607809d2bbacec8c3f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670201&Signature=ZuEnrYvTtzacuD5zfsHiTUdJEV9mnj1p2kmFugiw4JXQwSCec8ghGxnk0odBWfZ3Rh-T1MXA4cHJed57KbFcj~qvB2eHN1MhLvMRRuPqat16fUIg8nG~X~VqyhBJcmMQ8lMHcNbd9E9ZqCwubG-hpJRl9~96xCBvJeJ1pTds-jbls4GOXsl2yIwK-IWsi-9pbZTi6LSTiesR45ekEjGKFJ55Ct9-uNbKWWbZiC0NEFjKBSHa1rHcha30lqWYoOXp3K8yS4bdQed9mNkDeq~SVzr0DpEos8ubm2UQ7KsvPk4J1UPnUyhngS~QdMFl2evMr1H3HigQ5ow1nJ7Fpj9~XA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Borough of Fair Lawn Mayor and Council on Sept. 30 took a series of legislative steps: several ordinances were passed on introduction (to be advertised and scheduled for final hearing Oct. 21), one ordinance limiting certain massage uses was adopted on second reading, and multiple consent resolutions were approved, including a grant submission for recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Key actions recorded at the meeting:

- Ordinances passed on introduction (advertised according to law; public hearing scheduled for Oct. 21, 2025):
• Ordinance 2758-2025: Amend Chapter 125 (land development) — fences and walls (motion to pass on introduction approved by roll call).
• Ordinance 2759-2025: Amend Chapter 94 (schedule of fees) (passed on introduction by roll call).
• Ordinance 2760-2025: Amend Chapter 232 (vehicles and traffic; parking) (passed on introduction by roll call).
• Ordinance 2761-2025: Fix salaries of certain borough employees (passed on introduction by roll call).

- Ordinances on public hearing and final action that evening:
• Ordinance 2754-2025 (amending Chapter 144, massage/bodywork): Public hearing held; ordinance adopted on second and final reading (roll call: unanimous \"Yes\").
• Ordinance 2757-2025 (amending Chapter 125 to prohibit massage parlors in specified zoning districts): Adopted on second and final reading (unanimous by roll call).
• Ordinance 2755-2025 (broader prohibition) was moved to table because it was superseded by 2757-2025.

- Resolutions adopted by consent or individual motion:
• Consent agenda resolutions 290–305: adopted by consent (no discussion recorded).
• Resolution 306-2025: Authorizing submission of a grant application to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) — motion passed (roll call unanimous). The grant application carries a borough match of $1,600; staff and the borough CFO confirmed funding is available.
• Resolution 307-2025: Release of performance guarantee for Pollitt Drive Associates, LLC — adopted.
• Resolution 308-2025: First amendment to developer agreement for 1400 Third Street Acquisition LLC (Block 5729, Lot 2.01) — adopted.
• Resolution 309-2025: Executive (closed) session authorization — adopted; council entered closed session at the meeting’s close.

Votes recorded in roll calls were unanimous where recorded. For items passed on introduction, the council voted to advertise and hold public hearings on Oct. 21, 2025. The council also added direction for staff follow-up on grants and implementation items, including confirming CFO availability for the match on the ROID application.

Council members present for roll calls recorded in the transcript were listed by name and registered unanimous \"Yes\" votes for the adopted items and consent agenda.","The Fair Lawn Mayor and Council on Sept. 30 introduced multiple ordinances for public hearing, adopted a zoning ordinance limiting massage-parlor uses, and approved grant applications and development-related resolutions. Several introductory ordinances were advertised for a public hearing on Oct. 21.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454273,"Fair Lawn council adopts zoning limits on massage businesses after owner raises concerns about definition and hours",850,3550000,4400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5&start=3550&end=4400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5/thumbnail_3550000.jpg","/articles/6454273/Fair-Lawn/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Fair-Lawn-council-adopts-zoning-limits-on-massage-businesses-after-owner-raises-concerns-about-definition-and-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454273-4e1ed84721d36b574ff034e9217dde76/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670201&Signature=CYFPXW8V3bCiq-hiXzgpPnizSnGrwLP0JP2xyrvzdkz3ErWHMyPwG0Vhe0mUz7VStX68L1NrzAbCWGnbRA0NC1S3N7wuszB87Es5woJjhil5LBLklnxodOEuXjzwb13x5~~Cxus2UxjDohch5oWYKARb~IN5BLj~~o0UQZ6b1RC88CCETW-SEx0cw2hEtRE35l~WxTo3wiLFv7YqiGCJUDfpegFCy3IxlcDbcVXlmgwXTKqaB7dzRfJ3s4cyJhSHPVT1OkJo5QvoREJjAjqt2C1uS1fy4yLo3So5br19ZAb~xrXEU1iBF3id-EVq-UxfdHtyfbk64Lap5CqW~qpFPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Borough of Fair Lawn Mayor and Council on Sept. 30 adopted an ordinance that prohibits ‘‘massage parlor’’ uses in several commercial and industrial zoning districts, after public comment from a local licensed massage-practice owner who objected to how the term is defined and to business-hour limits in the draft code.

The council approved the ordinance on second and final reading after a public hearing; the record shows the measure passed by roll call with all members voting in favor. Council members also tabled a separate, broader ordinance that would have banned massage parlors in all zoning districts because it was superseded by the narrower measure on the agenda.

The ordinance, as adopted, removes permissibility for the specified use in B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, I2 and I2ER zoning districts; the measure and the revised definitions in the municipal code were the subject of several months of drafting and public input, council members said during the meeting.

At the public hearing Charisse Foy, owner-operator of Massage Spa Incorporated at 10–14 Saddle River Road, told the council she is a New Jersey- and New York-licensed massage therapist and nationally board certified. Foy said she supports the borough’s intent to prevent illicit activity but objected to being categorized as a ‘‘massage parlor’’ and to proposed limits on hours.

Foy described concerns that the draft language would group fully licensed therapeutic practices with illicit businesses and said the proposed restriction that services ‘‘shall not extend beyond 8 p.m.’’ could curtail legitimate appointments for residents who commute. She urged the council to preserve distinct terminology such as ‘‘massage therapy office’’ or ‘‘somatic bodywork establishment’’ for licensed practitioners and asked for a process to address hours and safety measures such as locked doors after hours.

Council members acknowledged Foy’s comments on the record and said they intended no punitive impact on lawfully operating therapists. The council clarified that the ordinance’s ‘‘use’’ is grandfathered for existing businesses (so an established operator may continue) but that the specific zoning and operational terms in the new ordinance would apply going forward; the council noted that the grandfathering covers the right to operate the use, not exemptions from the ordinance’s operational requirements.

Council members and staff discussed practical next steps: passing the ordinance as drafted to meet public-safety and zoning goals, while directing staff to work with affected businesses and the police to explore enforcement and potential future amendments that could address concerns about hours and safety. Borough staff and councilmembers encouraged the owner to meet with police and borough officials to seek workable operational solutions.

The meeting record shows the council also adopted, on second reading, an ordinance that revised the town’s massage/bodywork regulations (the code chapter addressing sanitary, licensing and operational requirements). Another related ordinance that would have prohibited massage parlors in all zones was tabled because a later ordinance on the agenda superseded it.

Council members emphasized that medical and licensed therapeutic practices (for example, physical therapy or chiropractic performed under proper licensure) are not the target of the measure; they said the code language attempts to exclude regulated medical uses while restricting unregulated businesses that have been the subject of state comptroller reports and enforcement actions elsewhere.","The Borough of Fair Lawn adopted an ordinance restricting where massage-parlor businesses may operate after public comment from a licensed massage therapist who argued the proposed definition could lump legitimate medical and therapeutic practices with illicit operations. Council members said they will work with affected businesses on compliance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454258,"Fair Lawn issues awareness proclamations, honors youth softball champions and promotes Latino Heritage programming",475,272000,747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5&start=272&end=747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861635-ee28ba51abf69f9c7cd388db83cd09c5/thumbnail_272000.jpg","/articles/6454258/Fair-Lawn/Bergen-County/New-Jersey/Fair-Lawn-issues-awareness-proclamations-honors-youth-softball-champions-and-promotes-Latino-Heritage-programming","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454258-1efa3a17f44355abb6631b3fb44abcd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773670201&Signature=Q-wyxbW8fup4S1kA~bFfTHWM8FdlK6UmkL5jhTismX~jIsHCySm6COdAhzgAvabzcG8-52a3aAUNmqVi4b8pdicjGxOMnr58-6cBTSipyHThdnjuqu78SoJv66g3UC9PaRKmN9qaxoOtR7oHZKw6ILW9qd~YejIz61p16c4m3JwFhKhi5SdlARrr6UnuheWtLmHzm7O1Ob7wKBmtg45YtEFfp7vGBfZm4TyiBzSDR-eDn57DUrIxay7ld7sttwzjPR3ws94~0BxCofayoQM5luXDxoZtOMAJXCtP7hYXtyiPgLugqoTv3poiAvMJo0YRc6yXr3zgTMihbPuzmbcHMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Sept. 30 meeting the Borough of Fair Lawn Mayor and Council issued several proclamations and recognized community events and achievements.

Proclamations adopted by the council included September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (with a designated National Mammogram Day), September as Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 15–Oct. 15 as Latin Heritage Month. Recipients and speakers joined the council to accept proclamations: a family affected by pediatric cancer received the childhood-cancer proclamation and Amy Ploch, a local breast-cancer survivor, spoke about early detection and shared her experience to encourage mammograms and peer support.

The council also proclaimed Oct. 1 as 12U Fair Lawn Red Softball Day, honoring the team that won the Bergen County Girls Summer Softball League championship. Coaches and players were invited to the dais for recognition and a group photo.

Councilmembers highlighted upcoming community events tied to the proclamations and local organizations: a third annual Latin Heritage celebration at the recreation center on Oct. 5; library programming on Oct. 9 with bilingual story time and a scavenger hunt; and other Latin Heritage events organized by the Fair Lawn Latin Heritage Committee and Fair Lawn Main Street. Council members also noted the borough’s recent tree-planting event and announced an Oct. 28 community energy meeting to discuss the borough’s community energy plan and community solar program.

Councilmembers praised community volunteers, the Arts Council and Main Street organizers for events such as Art in the Park, and the council thanked emergency responders for their work during a recent water main incident.

The mayor also announced that the borough had just received a $70,000 grant to continue its age-friendly initiative, which benefits older residents.","The Borough of Fair Lawn issued proclamations for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Suicide Prevention Month and Latin Heritage Month, presented awards to the 12U Fair Lawn Red softball team and announced community events including a community energy meeting and Latin Heritage activities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on blighted strip mall, train horn noise and other neighborhood concerns

Votes at a glance: Fair Lawn council introduces several ordinances and approves grants, development amendment and other resolutions

Fair Lawn council adopts zoning limits on massage businesses after owner raises concerns about definition and hours

Fair Lawn issues awareness proclamations, honors youth softball champions and promotes Latino Heritage programming