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Allendale mayor and council outline 2025 priorities; approve transfer of derelict property to Allendale Housing, Inc.
Summary
Mayor Winski and council reviewed 2025 goals—budget restraint, public safety, land use, infrastructure and recreation—endorsed new revenue capture for cell‑tower leases, and unanimously approved a consent order transferring a blighted low‑income property to Allendale Housing, Inc. for rehabilitation.
Mayor Winski opened the March 13 Allendale Borough meeting by presenting the borough’s 2025 strategic pillars—fiscal restraint, public safety, town character, infrastructure/environment and recreation—and asked committees to translate work plans into public goals ahead of a town hall and community feedback sessions.
The mayor reviewed committee leads and highlighted staff roles, including Allison Alano, the borough CFO, and other department heads. Committee priorities discussed include land‑use code adjustments (notably revising setbacks for two‑story accessory structures), a master‑plan and vulnerability study tied to fair‑share housing obligations, a resurfacing and paving program that priorities roads by condition, and capital work at Crestwood Lake (concession stand and field renovations).
Council and staff discussed the municipal budget approach for 2025; the borough projects a municipal tax increase under 1% by emphasizing base budgeting and conservative assumptions in the face of rising insurance and energy costs.
Public safety was repeatedly emphasized: the borough is supporting a young police force amid turnover, pursuing two new hires with planned swearing‑ins in April, continuing volunteer recruitment for fire and ambulance services and launching a program to have a mental‑health professional at the police station on a part‑time basis.
Revenue and utilities: the mayor noted a recent decision to retain direct revenue from cell‑tower leases rather than renew a long‑term third‑party manager, increasing local revenue capture. Borough attorney Ray West briefed the council on ongoing affordable‑housing litigation involving neighboring Saddle River and on easements and conveyances stemming from the recent water utility sale; several court proceedings remain pending.
Consent agenda and formal action: the council voted to approve a consent order that places a derelict low‑income property under the control of Allendale Housing, Inc. (AHI) with the intent of rehabilitating it and returning it to the borough’s affordable‑housing inventory. The motion to approve the consent agenda passed unanimously: Councilman Yakarino — yes; Councilman Otul — yes; Councilwoman (name recorded in roll call) — yes; Councilman Okonnell — yes. The resolution approving the consent order was described as an administrative step to partner AHI in redevelopment.
Public comment: residents made nonbinding suggestions ranging from renaming Franklin Turnpike to civic praise and public‑safety concerns; a resident reported recent burglar apprehensions and asked about the mural and a stadium speaker system.
Next steps: staff will continue work on the 2025 budget, implement the road and field maintenance programs, pursue the land‑use code updates recommended by the land‑use committee and coordinate with AHI on the rehabilitation plan for the transferred property. Pending legal matters related to affordable housing remain in active litigation and will continue to shape some policy choices.
