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Mayor reports on problem properties, Woodcliff Manor delays and private-pond limits
Summary
Mayor Josephine Higgins updated the council on an apparently abandoned gas-station property slated for demolition if the owner does not begin work, reported slow progress at Woodcliff Manor due to county reviews, and reminded residents that a contentious pond is private property with limited municipal options.
Mayor Josephine Higgins told the council she had received repeated complaints about a gas-station property on Broadway that she considers abandoned; the owner promised to begin work and pull permits early next week, and the borough’s code enforcement officer has issued citations and may proceed to summons if work does not start.
"He promised that he would be here ... to pull out those permits and begin cleaning up the building to begin the demolition shortly," Mayor Higgins said during her report. Council members cautioned that promises have been made before and asked staff to follow up at the next meeting.
The mayor also reported that Woodcliff Manor has approval but progress has been slow; drainage and county-road-related approvals are outstanding and the borough will continue to press for updates. On a separate matter, the mayor reminded residents that a problematic pond is private property and that the borough has limited authority to dredge or remediate unless ownership or county involvement changes.
Councilwoman Marsh added that developers responded to premature tree removal by submitting an amended tree plan that will replace removed trees and add 15 more, and that the developer will raise a berm to preserve screening for neighbors. Council staff said they will continue monitoring ongoing projects and enforcement actions.
