Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 6/13/26 Message from the Mayor This morning I was honored to be a part of Chief for Day with Emmeline Krcmaric. Emmeline came to work in her Chief’s uniform, sat in on the morning brief, and handed officers their assignments for the day. After her morning tasks were complete, she took a trip to the Bergen County Courthouse for a ceremony honoring participants throughout the county. The event ended with a luncheon in Englewood. Mayor & Council Meeting On Wednesday night the governing body approved an Eagle Scout project for a bike rack and repair station at Kennedy Field. An ordinance was introduced for parking changes on Chestnut and Maple Streets, with the public hearing scheduled for July 8, 2026. A representative from the United Way gave an informative presentation on local projects they have completed and will work with the Borough Planner and Engineer to develop a proposed plan to help us meet our mandated affordable housing numbers. Mr. Bob Ghia, along with representatives from Habitat for Humanity, gave a presentation on how their organization could help fulfill the Borough’s affordable housing requirement. They presented a concept plan, including a drawing of the affordable housing aspect, for developing 14 affordable units on a piece of property located on Brook Street that would be donated by Mr. Ghia. The proposal also included another 24 market value units to be built in that area. Both presenters will continue to work on their proposals, and we will meet with them again for more discussion. Members of the governing body submitted their recommendations for the tree ordinance. Those recommendations were reviewed by our Borough Attorney who gave his comments at the meeting. This discussion was tabled until the July meeting to allow time for council members and the Borough Attorney to review new suggestions from other council members. Environmental Commission Meeting On Thursday, June 18th, the Environmental Commission will begin their weekly harvest nights at the garden. This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the garden and the community plots. Harvest nights will continue throughout the summer at 7pm every Thursday. Mocktail nights at the garden are back. The first event will be held on July 9th at 6pm. Bring the whole family and enjoy some pizza and good company. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ There will be a free basketball clinic for the month of May for children in grades 2 through 8. The clinic will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule will be grades 2nd - 5th: 5:30 - 6:45pm and grades 6th - 8th: 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration for the summer basketball league is now open. Please use the below link to register for both programs. https://NorwoodBasketballLeague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Senior Club Meeting – 6/15/26 1pm-5pm at the Community Center • Chair Yoga – 6/17/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the Community Center • Recreation Committee Meeting – 6/17/26 7pm at Borough Hall • Harvest Night at the Garden – 6/18/26 7pm at the Community Garden Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? The Norwood Swim Club is now accepting new members. For more information visit their website: https://nnjsc.org/index.html

Over the past few weeks, several residents have contacted me regarding increased aircraft activity and noise over the Borough. I share the community’s concerns and understand the impact that frequent air traffic can have on our residents’ quality of life, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.

In response to these concerns, I have taken action by formally contacting and filing complaints with all appropriate agencies and authorities responsible for air traffic management and aircraft noise oversight. These efforts include submissions through the FAA’s Aviation Noise Complaint and Inquiry Portal, Port Authority’s Aircraft Noise Office, and to the Noise Abatement Offices serving both Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport.

I have also contacted Holly Schepisi, the State Senator for our district, the county Ombudsman Joy Shea, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer making them aware of the situation and asking for their support and any help they can provide.

I am actively seeking answers regarding the recent flight patterns affecting our community and advocating to reduce unnecessary noise impacts on Norwood residents. While municipalities have limited authority over federal airspace regulations, we remain committed to ensuring that the concerns of our residents are heard by the agencies responsible for managing air traffic operations.

I encourage residents who experience excessive aircraft noise to continue documenting and reporting incidents through the appropriate complaint channels which are listed below. I will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

FAA Complaint Portal: https://www.faa.gov/ancir
Port Authority Noise Complaint Hotline for Newark Airport: 1-800-225-1071
Port Authority Noise Complaint Form: https://www.planenoise.com/panynj/daPRAbr9/qs114wbt.php
Teterboro Airport Noise Abatement Office: 201- 393-0399 or noiseoffice@teb.com

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 5/30/26 Message from the Mayor In the past few weeks, the Borough has lost three longtime employees to retirement – Ptl. Julie White, DPW employee Tim Quinn, and a member of the Borough Hall staff Joann Vocola. I extend my sincere thanks to all three employees for their many years of service and dedication to the Borough and our residents. I wish you all luck in your future endeavors. On May 13th the NJ MVC Mobile Unit had another successful event with a large turnout. We are trying to schedule another event in the fall and the date will be shared once it is confirmed. Our annual shredding event with the county is scheduled for this Saturday, May 30th, from 9am-1pm in the DPW parking lot. The Primary Elections will be held Tuesday, June 2nd from 6am to 8pm. Polling places will be at the community center and Borough Hall. If you have any questions about where you are supposed to vote, please contact the Borough Clerk. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ There will be a free basketball clinic for the month of May for children in grades 2 through 8. The clinic will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule will be grades 2nd - 5th: 5:30 - 6:45pm and grades 6th - 8th: 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration for the summer basketball league is now open. Please use the below link to register for both programs. https://NorwoodBasketballLeague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Shred Event– 5/30/26 9am-1pm at the DPW Lot • Senior Club Meeting – 6/1/26 1pm-5pm at the Community Center • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 6/1/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 6/1/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • Primary Election Day – 6am-8pm Borough Hall and Community Center • Chair Yoga – 6/3/26 11:15am-12:15am at Community Center • Womens Club – 6/3/26 6pm-9pm at Community Center • Planning Board Meeting – 6/3/26 7pm at Borough Hall • Narcan Training – 6/4/26 6pm at Community Center • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 6/4/26 6pm at Kennedy Field Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? Norwood Fire Co. No. 1 was established in 1911

The annual shredding event with the county will take place this Saturday, May 30th, from 9am to 1pm in the DPW lot.

American Legion Post 272 invites everyone to join them at the Memorial Day parade to honor the fallen men and women of our armed forces.

I would like to recognize and thank our Emergency Medical Services professionals for their courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community. Day and night, EMS personnel answer the call providing lifesaving care when it matters most. On behalf of our entire community, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping us safe.

During National Public Works Week, we proudly recognize and thank our DPW employees for the hard work they perform every day to keep our borough running safely and smoothly. From maintaining our roads and parks to responding during storms and emergencies, their dedication often happens behind the scenes but never goes unnoticed. On behalf of the entire community, thank you for your professionalism, commitment, and service to our residents.

Registrations for the following sports and camps are now open!!!
Please use these links to register:

Northern Valley Jr. Knights Football & Cheer- https://nveaglesfootball.com/

Blue and Gold Football Camp - https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6

Recreation Summer Basketball- https://norwoodbasketballleague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration

Golden Knights Basketball Camp - https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 5/9/26 Message from the Mayor I am thrilled to share some wonderful news that showcases the beauty of our community. Livingston Street has been honored with the 2025 Rooted Recognition Photo Contest Award for our beautiful flowers. I would like to extend a special thank you to Irish Landscape Designs for entering us into the contest and supplying the flowers. This award is a testament to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of our downtown area. This Sunday we celebrate the heart of our family and community – our mothers. Motherhood represents unconditional love and devotion and their impact is everlasting. To all who take on the roll of mother, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. Planning Board Meeting On Wednesday evening the Planning Board approved a variance to allow the residents of 7 Frasco to temporally live in their existing home while their new home is being constructed behind it. The residents will demolish the existing home within a reasonable time frame of moving into the new home. The Planning Board also reviewed the proposed tree ordinance that will replace our existing ordinance which was created and adopted during my tenure as Mayor. Prior to that time, no such ordinance existed. Establishing this ordinance was a deliberate and proactive step to ensure our community had clear standards for tree protection and management. Comments were given by the Board members and will be discussed at the May 13th Mayor and Council meeting. Our Borough Planner presented the Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, to be incorporated into our Master Plan, as well as proposed zoning ordinances implementing the provisions of the Amended Housing Element and Fair Share Plan. These will both be discussed during our next Mayor and Council meeting on May 13th. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ There will be a free basketball clinic for the month of May for children in grades 2 through 8. The clinic will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The schedule will be grades 2nd - 5th: 5:30 - 6:45pm and grades 6th - 8th: 7:00 - 8:30pm. Registration for the summer basketball league is now open. Please use the below link to register for both programs. https://NorwoodBasketballLeague.demosphere-secure.com/_registration Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Chair Yoga – 5/13/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the community center • Mayor & Council Meeting – 5/13/26 7pm at Borough Hall • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/10/26 1pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Softball Game – 5/11/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/11/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/11/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 5th/6th Baseball Game – 5/12/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/12/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Baseball Game – 5/13/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/16/26 10am at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/16/26 10am at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Softball Game – 5/17/26 2:30pm at Kennedy Field Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? Trivia – What year was the first full time officer of the Norwood Police Department appointed? Answer - 1918

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Norwood Police Department for putting together a fantastic Touch-a-Truck event for our community. Our DPW, Volunteer Fire Department and EMS also took part in the event brining vehicles and equipment related to their departments. It was truly a great day with an incredible turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many families come together and enjoy everything the event had to offer. I would also like to personally thank the Plescia, Portannese, and Westphal families for taking time out of their day to be a part of the event and for providing vehicles. This is just one of the many ways our Norwood families give back to their town. Your involvement is what makes Norwood such a special place. Events like this are a perfect reminder that Norwood is all about unity and I am very proud to serve as Mayor of such a wonderful town.

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review Week Ending: 5/2/26 Message from the Mayor The Borough now has an app that will put all our town information at your fingertips. It is a user friend mobile version of our website. There is also a push notification feature that can be turned on to receive important updates and alerts. The app is available for download on both iOS and android platforms. You can find the app under Borough of Norwood, NJ. On Sunday, May 3rd, from 12pm to 3pm, the Police Department will be hosting its 2nd annual touch-a-truck event. This family-friendly event will feature vehicles from our Police Department, Fire Department, DPW and local businesses. Department of Public Works Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday. Recreation Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages. https://nveaglesfootball.com/ Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6 The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home Norwood Fire Department The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. Upcoming Events • Touch a Truck – 5/3/26 12pm-3pm in the Borough Hall parking lot • Seniors Club Meeting – 5/4/26 1pm-5pm at the community center • Chair Yoga – 5/6/26 11:15am-12:15pm at the community center • Women’s Club Meeting – 5/6/26 6pm-9pm at the community center • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/2/26 9am at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Softball Game – 5/3/26 1pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/4/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 1st/2nd Baseball Game – 5/4/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • Environmental Commission Meeting – 5/5/26 7pm on Zoom • Planning Board Meeting – 5/6/26 7pm in Borough Hall council chambers • 5th/6th Baseball Game – 5/8/26 6pm at Kennedy Field • 3rd/4th Baseball Game – 5/9/26 1pm at Kennedy Field Library Events Adult Programs: • Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm • ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am Children’s Programs: • Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am • Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm • Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm • Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am Notices & Reminders Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday Recycling pickup is every Wednesday Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org) Did you Know? Trivia – What year was the first full time officer of the Norwood Police Department appointed? Answer next week!

I am excited to announce that our borough now has a new mobile app, available for both Apple iPhones and Android devices! This app puts our entire borough website right at your fingertips—making it easier than ever to stay informed, access important information, and connect with everything happening in our community. We will also have push notifications on the app where we can send out important announcements fast. When downloading the app I encourage you all to enable to push notifications. Whether you’re looking for updates, events, services, or announcements, it’s all just a tap away. I encourage all residents to download the app and take advantage of this convenient new tool as we continue working to keep our community informed and engaged.

I want to take a moment to recognize something we can all agree on: trees are an important and valued part of our community. They provide beauty, shade, environmental benefits, and help define the character of our neighborhoods.

That said, I recently saw a post from a councilwoman that I believe was misleading, and it’s important to provide some context and clarity.
Everyone in our community cares about trees—but people can have different perspectives on how to balance preservation with responsible development. The reality is that much of our town, including neighborhoods many of us call home, was once woods. In fact, if you walk outside your home, there’s a strong chance that trees once stood where your house now sits. That is simply the history of how communities evolve.

The name “Norwood” comes from “north woods,” a reminder of what this area once was. Over time, as families settled here, those woods gradually made way for homes, schools, the parks and athletic fields, and our downtown area. Change is not always easy, and not everyone welcomes it, but it has always been a part of our town’s story.

In 2005 the Borough donated 125 acres of land to the Meadowlands Conservation Trust. These woods can never be built upon. They are preserved forever. The land is owned is by the Borough and the Meadowlands Conservation Trust has an easement on the property. This easement offers even more protection to the land. I invite everyone to visit www.meadowlandsconservationtrust.org.

Importantly, over the last 20 years, there have been very few subdivisions in our community. We continue to maintain a significant amount of wooded areas throughout town, and the limited number of trees removed for development does not come close to diminishing the overall number of trees we are fortunate to have.

It’s also worth noting that the recent applications involving tree removal that have come before the governing body have been unanimously approved. These decisions are not made lightly, but with careful consideration of both property rights and good of the community.

I respect that some residents would choose never to remove a tree from their property. In fact, when I built my own home, I made the personal decision to preserve every tree. But that was my choice as a property owner and others may make different, equally valid decisions about their own property.

Places we cherish today, like our recreation fields, the community garden, our school and the downtown area were once wooded as well. Thoughtful development has allowed us to create the amenities and neighborhoods we enjoy.

I will be providing a follow-up with additional facts regarding recent development discussions to ensure residents have accurate information.

Whether we like it or not, change will continue, and none of us can predict exactly what our community will look like in 20 or 40 years. What we can do is continue to guide that change responsibly, with respect for both our environment and our residents.

I will also continue to call out divisiveness when I see it. We can have honest discussions without misrepresenting facts, and our community is stronger when we focus on that shared respect.

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review
Week Ending: 4/25/26

Message from the Mayor
We had a chilly but beautiful week, celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day. Earlier today, along with Councilwoman Hausmann, members of the Environmental Commission and Chief Federici, Arbor Day was celebrated with the NPS 3rd graders. The children planted flowers and were given a sapling and gift bag.

I attended the annual Bergen JIF Safety Kickoff Breakfast where Norwood received a gold level award for our safety imitative programs. Mayors and Administrators from all over the county took part in the awards ceremony.

Department of Public Works
Grass and brush collection has begun. Please use paper yard waste bags or put your grass in plastic barrels. Collection will take place every Monday.

Recreation
Registration for the summer basketball program will be opening in early May. Please follow the Norwood Recreation Facebook page, as well as the Borough website and official Facebook pages, for more information.

Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer program is now open. The registration link is below and can also be found on the Borough website and official Facebook pages.
https://nveaglesfootball.com/

Blue and Gold Football Camp will take place at the NVOT the week of July 20th to the 24th from 9am to 2pm. The camp is open to children entering 1st through 9th grade. To register please use this link: https://forms.gle/xeCM4gcJVbxT4SpK6

The Golden Knights Basketball Camp will be held at NVOT July 6th to the 10th from 9am to 1pm. Boys entering 2nd through 9th grade can sign up using this link: https://sites.google.com/nvnet.org/goldenknightsbasketballcamp/home


Norwood Fire Department
The Norwood Fire Department is in need of new members who would like to give back and serve their community. For more information, or to become a member, stop by the fire house on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm.


Upcoming Events
· Baseball, Softball, T-Ball Opening Day Parade – 4/25/26 10am start at Firehouse
· Chair Yoga – 4/29/26 11:15am-12:15pm in Community Center
· Baseball Game NW1 1st/2nd – 4/27/26 6pm Kennedy Field
· Baseball Game NW1 3rd/4th – 4/29/26 6pm Kennedy Field

Library Events
Adult Programs:
· Chair Yoga – Tuesdays 1pm
· ESL Coffee & Conversation – Wednesdays 11am

Children’s Programs:
· Story Time with Miss Christine – Wednesdays 11am
· Chess Club – Wednesdays 3:15pm
· Crafternoon – Wednesdays 3:15pm
· Kids Movie Afternoon – Thursdays 3:15pm
· Saturday Story Time – Saturdays 11am

Notices & Reminders
Garbage pickup is every Tuesday and Friday
Recycling pickup is every Wednesday
Bulk pickup is every Friday, you do not need to schedule an appointment for pickup
White Goods pick up – call or email the DPW to schedule an appointment (201-768-4152 Rtracy@norwoodboro.org)

Did you Know?
The Borough’s name likely comes from its early landscape – “North Woods” reflecting the heavily wooded terrain settlers encountered

The NJ MVC mobile unit will be in Norwood on May 13th at the community center. Appointments for REAL ID will go live today at 11am.

Please use this link to register:

https://telegov.njportal.com/njmvcmobileunit/

Mayor James Barsa’s Week in Review
Week Ending: 4/18/26

Message from the Mayor

With this beautiful weather upon us, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy everything our wonderful community has to offer. Whether you’re taking a stroll through our walkable downtown, spending time with family at our new playground, or getting active on the basketball and pickleball courts, there’s something here for everyone.

Our baseball and softball fields are alive with energy, and for those looking for a quieter moment, our peaceful pond area offers the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Norwood is truly a special place where neighbors connect, families thrive, and every day brings a new opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. I encourage everyone to get out, explore, and take full advantage of all that makes our town so great.


Mayor and Council Meeting
* The 2026 Municipal Budget was introduced. The public hearing will be held during the May 13th meeting.
I began the meeting by thanking Councilman Brizzolara and Chris Battaglia for their hard work and many hours working on the budget. Our Borough auditor, Mr. Wielkotz, said this has been the worst year he has experienced, relative to budgets, in all the municipalities that he works with. Norwood is one of the few towns that was able to produce a reasonable budget. Our average tax increase is the lowest he has seen of all budgets he has been involved in this year. Our ratables are stagnant, especially compared to the last few years, and even with that we were still able to keep the tax increase at a reasonable level.
One of the biggest factors of the budget increase is the cost of health insurance. Last year we were able to provide another option to our employees that would not only benefit the Borough but also the employee. The majority of the employees moved to the new plan and the Borough saw a savings. This year, we were able to bring an even better option to the town with potential savings of another $200,000.00. The new plan, and savings, would take affect August 1, 2026. I am confident most, if not all, of the employees will be changing to the high deductible plan that will bring down health insurance costs tremendously.
It was so nice to see the governing body collaborating on the budget and showing unity in approving the introduction. There will be a public hearing of the budget at the May 13th Mayor and Council meeting.

* An engineering firm has been approved for the Broad Street bridge replacement project.

* There was a unanimous vote to approve incentives for the crossing guards. We appreciate the dedication of our crossing guards, whose daily efforts help to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school.

* A bench engraving application was approved for a Norwood family. If you would like to have a personalized bench placed in town, the application can be found on the Borough website or in the Clerk’s office.

* During the improvements to the Meadow Lane drainage, an issue was discovered. The governing body voted to award a contract for the additional work. This will be paid from the capital account designated for this project.

* During Committee Reports it was noted that the reassessment is complete and anyone who would like to appeal can file an application with the Bergen County Board of Taxation.

* Our new Pierce fire truck responded to its first call.

* Longtime DPW employee Tom Quinn has retired. I thank him for his service and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

*Chief Federici recognized the efforts of our two detectives, Det. Sgt. Duelfer and Det. Palazzola, on two arrests. The first involved a burglary at a self storage facility in town. After scouring surveillance videos and working with other agencies they were able to track down the suspect who is now in Suffolk County jail due to our charges. The second arrest came from our detectives working with the Bergen County Cyber Crimes Task Force. They were able to apprehend a suspect on child pornography charges. Both are first degree crimes which carry a prison sentence.

* We have formed a shared service agreement with Northvale to increase our senior bus service. The bus will soon run five days a week and will have set hours. We are currently looking to hire a part time van driver.

* We are currently accepting bids for the solid waste contract. Bids must be brought to the Clerk’s office no later than June 9th at 11am.

* During public comment two households spoke regarding the tree ordinance. We have complied with the requirement to submit a tree ordinance to the state for review and acceptance. As we have not yet heard back from the state our Borough Attorney was instructed to contact them for an update. The state has responded with comments that will be an item for discussion at our next meeting.

The Norwood Municipal Alliance has two programs scheduled for children in middle school and high school. Each program meets two nights, April 23rd and April 30th. Please email Jamatucci@norwoodpd.org to register or for more information.

Registration for the Northern Valley Jr. Knights football and cheer 2026 season is now open! Please use this link to register.

https://nveaglesfootball.com/

Due to rising costs and lack of material, the DPW is unable to fulfill mulch deliveries this year. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused, and we look forward to the possibility of continuing this service in the future.